Emerging pathogens of Eucalyptus and Acacia plantation forestry in Indonesia

Abstract

Forest plantation areas are expanding rapidly around the world as a result of the global demand for wood-based products such as fibre, plywood, pulp and paper, board and clothing. Non-native tree species such as Eucalyptus spp. and Acacia spp. have largely been used, particularly in South East Asia, because of their fast growth, wood quality adequate to many different uses, and their ability to reproduce vegetatively. More than seven million hectares of Acacia and Eucalyptus plantations have been established in SE Asia. These plantations are susceptible to the negative impact of pathogens and a number of disease problems have been reported in plantation-grown Acacia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. in this region. Despite this fact, relatively little research has been conducted to elucidate the causes of these diseases, or to develop sustainable management plans to reduce the incidence and impact, particularly in Indonesia. In order to address these needs, a research programme known as the RGE-FABI Tree Health Programme (https://www.fabinet.up.ac.za/index.php/research-groups/rge-fabi-thp) was established in 2018 between RGE (Royal Golden Eagle, https://www.rgei.com/) and FABI (Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, http://www.fabinet.up.ac.za). As part of this programme, research has been initiated, particularly on the emerging pathogens in Eucalyptus and Acacia plantation forestry in Indonesia. The aim of the studies in this thesis has been to address this issue by providing a based of knowledge on emerging diseases of Acacia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. in Indonesia.