A technique is reported for the production of sporophores of Ganoderma zonatum Murill, in Kilner jars in four weeks, by inoculating stem dust medium (SDM) with 1 mm³ of the fungal mycelium. Basidiomycetes agar medium (BAM) was found effective for the isolation of the fungus from sporophores and infected materials. Root inoculations of fifteen-year old palms, using inoculum produced by the technique, resulted in Ganoderma disease development within three years. Two out of three seedlings planted 1 m from the base of a palm killed by Ganoderma disease were also killed by the disease within two and three years respectively.

Keywords: Elaeis guineensis Jacq., exudate, Ganoderma zonatum Murill., oil palm, sporophore, stem dust medium (SDM)