Teak (Tectona grandis Linn. F.) is currently the most planted tree species in forest plantations in Ghana, with over 73,916 hectares of plantation established at the end of year 2008. Majority of the plantations are established, using the taungya system with various intercrops. However, Armillaria (Fr.: Fr.) Staude root-rot symptoms have been observed on teak in teak taungya plantations especially in the dry semi-deciduous forest zone. This study was conducted to identify the role of intercrops cultivated by the teak taungya plantation farmers in the Opro Forest Reserve of the Offinso Forest District of Ashanti Region in proliferation of Armillaria root-rot of teak and farming practices that could predispose teak to the disease. Mycoflora of rhizosphere soils of teak in teak plantation with only one intercrop (Pepper, Okra, maize, yam or cassava) were analyzed for Armillaria colonies in one to three-year-old plantations and compared with growth of teak and incidence of Armillaria root-rot infection of teak in the 2 plantation. More Armillaria mellea (Vahl: Fr.) colonies were isolated from rhizosphere soils of teak intercropped than teak grown with no intercrops (control). There were significantly higher numbers of A. mellea colonies in rhizosphere soils of teak intercropped with cassava. Strong negative correlations existed between growth and incidence of Armillaria root-rot of teak and also between growth and number of A. mellea colonies isolated from rhizosphere soils of teak in one to three-year-old teak tress. However, infection of Armillaria root-rot of teak declined in the two and three-years-old plantations as less intercrops were involved.

Keywords: Symptoms; Soil; Rhizosphere; Farmers; Colonies