Incidence of Chrysoporthe Stem Canker in Eucalyptus Plantations of Peninsular Malaysia and Recommended Mitigation Measures

Chrysoporthe is a destructive fungal pathogen causing stem canker disease in Eucalyptus plantations and poses a serious threat to plantation productivity in Malaysia. Chrysoporthe typically infects through wounds and leads to the formation of sunken cankers, kino pockets, dieback, and eventual tree mortality. Field signs such as cracked bark, resin exudation, and visible conidiomata are diagnostic indicators of infection by Chrysoporthe. Immediate implementation of effective disease  management and preventive strategies is crucial to avoid widespread outbreaks in commercial plantations, especially as Eucalyptus is increasingly being planted to replace Acacia, which was seriously affected by Ceratocystis wilt disease.