Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease Control Unit

CAPSID Control

Capsids are insects which attack cocoa trees, feed on the young branches and cause an estimated crop loss of up to about 30%. Confidor 200SL and Cocostar EC are currently the insecticides recommended for the control of capsid.

The two insecticides are used alternately, being replaced after two years of use in a given locality, so as to break the possible resistance build-up in the insect population. The cocoa growing areas of Ghana have been divided into two zones for convenience, namely the Northern Zone which comprises the Brong Ahafo and Ashanti Regions, and the Southern Zone comprising the Central, Eastern, Western and Volta Regions. Each Zone uses one particular insecticide for two years (seasons) and then switches over to the other insecticide.

Spraying against capsid begins in August in each year with two more applications at four-weekly intervals in September and October, followed by a last application in December. Besides the recommended spraying period, spot applications can be made when pocket infestations are detected.