encouraging sustainable, responsible cocoa growing

Cacao Research: Diseases and Pests

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In this section:

• Diseases and Pests Biology
• Resistance Breeding
• Biological Control
• Integrated Pest (Crop) Management

Diseases and Pests Biology

• In vitro production of biotrophic-like cultures of Crinipellis perniciosa, the causal agent of witches' broom disease of Theobroma cacao. 2006. Current Microbiology, vol. 52, pp. 191-196. by Meinhardt, L.W., et. al.[PDF: 528 kb]An optimized screening method for identifying levels of resistance to Crinipellis perniciosa in cocoa (Theobroma cacao) by Surujdeo-Maharaj et al. [PDF: 208 kb]
• A study of genotype-isolate interaction in cacao (Theobroma cacao): resistance of cacao genotypes to isolates of Phytophthora palmivora by Surujdeo-Maharaj et al. [PDF: 94 kb]
• Effect of low pressure on the survival of Trogoderma granarium Everts, Lasioderma serricorne (F.) and Oryzaephilus surinamensis (L.) at 30 C by S. Finkelman, et al. [PDF: 220 kb]
• Fungal threats to cocoa share an ancient history, USDA Agricultural Research Service, October 2005, by Peabody, et. al. [PDF: 192 kb]
• FINAL REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP MONILIASIS, REGIONAL BREEDING AND RESISTANCE CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica 21-25 February 2005
• Flight and Oviposition Behavior of Ephestia cautella and Plodia interpunctella in Response to Odors of Different Chocolate Products, 2004 by P.-O. Olsson. [PDF: 157 kb]
• Control of the Cocoa Pod Borer (Conopomorpha cramerella) by Roger Kingsley Day, 1985. [PDF: 14.2 MB]
• Occurrence of Cacao swollen shootvirus in Litime, the Main cocoa-Producing Area of Togo by C. Cilas, et al. [PDF: 39 kb]
• Effect of Crinipellis perniciosa Infection on Abscission of Cacao Cotyledons, Reserve Mobilization and Dry Matter Partitioning by L. A. Motilal, G. Sirju-Charran and T. N. Sreenivasan [PDF: 309 kb]
• Molecular Variability Analysis of Five New Complete Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus Genomic Sequences by E. Muller and S. Sackey [PDF: 496 kb]
• Biochemical changes during the development of witches' broom: the most important disease of cocoa in Brazil caused by Crinipellis perniciosa by L.M. Scarpari, et al [PDF: 1,003.65 kb]
• Development and Pathogenicity of the Fungus Crinipellis perniciosa on Interaction with Cacao Leaves by Aruna Kilaru and Karl H. Hasenstein [PDF: 1358 kb]
• Effect of low pressures on the survival of three cocoa pests at 30°C by S. Finkelman et al. [PDF: 185 kb]
• Molecular analysis of the major Phytophthora species on cocoa by A. A. Appiah et al. [PDF: 197 kb]
• The Impact of Plant Diseases on World Chocolate Production by J. H. Bowers et al. [PDF: 45.6 MB--large file]
• Elemental sulphur as an induced antifungal substance in plant defence by R. M. Cooper and J. S. Williams [PDF:365 kb]
• Plant extracts containing caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid inhibit qoospore germination of Phytophthora spp. pathogenic to Theobroma cacao. European J. Plant Pathology, vol. 115, p. 377-388, 2006 by T.L. Widmer and N. Laurent. [PDF: 321 kb]
• First report of Moniliophthora roreri causing frosty pod rot (moniliasis disease) of cocoa in Mexico Plant Pathology, vol. 55, p. 584 by W. Phillips-Mora, A. Coutino, C.F. Ortiz, A.P. Lopez, J. Hernandez, and M.C. Aime [PDF: 54 KB]
• First report of frosty pod rot (Moniliasis disease) caused by Moniliophthora rorer on cacao in Belize. Plant Pathology, vol. 55, p. 584 by W. Phillips-Mora, J. Cawich, W. Garnett, and M.C. Aime [PDF: 54 KB]
• Expected selection efficiency for resistance to cacao pod rot (Phytophthora palmivora) comparing leaf disc inoculation with field observation. Euphytica 149:35-44, 2006 by G.M. Tahi, B.I. Kebe, J.A.K. N'Goran, A. Sangare, F. Mondeil, C. Cilas and A.B. Eskes [PDF: 154 KB]
• Establishment of the fungal entomopathogen Beauveria bassiana (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) as an endopphyte in cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao). Mycologia, vol.97, p 11-95-1200. by F. Posada and F.E. Vega. [PDF: 235KB]
