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Isolation and Biological Control of Colletotrichum sp. Causing Anthracnosis in Theobroma cacao L. in Chiapas, Mexico

Summary

Cacao farmers in Mexico’s Chiapas region face serious crop losses from anthracnose, a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum. Researchers found a beneficial bacterium called Paenibacillus sp. NMA1017 that can suppress this disease as effectively as commercial fungicide alternatives. By testing this natural biocontrol agent both in the laboratory and on actual cacao farms, they demonstrated it could reduce disease occurrence from 65% down to just 12-20%, offering farmers a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments.

Background

Anthracnose is a significant phytosanitary disease caused by Colletotrichum species affecting cacao crops globally. The disease causes substantial economic losses ranging from 50-100% depending on host and environmental factors. Limited research exists on anthracnose in cacao crops in Mexico, particularly in the Soconusco region of Chiapas.

Objective

This study aimed to identify Colletotrichum isolates from cacao pods in the Soconusco area of Chiapas, Mexico, and evaluate the efficacy of Paenibacillus sp. NMA1017 as a biological control agent against anthracnose through in vitro and field experiments.

Results

All 50 sequenced isolates showed 99% similarity to Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Paenibacillus sp. NMA1017 inhibited fungal growth by 30-50% in vitro. Field experiments demonstrated that Paenibacillus sp. NMA1017 reduced anthracnose incidence to 12-20%, comparable to commercial biocontrol agents and significantly better than water control (32-65% incidence).

Conclusion

Paenibacillus sp. NMA1017 shows promising potential as a biological control agent against Colletotrichum-induced anthracnose in cacao trees, with effectiveness comparable to commercial biocontrol products. The findings support its use in integrated disease management strategies to reduce reliance on chemical fungicides in cacao cultivation.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11040312, PMID: 40278132
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