Development and characterization of microsatellites for the cacao fungal pathogen Moniliophthora roreri

Authors: GRAMACHO, K.P. - Cocoa Research Center - Brazil; DE SOUZA, J.T. - Federal University - Brazil; SANTOS, R.M.F. - Cocoa Research Center - Brazil; Rehner, Stephen; SOLIS, K.H. - National Institute For Agricultural Research (INIAP); SUAREZ, C. - National Institute For Agricultural Research (INIAP); HEBBAR, P.K. - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Submitted to: Forest Pathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/4/2010
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Cacao is an important cash crop in Central and South America and a valuable food commodity in the United States and the global economy. The fungus Moniliophthora roreri, the causal agent of frosty pod disease of cacao, infects and destroys cacao fruits and threatens the production of cacao in South and Central America and the Caribbean. To better understand the genetic diversity of this disease-causing fungus, sensitive DNA markers were developed to distinguish individuals and populations. These genetic markers will be used by plant pathologists to investigate the origin, life history, and epidemic spread of this fungus as part of efforts to develop management strategies for this cacao disease.

Technical Abstract: Cacao is an important cash crop in Central and South America and a valuable food commodity in the United States and the global economy. The fungus Moniliophthora roreri infects and destroys cacao fruits and threatens the production of cacao in South and Central America and the Caribbean. To understand more about the genetic diversity of this fungus, microsatellite genetic markers were developed. These genetic markers will be used by plant pathologists to study the epidemic spread and the life history of this fungus to develop informed strategies to manage this cacao disease.