Responses of falcataria moluccana seedlings of different seed sources to inoculation with uromycladium tepperianum

Abstract

Falcataria moluccana (batai) is one of the valuable multipurpose tree species for forest plantations, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia. Gall rust disease caused by Uromycladium tepperianum (Sacc.) is one of the most destructive diseases in Batai plantations. The disease causes severe damage at all developmental stages of the plant from the nursery stage to mature trees in the field and includes the development of chocolate brown, cauliflower-like or whip-like galls on the stem, branch, petiole, shoot and pod. Different seed sources may respond differently to gall rust fungus. Thus, the responses of F. moluccana seedlings from 6 selected seed sources to gall rust disease caused by U. tepperianum, were evaluated, at the Brumas Estate, Malaysia, in terms of gall rust disease severity, mortality, and disease infection rate of the seedlings. Based on disease severity, infection rate and cumulative mortality due to gall rust disease, the wamena was found to be the best seed source in relation to gall rust disease resistance.