Effectiveness of Trichoderma spp. secondary metabolites formulation in controlling vascular streak dieback of cacao

Abstract Vascular-streak dieback (VSD) is the main disease of cacao plant caused by Ceratobasidium theobromae . The VSD can potentially reduce yields up to 45%. control using secondary metabolites Trichoderma spp. suppress incidence in field. research aimed study effectiveness controlling diseases field conditions. This performed fields owned a farmer Rahmat Village, Palolo Subdistrict, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, that were infested VSD. Treatments applied randomized block design and replicated 5 times with 10 plants each. formulations used treatment were; liquid T. virens , amazonicum powder granulates chemical fungicide (as comparison), control. formula formulated molasses as carrier material, granulate zeolite, compost, peat, whereas lactose. was through root infusion, granulated sprinkled around rooting area, spraying on all parts plants. observation about infection symptom, incidence, production/yield. result showed 8.61–19.50% improve production 12.19-37.01%. most effective formulation suppressing disease’s infusion.