Rapid and cost effective ‘on-site’ detection of Cacao swollen-shoot virus (CSSV).
Lead Participant:
MARS WRIGLEY CONFECTIONERY UK LIMITED
Abstract
Cocoa beans are the key raw material in chocolate manufacturing. In West Africa, where 70% of the
cocoa imported and consumed in the UK is produced, the chocolate industry has identified Cacao
Swollen Shoot Disease (CSSV) as the major constraint to productivity. A cacao farm with CSSV will suffer
declining yields and hence declining farmer income from what is often the only cash crop being grown.
To limit the spread of this disease it is essential to develop diagnostic test that can detect
presymptomatic infection facilitating its prompt control. In this proposal we will develop a suitable
methodology and associated instrumentation to detect CSSV in crude plant extracts. Our approach will
employ paper based detection assays suitable for rapid application that can be used in formats that
enable unskilled personnel to operate them, thereby enabling their widespread deployment in the field.
This will have a significant impact on the economic prospects of cacao farmers in West Africa.
cocoa imported and consumed in the UK is produced, the chocolate industry has identified Cacao
Swollen Shoot Disease (CSSV) as the major constraint to productivity. A cacao farm with CSSV will suffer
declining yields and hence declining farmer income from what is often the only cash crop being grown.
To limit the spread of this disease it is essential to develop diagnostic test that can detect
presymptomatic infection facilitating its prompt control. In this proposal we will develop a suitable
methodology and associated instrumentation to detect CSSV in crude plant extracts. Our approach will
employ paper based detection assays suitable for rapid application that can be used in formats that
enable unskilled personnel to operate them, thereby enabling their widespread deployment in the field.
This will have a significant impact on the economic prospects of cacao farmers in West Africa.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
MARS WRIGLEY CONFECTIONERY UK LIMITED | £148,339 | £ 66,753 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
WCF GHANA-COCOAACTION | £30,378 | £ 30,378 |
UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST OF ENGLAND, BRISTOL'S INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE | £117,482 | £ 117,482 |
INNOVATE UK |
People |
ORCID iD |
Isabella Van Damme (Project Manager) |