A comparison of fungicides for the control of the black pod disease of cocoa caused by Phytophthora palmivora (Butl.) Butl. in Ghana

Kocide and Perecol were the most effective of six chemicals tested in protecting pods of cocoa against secondary infection by Phytophthora palmivora. Compared with unsprayed plots (controls), Kocide reduced infection from an average of 21.5 percent for the year to 6.3 percent. The other fungicides tested also reduced secondary infection but to a less extent. Kocide and Cela Ca 6904 were more effective than the instant Bordeaux Mixture used. The systemic nature of Aureofungin was not evident but a need for higher rates of application is indicated. P. palmivora remained the most important fungal pathogen on cocoa pods. Botryodiplodia theobromae, Trachysphaera fructigena and Fusarium spp were the primary pathogens of the other fungal pod diseases observed. Of these Fusarium was the most important