MPOB Develops Technology to Control Upper Stem Rot Disease on Oil Palm Trees

BANGI, 1 October 2021 – Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) has developed an effective solution for oil palm trees infected by Ganoderma which causes upper stem rot disease.

Due to the increase in upper stem rot disease attacks, a group of researchers from MPOB have developed a technology to control the disease, which was launched at the MPOB Transfer of Technology Seminar and Exhibition (TOT) 2021, held virtually in last July.

The technology, which uses the developed systemic hexaconazole fungicide is effective as the upper stem rot-infected palms can successfully recover from the disease. The technology reduces the rate of infection by killing the Ganoderma fungus in oil palm trees.

In using the technology, it is recommended to dissolve hexaconazole (4.5 gram active ingredient) in three liters of water and applied it three times at six-month interval. The trunk injection is carried out using pressure injection apparatus.

Ganoderma fungus causes two main diseases on oil palm trees, namely, basal stem rot and upper stem rot.

“The increase in upper stem rot disease attacks has prompted MPOB researchers to study control measures immediately. The use of hexaconazole fungicide is recommended to reduce the onset of the upper stem rot disease,” said MPOB Director General Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj. Ghulam Kadir.

According to Dr. Ahmad Parveez, hexaconazole fungicide is recommended as it is a curative treatment for upper stem rotinfected palms.

Hexaconazole can also extend the lifespan of diseased oil palm trees, he said.

“In addition, no residue of hexaconazole poison is found in palm oil and it is safe for use,” he added.

Dr. Ahmad Parveez explained that the fungicide can also reduce the risk of spreading Ganoderma fungus in oil palm plantations, thus reducing the losses due to Ganoderma fungus attack.

Apart from using chemical fungicide, both upper and basal stem rot diseases can be controlled with sanitation or destruction of Ganoderma inoculum sources, using biological agents such as endophytic or soil microorganisms, degrader and resistance oil palm materials.

The Ganoderma disease has affected 221,000 hectares of oil palm estates in Malaysia with an estimated loss of approximately RM1.5 billion per annum.