
cacao diseases
Cacao diseases are harmful conditions that affect cacao trees, which produce cocoa beans for chocolate. Notable diseases include "black pod," caused by a fungus that rots the pods, and "witches' broom," a fungal infection that alters the tree's growth and yields. These diseases pose significant threats to cacao production, leading to reduced harvests and economic losses for farmers. Effective management includes practices like crop rotation, resistant cacao varieties, and careful monitoring to protect cacao health and ensure a sustainable chocolate supply.