ABSTRACT
Advances in pest-and disease-resistant cocoa varieties Christian Cilas and Olivier Sounigo, CIRAD, France; Bruno Efombagn and Salomon Nyassé, Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD), Cameroon; Mathias Tahi, CNRA, Côte d’Ivoire; and Sarah M. Bharath, Meridian Cacao, USA
1 Introduction
2 History of diseases and pests of cocoa
3 Assessment of resistance
4 Breeding for Phytophthora disease resistance
5 Conclusion
6 References
The deforestation seen in most cacao-producing countries has now reached limits that are unsustainable. Securing cacao supplies will require better management of current cultivation. Such sustainable management will require rational control of the main threats to cocoa health: pests and diseases. Currently, agroforestry systems are developed and could help to prevent certain pest and disease constraints, but these systems need improvement, particularly the use of adapted plant material. Improving resistance in planting material is the main way of improving crop protection and reducing pesticide use.
