The objective of this work was to compare methods for characterizing the resistance of cacao (Theobroma cacao) to black pod (Phytophthora palmivora). The methods of disease scores, intensity of infection index and disease index were evaluated. Leaf discs of 103 genotypes were infected with 0.2 mL of a suspension with 3x10(5) zoospores of P. palmivora per milliliter, and symptoms were evaluated by the three methods. Three evaluations (replicates) composed by 20 discs each were carried out for every genotype. The disease index method was the most efficient to characterize the cacao resistance to P. palmivora.
Phytophthora palmivora; Theobroma cacao; disease scores; index of disease; intensity of infection; pathometry
