Cherelle Wilt of Cacao

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Abstract
The growth and development of cacao pods of three different selections was studied in relation to pod loss through cherelle wilt. Pods were observed to be specially liable to wilt at two stages in their development. These periods were called ‘first wilt’ and ‘second wilt‘ respectively. First wilt reaches its peak at 7 weeks after pollination and is shown to cease as cell walls are laid down in the endosperm. Second wilt reaches its peak at 10 weeks from pollination and declines in response to greatly increased pod metabolism. Pods which wilt during second wilt have larger embryos and smaller pod stalks than comparable healthy pods. It is postulated that both types of wilt arise as a result of a lack of hormones produced by the endosperm, causing a decrease in the uptake of water and food materials and thereby bringing on wilt. This theory is discussed with reference to previous work and to the possible use of growth substances as a control measure.