Endophyte microorganisms associated to Theobroma cacao as biological control agents of Moniliophthora roreri

The present work was carried out with the objective of updating the state of existing information on the endophytic microorganisms associated with Theobroma cacao L., as agents of biological control of moniliasis, caused by Moniliophthora roreri Evans et al. It is summarized on the origin and evolution of the definitions of endophytic microorganisms, emphasizing the biological control of cocoa diseases with emphasis on moniliasis, one of the most important phytosanitary problems worldwide; as well as an assessment of their employment prospects. Fungal and bacterial endophytes have several mechanisms of action, which include direct competition for space and nutrients, antibiosis, mycoparasitism, induced systemic resistance and promotion of growth; functions that are part of the strategies for an effective and sustainable management of the frosty pod rot.