Potential of Trichoderma and mycorrhizae as biological agents for controlling Ganoderma boninense in oil palm

Abstract

One of the problems in oil palm cultivation is Ganoderma boninense attack, the causal agent of basal stem rot (BSR) disease. Basal stem rot (BSR) is the most feared disease because the plant death rate can reach 80% in one area. The spread of this pathogen is relatively fast and not easy to control because it occurs through root contact between oil palm plants. Alternatives for controlling this disease are by using biological control agents. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the potential of Trichoderma and Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi (AMF) as biological agents and find out the recommendations for the formulation that is effective to control BSR of oil palm. Trichoderma and AMF can inhibit Ganoderma boninense. Recommendations for the best carrier material for the growth of Trichoderma in the field are bran and empty fruit bunch (EFB), while the carrier material for AMF growth is zeolite so that it can extend the latent period to 71 days, disease severity to 38.3%, disease incidence to 46.7%, infection rate to 0.23. The combined application of the AMF formulation and the Trichoderma spp formulation can be recommended as a preventive measure for basal stem rot in oil palm plantations.