• Effects of fungicide residues on the physico-chemical characteristics of soils of a major cocoa-producing area of Nigeria. Science of the Total Environment, vol. 336, pp.876-879, 2006. Department of Chemistry, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife Nigeria Soil Science. by T.A. Akinnifesi, O.I. Asubiojo, and A.A. Amusan. [PDF: 102 KB] posted Nov. 2 2006
• A Pheromone Manual. Natural Resources Institute, Chatham Maritime ME4 4TB, UK, 2004. by A. Cork. [PDF:881 KB] Contributed by Rob Lockwood as relevant to the cocoa pod borer problem in Indonesia. posted Nov. 2 2006
• A taste receptor required for the caffeine response in vivo. Current Biology, vol. 16, pp. 1812-1817. by S.J. Moon, M. Kottgen, Y. Jiao, H. Xu, and C. Montell. [PDF: 277 KB] posted Nov. 2 2006
• Witches' broom disease of cocoa in Bahia: Attempts at eradication and containment. Crop Protection, vol 15(8), p. 743-752, 1996. by J.L. Pereira. [PDF: 439 KB] posted Dec. 4 2006
• Fifty years of Frosty Pod Rot in Central America: Chronology of its spread and impact from Panama to Mexico. Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center. PO Box 7170 CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica. Colegio de Posgraduados, Campus Tabasco, PO Box 24, H. Cárdenas, Tab. Mexico; USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Systematic Botany and Mycology Lab, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705, USA. Unpublished Manuscript. by W. Phillips-Mora, C.F. Ortiz, and M.C. Aime. [PDF: 72 KB] posted Dec. 4. 2006
• Production of high-affinity polyclonal sera against Crinipellis perniciosa biotypes C and S. <Original> Produção de soros policlonais com alta afrinidade contra o biotipo 'C' e o biotipo 'S' de Crinipellis perniciosa. Fitopatologia Brasileira, vol. 30, p. 380-386. In Portuguese. by G.A. Leal Júnior, K.M.R. Duarte, P.S.B. Albuquerque, F.C.A. Taveres, and A. Figueira. [PDF: 227 KB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Rapid detection of Ceratocystis fimbriata in infected wood of eucalyptus, mango, and other woody hosts. <Original> Detecção rápida de Ceratocystis fimbriata em lenho infetado de eucalipto, mangueira e outros hospedieros lenhosos. Fitopatologia Brasileira, vol. 30, p. 543-545. In Portuguese by F.A. Ferreira, L.A. Maffia, and E.A. Ferreira. [PDF: 1.471 MB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Genetic variablity and chromosome-length polymorphisms of the witches' broom pathogen Crinopellis perniciosa from various plant hosts in South America. Mycological Research, vol. 110, p. 821-832, 2006. by J. Rincones, G.D. Mazotti, G.W. Griffith, A. Pomela, A. Figueria, G.A. Leal, M.V. Queiroz, J.F. Pereira, R.A. Azevedo, G.A.G. Pereira, and L.W. Meinhardt. [PDF: 1.103 MB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• ¿Existe la tolerancia genética del cacao (Theobroma cacao) a Rosellinia bunodes y Rosellinia pepo? Manejo Integrado de Plagas y Agroecología (Costa Rica) No. 75, p. 21-31, 2005. by J. García Cordoba, A. George, T. Argyle, M. ten Hoopen, and U. Krauss. [PDF: 4.5 MB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Screening of new cocoa types for insect infestation and biochemical analysis of stored beans. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 9, p. 2564-2571, 2006. by W.A. Jonfia-Essien. [PDF: 430 KB] posted Mar. 30 2007
• Tabla de vida y patron de distribucion de Selenothrips rubrocinctus (Thripidae: Panchaetothripinae) en condiciones de laboratorio. [Life table for Selenothrips rubrocincutus (Thripidae: Panchaetothripinae) under laboratory conditions.] Revista de biologia tropical, vol. 53, p. 187-190, 2005. by G.A. Soto-Rodriguez and A.P. Retana-Salazar. [PDF: 117 KB] posted May 1 2007
• The causal agents of witches broom and frosty pod rot of cacao (Chocolate, Theobroma cacao) form a new lineage of Marasmiaceae. Mycologia, vol. 97, p. 1012-1022, 2005. by M.C. Aime and W. Phillips-Mora [PDF: 299 KB] posted May 30 2007
• Diseases of Tropical Perennial Crops: Challenging Problems in Diverse Environments. Plant Disease, vol. 91, p.644-663. by R.C. Ploetz [PDF: 354 KB] posted July 3 2007
• Comparative Analysis of Expressed Genes from Cacao Meristems Infected by Moniliophthora perniciosa. Annals of Botany, vol. 100, p. 129-140, 2007. A.S. Gesteira, F. Micheli, N. Carels, A.C. Da Silva, K.P. Gramacho, I. Schuster, J.N. Macedo, G.A.G. Pereira, J.C.M. Cascardo. [PDF: 1.15 MB] posted Aug 1 2007
