Botryodiplodia theobromae Pat. is the dominant fungus causing sapstain on tropical timbers. Rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis) is highly susceptible to sapstain infection. The tropical warm-humid climate also influences the growth of B. theobromae on rubber wood. Additionally, the moisture content of timber provides conducive conditions for the entry and establishment of the fungus. Temperature tolerance of B. theobromae was studied by assessing its growth on agar medium and over wood blocks at different temperatures. The study revealed that for the initial establishment and growth of B. theobromae, the optimum temperature required was 30°C. No growth of the fungus was found on agar medium and wood blocks at 50°C and 60°C. Nevertheless, the fungus could survive at high temperature once it was established inside the wood. The survival of B. theobromae at high temperature in rubber wood has greater significance in the conventional kiln drying, especially in managing the sapstain of rubber wood.

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