Control of cacao (Theobroma cacao) diseases in Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Ecuador

Introduction. Ecuador occupies the fourth place in cocoa exports with 293,487 tons per year, produced on 559,617 hectares. However, its yield hectare is low mainly due to presence of pathogens that affect pods. Objective. To evaluates different methods control Theobroma cacao cv ‘CCN-51’ pod. Materials and methods. The work was carried out Luz de America, Santo Domingo los Tsachilas, Ecuador, between 2016 2017. treatments were result combination cultural practices + two fungicides (Chlorothalonil Pyraclostrobin) one biofungicide Serenade® (Bacillus subtilis QST713), without fertilizers. In total, 16 evaluated 3 replicates or blocks, installed a commercial plantation under Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). Results. use (chemical biological), decreased incidence moniliasis (Moniliophthora roreri), black pod rot (Phytophthora spp.), cherelle wilt; but application fertilizers did not increase effectiveness these products. Treatment only decrease final moniliasis, nor brown rot, contrast, wilt increased. number pods directly related highest fermented dry cocoa, corresponded T9 [Cultural labors (0.2 kg ha-1) (every 15 days) Fertilizer (0.3 (1 plant-1)], treatment also had net income hectare. Conclusion. Chemical biological can manage pathogens. integration both allowed producer obtain greater income.