Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus DiseaseIdentification & Treatment Guide 2026
Cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) · Family: Caulimoviridae
Cocoa swollen shoot virus (CSSV) causes stem and root swelling, red vein banding on young leaves, and progressive tree decline over 3-5 years. Transmitted by mealybugs in West Africa. Management requires cutting and burning infected trees, replanting with tolerant varieties, and controlling mealybug vectors. There is no cure.
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criticalCocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease
- Affects
- stemsrootsleavespods
- Peak Season
- Year-round; mealybug spread increases during rainy season when ant-mealybug associations are active
- Spread Risk
- Slow
- Spread By
- Mealybugs (Planococcoides njalensis, Planococcus citri, and others) — semi-persistent transmission
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Symptoms: What does Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease look like?
Visual identification guide — tap each stage for details
Red vein banding on young flush leaves
Young expanding leaves show characteristic red or pink banding along main veins and secondary veins. This is often the first visible symptom in newly infected trees.
Stem swelling and leaf mottling
Internodal swelling appears on young shoots and sometimes on roots. Leaves develop chlorotic mosaic mottling. Pods may be small and rounded.
Tree decline and death
Progressive canopy thinning, dieback of branches, reduced pod production. Tree becomes unproductive and dies within 3-5 years of symptom onset. Some virus strains cause faster decline.
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