Biology News Two species of fungi Discovered in Kerala: Mycologia

 Researchers of kerala identified of fungi from the genus Ganoderma, first one is Ganoderma Keralense and second one is Ganoderma Pseudoapplanatum. These are associated with coconut stem rot . Researchers also genotyped these fungi and identified genetic biomarkers . This research was published in the journal ' mycology'. 

What is basal stem rot ? 

The infection starts at the roots, but symptoms include discoloration and rottting of stem and leaves. After flowers and fruit(nut) set decreases and at last the coconut palm( botanical name: Cocos nucifera). 

A reddish brown oozing is seen after death of tree. This process is seen only in Indian species. Once infected recovery of plant is not possible. It causes huge economic loss . An estimates made in India 2017 around 12 million people are are said to depend in coconut farming.

Another name of fungi 

The butt rot or basal stem rot of coconut is known by several names in different parts of India . Ganoderma wilt - Andhra Pradesh , Anaberoga - Karnataka, and Thanjavur wilt in Tamilnadu 

Sign of disease

The fungi are microscopic , so can not be seen in early stages ,only detected after symtoms show or reproductive structures are borne, which can be too late. Another sign of infection is presence of basidiomata( A club shaped , fleshy , spore- producing structure characteristic of many species of basidiomata fungi) which are the fruiting or reproductive structures of fungus on tree trunks .

According to T.K. Arun Kumar of Zamorin's Guruvayarappan college Kohikode, who led this reasearch , explains that the basidiomata of Ganoderma bear reproductive propagules (called spores) which are dispersed through wind and some times with the help of insects.  That is how the pathogen spreads from one host to others .