Ganoderma zonatum. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Ganoderma zonatum. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Elaeis guineensis, Cocos nucifera, Borassus aethiopum; has been recorded on Sebal palmetto in Northern America. On Dicots it has only been recorded for Eucalyptus but it can develop on dead wood. DISEASE: Like G. boninense causes a base rot on palms in Africa. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Throughout tropical Africa on palms. In America it is recorded from Florida, but is probably distributed in South America. No specimen, however, has been available from there. TRANSMISSION: As no rhizomorphs have so far been detected and, moreover, considering that spore production is abundant the latter appear to be the only means of transmission with the leaf stalk bases as the port of entry into the base of the trees. The possibility of transmission by root contact with infected residues in the soil or diseased plants cannot be excluded.