The present study aimed to investigate whether Ganoderma boninense can be grown in vitro in a medium of different lignocellulosic materials (LM) collected from the empty fruit bunches (EFB) of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). The mycelial growth rate of G. boninense was found at 0.50 (cm/day). A total of 55 days is needed for the full colonization of G. boninense in the polypropylene plastic bags. However, the mycelia grew well and there was no contamination during the growing stage. This showed 100% inoculation rates. This in vitro experiment indicated that the this fungus can grow in a medium of different LM released by the oil palm EFB. Therefore, this study pointed to the need of management of oil palm EFB in the plantation in order to control basal stem rot disease caused by G. boninense in the oil palm plantation. The management strategy is recommended as proper disposal of EFB in the oil palm plantation and full exploitation of LM from the EFB into value-added products. This is important to avoid disposing the oil palm EFB at the oil palm plantation because the natural decomposition of EFB can promote the growth of G. boninense.
