Cocoa Pest and Disease Guide: Identification and Sustainable Control Management

The production of cacao is threatened on a daily basis by an enormous amount of insects and plant pathogens that pose threats to the health of the trees as well as the yield of the beans. Plantations should be properly taken care of by controlling cocoa pests that destroy the crops like mirids, pod borers, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies, and root-feeding grubs. Simultaneously, growers have to deal with such severe cocoa infections as black pod disease, frosty pod rot, anthracnose, vascular streak dieback, root rot, and stem canker.

Unless managed, these cocoa pest and diseases may cause cacao tree pest and diseases​ to be weak, destroy pods, decrease the quality of beans, and greatly affect the net yield. A combined approach that includes biological control of cocoa pest and disease through the use of bio-controlling agents and sanitation of the orchards coupled with proper nutrition and soil management should be integrated in handling the pest and disease. Biological products based on employing viable microorganisms such as Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae.

Of interest to future cacao plantations are Trichoderma harzianum and useful bacteria such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas species. These biological agents help to suppress the pests and pathogens as well as control the beneficial insects in addition to facilitating ecological balance in the plantation, which otherwise would be done by pesticides. Through these eco-friendly practices, the farmers will be in a position to increase the long-term cocoa pest management, curb the transmission of cocoa diseases, and have healthy cocoa trees which yield higher quality of beans and sustainable harvests.

 

Common Cocoa Pests

Cacao Mealybugs	Cacao Thrips	Cacao Aphids	Whiteflies	Spider Mites	Cacao Pod Borer
Cacao Stem Borer	CacaoCaterpillars	Cacao Mirid	Cacao Weevils	Root Grubs

Common Cocoa Diseases

Leaf Spot Disease	Algal Leaf Spot	Powdery Mildew	Black Pod Disease	Frosty Pod Rot	Anthracnose
Vascular Streak Dieback	Cacao Pod Rot	Root Rot	Pink Disease	Cacao Dieback	Stem Canker

 

Cocoa Nutrition

Cocoa Growth Nitrogen Fixation

Potassium and Silicon Absorbtion

Inorganic Phosphorus for Cocoa

Cocoa Soil Health

 

---

Common Cocoa Pests Control

Target Pests: Cacao Mealybugs, Cacao Thrips, Cacao Aphids, Whiteflies, Spider Mites 

Recommended Product: Beaveria WP

Active ingredient: Beauveria bassiana

Some of the sap-sucking pests that arise in cacao plantations include cacao mealybugs, cacao aphids, cacao thrips, whiteflies and spider mites. These are sucker insects and puncture holes through the plant tissues extracting sap in leaves, young shoots and on indeterminate pods. Repeated feeding causes the cacao trees weakness, which causes the curling of the leaves, retardant growth, and lower yield of pods. Most of these pests also leave sticky honeydew in the process of feeding and enhance the development of sooty mold on the leaves and pods. By covering sunlight, this fungal layer prevents photosynthesis, which eventually declines the productivity and the overall health of cacao plants. Spider mites, they are not honeydew producers, and they damage leaf cells and speckle, bronze and dry leaves before they should dry out, also they impact the plant vigor and yield.

A good and eco-friendly remedy of handling these pests is the Beveria WP, which is a biological type of cacao pesticide derived by utilizing the useful entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana. This is a naturally occurring fungus which operates by fixing its spores on the exterior side of the insect. The spores hatch and enter the insect cuticle where the fungus further replicates within the body of the pest. When the fungus causes increase, it then emits enzymes and toxins which interfere with insect metabolism and ultimately the insect dies in a few days.

Beveria WP can especially be used when pests have only infested the land in the initial stages, when the nymph and the young insects are the most susceptible. The foliar applications must be done in a way that it covers the leaves, stems and feeding sites where these pests usually inhabit. This is achieved by repeated applications after a period of time to keep the fungal activity going and to keep pests at bay. Sustainable Cacao Beveria WP can be used in integrated pest management programs, as it leaves no residual hazardous chemicals, and can benefit organisms, which means that, in sustainable management of cacao, it helps growers to keep the trees fresh and productive over a long-term period.

