Abstract

Basal stem rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma boninense, is the most destructive disease affecting oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), leading to yield losses of up to 70% in severely affected plantations. This review synthesizes recent advances in understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying BSR, including pathogen genetic diversity, effector protein functions, and host-pathogen interaction. Emphasis is placed on AI-based diagnostics such as RNA aptasensors and UAV-assisted remote sensing, which enable early, high-precision disease detection. The review also discusses CRISPR-mediated resistance breeding and the application of biological control agents, particularly Trichoderma spp. and endophytic fungi. By integrating genomic insights, molecular detection tools, and resistance breeding, a targeted framework integrating molecular diagnostics and genetic resistance is proposed for effective BSR management, improving oil palm resilience while minimizing environmental and economic impacts. In this review, a multi-omics model is suggested, combining the genomics of Ganoderma boninense pathogenicity with AI diagnostics and CRISPR resistance breeding to facilitate precise early intervention, bridge the scalability gap, strain variability, and the applicability of smallholder to BSR sustainable management. The connectivity of these advances achieves the bridge of the key gaps in scalability of the field, strain variability, and smallholder accessibility enabling the development of a sustainable disease control in oil palm.