Anthracnose of Gmelina arborea Roxb. Seedlings Caused by
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz.

by

Lim Tong Soon
B. Sc. (For.)
1988

Supervisor: Lee Su See
Co-supervisor: Dr. Nik Muhamad Nik Abd. Majid

The use of fast-growing Gmelina arborea in plantation is facing some disease problems, particularly leaf disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This study was undertaken to evaluate the biological and pathological characteristics of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Parameters tested include suitability of culture media, light and temperature regimes on physiology of the fungus. Pathogenicity test was carried out using two fungal strains isolated from diseased Gmelina arborea seedlings. The effectiveness of chemical control was also being evaluated. Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) was the best culture medium for fungal growth and sporulation in laboratory environment. Optimum light condition for fungal growth and sporulation was cyclic. NUV light and the optimum temperature regime was found to be within the range of 25 - 30ºC. The fungal strains showed different germination percentage under laboratory condition, where C2 achieved 62% germination and C1 was only 14% germinated. Pathogenicity test showed that there was no significant difference between fungal strains. Nonetheless, there are significantly infectious in causing anthracnose. Daconil® and Benlate® gave 50 - 60% control of the disease at 7-day spraying interval. A shortening of the spraying interval did not significantly increase effectiveness. Daconil® was found to be more effective than Benlate®. It is recommended that further studies on the growth requirements of Gmelina arborea be conducted so that a control procedure based on cultural method that would be unfavorable for fungal growth can be formulated.

Citation:
Lim, T. S. 1988. Anthracnose of Gmelina arborea Roxb. seedlings caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides Penz. B. Sc. (For.) Thesis. Faculty of Forestry, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia. 62 leaves. (http://www.oocities.org/EnchantedForest/Palace/1170/ablim.html)