Vascular Streak Dieback Disease Research Articles

Traits of farming practice affecting vascular streak dieback disease on cacao in Central Sulawesi

Traits of farming practice affecting vascular streak dieback disease on cacao in Central Sulawesi

The Role of Leaf Nutrients in Vascular Streak Dieback Disease in Cocoa Plants (Theobroma cacao L.)

Background: Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is an important disease in cocoa and a decrease in nutrient supply is indicated to increase the severity of this disease. This study aimed to analyze the direct and indirect effects of nutrients that play a role in protecting cocoa plants from VSD. Methods: The research location was selected based on criteria such as being a smallholder cocoa plantation area, having 5-10-year-old plants and the presence of VSD disease. A sampling technique for observing disease severity was systematically conducted, with the main sample being farmers’ plantations. Cocoa leaf samples were taken from branches at one-third of the plant height, specifically from the upper canopy (leaves 3-4), which were physiologically mature, healthy and dark green. The variables observed were disease severity and cocoa leaf nutrient contents. The influence of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, B, Cu and Zn on VSD severity was analyzed using path analysis. Result: The results showed that disease severity was related to nutrient content in the leaves. The cocoa leaf nutrients that have a direct influence on the increase in VSD disease severity are K, Ca, Mn and Cu, while nutrients N, P, Mg, Fe, B and Zn have a direct influence on reducing VSD disease severity. Nutrients N and P have a significant direct influence, whereas nutrient K has a significant indirect influence through its interaction with nutrients N and P in reducing VSD disease severity.

Effectiveness of Trichoderma spp. secondary metabolites formulation in controlling vascular streak dieback of cacao

Vascular-streak dieback (VSD) is the main disease of the cacao plant caused by Ceratobasidium theobromae. The VSD disease can potentially reduce cacao yields by up to 45%. VSD control using secondary metabolites of Trichoderma spp. can suppress the disease incidence in the field. The research aimed to study the effectiveness of secondary metabolites of Trichoderma spp. in controlling VSD diseases in field conditions. This research performed in cacao fields owned by a farmer in Rahmat Village, Palolo Subdistrict, Sigi Regency, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, that were infested by VSD. Treatments were applied using a randomized block design and replicated 5 times with 10 plants of each. The formulations used in the treatment were; liquid of T. virens, liquid of T. amazonicum, powder of T. virens, powder of T. amazonicum, granulates T. virens, granulates T. amazonicum, chemical fungicide (as a comparison), and control. The liquid formula formulated with molasses as carrier material, the granulate formula used zeolite, compost, and peat, whereas the powder formula used lactose. The liquid formula was applied through root infusion, granulated formula was sprinkled around the rooting area, and the powder by spraying on all parts of the plants. The observation was about the infection symptom, disease incidence, and cacao production/yield. The result showed that T. virens and T. amazonicum secondary metabolites can suppress the disease incidence of VSD by 8.61–19.50% and improve cacao production by 12.19-37.01%. The most effective formulation suppressing the disease’s incidence is a liquid formula applied through root infusion.

TRADITIONAL CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES OF COCOA PLANTS AND THE UTILIZATION TURMERIC EXTRACT BECOME VEGETABLE PESTICIDES FOR MANAGING VASCULAR STREAK DIEBACK (VSD)

The cocoa plant is the main ingredient in the manufacture of chocolate and its de-rivative products. The demand for cocoa derivative products is always high in line with the globalization of food and beverages made from chocolate. Traditional co-coa cultivation techniques are the main priority for farmers and the handling of Vascular Streak dieback (VSD) pests is a top priority for farmers. The purpose of this service is to improve the economy of cocoa farmers in Poli-Polia Village, Poli-Polia District, East Kolaka Regency. The method used is discussion, practice and demonstration material. The results of the shoot grafting technique for cacao seed-lings and the manufacture of organic fertilizers increase the productivity of cocoa plants and the results of turmeric extract can directly deal with VSD diseases that attack cocoa plants. In practice, the method of processing and the efficacy of tur-meric extract is the cause of not developing VSD disease in cocoa plants. On the other hand, cocoa yields can be sold at a high value based on training in harvesting techniques and how to improve the quality of cocoa beans.

