Pathogenicity of Ganoderma on Areca Seedlings and Induction of Fruiting Body in Culture

A pathogenic isolate of Ganoderma lucidum (G3) multiplied in saw dust + malt extract + biotin medium was incorporated into the root zone of areca seedlings raised in poly bags. Out of 10 seedlings inoculated, three seedlings started showing symptoms of basal stem rot-stem cracking and oozing of reddish brown liquid-4 months after inoculation. Five seedlings were also inoculated by split method with G. lucidum mycelia multiplied by growing the fungus on Waksman Agar. On one of the seedling stems, water soaked lesion was noticed two months after inoculation. To initiate fruiting body production in the culture, G. lucidum was grown in wheat straw + rice bran + saw dust medium in poly bags and incubated at 27 deg C for three weeks. The culture was transferred to a mushroom shed and the mouth of the poly bags opened to facilitate fruit body formation. Fruiting body initials were noticed after one week.