Epidemiology and Management Strategies of Cocoa black pod (Phytophthora spp.)

Abstract

Pathogens of the Straminipile genus Phytophthora cause widespread disease fatalities to worldwide cocoa productivity. Phytophthora megakarya sources substantial pod rot and losses due to canker in West Africa, although Phytophthora capsici and Phytophthora citrophthora cause pod decays in Central and South America. The universal and extremely destructive Phytophthora palmivora bouts entirely parts of the cocoa tree at all phases of the rising cycle in Ethiopia. This pathogen causes 20 to 30% pod damages through black pod rot, and kills up to 10% of trees annually through stem cankers. Phytophthora palmivora has a multipart disease cycle linking several causes of primary inoculum and numerous modes of distribution of subordinate inoculum. This consequences in explosive increases during suitable environmental conditions. The feast of local pathogens must be prohibited by effective quarantine fences. Opposition to all these Phytophthora species is characteristically low in commercial cocoa genotypes production. Disease losses can be abridged through combined management practices that comprise pruning and shade management, leaf covering, regular and complete picking, hygiene and pod case removal, suitable fertilizer application and targeted fungicide usage. Wrapping these options to convalesce uptake by smallholders presents a main challenge for the industry.