Flush characteristics of several cocoa genotypes different in resistant to vascular streak dieback

Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is one of the main diseases on cocoa that can cause a decrease in production and even death on susceptible plants. The use of selection criteria is very important in the selection process at the seedling phase, young plants and even mature plants in order to support the breeding process of resistant varieties. The aim of the study was to determine the characteristics of flush including flush color, stomata characters and duration of flush color change to green or towards mature leaves as one of the selection indicators for VSD resistance in cocoa. The research was conducted at Kaliwining Experimental Station, Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute, Jember, Indonesia. Study of flush color and stomata characters was conducted using a randomized complete block design consisting of four cocoa genotypes with different levels of resistance, classified as resistant to VSD disease (Sulawesi 1, PNT 16) and as susceptible (BCL and BL 50). Each clone was repeated three times and each replication consisted of three plant samples. Flush color duration study was carried out on six cocoa genotypes as treatments, three genotypes with resistant to VSD (PNT 16, Scavina 12, Sulawesi 1) and three genotypes as susceptible to VSD (BL 50, BCL, Criollo 22). Each treatment was repeated three times and each replication consisted of three plant samples. The results showed that the resistant genotypes showed a tendency to have lower chlorophyll and anthocyanin content than the susceptible ones. The stomata character in the resistant genotypes was not different than the susceptible ones, however, the resistant genotype showed that the stomata density at flush tended to be lower. The duration of flush color change to mature leaves (green) in resistant genotypes was significantly faster than susceptible genotypes.

Field screening of elite Cacao (Theobroma Cacao L.) clones to vascular streak dieback (VSD) disease as the selection criteria for planting materials

The field screening for VSD disease infection in four elite cocoa clones (KKM22, KKM4, PBC230, and MCBC1) was conducted after two years of transplanting. This study aimed to determine the efficient selection criteria for planting material of cocoa-based on the intensity of VSD disease and new shoot regeneration characteristics such as number, length, and diameter of new shoots after removal of the infected VSD twigs. Around half population (60%) of the trees were infected by the disease but the infection was minor and observed only on the leaf and twigs of 150 mm in length along the jorquette branches. The MCBC1 clone with a disease severity score of 1.82 is classified under the VSD disease resistance clone whereas other clones with a score averaging 2.21 are grouped under the moderately resistance clone. The cultural practice via pruning of all infected twigs (150 mm) was efficient to control the disease from spreading. One month after pruning, the MCBC1 from disease resistance clone had the lengthiest (62.3 mm) and thickest diameter (15.6 mm) of the new shoot compared with other clones. This study indicates the need for the screening of VSD disease in cocoa plantations so that the disease can be managed and controlled at the early stage of infection. This study also reported the first finding on using new shoot regeneration after pruning for the selection criterion of cocoa planting material in the future breeding programme.

In vitro growth induction of Ceratobasidium theobromae, the causal agent of cacao Vascular Streak Dieback disease

Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) disease, caused by Ceratobasidium theobromae, has devastated cacao plants in Indonesia and other countries. However, there is limited information on the biology of the fungus, including mass propagation method. This study aimed to find a technique in inducing the growth of C. theobromae as inoculum sources. The stages of research were sampling the plant cacao tissue infected by C. theobromae; induction of mycelia growth on infected cacao tissue using coconut water, glucose, and sucrose; and confirmation C. theobromae by morphology, pathogenicity test on cacao seedling, and genetic. We found characteristic symptoms of VSD disease in cocoa plantations marked by chlorosis in cocoa leaves and blackening of the node on the leaf petiole. The growth induction of C. theobromae could be performed using a 2% glucose solution. The hyaline hyphae, perpendicular branching of hyphae, and a dolipare septate were shown in the hyphae structure. Pathogenicity test of mycelia C. theobromae from infected plant tissue showed typical symptoms of VSD. Genetic confirmation by PCR method successfully amplified specific target DNA of C. theobromae resulted in ± 550 bp amplicon. The result could be performed to propagate C. theobromae inoculum for various purposes in studying VSD disease.

