Response of Forty (40) High-Producing Cacao Genotypes to Cacao Swollen Shoot Disease

Abstract

Aims: Cocoa swollen shoot is a dreaded viral disease that is prevalent in the producing areas of West Africa. In Côte d'Ivoire, it undermines the sustainability of cocoa farming. Integrated pest management based on the use of disease-resistant or disease-tolerant plant material remains a sustainable solution. Place and Duration of Study: Integrated Pest Management Unit against Cocoa swollen shoot, Experimental greenhouse of Bouaflé, National Centre for Agronomic Research (CNRA). Methodology: Forty elite genotypes of cocoa trees selected from different populations in the Reciprocal Recurrent Selection program of Cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire were evaluated against strain D of Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus (CSSV). Five seedlings of each genotype were infected by patch grafting and observed for 5 months. Study Design: Plants are placed in a greenhouse in a completely random arrangement, with five repetitions. Results: Three cocoa genotypes (C77, C87 and C96) were free of disease symptoms and eight genotypes (C77, C87, C96, C3, C12, C26, C53 and C98) had the lowest infection scores. The disease significantly affected plant development and growth. Conclusion: Some genotypes selected within the Reciprocal Recurrent Selection program are promising for breeding against CSSV disease. These eight genotypes will be tested in a field environment to confirm their tolerance.