Chrysoporthe cubensis (Bruner) Gryzenhout & M. J. Wingf. IN Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden PLANTATIONS OF OAXACA

Abstract

Eucalyptus grandis is affected by Chrysoporthe cubensis, fungus causing the stem canker, which reduces wood quality. Despite this fact, this tree is used in comercial plantation in tropical environments. In this study three plots of 25 x 25 m each were delimited, in a six years-old plantation located at the municipality of Santiago Yaveo, Oax. Diameter breast height (DBH) at 1.3 m and total height (TH) were recorder for all trees. The absence or presence and severity of the disease in living trees were registered, to study the relationship of the disease with the DBH and the TH of the trees. Bark samples of 10 x 10 cm, of 10 trees which showed canker, cracking the crust or showing signs of reproductive stages of the fungus were taken. Forty-four percent of the sampled trees were found infected, but in 21.8% of the trees the symptoms of the disease were not visible at first sight. Trees with higher DBH tend to have the disease and were more affected. A relationship with total height of the trees was not found. Both reproduction phases, sexual and asexual of the fungus were found, thus the genetic variation of the canker may be increased. The excess of humidity in this environment and the high dissemination capability of the pathogen make difficult the canker’s control. Weed control is suggested.