Phytophthora palmivora Causing Disease on Theobroma cacao in Hawaii

Commercial production of cacao in Hawaii has doubled the past 10 years, and farmers are receiving premium prices for their beans from expanding local confectionery industry. Black pod, caused by Phytophthora spp., is only major disease that been reported but distribution molecular identification lacking. To determine species affecting Theobroma cacao, a sampling trip was conducted on Island Oahu. Ten isolates palmivora were obtained diseased Island, none Oahu, despite presence symptomatic pods. No other found. Laboratory studies showed all produced lesions unwounded pods, they differed terms temperature–growth responses. Fungicide sensitives subset (n = 4) determined using media amended with range fungicide concentrations. The Hawaiian P. more sensitive to mefenoxam, chlorothalonil, fosetyl-Al, than Ghana 2) Mexico 1). This study identifies as causal agent black pod based data provides valuable preliminary information resistance temperature response can be used improve management.