• Characterization of necrosis and ethylene-inducing proteins (NEP) in the basidiomycete Moniliophthora perniciosa, the causal agent of witches' broom in Theobroma cacao. Mycological Research, Vol. 111, p/ 443-455, 2007. by O. Garcia, J.A.N. Macedo, R. Tibúrcio, G. Zaparoli, J. Rincones, L.M.C. Bittencourt, G.O. Ceita, F. Micheli, A. Gesteira, A.C. Mariano, M.A. Chiavinato, F.J. Medrano, L.W. Meinhardt, G.A.G. Pereira, and J.C.M Cascardo. [PDF: 205 KB] posted Aug 1 2007
• Rapid and efficient protocol for DNA extraction and molecular identification of teh basidiomycete Crinipellis perniciosa. Genetics and Molecular Research, vol. 5, p. 851-855, 2007. by S.C.O. Melo, C. Pungartnik, J.C.M. Cascardo, and M. Brendel. [PDF: 515 KB] posted September 4 2007
• Parasitism of Mesohomotoma tessmanni Aulmann (Psylloidea, Carsidarae) psyllid pest of Theobroma cacao and Octolobus spectabilis (Sterculiaceae) in Cameroon and taxonomy of parasitoids. Journal of Agronomy, vol. 6, p. 37-44, 2007 by T.J. Lebel and T.B. Modeste [PDF: 486 KB] posted September 4 2007
• Necrotrophic phase of Moniliophthora perniciosa causes salicylic acid accumulation in infected stems of cacao. Physiological and Molecular Plant Plathology, vol. 69, p. 104-108, 2007. by F.C. Chaves and T.J. Gianfagna. [PDF: 322 KB] posted September 4 2007
• Involvement of calcium oxalate degradation during programmed cell death in Theobroma cacao tissues triggered by the hemibiotrophic fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa. Plant Science, vol. 173, p. 106-117, 2007 by G. de Oliveira Ceita, J.N.A. Macedo, T.B. Santos, L. Alemanno, A. da Silva Gesteira, F. Micheli, A.C. Mariano, K.P. Gramacho, D. da Costa Silva, and L. Meinhardt. [PDF: 2.5 MB] posted September 5 2007
• Ecological implications of anti-pathogen effects of tropical fungal endophytes and mycorrhizae. Ecology, vol. 88, p. 550-558, 2007 by E.A. Herre, L.C. Mejia, D.A. Kyllo, E. Rojas, Z. Maynard, A. Butler, and S.A. Van Bael. [PDF: 327 KB] posted September 5 2007
• Moniliophthora perniciosa produces hormones and alters endogenous auxin and salicylic acid in infected cocoa leaves. FEMS Microbiology Letters, vol. 274, p. 238-244 by A. Kilaru, B.A. Bailey, and K.H. Hasenstein. [PDF: 143 KB] posted October 2 2007
• Involvement of calcium oxalate degradation during programmed cell death in Theobroma cacao tissues triggered by the hemibiotrophic fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa. Plant Science (Oxford), vol. 173 p. 106-117, 2007. by G. Ceita, J.N.A. Macedo, T. B. Santos, L. Alemanno, A. Gesteria, F. Micheli, A.C. Mariano, K.P. Gramacho, D. Silva, L. Meinhardt, P. Mazzafera, G.A.G. Pereira, and J. C. Cascardo [PDF: 2.5 MB] posted October 31 2007
• First report of Phytophthora plamivora, causal agent of black pod, on cacao in Puerto Rico. Plant Disease, vol. 91, p. 1051, 2007. by B.M. Irish, R. Goenaga, S. Park and S. Kang. [PDF: 173 KB] posted October 31 2007
• Response surface methodology study of the combined effects of temperature, pH, and aw [water activity] on the growth rate of Trichoderma asperellum. Journal of Applied Microbiology, vol. 103, p. 845-854, 2007. by B.A.D. Begoude, R. Lahlali, D. Friel, P.R. Tondje and M.H. Jijakli [PDF: 196 KB] posted October 31 2007
• Heritability of phenols in the resistance of Theobroma cacao against Phytophthora megakarya, the causal agent of black pod disease. Journal of Phytopathology, vol. 155, p. 519-525, 2007. by P. Djocgoue, T. Boudjeko, H. D. Mbouobda, D.J. Nankeu, I. Hadrami, and N.D. Omokolo. [PDF: 703 KB] posted October 31 2007
