Evaluación del Mucílago de Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) como Estrategia Sostenible para el Control de Malezas en Plantaciones de Plátano (Musa balbisiana)

Weed control is essential in agriculture, especially in crops such as plantain (Musa balbisiana), where weeds compete for resources and reduce productivity. The excessive use of chemical herbicides has caused environmental problems and resistance in weeds, leading to the search for sustainable alternatives. This study evaluated the effect of fermented cocoa mucilage (Theobroma cacao L.) on weed control in a plantain plantation. Using a completely randomized block design, three mucilage concentrations (25%, 50%, and 75%) were applied, along with a control without application. The results showed that the T3 treatment (75%) was the most effective, achieving a 90% reduction in weed mortality and significantly decreasing fresh and dry biomass. Broadleaf weeds were the most susceptible to treatment, while narrowleaf species showed greater resistance. This study confirms that fermented cocoa mucilage is a sustainable alternative for weed management in plantain crops, contributing to the reduction of chemical products and promoting environmentally friendly agriculture. Further studies are recommended to evaluate its effectiveness under different climatic conditions and its possible combination with other control methods.