IDENTIFIKASI PATOGEN PENYEBAB PENYAKIT DAN INTENSITAS SERANGAN PADA TANAMAN KAKAO (THEOBROMA CACAO L.) DI PERKEBUNAN COKLAT KABUPATEN KOLAKA, SULAWESI TENGGARA

Abstract

This study aims to identify pathogens that cause disease and determine the intensity of disease attacks on cocoa plants (Theobroma cacao L.) in smallholder plantations in Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. The study was conducted in April 2026 on a 1-hectare smallholder cocoa plantation using a descriptive observational method through field surveys. The study population consisted of 150 cocoa plants planted in 2002. Data collection was carried out through direct observation, identification of disease symptoms, and documentation in the field. Observed variables included the type of disease, the number of infected plants, the affected plant organs, and the level of disease attack intensity. Data analysis was carried out descriptively by calculating the percentage of disease attack intensity. The results showed that the diseases found in cocoa plants were fruit rot caused by Phytophthora palmivora, stem cancer caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae, VSD (Vascular Streak Dieback) caused by Oncobasidium theobromae, and anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Pod rot disease had the highest incidence rate, with 125 trees affected and an attack intensity of 83.3%, categorized as very severe. Stem canker disease had an attack intensity of 63.3%, VSD 53.3%, categorized as severe. Anthracnose had an attack intensity of 30%, categorized as moderate. Of the total plants observed, 25 had not yet shown any symptoms of disease. However, the high disease incidence rate at the study site indicates that even healthy plants are still susceptible to disease if optimal control and maintenance are not implemented.