• Cacao Diseases: Important threats to chocolate production worldwide. Phytopathology, vol. 97, p. 1634-1639, by R.C. Ploetz. [PDF: 185 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Cacao Diseases - The trilogy revisited. Phytopathology, vol. 97, p. 1640-1643, by H.C. Evans. [PDF: 92 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Frosty pod, a disease of limited geographic distribution but unlimited potential for damage. Phytopathology, vol. 97, p. 1644-1647 by W. Phillips-Mora and M.J. Wilkinson [PDF: 116 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Ceratocystis wilt of cacao -- A disease of increasing importance. Phytopathology, vol. 97, p. 1648-1649. by C.J. Engelbrecht, T.C. Harrington, and A. Alfenas. [PDF: 68 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Black pod: Diverse pathogens with a global impact on cocoa yield. Pythopathology, vol. 97, p. 1650-1653 by D. Guest. [PDF: 143 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Vascular-streak dieback: A new encounter disease of cacao in Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia caused by the obligate Basidiomycete Oncobasidium theobromae. Phytopathology, vol. 97, p. 1664-1657 by D. Guest and P. Keane [PDF: 149 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Status of cocoa swollen shoot virus disease in Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology, vol. 6. p. 2054-2061, 2007 by L.N. Dongo and S.B. Orisajo. [PDF: 388 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Molecular fingerprinting suggests two primary outbreaks of witches' broom disease (Crinipellis perniciosa) of Theobroma cacao in Bahia, Brazil. European Journal of Plant Pathology, vol. 105, p. 167-177, 1999 by T> Andebrhan, A. Figueira, M.M. Yamada, J. Cascardo, D.B. Furtek [PDF: 458 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Development of a tranformation system for Crinipellis pernciosa, the causal agent of witches' broom in cocoa plants. Current Genetics, vol. 42, p. 236-240, 2003 by J.O. Lima, J.K. dos Santos, J.F. Pereira, M.L.V. de Resende, E.F. Araujo, and M.V. de Queiroz [PDF: 257 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Genetic variation in populations of teh cacao wilt pathogen, Ceratocystis cacaofunesta. Plant Pathology, vol. 56, p. 923-933, 2007. by C.J.B. Englebrecht, T.C. Harrington, A.C. Alfenas, and C. Suarez. [PDF: 260 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Behavioral responses of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) to volatiles identified from dry cocoa beans. Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 10, p. 3549-3556, 2007 by W.A. Jonfia-Essien, P.G. Alderson, G. Tucker, R. Linforth and G. West. [PDF: 605 KB] posted February 1 2008
• Understanding the diversity of foliar endophytic fungi: progress, challenges and frontiers (a review). Fungal Biology Review, vol. 21, p. 51-66, 2007 by A.E. Arnold. [PDF: 818 KB] posted February 1 2008
• Filamentous fungi producing ochratoxin a during cocoa processing in Cameroon. International Journal of Food Microbiology, vol. 121, p. 234-241, 2008 by P. Mounjouenpou, D. Gueule, A. Fontana-Tachon, B. Guyot, P.R. Tondje, and J-P Guiraud . [PDF: 257 KB] posted March 3 2008
• Dieback due to Lasiodiplodia theobromae a new constraint to cocoa production in Cameroon, vol. 57, p. 381, 2008. by M. Mbenoun, E.H. Momo Zeutsa, G. Samuels, F. Nsouga Amougou, and S. Nyasse. [PDF: 67 KB] posted April 25 2008
• The effectiveness of somatic embryogenesis in eliminating the cocoa swollen shoot virus from infected cocoa trees. Journal of Virological Methods, vol. 149, p. 91-96, 2008. by A.K. Quainoo, A.C. Wetten, and J. Allainguillaume. [PDF: 530 KB] posted April 25 2008
• Rearing method and life-table data for the cocoa mirid bug Sahlbergella singularis Haglund (Hemiptera: Miridae). Journal of applied entomology, vol. 132, p. 366-374, 2008 by R. Babin, D.H.B. Bisseleua, L. Dibog, and J.P. Lumaret. [PDF: 583 KB] posted June 3 2008
• Transmission of cocoa swollen shoot virus by seeds. Journal of Virological Methods, vol. 150, p. 45-49, 2008 by A.K. Quainoo, A.C. Wetten, and J. Allainguillaume [PDF: 340 KB] posted June 3 2008
• PCR amplification and sequence analyses of reserve transcriptase-like genes in Crinipellis perniciosa isolates. Fitopatologia Brasileira, vol. 32, p. 373-380, 2007. by J.F. Pereira, M.D.C. Ignacchiti, E.F. Araujo, S.H. Brommonschenkel, J.C.M. Cascardo, G.A.G. Pereira, and M.V. Queiroz [PDF: 3.7MB] posted June 26 2008
• Activation of defence responses on cocoa against Verticillium wilt by natural extracts acibenzolar-S-methyl. Ativacao de defesa em cacaueiro contra a murcha-de-verticilio por extratos naturais e acibenzolar-S-metil. Portuguese, English Abstract. Pesquisa Agropecuaria Brasileira, vol. 43, p. 171-178, 2008. by R.B. Pereira, M.L. Vilela de Resende, P.M. Ribeiro, D.R. Amaral, G.C. Lucas, and F.R. Cavalcanti. [PDF: 96 KB] posted June 28 2008
