Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Lasiodiplodia Spp. and Fusarium Spp. Isolated from Cocoa Pods in the Agneby-tiassa Region of Ivory Coast

Cocoa (<i>Theobroma cacao</i> L.) is the main cash crop in Côte d'Ivoire and the primary source of income for producers. However, recent studies have highlighted the harmful effects of pod diseases on local production and the existence of a group of pathogens (<i>Lasiodiplodia </i>spp. and <i>Fusarium</i> spp.) that require better characterization in order to reorient control efforts. The objective of this study was to perform morphological and molecular characterization of isolates of <i>Lasiodiplodia</i> spp. and <i>Fusarium</i> spp. isolated from cocoa pods affected by rot. Samples of infected pods and soil from cocoa plantations were collected from seven locations in the Agneby-Tiassa region. After isolation on 11% agar culture medium, the isolates were purified on pea and carrot agar culture medium. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were made on these isolates. After DNA extraction, PCR tests with ITS4 and ITS5 primers were performed for molecular identification of the isolates. The PCR products obtained were transferred to a facility for sequencing. It should be noted that macroscopic and microscopic observations showed that <i>Lasiodiplodia</i> spp. isolates are light gray or gray-black in color, with thick-walled septate conidia. Fusarium spp. isolates are whitish in color, with oval microconidia and curved macroconidia. PCR test results showed that the isolates from the southeastern region of Côte d'Ivoire are <i>Lasiodiplodia theobromae</i> and <i>Fusarium solani</i>. Sequencing showed that these isolates were 100% similar to the species in the gene bank. This study will help to better target the fight against cocoa pod rot in Côte d'Ivoire by implementing sustainable control strategies.