The current status of the pink disease ( Corticium salmonicolor) of cocoa in Papua New Guniea: A Review.

Abstract

The Pink disease caused by Corticium salmonicolor (Berk.& Broome) is increasing in prominence in some cocoa growing areas in Papua New Guinea. The characteristic symptoms, its distribution, host plants, aetiology and epidemiology are discussed. The need for hygienic cultural treatment of individual tree is stressed. The localization of the conditions of the disease in restricted areas is attributed to the local environment and the prior existence of the pathogen on other host plants. It was once a relatively insignificant cocoa disease but is now becoming more prominent in some parts of Papua New Guinea. It can be locally severe in young cocoa requiring thorough and careful treatment.