Bacillus endophytes associated with Theobroma cacao L

Moniliasis, caused by the hemibiotrophic fungus Moniliophthora roreri H. C Evans et al. is an endemic disease that specifically attacks cocoa pods.It was first observed in 1817 in Colombia and was reported in Ecuador in 1916, causing losses estimated at 50-80% of total annual production.The disease is found in the Americas, affecting cocoa-producing countries except Brazil and the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean. Considering the risk of introduction of this disease, this monograph was prepared to provide updated technical information on some of the most important aspects related to moniliasis, its causal agent and the use of endophytic bacteria of the genus Bacillus as an alternative biological control measure.Finally, practical recommendations for the management of the disease, such as the use of Bacillus sp.33 and B. amiloliquefaciens 24 bacteria in field conditions, are given.