A model for predicting the BlACK POD development in cacao under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Five cacao varieties were screened for 'Black Pod' development by Phytophthora in semimature, harvested pods. The size of lesions on pods of each variety was measured on 5 consecutive days. The results showed that the rate of lesion development could be fitted to an exponential curve. This curve may be useful for predicting the lesion size within a 5 day period.