 

 

---

Target Pests: Cacao Pod Borer, Cacao Stem Borer, Cacao Caterpillars, Cacao Mirid  

Recommended Product: BT Thuricide

Active ingredient: Bacillus thuringiensis (BT)

Cacao pod borer, cacao stem borer and other cacao caterpillars are dangerous pests that can significantly reduce the yield of cocoa and also lower the quality of the pods. The life cycle of the cacao pod borer larvae is rooted in the pods where the larvae live as they breed in the developing pods and destroy the beans resulting in incomplete maturation, the stem borers made holes on the branches and stems thus interfering with the structural integrity of the tree and flow of nutrients. Caterpillars, however, eat new leaves and shoots, which bind the plant not to be able to photosynthesize and develop normally. Extensive cases may result in fewer flowers, inadequate pod development and general psychological health of the tree. A good environmentally friendly product that could be used to deal with these pests is BT Thuricide, a biological insect control and cacao pesticide that is composed of Bacillus thuringiensis as the active constituent. It is an auto-fertil bacterium of the soil that synthesizes proteins that specifically attack the digestive systems of the caterpillar-type insects. When larvae eat the surfaces of the plants treated by the toxins of the bacteria, the toxins interfere with the gut lining of the larvae preventing feeding activity and eventually killing the pests. Since Bacillus thuringiensis is quite specific it targets the dangerous larvae, but not the beneficial insects, pollinators and the ecosystem in question. On a regular basis to manage the pod bapers, stem borer and caterpillar, it is possible to ensure that the cacao growers use BT Thuricide as foliar spray to ensure a high level of sustainable and environmentally friendly cacao production.

 

 

---

 

 

Target Pests:  Cacao Weevils, Cacao Root Grubs

Recommended Product: Met Zone    

Active ingredient: Metarhizium anisopliae 

The cacao weevils and cacao root grubs are devastating soil-living pests which can decimate cacao farms by biting the roots and underground plant muscles. The weevils normally attack leaves and stems and the larvae live in the soil and they attack roots making the cacao (young plants) weak and they also make the cacao plants unable to absorb nutrients. Root grubs are also very dangerous since they attack the root system leading to wilting, poor growth of plants and in extreme cases death of the plants. Yellowing leaves, loss of vigor and lack of good production of pods may be some of the symptoms of the affected infested trees as the root structure was damaged. The most effective way of controlling such pests is attacking them in the ground where they grow and feed.

Another sustainable biological agent in the control of these pests is Met Zone which has an active ingredient with entomopathogenic value of Metarhizium anisopliae. This is an occurrence organically found soil fungus whose mode of action is via binding its spores by attaching to the outer body of living insects residing in the soil. After the contact of the seeds with the pest, they germinate and enter the insect cuticle after which the fungus develops within the body. The spread of the fungus causes enzymes and toxins which interfere with the internal systems of the pest thus, resulting in death. Met Zone is especially effective in killing insects that like to remain in the soil like weevils, root grubs since it stays in the soil and keeps infecting the pest over time. Met Zone, when used as soil drenching or incorporated in the soil surrounding cacao plants, aids in decreasing the number of pests, but retains a stable ecosystem in the soil. The biological can be used in order to facilitate integrated pest management and to favor the better growth of cacao as well as the root and the overall viability in the crop.

 

 

---

Cocoa Leaf Diseases

Target Diseases: Leaf Spot Disease, Algal Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew 

Recommended Product: FloraEgis  

Active Ingredient: Trichoderma harzianum   

Typically, among the foliar diseases are leaf spot disease, algal leaf spot, and powdery mildew spreading on cacao trees especially under warm and wet climates. These diseases primarily infect the leaves and this causes a low photosynthetic rate of the plant and the general vigor. Cocoa leaf spot disease is a type of expected disease whose appearance is in the form of small spots of dark and brown color on the leaves, which at the same time continue to grow large and lead to the premature fall of the leaves. Algal leaf spot-The phenomenon of spots that are red and orange-colored on the surfaces of the leaves due to the development of the algae that causes the surface to weaken. On the other hand, powdery mildew is a coating of leaves and young shoots made of white powdery that disrupts normal growth of the plant and its productivity. Upon the transmission of these diseases in the canopy, they may cause weakness to the cacao trees, constrain the growth of healthy leaves and eventually flowering along with production of the pods.

A sustainable and effective solution to the management of such foliar diseases is FloraEgis which is a biological fungicide made using the useful microorganism Trichoderma harzianum (cocoa fungicide). This is a fungus that occurs naturally and helps in the prevention of harmful pathogens in a number of ways. It competes by taking nutrients and space on the leaf surfaces against the disease-causing fungi and algae to enable them to grow and multiply. Moreover, Trichoderma harzianum synthesizes antifungal metabolites and enzymes that prevent the increase of pathogenic organisms directly. FloraEgis, when used as a foliar spray, develops a protective layer of microbes on surfaces of plants that helps to reduce the pressure of infection by leaf spot pathogens and powdery mildew organisms. In addition to the disease suppression ability, Trichoderma also causes or provokes the plant defense responses and promotes the robust development of the plants. Foliage protection, healthy plant vigor, and sustainable production of cacao using FloraEgis as there is part of a comprehensive program of disease management will aid cacao farmers in reducing the use of synthetic chemical fungicides.