Role of Cocoa Clones and Endophyte Fungi in controlling VSD Disease in the Field

The fungus Ceratobasidium theobromae is the cause of vascular streak dieback (VSD) in cocoa. VSD disease can cause death in susceptible clones by more than 59%. The use of resistant cocoa clones and endophytic fungi can be an alternative for VSD disease control. The research objective was to evaluate cocoa clones and endophytic fungi to control VSD in the field. The experimental design used was a randomized block design with a factorial pattern. The first factor was cocoa clones, which consisted of clones 45 (K1) and 25 (K2), and the second factor was several types of endophytic fungi. The results showed an interaction between cacao clones and endophytic fungi isolates on the height and number of cocoa leaves. The two cacao clones tested could be naturally infected by C. theobromae without endophytic fungi, with disease incidence of VSD 5, 21% in K1, and 5.75% in K2. The two cocoa clones treated with endophytic fungi, i.e., Paecilomyces sp. EP1, Paecilomyces sp. EP2 and Paecilomyces sp. EP1 + Trichoderma sp.) did not show symptoms of VSD until 20 weeks after planting.

Microbial community occupying cocoa branch and petiole with vascular streak dieback disease symptoms

Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) disease caused by Ceratobasidium theobromae is the most severe emerging cocoa disease in Southeast Asia. Once the tree is infected, tree defoliation will occur as leaf senescence followed by leaf falls. VSD to have associated with endophytes. However, a fundamental question is whether a similar microbe inhabiting vascular tissue of branch and petiole is entire or patchy? The aim of research was to track and quantify microbial diversity associated with VSD symptoms occupying branches and petiole throughout the stem in different clones. The study focused on VSD symptoms expressing in local (Sulawesi 02), susceptible (RCC 70), and resistant (MCC 02) clones to VSD disease. Sample collection was conducted in Lili Riaja, Soppeng District. The 30 cm-branch with the attached petiole of interest was cut into small pieces 1 cm and transferred into water agar medium before submersion into 2.5% NaOCl for 3 minutes, 70% alcohol for 2 minutes and sterilized water for 1 minute. Morphological characterization followed by microscope check was determined to microbial genera. Eight different fungal communities occupying branch and/or petiole consisted of Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus sp., Moniliophthora sp., Lasiodiplodia sp., Curvularia sp. and one Oomycete Phytophthora palmivora. Among occupants in branch and petiole, Fusarium sp. and Colletotrichum sp. were the most frequent. Only one Oomycete Phytophthora palmivora occupying clone samples was found. The most diverse microbes were found to associate with Sulawesi 02 and RCC 70 clones, while fewer microbes were detected with MCC 02 clone.

Potential and Stability of Promising Fine Flavor Cocoa Clones in Different Seasons:

The intensity of vascular streak dieback (VSD) disease is one of the major causes of decreased fine flavor cocoa production in Indonesia; therefore, it is essentialto develop superior planting materials resistant to this disease. The purpose of the study was to conduct initial identification of yield potential and resistancelevel to VSD disease in several promising clones of fine flavor cocoa and to identify bean quality profile. This study was conducted at Kaliwining Experimental Station, Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute, Jember, Indonesia, with an altitude of 45 m above sea level (asl.) and C climate type, according to the Schmidt-Ferguson classification system. The study design used a complete randomized block design consisting of 13 promising clones and 3 superior clones of fine flavor cocoa as control. Each treatment was repeated 4 times in blocks, and each plot consisted of 5 plants. The results showed that PNT 16 was potential to be developed as a superior promising clone of fine flavor cocoa with high yield potential (66.6 pods/ tree/year equal to 2.52 kg dry bean/tree/year) and low VSD level (VSD score: 0.4) in first year of production (4 years old after planting). The superior promising clone of PNT 16 comprises of 35.1 beans per pod with good quality, weighed by 1.25 g/bean, and a higher percentage of white seeds above 80% (94.9%). Furthermore, the specifications of the main flavor attributes are similar to ICCRI 09 and dominated by the browned roasted, nutty and browned fruit aroma. Therefore, the clone has the potential to be developed as one of the special cocoa products.

The capability of Trichoderma asperellum in suppressing vascular streak diseases on five different cocoa clones

Trichoderma asperellum is a potential biocontrol agent against vascular streak dieback disease (VSD) on cocoa. In this research, we evaluated the suppress capacity of the fungus combined with composted plant residues against the VSD disease on five cocoa clones: S1, MCC 02, AP, THR, and RB. According to VSD development observed in six months, Sulawesi 1 was considered as less sensitive, MCC 02 was moderate resistant, AP was resistant, THR was susceptible, and RB was moderate resistant. The disease incidence on these five clones was 32.9%, 31.0%, 27.9%, 39.9%, and 26.6%, respectively three months post-application and each of this incidence were significantly different (p ≤ 0.05) with the control. While, the efficacy of application was 60.1%, 55.2%, 49.9%, 75.6%, and 37,6%, respectively. These data indicated that capability of T. asperellum in suppressing VSD disease depends on the clone and lowest on the resistant clone.

