ASSESSING THE EFFICACY OF QUANTUM ION IN MANAGING COCOA BLACK POD DISEASE: IN VITRO AND IN VIVO STUDIES
Authors: Suhaida, S.1*, Safawi, M. I.2, Siaw, S.2, Azrul Aduka M. M.1 Nurafiza A.3 and Shari Fuddin S.4
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 17 2025
Keywords: Black pod, Phytopththora palmivora, quantum ion, in vitro, in vivo
Published On: 5/11/2025
Abstract
Cocoa black pod disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora poses a severe challenge to cocoa production, leading to significant yield losses and affecting the livelihoods of farmers. This aggressive pathogen infects cocoa pods, resulting in characteristic dark lesions, rapid decay, and eventual destruction of the pods, which compromises both quality and quantity of cocoa yields. Effective management strategies are urgently needed to mitigate its impact. This study evaluates the antifungal efficacy of Quantum Ion, a copper-based ionic solution, against P. palmivora through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro assays assessed mycelial inhibition on PDA amended with 1–200 ppm of Quantum Ion, while in vivo tests measured lesion suppression on cocoa pods treated with 20–2,000 ppm. The highest inhibition in vitro was observed at 200 ppm (100%), while in vivo, 2,000 ppm achieved 86.69% suppression. Lower concentrations were ineffective or promoted disease. These findings suggest that Quantum Ion could be an effective tool for integrated black pod disease management, pending further field validation.