Interactions of black pod disease (Phytophthora spp.) and the ant Azteca chartifex in Bahian cocoa plantations. In: Agrotrópica v. 5 p. 65-68, 1993.

Abstract

In one hectare uf cocoa pIantation, with 537 15-year oId cocoa pIants shaded with Erithrina, the incidence of bIack pod disease, Phytophthora spp., was greater in territories of the dominant ant Azteca chartifex spiriti (21 %) as compared to trees without ants (10%). Laboratory cuItures demonstrated the capacity of the ant to be a mechanical vector of Phytophthora spp. spores at low leveIs («5%). The association between bIack pod disease and A. chartifex should be considered in regard to integrated control programs using this ant to reduce popuIations of phytophagous cocoa pests.