Research organisations and the cocoa using industry are seeking
solutions to these problems. With the predicted continuing predominance of
small cocoa farmers, it is impractical to introduce technological changes that
depend on significant increases in financial inputs, certainly so in
times of depressed cocoa prices. The introduction and use of more productive
varieties resistant to pests and diseases is therefore one of the most
cost-effective and environmentally friendly innovations that can be proposed to
overcome cocoa production constraints. Cocoa trees with effective built-in
resistance to most diseases and pests are not yet available, although
significant genetic potential for resistance is generally found in
cultivated plants.
