Cocoa pests and their control

Abstract

There are probably more insects associated with cocoa Theobroma cacao than with any other tropical or temperate crop. In Papua New Guinea, over 300 different insects have been recorded from cocoa trees, but fortunately only very few of these are considered pests. Throughout the country, the two greatest cocoa problems are Pantorhytes weevils and black pod disease, although vascular streak dieback disease can be a very serious threat to cocoa growing in many areas.