Objective:
The objectives of this research are to evaluate integrated pest management strategies for the control of cocoa diseases (Crinipellis, Moniliopthora and Phytoptopthora) through the use of candidate mycogens for biological control, cultural practices, environmentally compatible pesticides and the introduction of disease resistant material. Ancillary factors in production such as the role of pollinators, soil fertility and micro-nutrients, might also be factored into the research product. For the purposes of this agreement, Moniliopthora roreri and Crininpellis perniciosa are the primary target organisms for control. The identification of endophytes with disease biocontrol activities in the field, in conjuction with resistant plant material, are of special interest. The over-arching objective is to integrate into a best practices manual those findings relevant to technology transfer to local extension agents, international donor agencies and cooperating industry and trade associations interested in the economic propagation of cocoa. It is believed that this manual will support the goal of achieving acceptable cocoa farmer incomes in the context of overall production sustainability in a environmentally balanced agroforestry context.

Approach:
The focus of the agreement will be upon the use of competitive mycogens in to control the frosty pod disease affecting cocoa (Theobroma cacao) in South and Central America utilizing competitive fungal and microbial agents. Experience of producers has shown that frosty pod disease is epidemic in nature; traditional fungicides are generally ineffective in controlling the disease. Cocoa, along with plantain, banana, and coffee is a primary source of small farmer cash income in both the Andean countries and Central America. The emphasis of the work will be directed towards the assessment of candidate biocontrol isolates in field trials in Ecuador and Costa Rica. To date, the most successful candidates have been in the genus Trichoderma spp.; typically these colonize the flower cushions. Emphasis will be placed upon enhancing colonization of cocoa pods by increasing effectiveness thru formulation and/or application technology. Secondary emphasis will be placed upon evaluating other candidate fungal agents which have been collected by not fully bioassayed in the field by CABI and or ARS/BARC. Primary collaboration will be with the ARS Beltsville Area, Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory. The primary researcher on the CABI side will be Dr. Keith Holmes; the primary researcher on the ARS side will be Dr. Bryan Bailey.