• Selection of plant extracts to induce resistance and activate defense responses in cocoa against witches' broom disease. Selecao de extratos vegetais para inducao de resistencia e ativacao de respostas de defesa em cacaueiro contra a vassoura-de-bruxa. Portuguese, English Abstract. Fitopatologia Brasileira, vol. 32, p.213-221, 2007. by M.L.V. Resende, J. de C.B. Costa, F.R. Cavalcanti, P.M. Ribeiro Junior, and F.R. Camilo. [PDF: 1 MB] posted June 28 2008
• Carbon source-dependent variation of acquired mutagen resistance of Monilophthora perniciosa: Similarities in natural and artificial systems. Fungal Genetics and Biology, vol. 45, p. 851-860, 2008 by R.X. Santos, S.C.O. Melo, J.C.M. Cascardo, M. Brendel, and C. Pungartnik. [PDF: 368 KB] posted June 28 2008
• Antifungal activity of essential oils of Piper species against Crinipellis perniciosa, Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora capsici. In Portuguese. Atividade antifungica de oleos essenciais de especies de Piper sobre Crinipellis perniciosa, Phythophthora palmivora and Phytophthora capsici. English Abstr. Fitopatologia Brasileira, vol. 32, p. 143-145, 2007 by D.M. M.H. Silva and C.N. Bastos. [PDF: 240 KB] posted June 28 2008
• Reaction of cocoa genotypes to isolates of Ceratocystis cacaofunesta. Reacao de Genotipos de Cacaueiros a Isolados de Ceratocystis cacaofunesta. Portuguese, English abstract. Fitopatologia Brasileira, vol. 32, p. 504-506, 2007 by S.D.V. M. Silva, E.P. Mandarino, V.O. Damaceno and L.P. Santos Filho. [PDF: 667 KB] posted June 28 2008

Resistance Breeding

• Sources of resistance to Phytophthora pod rot at the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, Vol. 53, p. 99-109.2006. Resistance to black pod. by Iwaro; A.D.; Butler, D.R. and Eskes, A. B. [PDF: 279KB]
• Over-expression of a cacao class I chitinase gene in Theobroma cacao L. enhances resistance against the pathogen, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Planta 2005, by S. N. Maximova, et al. [PDF: 373kb]
• Relationships Between Black Pod and Witches'-Broom Diseases in Theobroma cacao by J.-M. Thevenin, et al. [PDF: 109kb]
• Evaluation of cacao (Theobroma cacao) clones against seven Colombian isolates of Moniliophthora roreri from four pathogen genetic groups by W. Phillips-Mora, et. al. [PDF: 115 kb]
• Identification of a major QTL in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) associated with resistance to witches' broom disease, 2002. by V. T. Queiroz, et. al. [PDF: 145 kb]
• Resistance Gene Mapping for Witches' Broom Disease in Theobroma cacao L. in an F2 Population Using SSR Markers and Candidates Genes by J. Steven Brown, et al [PDF: 332.29 kb]
• Characterisation and genetic mapping of resistance and defence gene analogs in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) by C. Lanaud et al. [PDF: 1.82 MB]
• Identification of QTLs related to cocoa resistance to three species of Phytophthora by A. M. Risterucci et al. [PDF: 277 kb]
• Isolation of ESTs from cacao ( Theobroma cacao L.) leaves treated with inducers of the defense response by J.A. Verica et al. [PDF: 214 kb]
• Assessment of Resistance to Witches'-Broom Disease in Clonal and Segregating Populations of Theobroma cacao by S. Surujdeo-Maharaj, P. Umaharan and D. R. Butler [PDF: 164 kb]
• USDA Program for Theobroma cacao by J. A. Saunders [PDF: 17.4 MB--very large file]
• Variation of the response of clonal cocoa to attack by cocoa pod borer, Conopomorpha cramerella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) in Sabah. Crop Protection, vol. 25, p. 712-717. by C.L. Teh, J. T.Y. Pang, and C.T. Ho. [PDF: 189 KB] posted Nov. 2 2006
