Battling Forest Pathogens: Ceratocystis Threat on Acacia crassicarpa

Acacia crassicarpa is a vital plantation species for pulp and paper, thriving especially on peatlands. However, its productivity is under serious threat from the fungal pathogen Ceratocystis sp., which also infects Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus, and fruit trees like Lansium.

A recent article by Jurnal Ilmu Kehutanan evaluated eight Ceratocystis isolates from different hosts. Results revealed that the EP1 isolate (originating from Eucalyptus) was the most virulent, causing 100% seedling mortality within 35 days. Other isolates also showed varying levels of aggressiveness, highlighting the complex threat this fungus poses.

Key takeaway: Identifying highly virulent isolates, such as EP1, is crucial for screening and developing resistant Acacia crassicarpa clones, an essential step toward sustainable plantation forestry.

Read the full article: doi.org/10.22146/jik.v19i1.9940