Effect of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria and their exudates on

Moniliophthora roreri

Ernesto San-Blas , Zuhey Carrillo & Yennis Parra

Abstract

Frosty pod rot or moniliasis is a very destructive disease of cocoa plantations in Latin
America. The conventional methods to control this disease such as the use of chemical
pesticides have failed or are too expensive for smallholders. Nowadays, biological
alternatives are being investigated to improve yields and to keep moniliasis controlled.
Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria and their exudates were evaluated against
Moniliophthora roreri. All bacteria demonstrated antifungal action reaching up to 97% after
13 days of exposure, whereas some exudates demonstrated more than 70%. Moniliophthora
roreri did not sporulate in bacteria presence and sporulation was reduced by their exudates
in 70%. The bacteria and exudates were compared with a commercial fungicide used by
Venezuelan farmers; better performance of the bacteria and exudates was found and the
fungicide was unable to control M. roreri. These experiments showed promising results of
Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus as biocontrol agents for being included in the integrated
disease management programmes in Venezuela.

Keywords: biological control, cocoa, frosty pod, Theobroma cacao , entomopathogenic

bacteria

En lnea: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/03235408.2012.718688

San-Blas E, Carrillo Z, Parra Y. 2012. Effect of Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus bacteria and their
exudates on Moniliophthora roreri. Arch Phytopathol Plant Protect. 45(16):1950-1967.