• Foliar resistance of cacao (Theobroma cacao) to Phytophthora palmivora as an indicator of pod resistance in the field: interaction of cacao genotype, leaf age and duration of incubation. Plant Pathology, vol. 55, p. 776-782 by G.M. Tahi, B. Kebbe, A. Sangare, F. Mondeil, C. Cilas, and A.B. Eskes. [PDF: 151 KB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Characterization of a cocoa population for mapping of genes of resistance to withces' broom and phytophthora pod rot. <Original> Caracterização de uma população de cacaueiro para mapeamento de genes de resistência à vassoura-de-bruxa e podridão-parda. Fitopatologia Brasileira, vol. 30, p. 380-386. In Portuguese. by A. Dantas Neto, R. X. Corrêa, W.R. Monteiro, E.D.M.N. Luz, K.P. Gramacho and U.V. Lopes. [PDF: 168 KB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Comparative assessment of the resistance of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) progenies from SNK10 x SNK413; ICS84 x ICS95 to Phytophthora megacarya in Cameroon by measuring size of necrotic lesion along the midrib. Plant Pathology Journal, 2006, vol. 5, p. 329-335. by P.F. Djocgoue, T. Boudjeko, D.J. Nankeu, M.I.B. Efombagn, S. Nyasse, and D.N. Omokolo. [PDF: 434 KB] posted Feb 27 2007
• Sources of resistance to Crinipellis perniciosa in progenies of caco accessions collected in the Brazilian Amazon. Scientia Agricola, vol. 63, p. 572-578, 2006. by V.R.L. de M. Paim, E.D.M.N. Luz, J.L. Pires, S.D.V. M. Silva, J.T. de Souza, P.S.B. Albuquerque, and L.P. dos Santos Filho. [PDF: 42 KB] posted Mar. 30 2007
• Genes differentially expressed in Theobroma Cacao associated with resistance to witches' broom disease caused by Crinipellis perniciosa. Molecular Plant Pathology, vol. 8, p. 279-292, 2007. by G.A. Leal, Jr., P.S.B. Albequerque, and A. Figueira. [PDF: 232 KB] posted May 1 2007
• A qualitative host-pathogen interaction in the Theobroma cacao-Moniliophthora perniciosa pathosystem. Plant Pathology, vol. 56, p. 277-285, 2007. by M.W. Shaw and A.E. Vandenbon. [PDF: 160 KB] posted May 30 2007
• Foliar resistance of cacao (Theobroma cacao) to Phytophthora palmivora as an indicator of pod resistance in the field: the effect of light intensity and time of day of leaf collection. Plant Pathology, vol. 56, p. 219-226, 2007. by G.M. Tahi, B.I. Kebe, A. Sangare, C. Cilas, and A.B. Eskes. [PDF: 110 KB] posted May 30 2007
• Participatory cocoa (Theobroma cacao) selection in Cameroon: Phytophthora pod rot resistant accessions identified in farmers' fields. Crop Protection, vol. 26, p. 1467-1473, 2007. by M.I.B. Efombagn, S. Nyasse, O. Sounigo, M. Kolesnikova-Allen, and A.B. Eskes. [PDF: 165 KB] posted November 30 2007
• Development of a Marker Assisted Selection Program for Cacao. Phytopathology, vol. 97, p. 1664-1669 2007 by R.J. Schnell, D.N. Kuhn, J.S. Brown, C.T. Olano, W. Phillips-Mora, F.M. Amores, and J.C. Motamayor. [PDF: 188 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Biodiversity and biogeography of the cacao (Theobroma cacao) pathogen Moniliophthora roreri in Tropical America. Plant Pathology, vol. 56, p. 911-922, 2007 by W. Phillips-Mora, M.C. Aime, and M.J. Wilkinson. [PDF: 257 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Levels of resistance to Phytophthora pod rot in cocoa accessions selected on-farm in Cote d'Ivoire. Crop Protection, vol. 27, p. 302-309, 2008. by N.D. Pokou, J.A.K. N'Goran, I. KD.bD, A. Eskes, M. Tahi, and D. Sangar. [PDF: 309 KB] posted April 25 2008

Biological Control

• Trichoderma theobromicola and T. paucisporum: two new species isolated from cacao in South America. Mycological Research, vol. 110, p. 381-392. by G.J. Samuels, et al. [PDF: 200 kb]
• Bioassay of Geniculosporium species for Phytophthora megakarya biological control on cacao pod husk pieces. African J. Biotechnology. Vol. 5, p. 648-652, 2006. by Tondje, P.R.; Hebbar, et.al. [PDF: 90 kb]
• Trichoderma: Systematics, the Sexual State, and Ecology by G. Samuels [PDF: 293 kb]
• Genetic and Biological Diversity of Trichoderma stromaticum, a Mycoparasite of the Cacao Witches'-Broom Pathogen by J.T. de Souza et. al. [330kb]
• Biological control of Phytophthora megakarya the causative agent of cacao black pod disease in Cameroon by P.R. Tondje [PPT: 860 kb]
• Evaluation of Potential Biological Control Agents for Suppression of Phytophthora spp., Pathogenic to Cacao Pods by M.C. Bon et al. [Microsoft Word: 2.35 MB]
• Activity of Bacillus thuringiensis toxins against cocoa pod borer larvae by D.Santoso et al. [PDF: 84.4 kb]
• Fungal Endophytes Limit Pathogen Damage in a Tropical Tree by A. E. Arnold et al. [PDF: 331 kb]
• Fungi and the Food of the Gods by K. Clay [PDF: 384 kb]
