Infection and colonization of jojoba byGanoderma lucidum

In arid conditions in India,Ganoderma lucidum (Leyss: Fr.) P. Karsten was found to cause root rot diseases in jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider) plants. In the rainy season, 10–15-year-old jojoba plants growing in the proximity of aGanoderma-infectedAcacia tortilis tree, developed disease symptoms. Twigs of affected plants started drying from the top of the branch; leaves turned yellowish brown and finally abscissed; plants dried up within 1 to 3 months. Basidiocarps developed from decaying roots near the collar region and produced colored stalks and fruiting caps. Pathogenicity of the fungus was established by keeping the infected root segments in direct contact with roots of healthy jojoba plants. Root rot symptoms were expressed within 5 months in inoculated plants subjected to moisture stress.