Frosty Pod Rot, disease that affects the cocoa (Theobroma cacao) crops in Colombia

Frosty Pod Rot, caused by Moniliophthora roreri (Cif. & Par.) Evans et al. (1986), is considered the main pathogenic factor affecting the cocoa crops in Colombia and in other Central and South America countries. In this paper we present relevant characteristics of the disease with emphasis on the symptomatology, the life cycle and epidemiologic elements setting out the ground for its control. We also mention the results of three successful experiences in Colombia (the number of diseased pods obtained was the lowest) using strict removal of affected pods beginning once a week during the first three months and then every harvesting round as the main procedure of cultural control. The removed pods were discarded on the ground.