• Inoculation of Beneficial Endophytic Fungi into Theobroma Cacao Tissues by L.C. Mejia et al. [PDF: 91.4 kb]
• The Matrix--Plant and Fungal. Agricultural Research, vol. 54, p. 16-17, 2006 by E. Peabody. [PDF: 373 kb]
• Fungal and plant gene expression during the colonization of cacao seedlings by endophytic isolates of four Trichoderma species. Planta, 1432-2048 online, 2006. by B.A. Bailey, H. Bae, M.D. Strem, D.P. Roberts, S.E. Thomas, J. Crozier, G.J. Samuels, Y. Choi, and K.A. Holmes. [PDF: 428 kb]
• Production and germination of conidia of Trichoderma stromaticum, a mycoparasite of Crinipellis perniciosa on cacao. Phytopathology, vol. 92, p. 1032-1037, 2002. by S. Sanogo, A. Pomella, P.K. Hebbar, B.A. Bailey, J.C.B. Costa, G. Samuels, and R.D. Lumsden [PDF: 192 KB] posted Dec. 5 2006
• Fungal endophytes limit pathogen damage in a tropical tree. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences vol. 100, p. 15649-15654, 2003. by A.E. Arnold, L.C. Mejia, D. Kyllo, E.I. Rojas, Z. Maynard, N. Robbins, and E.A. Herre [PDF: 331 KB] posted Dec. 5 2006
• The effect of cane molasses amendment on biocontrol of frosty pod rot (Moniliophthora roreri) and black pod (Phytophthora spp.) of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) in Panama. Biological Control, vol. 39(2), p. 232-239, 2006. by U. Krauss, G.M. Hoopen, E. Hidalgo, A. Martínez, T. Stirrup, C. Arroyo, J. Garcia, and M. Palacios. [PDF: 281 KB] posted Dec. 5 2006
• Biology and control of Rosellinia bunodes, Rosellinia necatrix and Rosellinia pepo: a review. Crop Protection, vol. 25, p. 89-107, 2006. by G.M. Ten Hoopen and U. Krauss. [PDF: 281 KB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Molecular characterization of fungal endophytic morphospecies isolated from stems and pods of Theobroma cacao. Plant Pathology, vol. 55, p. 783-791. by J. Crozier, S. Thomas, M.C. Aime, H. Evans, K. Holmes [PDF: 1.5 MB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Diversity of endophytic fungal community of cacao (Themobroma cacao) and biological control of Crinipellis perniciosa, causal agent of Witches' Broom Disease. International Journal of Biological Sciences, vol. 1, p. 24-33. by M.R. Rubini, R.T. Silva-Ribeiro, A.W.V. Pomella, C.S. Maki, W.L. Araujo, D.R. dos Santos, and J.L. Azevedo. [PDF: 295 KB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Taxonomy and biocontrol potential of a new species of Trichoderma from the Amazon basin of South America. Mycological Progress, vol. 3, p. 199-210, 2004. by K. Holmes, H.J. Schroers, S. Thomas, H. Evans, and G. Samuels. [PDF: 160 KB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Hypocrea rufa/Trichoderma viride: a reassessment and description of five closely related species with and without warted conidia. Studies in Mycology, vol. 55, p. 135-177, 2006. by W. Jaklitsch, G. Samuels, S. Dodd, B.-S. Lu and I. S. Druzhinina [PDF: 2.5 MB] posted Jan. 17 2007
• The Trichoderma koningii aggregate species. Studies in Mycology, vol. 56, p. 67-133, 2006. by G. Samuels, S. Dodd, B.-S. Lu, O. Petrini, H.-J. Schroers, and I. S. Druzhinina [PDF: 3.5 MB] posted Jan. 17 2007
• Rehabilitation of diseased cacao fileds in Peru through shade regulation and timing of biocontrol measures. Agroforestry Systems, vol. 53, p. 179-184, 2001. by U. Krauss and W. Soberanis [PDF: 147 KB] posted May 30 2007
• Effect of f ertilization and biocontrol application frequency on cocoa pod diseases. Biological Control, vol. 24, p. 82-89, 2002. by U. Krauss and W. Soberanis. [PDF: 291 KB] posted May 30 2007
• Neem (Azadirachta indica a. Juss) components: Candidates for the control of Crinipellis perniciosa and Phytophthora ssp. Microbiological Research, vol. 162, p. 238-43, 2007 by A. de Rezende Ramos, L.L. Falcao, G.S. Barbosa, L.H. Marcellino, and E.S. Gander [PDF: 1.2 MB] posted September 5 2007
• Isolation and identification of mycoparasitic isolates of Trichoderma Asperellum with potential for suppression of black pod disease of cacao in Cameroon. Biological Control, vol. 43, p. 202-212, 2007. by P.R. Tondje, D.P. Roberts, M.C. Bon, T. Widmer, G.J. Samuels, A. Ismaiel, A.D. Begoude, T. Tchana, E. Nyemb-Tshomb, Ndoumbe-Nkeng, R. Bateman, D. Fontem, and K.P. Hebbar. [PDF: 475 KB] posted October 31 2007.
