Saving Chocolate from Disaster: How Math Could Be the Answer to the Cacao Virus Crisis
Cacao Trees Under Threat
The Devastating Impact of Swollen Shoot Cacao Virus on Chocolate Production
CHOCOLATE lovers beware: the sweet indulgence is facing a bitter crisis as the swollen shoot cacao tree virus threatens global cocoa supplies.
The rapidly spreading swollen shoot cacao virus is casting a shadow over the future of chocolate production and prompting urgent action from experts and farmers.
The Threat to Chocolate Production
Mealybugs: The Pests Wiping Out Cocoa Trees in West Africa
Cacao trees in Ivory Coast and Ghana, West Africa, are being affected by the virus and destroying about 15-50% of the harvest.
The world’s chocolate supply comes from about 50% of the harvest in West Africa and the virus is a serious threat to it.
The Impact on Cacao Trees
The Connection Between Mealybugs and the Decline of Cacao Trees
In just a few years, Ghana has lost more than 254 million cacao trees.
The virus makes a cacao tree unhealthy which is also affecting the dried seeds which is where chocolate is made from.
A Promising Solution
Mathematical Models: A Ray of Hope for Cacao Trees
Researchers have had to get creative in their thinking for a solution to beat the mealybugs.
Chen-Charpentier discovered that mathematical data could help outsmart the pests.
The Future of Cacao Trees
Creative Solutions to Combat the Cacao Virus
He and colleagues who worked on the research developed a new strategy where farmers can plant a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated trees a certain lengths away from each other.
These models are exciting because they would help farmers protect their crops while helping them achieve a better harvest.