Management of Phytophthora pod rot disease on cocoa farms in Ghana

From 1991 to 1997, field observations on trials involving the use of metalaxyl and copper-based fungicides were made on farmers' farms in four Phytophthora megakarya affected cocoa growing regions of Ghana to control Phytophthora pod rot disease. Data on farm management practices, cocoa and shade tree types and densities, plot sizes, yield, land tenure and tabour arrangements for farm operations, disease incidence and profitability of disease control were collected. Lower disease incidence and higher yields were recorded on fungicide-treated plots than on the untreated plots. The profitability of fungicide application depended on the level of farm management, nature of land tenure and labour arrangements for farm operations. The challenges involved in conducting trials with active participation by farmers are discussed. The involvement of farmers in the development of disease control programmes is crucial for subsequent adoption of the technology. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.