Oil Palm Tolerant to Basal Stem Rot Using Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) Method

Abstract

Ganoderma boninense causes basal stem rot and poses a serious threat to oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) plantations, leading to significant economic losses. Parent plants transmit G. boninense through contact between roots and inoculum sources. Dikaryotic mycelia from G. boninense form needle-like structures that help penetrate host cells. As a result, basidiocarps form at the base of infected oil palm trees, causing basal stem rot disease. Therefore, it is necessary to develop varieties that are tolerant to G. boninense. GWAS is used to identify associations between genetic variations (usually single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs) and specific traits across the genome. The application of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) is an alternative method to identify genetic markers associated with tolerance to basal stem rot in oil palms. By utilizing GWAS, breeders can accelerate the development of oil palm varieties resistant to this disease.