cocoa pod black rot (IMAGE)

Penn State

cocoa pod black rot

Caption

The fungal disease black pod rot, shown here in cacao seed pods, is a serious problem in all areas of the world where the crop is grown. Caused by the fungus Phytophthora, black pod rot causes pod losses of up to 30% and kills as many as 10% of the trees annually. Researchers hope to breed disease-resistant trees, and finding the cacao flowering gene promises to speed up their efforts.

Credit

PlantVillage, Penn State

Usage Restrictions

non commercial use only

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.