Abstract

Ganoderma species are the important wood-decaying cosmopolitan basidiomycetes distributed throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the world and cause white rot in hardwood plants by decomposing lignin, cellulose and related polysaccharides. Basal Stem Rot (BSR), often called Ganoderma wilt in coconut and foot rot in arecanut, is the most devastating disease caused by the Ganoderma species affecting the production and productivity of plantation crops across the globe. Recent scientific advancements in the management of these dreaded diseases are presented in this chapter.