Virulence tests of Neofusicoccum parvum, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, and Phytophthora palmivora on Theobroma cacao

Abstract Neofusicoccum parvum is a recently reported pathogen affecting Theobroma cacao L., and has been isolated from symptomatic pods on Oahu Hawaii Islands. Determining infection routes virulence are essential for assessing the impact of N. production developing effective disease management strategies. Infection were determined by inoculating unwounded stems with six isolates alongside Lasiodiplodia theobromae Phytophthora palmivora . Fifty percent inoculated P. developed lesions, but only single lesion following inoculation (isolate H44). L. remaining did not induce development stems. In contrast, all produced lesions 40–100% GNV 164 360. Low incidences observed in ICS 95 (0–66.7%), SHRS 21 (0–75%), 33 (0–20%). On wounded pods, species similar size ranging 1.90 to 7.60 cm four days after inoculation. Results this study show that three can produce high rates pod some clones absence wounds, stem less likely. addition, first report infecting wounds.