Death, Disease and Dying ... There is widespread interest in Ganoderma (a bracket fungus) because of its disease and decay properties, also its pharmacological potential. IMI (now CABI Bioscience) has a major research effort on Ganoderma disease in oil palms in SE Asia. This work has involved characterising a wide range of isolates from neglected tropical zones. Other efforts in the US, Taiwan and now South America (recent paper in Mycological Research on Argentine/Chile isolates) have also considered the taxonomic status of species but on different tree hosts. This is a truly global group of fungi attacking many trees. There is a need for a global thrust on delineating species, taking into account the full range of variation. This is obviously a major undertaking and one that requires a sound awareness of the importance of Ganoderma. Hence the plea for information and feedback from you foresters. Could readers therefore relay information back to me on the importance of this fungus to forestry, trees and tree crops, indicating sources where appropriate. Anecdotal accounts also welcomed. We would be particularly interested in hearing from areas and countries not well covered in existing literature but all replies would be greatfully received. Eric Boa Tree health specialist e.boa@cabi.org
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