• Transformation with green fluorescent protein of Trichoderma harzianum 1051, a strain with biocontrol activity against Crinipellis perniciosa, the agent of witches' broom disease of cocoa. Journal of General and Applied Microbiology, vol. 45, p. 63-67, 1999. by P.W. Inglis, P.R. Queiroz, and M.C. Valadares-Inglis [PDF: 302 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Purification and characterization of an N-acetylglucosaminidase produced by a Trichoderma harzianum strain which controls Crinipellis perniciosa. Applied Microbiology Biotechnology, vol. 64, p. 70-75, 2004. by J.L. De Marco, M.C. Valadares-Inglis, and C.R. Felix. [PDF: 170 KB] posted January 2 2008
• A historical review of research on the weaver ant Oecophylla in biological control. Agr. For. Entom. vol. 10, p. 13-22, 2008 by P. Van Mele. [PDF: 259 KB] posted March 3 2008
• Impact of environmental factors, chemical fungicide and biological control on cacao pod production dynamics and black pod disease (Phytophthora megkarya) in Cameroon. Biological Control, vol. 44, p. 149-159, 2008. by P. Deberdt, C.V. Mfegue, P.R. Tondje, M.C. Bon, M. Ducamp, C. Hurard, B.A.D. Begoude, M. Ndoumbe-Nkeng, P.K. Hebbar, and C. Cilas [PDF: 236 KB] posted April 25 2008

Integrated Pest (Crop) Management

• Application of chemical and biological agents for the management of frosty pod rot (Monitiophthora roreri) in Costa Rican cocoa (Theobroma cacao). Annals of Applied Biology, vol. 147, p. 129-138. by R.P. Bateman, et al. [PDF: 274 kb]
• Responding to economic crisis in sub-Saharan Africa: New farmer-developed pest management strategies in cocoa-based plantations in Southern Cameroon by O. Coulibaly et al. [PDF: 94.3 kb]
• Integrated pest management in cocoa agroforests in southern Cameroon: Constraints and overview by D. J. Sonwa et al. [PDF: 95.4 kb]
• Pest control in Malaysia's perennial crops: A half century perspective tracking the pathway to integrated pest management by B. J. Wood [PDF: 154 kb]
• Impact of removing diseased pods on cocoa black pod caused by Phytophthora megakarya and on cocoa production in Cameroon by M. Ndoumbe-Nkeng et al. [PDF: 310 kb]
• Fighting a Fungal Siege on Cacao Farms by H. Becker [PDF: 351 kb]
• Spraying Cocoa: 10 Essentials by IPARC [PDF: 589 kb]
• Witches' Broom Disease of Cocoa in Bahia: attempts at eradication and containment by J.L Pereira, et al [PDF: 1.4 MB]
• Effects of Fruiting Traits on the Field Resistance of Cocoa (Theobroma cacoa L.) Clones to Phytophthora megakarya by M. I. B. Efombagn, et al. [PDF: 157 kb]
• Impact of removing diseased pods on cocoa black pod caused by Phytophthora megakarya and on cocoa production in Cameroon by M. Ndoumbe-Nkeng et al. [PDF: 307 kb]
• The use of narrow-angle cone nozzles to spray cocoa pods and other slender biological targets. Crop Protection, vol. 23, p. 989-999, 2004. by R. Bateman [PDF: 422 kb]
• Spray application to cocoa pods and other small targets using cone nozzles. Aspects of Applied Biology. 77:79-84. 2006. by R.P. Bateman [PDF: 32 kb]
• Effect of time and dosage of acibenzolar-S-methyl applications in inducing resistance to Verticillium wilt in cocoa seedlings. <Original> Efeito da época de aplicação e dosagem do acibenzolar-S-metil na indução de resistência à murcha-de-Verticillium em cacaueiro. Fitopatologia Brasiliera, vol. 30, p. 67-71 in Portuguese by L. S. Cavalcanti, and M. L.V. Resende [PDF: 817 KB] posted Jan. 2 2007
• Control of cocoa swollen shoot disease by eradication of infected trees in Ghana: a survey of treated and replanted. Crop Protection, vol. 25, p. 647-652, 2006. by H. Dzahini-Obiatey, G. Akumfi Ameyaw and L.A. Ollennu [PDF: 226 KB] posted Jan. 17 2007
• Integrated management of Phytophthora diseases on cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.): Impact of plant breeding on pod rot incidence. Crop Protection, vol. 26, p. 40-45, 2007. by S. Nyasse, M.I.B. Efombagn, B.I. Kebe, M. Tahi, D. Despreaux, and C. Cilas [PDF: 162 KB] posted Jan. 17 2007
• Assessment of sanitation and fungicide application directed at cocoa tree trunks for the control of Phytophthora black pod infections in pods growing in the canopy. European Journal of Plant Pathology, vol. 117, p. 167-175, 2007. by I.Y. Opoku, A.Y. Akrofi; and A.A. Appiah. [PDF: 197 KB] posted May 30 2007
• Effectiveness and profitability of integrated pest management for improving yield on smallholder cocoa farms in Ghana. International Journal Tropical Insect Science, vol. 27, p. 27-39. by E.N.A. Dorman, A. van Huis, C. Leeuwis [PDF: 354 KB] posted October 31 2007
• Cacao diseases: A global perspective from an industry point of view. Phytopathology, vol. 97, p. 1658-1663 by P.K. Hebbar. [PDF: 159 KB] posted January 2 2008
• Effects of different copper fungicide application rates upon earthworm activity and impacts on cocoa yield over four years. European Journal Soil Biology, vol. 43, p. S305-S310. 2007 by L. Norgrove [PDF: 372 KB] posted January 2 2008