Female inflorescence rothing of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis jacq. var. dura) fungic disease or anthropic phenomena.?

The problem of availability of improved seeds is one of the major limiting factors in the oil palm production chain. However, this production of improved seeds is confronted with a problem of inflorescence rot (Elaeis guineensis Jacq. var dura) of the female genitor. The aim of this work is to determine whether the problem is microbial or not) of this rot. Data (rot rates) from the 12 years (2008 to 2019) were chosen and analysed. Sampling was carried out, followed by identification and characterisation of the pathogen from the rotted palms during 2019. A Koch postulate was also carried out in three (03) village plantations. Incidence, severity and prevalence were estimated in the blocks. The seed production chain was screened (late or no fertilisation, peduncle injury) at bagger-pollinators. Two (02) symptoms were observed, complete rot and partial rot of the female inflorescence. Two (02) distinct forms of pathogen were isolated and characterised: Fusarium sp. and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The highest rates of complete and partial rot were observed in 2017, at 30.75% and 7.76% respectively. The prevalence in the blocks was 100%. The involvement of the two fungi (Fusarium sp and C. gloeosporioides) in the rot was not confirmed by Koch's postulate. However, all inflorescences (100%), whether fertilised late or not, as well as injured inflorescences, developed rot. Palm rot does not have a microbial cause, but a human one. It is due either to late artificial fertilisation of flowers, or to non-fertilisation, or to damage to the peduncles of the said inflorescences.