Effect of Native Trichoderma Strains on Moniliophthora Roreri Infection in Theobroma Cacao L.

Objective: To determine the effect of the application of native Trichoderma strains on the infection caused by Moniliophthora roreri in Theobroma cacao. Theoretical Framework: Cacao has global importance due to its direct relation to chocolate production. Each year, in various countries, cacao cultivation faces issues such as moniliasis (Moniliophthora roreri), which reduces crop yields. Traditional disease control methods are ineffective, necessitating new alternatives, such as the application of Trichoderma spp. Method: The antagonistic capacity of forty native endophyte Trichoderma isolates against M. roreri was evaluated. The ten best-performing strains were sprayed on healthy cacao pods. The number of pods affected by moniliasis, healthy pods, and the internal and external severity of infected pods were assessed. Results and Discussion: 32.5% of the Trichoderma strains inhibited more than 90% of the radial growth of M. roreri. All Trichoderma isolates showed high antagonistic activity. The evaluated isolates increased the number of healthy pods, while six strains reduced moniliasis by up to 35%. The severity of M. roreri was lower in treated pods compared to the untreated control pods. Research Implications: The study results highlight the need for continued evaluation of Trichoderma strains to develop a future tool for reducing M. roreri infections in plantations of small and medium-sized farmers. Originality/Value: Few studies on local endophytic strains of Trichoderma spp. have been conducted in the study area.