Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease Control Unit

The Advisory Service

The Advisory Service involves teaching farmers the correct way to establish and maintain cocoa and coffee farms for optimum yield. Recommendations for the establishment of farms include optimum crop density, establishment of adequate temporary and permanent shade, and weed control.

Agronomic practices recommended for mature cocoa include spraying of insecticides against capsids (Akate) in August, September, October and December, control of overhead shade, mistletoe removal, removal of unwanted basal chupons, spraying fungicides against Black Pod disease and the regular harvesting, pod breaking, fermentation and drying of beans.