Theory question 106
Crop HusbandryDiscuss the production of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) under the following headings:
(a) land preparation;
(b) climatic requirements;
(c) planting;
(d) one disease.
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(a) Choose deep, well-drained loamy forest soil; clear the bush, leaving some shade trees; stump, and line out and peg the field; plant temporary shade such as plantain or cocoyam.
(b) High rainfall of about 1,250–2,500 mm well distributed; temperature about 21–32 °C; high relative humidity; shade when young; protection from strong wind.
(c) Raise seedlings in nursery (polythene bags) for 4–6 months; transplant at the start of the rains; spacing about 3 m × 3 m (or 2.5 m × 2.5 m); seeds may also be sown at stake.
(d) Any one disease with details, e.g. black pod disease: caused by the fungus Phytophthora palmivora; pods show brown/black patches and rot; spread by rain splash and wet conditions; control by removing infected pods, spraying copper fungicides and regular harvesting. (Or swollen shoot virus: swollen stems, spread by mealybugs; control by cutting out infected trees and controlling mealybugs.)
For the disease give the cause, symptoms and control.