Biocontrol of Moniliophthora roreri in Theobroma cacao crops in Latin America, a review of the current status 2020-2023

Cocoa moniliasis, caused by Moniliophthora roreri, is one of the most important diseases limiting cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) productivity and quality in Latin America, causing yield losses of up to 80% without integrated management. This review aimed to synthesize recent evidence (2020–2023) on biocontrol strategies in Latin America, identifying the main microbial agents, their effectiveness, and their feasibility for sustainable disease management. A systematic literature search of scientific and gray sources from regional and international databases was conducted, evaluating mechanisms of action, performance under laboratory and field conditions, and barriers to implementation. Findings show that fungi such as Trichoderma spp. and bacteria such as Bacillus spp. are the most studied biocontrol agents, acting through mycoparasitism, antibiosis, and resistance induction. However, significant gaps remain in technology transfer, large-scale field validation, and economic feasibility assessments. This review contributes to guiding applied research and integrated management policies, emphasizing the need for comparative studies and cost–benefit analyses to strengthen biocontrol adoption and reduce reliance on chemical fungicides.