GENETIC VARIATION OF Rigidoporus microporus ISOLATES ASSOCIATED WITH WHITE ROOT ROT DISEASE OF MALAYSIAN RECOMMENDED RUBBER CLONES

Abstract

Active wood degrader, Rigidoporus microporus is detrimental towards the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) causing white root rot disease. Significant economic loss due to the pathogen in most rubber plantations indicates a high susceptibility of the rubber clones to the disease. On the infected area, the pathogen decomposes lignified cell walls which enable the infectious hyphae to decay wood. Morphological studies were conducted to identify and characterize R. microporus isolated from infected rubber trees of the Malaysian recommended rubber clones.