Underestimation of the economic impact of moniliasis and witches' broom on Theobroma cacao L.

This perspective article analyzes the underestimation of the economic impact of moniliasis (Moniliophthora roreri) and witches' broom (Moniliophthora perniciosa) on Ecuadorian cocoa. The authors argue that these diseases are structural socioeconomic threats that compromise the competitiveness of the largest exporter of fine aroma cocoa. The study distinguishes between the biological effects of both pathogens: moniliasis causes immediate losses in pods (up to 80%), while witches' broom affects the vegetative structure, reducing productivity in the medium and long term. This situation has normalized low yields, even in clones such as CCN-51, showing that varietal resistance alone is insufficient. Data from 44 producers in Guayas and Los Ríos illustrate that losses in 2023 represented 35.9% of production. On average, each producer lost $1,042.14, leaving a net annual income of $1,859.21, which is below the minimum living wage in Ecuador. The manuscript concludes that it is imperative to move toward a comprehensive solution that combines good agricultural practices, epidemiological intelligence systems, and cooperative governance models with access to credit. It is recognized as a limitation that the results are a contextual approximation based on a small sample and not a definitive national estimate.