Detection of basal stem rot disease by stem tissue identification

Abstract

Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma Boninense is the most destructive disease in oil palm cultivation. The control measures for BSR disease like cultural practices, mechanical and chemical treatment have not proved satisfactory. Alternative control measures to overcome the Ganoderma problem are focused on the use of sensor to detect the disease in the early stage. An array of sensors had been employed to sense the difference between healthy palm oil tissues and the affected one. Data obtained from the field trial was interpreted to produce fingerprint diagrams. Significant differences of fingerprints pattern were obtained, thus proved that the method can be used to detect basal stem rot disease in early stage.