Management of fungal root-rot pathogens in tropical Acacia mangiumplantations

Acacia mangium is a fast-growing tree species. It is mainly planted in large monocultures for pulpwood in South-East Asia. Root rot has become the most economically damaging disease of this species with high tree mortality rates observed during second and third rotations. Two main types of root rots have been found in A. mangium, viz. brown root-rot and red-root disease caused by Phellinus spp. and Ganoderma spp., respectively. To assess the future management options for root rot of A. mangium, we review past and current disease-management strategies for root rot in different temperate and tropical industrial tree crops. The efficacies of a wide range of silvicultural, chemical and biological options are detailed, and their potential utilization in managing root rot of A. mangium is discussed. We conclude that the current gaps in knowledge regarding identification, biology and disease epidemiology of the root-rot pathogens will need to be addressed so that effective management options can be developed. © 2008 The Authors.