Status of Khair Mortality in Central India

Khair mortality was recorded in two central Indian states, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Mortality was observed in 9-20 years old plantations upto 93 per cent in both states due to ischolar_main rot disease caused by a fungus, Ganoderma lucidum. In Madhya Pradesh, the worst affected areas are Palpur (Sheopur) and Ghuniya beet (Indore) having maximum 93% and 40% mortality respectively. In Maharashtra, Hiwari range of Yavatmal was found as the most affected site having up to 60% mortality due to this disease. Fusarium sp. also causes 3% mortality in one year old plantation at Akoli beet, Pandherkawda (MS). Total 17 fungal species were found associated with different stages of khair mortality which include 6 fungi, namely Hapalopilus nidulans, Lenzites pisolotii, Monodictys castaneae, Resinicium bicolor, Rigidoporus vinctus and Trametes hirusita recorded for the first time from central India.