Ganoderma

Ganoderma

Part of: Prelims 

Context: Researchers from Kerala have identified two new species of fungi from the genus Ganoderma that are associated with coconut stem rot.

Key takeaways 

• The two fungi species are Ganoderma keralense and G. pseudoapplanatum.
• The DNA barcodes have been made publicly available in DNA sequence repositories so that future studies can use it for early detection of the pathogen. 
• The butt rot or basal stem rot of coconut is known by several names in different parts of India.
• Such as: Ganoderma wilt (Andhra Pradesh), Anaberoga (Karnataka) and Thanjavur wilt (Tamil Nadu), to mention a few.
• The infection begins at the roots, but symptoms include discolouration and rotting of stem and leaves. 
• In the later stages, flowering and nut set decreases and finally the coconut palm dies.

 News Source: TH