New record of Ganoderma colossum associated with Sclerocarya birrea dieback

Abstract

Ganoderma colossum has been associated with devastating diseases and wood decay of different plants such as Ficus carica, Ciltis laevigata, Pinus hondurensis, Callitris robusta, Eucalyptus citrodora, E. paniculata, E. puncata, and Phoenix canariensis. In 2005-2006, this pathogen was reported for the first time on Delonix regia, Ficus altissima, and Phoenix dactylifera in Oman. It has been recently been detected on the base and the upper parts of the trunks of Sclerocarya birrea. Morphological and microscopic examination of the collected specimens confirmed the identity of this fungus. To our knowledge this is the first report of G. colossum on S. birrea worldwide. © 2013 Australasian Plant Pathology Society Inc.