Canker of Eucalyptus grandis and E. saligna in Surinam caused by Endothia havanensis

Abstract

In 1965, a serious fungal disease causing trunk cankers and death was detected in Surinam on Eucalyptus grandis and E. saligna trees planted in 1962. In 1967, after my reconnaissance in established plantations of these species, it was determined that the disease was present in all localities where they had been introduced. Isolation, inoculation and identification proved that the causal agent of the disease is the bongo Endothia havanensis.

Observations on shitomas and disease progression indicate that the fungus penetrates through the scars on the samas or through cracks in the bark resulting from diametrical growth. The first symptoms can be observed in trunks larger than 5 cm DBH (14 to 18 months after planting), and after 26 to 3 years, numerous infections can occur along the trunk, which later join together. Initially, the disease appears in an isolated form, later causing the attack of all the trees in the plantation, which can produce a mortality rate of 90-100 percent in 7-year-old plantations.

The epidemiological study indicated a notable correlation between trunk diameter and disease incidence

Comparing the natural habitat of these two Eucalyptus with that of Suriname, it can be concluded that these two species would not be recommended for establishing plantations in lowland tropical areas where adverse growing conditions could induce susceptibility to Endothia havanensis.