Optimization of sp. NMA1017 Application as a Biocontrol Agent for and in Cacao-Growing Fields in Chiapas, Mexico.

In Mexico, cacao production is endangered by pathogenic fungi, such as spp. and that cause black pod rot and moniliasis, respectively. In this study the biocontrol agent sp. NMA1017 was tested in cacao fields against the previous diseases. The treatments applied were shade management, inoculation of the bacterial strain with or without an adherent, and use of chemical control. The statistical analysis showed that the incidence of black pod rot in tagged cacao trees diminished when the bacterium was applied (reduction of 44.24 to 19.11%). The same result was observed with moniliasis when the pods were tagged (reduction of 66.6 to 27%). The use of sp. NMA1017 with an integrated management might be a solution to cacao diseases and to having a sustainable production of cacao in Mexico.