INFECTION AND COLONIZATION OF JOJOBA BY GANODERMA-LUCIDIUM

In arid conditions in India, Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss: Fr.) P. Karsten was found to cause root rot diseases in jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider) plants. In the rainy season, 10-15-year-old jojoba p lants growing in the proximity of a Ganoderma-infected Acacia tortilis tree, developed disease symptoms. Twigs of affected plants started dr ying from the top of the branch; leaves turned yellowish brown and fin ally abscissed; plants dried up within 1 to 3 months. Basidiocarps dev eloped from decaying roots near the collar region and produced colored stalks and fruiting caps. Pathogenicity of the fungus was established by keeping the infected root segments in direct contact with roots of healthy jojoba plants. Root rot symptoms were expressed within 5 mont hs in inoculated plants subjected to moisture stress.