Kirinyuh (Chromolaena odorata): Species distribution modeling and the potential use of fungal pathogens for its eradication

Abstract

Chromolaena odorata is one of the weeds that is difficult to control and causes loss both economically and ecologically. This study aims to predict the distribution of C. odorata which affected by climate change and the potential of using fungal pathogens for its eradication efforts in Indonesia. The Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory application was used to create Habitat Suitability Index of C. odorata. Species data were obtained from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and the variable environment parameters were obtained from the Worldclim current condition (1950-2000). Results show that Generalized Linear Model has values of 0.98. C. odorata most likely spreads to eastern parts of Indonesia. The model predicted it to be suitable to inhabit Bali-Lombok Islands (HSI ±0.8) as well as Lesser Sunda Islands, Flores (HSI ±0.76) and Sumba (HSI ±0.82), and also Papua which share similar HSI with Sumba. Four species of putative fungal pathogens were isolated from the diseased leaf tissue of C. odorata. One species of fungus that causes severe infection in the leaves of C. odorata was morphologically identified as Septoria sp. It considered as a biological control agent. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and their potential for biological control.