Species-specific PCR for rapid identification of Ganoderma philippii and Ganoderma mastoporum from Acacia mangium and Eucalyptus pellita plantations in Indonesia

DNA sequence variation in the rDNA internal transcribed spacers (ITS) was exploited to design species-specific primers for Ganoderma philippii and Ganoderma mastoporum, two fungi associated with red root rot in Acacia mangium and other perennial crops. Specificity was verified against five other Ganoderma species, 34 other basidiomycete species and two ascomycete species. The PCR tests assisted in the identification of 822 fungal isolates obtained from A. mangium and Eucalyptus pellita plantations in Indonesia. These tests have provided a high level of confidence in the identification of the major root rot pathogens, information that can be used to support the development of management options for their control in A. mangium plantations.