Perspectives on cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) management in Ghana

The cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) caused by the Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV) has for many years been a major constraint to cocoa (Theobroma cacao) production in West Africa. The virus (CSSV) is a member of the Badnavirus (bacilliform DNA virus) genus and is semi-persistently transmitted through the feeding action of several mealybug species (Pseudococcidae, Homoptera). Its severest types could substantially reduce yield by about 70% and even cause death of cocoa trees within 2–3 years of infection at all stages of cocoa growth. Although the virus was first identified in the Eastern region of Ghana, it is now very devastating in the Western region where the bulk of Ghana's cocoa is produced and has also been reported in other West African cocoa producing nations such as Cote D'Ivoire, Togo and Nigeria. Over the years, the disease has been managed in Ghana using the “cutting out method” with the aim to remove scatter infections serving as sources of inoculum to help limit spread to only outbreak areas and also replant farms with tolerant cocoa hybrids as well as controlling the vectors. However, some of these control methods has encountered many challenges leading to opposition from farmers and intermittent stoppages. The high prevalence of the virus has been attributed to failure to adequately eliminate scatter infections and also control the vectors. The need to discuss some of the challenges affecting the management of the disease and the resultant high occurrence of the virus across the cocoa regions is considered very important. This paper therefore puts into perspectives some of the challenges associated with CSSVD management and discusses reasons for the increased spread of the disease. The paper concludes with recommendations to support integrated management of the virus and vectors to sustain cocoa production in West Africa.