First report of vascular streak dieback symptom of cocoa caused by Ceratobasidium theobromae in Barru District, South Sulawesi

The cause of vascular streak dieback disease, Ceratobasidium theobromae is an economic important cocoa pathogen wherever it attacks and therefore its spread poses a high attention to develop cocoa industry. One of National Islands facing the disease constraint is Sulawesi that many cocoa areas are infected by the pathogen. Understanding a source of pathogen infection in the cocoa farm by investigating specific signs of green chlorotic lesion followed by necrotic leaf and brown streaking within vascular layer is a common method. However, this method is not fully correct since the co-infection phenomenon, secondary fungal pathogens associated with the symptom, has occurred in the field and therefore, the need for detecting accurately by a molecular approach is a highly recommended. This paper will reveal the presence of VSD symptom and pathogen in the new cocoa areas, Barru district before suggestion way of limiting pathogen distribution to new areas was undertaken. Testing the presence of VSD disease pathogen was confirmed with PCR analysis using a pair of specific primers for C. theobromae; Than_ITS1 (forward) and Than_ITS2 (revers). The finding suggests that the signs of VSD disease symptom and pathogen were found to spread in nine villages in Barru district.

Effect of combination of biofertilizer and nanobiopesticide citronella against mosaic disease on patchouli plant

Nanobiopesticide citronella (Nano-BC) at 1% concentration was effectively reduced the intensity of mosaic disease and yield loss ranging from 23 to 43%. The mixed formulation of Serratia marsescens AR1 and Pseudomonas fluorescens LPK1-9 with cow manure (15 kg/tree) and 0.1% nanobiopesticide citronella were able to reduce 20 to 25% the intensity of vascular streak dieback disease (VSD). The combination between biofertilizer and Nano-BC is assumed to be able to reduce the intensity of patchouli mosaic virus and its insect vector and increase the resistance of patchouli plants to the disease. The objective of this study was to obtain a dose of biofertilizer (0, 100, 200, 300 g) and 1% Nano-BC that effectively controlling patchouli mosaic disease and their vectors in the field. Research was conducted on patchouli var Sidikalang at Laing Experimental Garden, Solok from January to December 2018. Application of 1% Nano-BC and 300 g biofertilizer per plant showed as the best combination to reduce the incidence and intensity of patchouli mosaic disease in the field. In addition, the highest content of P2O5 was 39.00 ppm available in the soil, in which the efficacy rate ranged from 9.37 to 12.47%.

Evaluating the ability of endophyte fungus to tontrol VSD diseases in cocoa seeding

The use of endophytic fungus is one of the effective ways to control Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD)-Ceratobasidium theobromae the in cocoa plants both preventively and curatively. The study aimed to evaluate the potential of several endophytic fungus isolates to reduce the incidence of VSD at the seedling level. This research was carried out in a completely randomized design (CRD) with eight endophytic fungus isolates as treatment, namely 1) Paecilomyces sp. EP1* isolate; 2) Paecilomyces sp. EP1 isolate; 3) Cladosporium sp.; 4) Nigrospora sp.; 5) Paecilomyces sp. EP isolate; 6) Paecilomyces sp. EP8 isolate; 7) Fungicide and 8) distilled water as a control. The results showed that endophytic fungi Paecilomyces Ep1* from cacao petiole was the best inhibitor of VSD disease (0%), and was able to increase the growth of plant height and stem diameter of cocoa plants.

