Unravelling molecular mechanism at early stage of ganoderma boninense infection of oil palm for an effective disease mitigation strategies

Ganoderma boninense is a hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen that causes major loss of revenue to oil palm industry. Physical symptoms in the field can only be observed at the advanced stage of infection when severe and often irreversible physiological damage has occurred. Understanding of the molecular mechanism during early infection stage would enable employment of a more effective intervention strategies to prolong the economic lifespan of field palms. Our studies revealed potential biomarkers through transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis at the early phase of Ganoderma boninense infection before the appearance of physical symptoms. Involvement of key transcription factors in coordinating cellular responses during the biotrophic phase and subsequent transition to necrotrophic showed the activation of different defence response pathways that can be exploited in developing effective mitigation strategies. The development of an aptamer-based onside biosensor as an early diagnostic tool based on the results of the studies will be elaborated. Electron microscopic analysis revealed the positive effects of an anti-Ganoderma chemical fertiliser and endophytic bacteria as a biocontrol agent in reducing cellular damage. The illustration of potential link with the defence pathway genes at the early stage of infection that have been discovered will provide strong evidence supporting their applications and initial efforts on this will be presented.