Cacao swollen shoot virus (CSSV group/Badnavirus)

The Cacao swollen shoot virus (caused by Badnavirus zetainflatheobromae) is a severe plant disease affecting cocoa trees (Theobroma cacao). It is classified within the Badnavirus genus and is responsible for significant economic losses in the cocoa industry globally.

The virus primarily targets cocoa trees, disrupting normal growth processes. In many cases, infected plants act as reservoirs for the virus, remaining asymptomatic for long periods while continuously spreading the pathogen to neighboring healthy trees.

Symptoms of the disease manifest as characteristic vein clearing, yellow mosaic patterns on leaves, and characteristic swelling of stems and roots. Over time, the virus causes dieback, pod malformation, and a drastic reduction in total cocoa bean yield per tree.

Transmission of the virus is largely mediated by insect vectors, specifically mealybugs, which feed on the sap of infected trees and carry the viral particles to healthy ones. The movement of nursery plants and the use of contaminated vegetative cuttings also play a critical role in disease dispersal.

• Strict quarantine measures for plant movement.
• Regular inspection of plantations for symptomatic trees.
• Removal and destruction of infected cocoa trees.
• Biological and chemical control of mealybug populations.
• Breeding and planting of virus-resistant cocoa varieties.