 

---

Common Cocoa Diseases 

Target Diseases: Black Pod Disease, Frosty Pod Rot, Anthracnose, Vascular Streak Dieback, Cacao Pod Rot, Root Rot, Pink Disease

Recommended Product: HarzShield

Active Ingredient: Trichoderma harzianum

Cacao also faces a number of fungal diseases that are very prone to cacao plants and could have a great impact on the development of the plant, the development of the pods and the produce in general. The black pod disease, frosty pod rot, anthracnose, the vascular streak dieback, cacao pod rot, root rot, and pink disease are some of the most widespread diseases of cacao. The pathogens protect various components of cacao such as pods, stems, leaves, and roots. As an illustration, black pod disease and pod rot result in dark spots on cacao pods which ultimately result in pod rot and loss of beans whereas frosty pod rot results in a white powdery coating on affected pods. There are diseases like anthracnose and vascular streak disease which destroy leaves and branches leaving behind a defoliated and stalk of shoots. Root rot undermines the plant below the ground causing the plant to take in less nutrients and lead to gradual death. Uncontrollably, these diseases may expand in a very fast rate when under humid and wet conditions, and these are what prevail in the cacao growing areas.

A good biological remedy to control such fungi is HarzShield, a biofungicide that is prepared using a symbiotic fungus Harzstiena harzianum. This antagonist is a powerful microorganism that occurs naturally, and this occurs as an antagonist of most plant pathogenic fungi. Trichoderma harzianum operates by a combination of a series of processes, which include, but not limited to, nutrient and space competition, antifungal enzyme secretion, as well as direct parasitism of the unhealthy fungi. When used on the surface of the soil or plants, it colonizes the root zone and the plant material developing a protective barrier preventing the settleance of pathogenic organisms causing the diseases. Besides having fungicidal effects, Trichoderma harzianum also regulates root growth and improves the inherent defensive capability of the plant. This is because the application of HarzShield as part of a comprehensive disease management regimen allows cacao growers to manage disease pressure, safeguard developing pods, and have healthier trees. This biological method helps in sustainable cacao production and sustainable long-term yield of plants as it promotes the level of natural microbial balance in soil and on plant surface.

 

---

 

Target Diseases: Cacao Dieback, Stem Canker

Recommended Product: Bactonus      

Active Ingredient: Bacillus safensis, Bacillus velezensis, and Pseudomonas chlororaphis

Examples of the severe diseases that impact the structure health and productivity of cocoa tree diseases​ are cacao dieback and stem canker. Lesions, cracking bark, and incremental dieback of shoots are common signs that are found in these diseases which usually attack the branches and stems. Stem canker is usually observed as depressed or discoloured positions on the bark which can later grow up until the circulation of water and nutrient is disturbed in the plant. The branches that are infected weaken and later die as the infection advances making the growth of canopy to be low, as well as reducing the production of pods. Cacao dieback is also seen as a result of the pathogenic microorganisms attacking the weakened tissues either when the plant is wounded, pruned, or subjected to environmental stress which eventually results in the gradual reduction in the plant vigor. Unless managed effectively, such diseases may propagate in plantations with cacao trees being damaged in the long term.

Bactonus, a microbial formulation that consists of beneficial bacteria including Bacillus safensis, Bacillus velezensis and Pseudomonas chlororaphis is a sustainable biological solution to address them. These are naturally arising microorganisms which tend to curb the cocoa plant disease causing microorganisms by producing antimicrobial compounds and enzymes which inhibit the growth of the disease causing organisms. When utilized on plants or soil, the useful microbes are deposited as the colonizing plant surfaces and the environment around the plants, forming a protective microbial shield which stops the development of pathogens. Besides suppression of diseases, these bacteria also benefit plants in terms of nutrient acquisition and increasing innate plants defenses. Bactonus can be used as part of an overall plant management health program to assist cacao growers in escaping disease pressure of dieback, stem canker and manipulating the level of stronger and resilient trees and sustainable cacao production.

