Status of Root Rot Disease of Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) in Nigeria

Root rot disease of teak (Tectona grandis Linn. f.) is widely distributed in Nigeria where it is present in about 70% of teak plantations. The disease is caused by Rigidoporus lignosus (Klotzsch) Imazeki, sporocarps of which have been found in about 64% of the infected plantations. Disease incidence is more serious in shallow lateritic soils and sites with impeded drainage. The disease can be controlled using 2% Tillex chemical spray on infected trees. It can also be largely reduced in proposed plantations by careful site selection and pre-treatment of stumps left behind after land clearing.