Devastating virus poses threat to world’s chocolate supply – News Center

A rapidly spreading virus is threatening the global supply of chocolate as it attacks cacao trees in Ghana, one of the world’s largest producers of cacao. The cacao swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) is spread by mealybugs, insects that feed on the leaves, buds, and flowers of the trees, resulting in harvest losses of up to 50%.

Benito Chen-Charpentier, a professor of mathematics at The University of Texas at Arlington, warns that the virus poses a significant threat to the chocolate industry. Despite efforts to combat the disease by cutting down infected trees and breeding resistant ones, Ghana has lost millions of cacao trees in recent years.

To address this crisis, Chen-Charpentier and a team of researchers have developed a new strategy using mathematical models to determine the optimal distance between vaccinated and unvaccinated trees. By creating a protective layer of vaccinated cacao trees around the unvaccinated ones, farmers can prevent the spread of the virus while maximizing their harvest.

While still in the experimental stage, these models offer hope for cacao growers in Ghana and beyond. By implementing these strategies, farmers can protect their crops and improve their yields, ensuring a stable supply of chocolate for consumers worldwide.

The fight against the cacao swollen shoot virus disease is ongoing, but with innovative solutions like these mathematical models, there is hope for the future of chocolate production.