Dynamic of Vascular Streak Dieback Disease Incidence on Susceptible Cacao Treated with Composted Plant Residues and Trichoderma asperellum in Field

Trichoderma asperellum, composted plant residues, and its combination can control vascular-streak dieback (VSD) disease caused by fungus Ceratobasidium theobromae in laboratory conditions. In this trial, we evaluated these treatments in two years through the application of foliar spraying and stem infusion for T. asperellum alone, through soil amendment for compost alone, and T. asperellum plus this organic fertilizer in the field on susceptible cacao clone. The disease is characterized by full-leaf chlorosis and necrosis that can develop rapidly to the entire branch, with around 70% incidence in seven months, and we detected the pathogen in branches showing light symptoms. All treatments except for T. asperellum plus composted plant residues three and seven months post application did not have any impact on the reduction of VSD incidence in the first year. In the second year, we observed a significant reduction of the disease by both T. asperellum in combination with compost and compost alone in a time span of three to seven months, and with T. asperellum spraying and infusion in a time span of five to seven months. By comparing to the control, the efficacy of these treatments in controlling the VSD disease seven months post-first application in the last year was 44.4%, 23.5%, 23.1%, and 15.1%, respectively. Detection of trees inoculated with T. asperellum indicated that this fungus was present in root and branch tissues except for treatment through infusions, while in the uninoculated trees, Trichoderma was not present or was present at a very low level. These data showed that combination of T. asperellum and composted plant residues applied through soil amendment was able to control VSD disease effectively and could potentially be used at large scale to control this disease and other diseases infesting aerial parts of cacao, and to improve soil fertility.

Fungal Pathogens Associated with Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) Disease on Cacao in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province

Cacao is one of the pre-eminent crops plantation with high economic value. Indonesia's cacao beans production is the third largest in the world after Ivory Coast and Ghana. Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) is one of the important diseases of cacao which caused a decreased yield either in quantity or quality. The disease is caused by the basidiomycete fungus Ceratobasidium theobromae (syn. Oncobasidium theobromae). Spores are carried by wind to spread, infect young leaves and penetrate through natural openings and colonize xylem vessel which could inhibit the transportation system in the plant tissue. There are several fungal pathogens associated with VSD diseases on cacao. This research aimed to study the fungi associate with VSD diseases on cacao in Special Region of Yogyakarta Province. Survey and sampling were conducted in cacao plantations in regencies of Gunungkidul, Kulon Progo, Bantul and Sleman. The severity of VSD disease in the regencies of Gunungkidul and Kulon Progo were high, while in the regencies of Sleman and Bantul were moderate. Eighty eight fungal isolates were isolated from infected petiole and stem. The in vitro pathogenicity test screened 32 fungal isolates causing necrotic and chlorotic symptoms on young healthy cacao leaves with and without wounding. The first symptoms appeared at 8-12 days after inoculation and fungal mycelium could grow at 1−3 days after inoculation. Those isolates collected showed a high diversity of colony morphology. Lasiodiplodia sp., Fusarium sp., Colletotrichum sp., and Pestalotiopsis sp. had been identified based on conidial morphology.

Endophytic fungi associated with cacao branch and their potential for biocontrol vascular streak dieback disease on cacao seedling

Endophytic fungi are one of the agents to control phytopathogen both bacterial or fungi including dieback disease on cacao such as Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD). Ten fungal isolates that associated with a healthy branch of VSD resistant clone was applied to cacao seedling, the fungi were a Curvularia-like colony, a Fusarium-like colony, a Geotrichum-like colony, an Aspergillus-like colony, a Gliocladium-like colony, a Colletotrichum-like colony and four isolates indicates as mycelia sterilia fungi. Those fungi were applied at 2.5-old months cacao seedling of moderate to susceptible clone against VSD, and 30 days after inoculation of those fungi, the seedling was applied with a bunch of mycelia emerged from infected branch that mix with water using mixer appliance and then the seedling was exposed at open area surrounded by infested cacao tree. The disease incidence was recorded started at 30 and then 60, 90 and 120 days after inoculation of the pathogen and exposed. The result of study shows that the disease appeared increasing gradually and 120 days fungus Curvularia-like colony exhibited lower incidence followed by Copper fungicide, Mycelia sterilia 1, Gliocladium-like colony, Fusarium-like colony, Geotrichum-like colony, Mycelia sterilia 3, Colletotrichum-like colony, Aspergillus-like colony, control (no application), Mycelia sterilia 2, Mycelia sterilia 4 with percentage of 3.0, 8.3, 9.5, 11.3, 15.8, 18.0, 19.0, 19.3, 21.3, 26.5, 30.5, respectively. The result indicates that some fungi associated with VSD resistant clone were able to prevent VSD to develop and causing symptoms.

