Molecular characterization of endophyte funguses of Theobroma cacao L in eastern Cuba.

Abstract

Cuban cocoa plantations are variously affected by black pod disease, caused by several species of Phytophthora. Nowadays, endophyte funguses seem to be a serious option for black pod disease control. This study was carried out with the objective of identifying existing endophyte funguses in cocoa to be used in the context of integrated management systems for disease control. During field surveys in Baracoa, endophyte funguses were isolated from leaves of Theobroma cacao following the method of triple sterilization. M-13 fingerprinting of genomic DNA was used to select samples with different profiles. One-hundred-ten isolates were finally selected for molecular identification by DNA extraction and sequence analysis, by means of the internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA since this locus offers the highest probability of a successful identification. The most common species were Colletotrichum gloesporioides followed by Xylaria spp.