By Abugri Amos
Farmers in the “Komegya,” “Aberenkuwa,” Asuaefu Nkwata, and “Munimuni” farming areas within Ashanti Akim Juansa, part of the Ashanti Region , are deeply concerned about the devastation caused by black pod disease during the 2023 main crop season. This concern arises from consistent rainfall and the unavailability of fungicides.
This information was shared by farmers during a weeding event organized by the “Komegya” Cocoa Farmers Group on September 23, 2023.
The farmers explained that the disease spread significantly due to continuous rainfall in July and August this year, exacerbated by the lack of fungicides in the market for spraying to prevent its spread.
Furthermore, Ambawin Mohammed, who also serves as the ‘man spray gang’ officer, speaking to Ghanaian Watch in an interview at Juansa disclosed that the government provided only a two-month supply of fungicides for the season, which is insufficient for effective disease control.
The farmers have expressed their desire for the government to make fungicides readily available, accessible, and affordable in the market throughout the year, enabling them to protect their cocoa crops from black pod disease.
They are also appealing for support from the government and other organizations because they purchased fertilizers and chemicals on credit, and now, with their crops destroyed, it’s challenging for them to make payments and acquire new supplies for their farms.
As a news reporter, I conducted a discreet visit to their farms on September 24th and 25th, 2023, confirming that their cocoa fruits have indeed rotted.
Reliable sources have confirmed that in previous years, the government’s ‘man spray gangs’ used to spray crops for at least three (3) months and sometimes distributed fungicides to farmers for self-spraying.
Black pod disease, caused by a fungus known as Phytophthora palmivora, infects various parts of cocoa trees, including pods, flower cushions, young shoots, stems, and roots. It primarily occurs during the rainy season and spreads through rain splash. During dry conditions, such as the dry season, the fungus cannot thrive or infect cocoa.
Infection can occur at any stage of pod growth and appears initially as circular brown spots that rapidly expand to cover the entire pod. In wet conditions, the fungus grows and reproduces, causing the spots to develop a dingy white appearance. Infected pods eventually turn blackish, dry up, and become mummified, emitting a distinct fishy odor.
Cocoa trees flower and produce pods during the rainy season, which coincides with ideal conditions for disease spread. Therefore, it is advisable to apply fungicides during critical periods between flowering and pod maturity. Typically, flowering begins in July or August, young pods form in September, and they mature in October or November, depending on seasonal rainfall.
To control black pod disease effectively, farmers can consider the following measures:
1. Use recommended Trinidad Selected Hybrids (TSH) known for high yields and disease tolerance.
2. Remove and destroy infected pods to prevent further fungal spread.
3. Implement weed control, recommended spacing, and shade management to improve airflow and reduce humidity.
4. Construct and maintain drains to prevent excess water accumulation.