A preliminary note on Phellinus noxius root rot of Cordia alliodora plantings in Vanuatu

Abstract

Abstract The results of a preliminary survey to evaluate the impact and distribution of root disease caused by Phellinus noxius (Corner) G. H. Cunn. in enrichment plantings of the introduced tree Cordia alliodora (Ruiz. and Pav.) Oken in the natural forest of Vanuatu show that the overall impact of the disease is light with some slight increase with increase in age of crop. On Pentecost Island losses are much more severe, increasing rapidly in older plantings. The high level is thought to be due to the interaction of relatively high rainfall and high inoculum level in the natural forest. Further studies and surveys of the disease are planned.