First report of Phytophthora black pod disease of cocoa spread by Iridomyrmex cordatus in Sulawesi: A dilemma about predatory insect for cocoa pest control

Abstract

Abstract While implementing biological control agent driven from predatory insect to retain an ecological population balance of main cocoa pest, has become popular in environment, the unforeseen consequence of this technique is due to uncontrolled insect behaviour, a potential spread of a major cocoa disease-Phytophthora black pod and stem cancer, caused by a superior oomycete Phytophthora palmivora species and this attempt poses a difficult dilemma. This paper will investigate potential risk of insect ant species and explain its behaviour in transmitting cocoa disease to new trees before suggestion way to diminish negative impact and to improve a specific and selective management of cocoa pests and diseases.