Molecular performances of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) tolerance to Ganoderma sp.

Abstract

Oil palm plantations in Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia face the threat of basal stem root diseases caused by Ganoderma sp. Various methods and approaches have been made to select the oil palm tolerant to Ganoderma, among others with genes selection. The purpose of this research is to analyze the molecular performance of some oil palm that tolerant to Ganoderma based specific SSR markers. The plant material used in this trial is two cross-series of genetic material belonging to PT Socfindo, which has been known the level of resistance to Ganoderma, first is cross-series of 15-year-old oil palm in the field, and secondly is a new cross-series for early detection in the nursery stage. The results showed all target genes are presented in all samples. There are differences in predicted gene expression between tolerant and susceptible palm in the healthy mature plant leave tissue. The five molecular markers (EgMT, EgIFR, Rgen_Pto, Eg002, and Eg003) in healthy palm leaf tissue can be considered as potential molecular markers for oil palm Ganoderma tolerant screening.