Rapid and cost effective ‘on-site’ detection of Cacao swollen-shoot virus (CSSV).

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Cocoa beans are the key raw material in chocolate manufacturing. In West Africa, where 70% of thecocoa imported and consumed in the UK is produced, the chocolate industry has identified CacaoSwollen Shoot Disease (CSSV) as the major constraint to productivity. A cacao farm with CSSV will sufferdeclining 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 detectpresymptomatic infection facilitating its prompt control. In this proposal we will develop a suitablemethodology and associated instrumentation to detect CSSV in crude plant extracts. Our approach willemploy paper based detection assays suitable for rapid application that can be used in formats thatenable 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.