Manejo integrado de la moniliasis (Moniliophthora roreri) del cacao (Theobroma cacao) en Talamanca, Costa Rica

Moniliasis is the most limiting factor of cocoa production in Talamanca. Participatory evaluation of cultural and biological control in organic smallholdings was carried out. Weekly and fortnightly removal of diseased fruits and seven biological treatments were tested. Weekly phytosanitation reduced moniliasis significantly via a reduction in sporulation. Both regimes increased yields, but only weekly removal increased the percentage of healthy pods. Four biological treatments reduced moniliasis with yield improvements of up to 50%. The trials were carried out in years of extremely low production and neither cultural, nor biological control were economical. Nevertheless, using a previously developed computer model, extrapolation to a normal year indicated that fortnightly phytosanitation should be economical on family-run smallholdings but not where alternative employment exists. Three applications of biocontrol agents, followed by fortnightly phytosanitation are predicted to maximize profits. This integrated strategy also coincides with farmers' preferences.