In arid conditions in India,
Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss: Fr.) P. Karsten was found to cause root rot diseases in jojoba (
Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider) plants. In the rainy season, 10–15-year-old jojoba plants growing in the proximity of a
Ganoderma-infected
Acacia tortilis tree, developed disease symptoms. Twigs of affected plants started drying from the top of the branch; leaves turned yellowish
brown and finally abscissed; plants dried up within 1 to 3 months. Basidiocarps developed from decaying roots near the collar
region and produced colored stalks and fruiting caps. Pathogenicity of the fungus was established by keeping the infected
root segments in direct contact with roots of healthy jojoba plants. Root rot symptoms were expressed within 5 months in inoculated
plants subjected to moisture stress.
Key words
Acacia tortilis
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Ganoderma lucidum
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Simmondsia chinensis
- jojoba - pathogenicity