Role of Exogenous Salicylic Acid and Benzoic Acid Applications to Vascular Streak Dieback Disease Attack on Cocoa Seedlings

Currently, vascular streak dieback (VSD) attacks have widespread in areas ofthe center of cocoa (Theobroma cacaoL.) production, especially inSulawesi. Salicylic acid and benzoic acid are part of phenol compounds reportedlyacts as bioimmunoregulator in increasing of plant resistance to that pathogen. The objec-tiveof this research was to investigate effect of exogenous salicylic acid and benzoic acid applications to VSD disease attack on cocoa seedlings. The research was conducted at Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute,Jember, East Java. This experiment designed using randomized completely block design with three replications. The treatments included concentrations of salicylic acid in 0.5 mMol, 1 mMol, 2 mMol; benzoic acid with concentration 0.5 mMol, 1 mMol,2 mMol; and control (water spray). Observations were based on the incidence and severity damage of disease, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, stelate trichome, chlorophyll, width and length of stomatal apperture, and number of stomata. Exogenoussalicylic acid and benzoic acid as phytohormone can reduce disease insidence and severity of VSD. In conclusion, our results indicated that exogenous salicylic acid and benzoic promoted stomatal closure in cocoa leaf by decreasing width-stomatal closure. Salicylic and benzoic acid had no effect to plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, length of stomatal apperture, number of stomata, and number of stelate trichome.

Effectiveness of several dosage formula of oil and nano emulsion of citronella against vascular streak dieback (VSD) disease on cocoa

The disease of Vascular streak dieback (VSD) is a deadly disease of cocoa plants, because it attacks the vascular tissue of cocoa at growing point of the plant. In West Sumatra the disease was first reported in 2015 with an incidence of disease range 58.82% - 100% and an intensity of disease range 24.29% - 44.7%. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of dosage application of oil formula and nano emulsion of citronella formula against Vascular streak dieback (VSD) disease on cocoa plants in West Sumatra (in Padang Pariaman District and Limapuluh Kota District). The results showed that the percentage of VSD disease attacks in both testing sites was 100%. The oil and nano emulsion of citronella formulas can reduce the intensity of VSD disease on cocoa plants in West Sumatra, particularly in Padang Pariaman District and Limapuluh Kota District. The reduction of VSD intensity in Padang Pariaman district ranged from 8.32 to 21.13%; while in Limapuluh Kota district ranged from 4.33 to 11.80%. The nano emulsion of citronella formulation is effective to suppress the intensity of VSD disease on cocoa plants at doses 0.1% (≥ 30% of effectiveness level).

Potential of Trichoderma spp. Secondary Metabolite in Controlling Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) on Cacao Seedlings

<p class="Default">Trichoderma<em> spp. is a beneficial microbe that produces bioactive molecules (secondary metabolites) containing antibiotics, enzymes, hormones, as well as toxins, which play an important role in plant diseases biocontrol. The research aimed to determine the potential of secondary metabolite </em>Trichoderma<em> spp. to control vascular streak dieback disease in cacao seedlings. The research was conducted in Plant Protection Laboratory of Indonesian Industrial and Beverage Crops Research Institute (IIBCRI) and farmers' garden in Balubus village, Lima Puluh Kota, West Sumatera, from April to August 2016. The research used a complete randomized design of 7 treatments using 5 replications, each treatment with 5 plants. The treatment was a secondary metabolite of </em>T. virens<em> LP1, </em>T. hamatum<em> LP2, </em>T. amazonicum<em> LP3, </em>T. atroviride<em> JB2, and </em>T. viride<em> PRD, control (no secondary metabolite), and chemical fungicide as comparison. The 3 months old cacao seedlings were treated with secondary metabolite of </em>Trichoderma<em> spp. by spraying the metabolite suspension throughout the leaf surface. The secondary metabolite applied once a week for 6 times. </em>C. theobromae <em>inoculation was conducted naturally by placing cacao seedlings under a cacao tree infected with VSD. Observations were incubation period, VSD intensity, and growth of cacao seedlings. The results showed that secondary metabolites potentially utilized for controlling VSD in cacao seedlings. The most potential secondary metabolites are </em>T. amazonicum<em> LP3 and </em>T. virens<em> LP1 with respective disease suppression up to 81.8% and 63.2% or higher than and equivalent chemical fungicide (63.6%), and can increase plants height, number of leaves, and girth diameter.</em></p>