 

 

---

Cacao Biostimulant Treatment

Purpose: Enhance Cacao Tree Growth with Sustainable Nitrogen Fixation

Recommend Product: Metilo

Active Ingredient: Methylobacterium

Metilo is an organic nitrogen stimulant used to stimulate the growth of the cacao trees but this time, it does not require extensive application of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, instead it uses the active microorganism Methylobacterium to support healthy cacao tree growth. These useful bacteria are used as a foliar spray or soil drench and they colonize the leaf surfaces and the root zone of cacao plants. They are capable of converting the nitrogen that is present in the atmosphere into easily absorbible forms of plant nourishment needed by cacao trees. This process enhances equal vegetative growth, greater leaf growth and flowering and pod development. Oversaturation of chemical nitrogen in cacao plantation usually resorts to excessive growth of plant tissues of unnatural softness, which in turn encourage pests and susceptibility to infections. Metilo facilitates equilibrium-level growth by offering a natural nitrogen supply, decreasing chemical addiction, and enhancing microbial diversity of the soil, which is among the sustainability in cacao production in the long run.

 

---

Purpose: Promote Potassium and Silicon Absorption in Cacao

Active Ingredient: Bacillus mucilaginosus

Special biofertilizer is known as Bacillus mucilaginosus that boosts the availability of silicon and potassium in the soil around the cacao roots. The useful bacterium produces organic acids and enzymes which help in the release of nutrients that are retained in the soil within the rhizosphere. Potassium is highly essential in the balance of water, pod development, bean quality and stress resistance in cacao. Silicon, unlike other bio-stimulants, enhances the strength of plant cell walls making them resistant to pests, diseases and environmental stresses. Repeated use during early vegetulative stages to the development of the pod makes nutrient release gradual and lowers the reliance on synthetic potassium based fertilizers and adds to healthier cacao vegetation that is more productive and able to better withstand the structural stresses.

 

---

Purpose:   Improve Phosphorus Uptake in Cacao

Recommended Product: Cropium

Active Ingredient: Penicillium bilaiae

Cropium also has Penicillium bilaiae which is a good fungi that has the ability to dissolve phosphorus which is normally found but is not accessible in the soil. When the fungus releases its organic acids, this decomposes the fixed compounds of phosphorus releasing it to cacao roots. Enhanced phosphorus enhances better root systems, uptake of nutrients and flowering and development of pods. Increased absorption of phosphorus also increases tolerance to drought and general vigor of the plants. The addition of Cropium in cacao feeding regimes can aid in the decrease of chemical phosphate Fertilizers use besides promoting sustainable soil fertility and enhancing the productivity of cacao plantations over a long-term period.

 

---

Purpose:  Strengthen Soil Health for Sustainable Cocoa Farming

Recommended Product:  Soil Vigor

Active Ingredient: Blended microbes including Bacillus spp and Trichoderma spp

The introduction of a diverse community of beneficial microorganisms improves the soil fertility and the level of soil activeness by their presence in Soil Vigor. These organisms enhance quicker breakdown of organic resources and boost the nutrient circulation in the soil. The presence of beneficial bacteria and fungi also aid in the suppression of antagonistic soil-borne pathogens by way of inappropriate rivalry and producing natural antimicrobial substances. With a better soil structure, there is better aeration, water retentions, and penetration by roots, which provides a healthier environment to cacao trees. As part of enhancing soil health, Soil Vigor will assist in the mitigation of using chemical fertilizers and enable the establishment of viable and sustainable cacao production systems.

 

---

 

Cocoa Pest and Disease Management

There are also many cocoa pest and diseases that are likely to impact cacao plantations and decrease the health of trees and the quantity of beans grown. The cacao mirids, pod borers, mealybugs, thrips, aphids and spider mites are the major insect pests which damage pods, leaves and stems feeding on plant tissues. Cocoa diseases​  are significant, and they are black pod disease, the frosty pod rot, anthracnose, vascular streak dieback, root rot, and pink disease. Good field sanitation, proper pruning, good nutrient management and controlled irrigation practices are to be used in a combination manner in good management practices.

Biological control agents are very significant in sustainable cacao farming. Beneficial organisms like Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are used in the management of insect pests, whereas Trichoderma spp. is used in the management of fungal pathogens. There are also beneficial or desirable bacteria such as Bacillus and Pseudomonas that have been found to suppressed diseases and promoted the health of plants.

Such biological approach will conserve desirable organism, lowers chances of pesticide resistance besides ensuring maintenance of ecological balance in cacao plantation. With the help of biostimulants and biological cocoa pest control, farmers have an opportunity to produce healthier cacao trees, get higher productivity and promote environmentally friendly cacao production in the long-run.