How A Tree Virus Is Wiping Out Chocolate

News reports are suggesting chocolate lovers should stock up on the sweet stuff, because there is a pandemic-like virus wiping out cacao trees in West Africa.

It’s being compared to COVID-19, but for plants. It’s called the “cacao swollen shoot virus disease” . . . or CSSVD . . . and it spreads thanks to the mealybugs that feed on the trees. Once infected, the plant exhibits symptoms like swelling of the stems and roots, red veins on immature leaves, and the cacao pod shrinking.

Experts estimate that CSSVD caused harvest losses of 15% to 20% in Ghana, where more than half the world’s chocolate originates.

It’s hard to fight the virus, because the mealy bugs have become resistant to pesticides. However, there is hope, due to a vaccine. Yep, a vaccine for trees. However, the problem is the vaccines are expensive, and the farmers can’t afford them.

So, experts are suggesting we stock up on chocolate, before there is a shortage, which could happen, as they say this is a real threat to the global supply.