COCOBOD presents a new anti-capsidic insecticide | Science and environment

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) has introduced a new anti-capsid insecticide (Akate) for cocoa farmers across the country to increase coca yield. .

Named: "Transform Akate", the product would help fight the long-standing capsid infestation known locally as "Akate" and other destructive insect insects that invade cocoa plantations before harvest and attack stems, branches, pods and beans.

Dr. Richard Adu-Acheampong, principal investigator of the Cocoa Research Institute, announced that the product, which would initially be distributed free of charge to cocoa farmers, would be launched on June 19 in Antoakrom, Amansie West District, Ashanti.

During a pre-launch training day organized in Kumasi to involve CHED front-line representatives, farmers and other stakeholders, Transform Akate underwent a series of tests at the Institute for Research on Sustainable Development. Bunso cocoa in the eastern region in the last two years.

The training was organized by COCOBOD in collaboration with Corteva Company Ltd. and AgriPlus Ltd. in Ghana, manufacturers and distributors of 'Transform Akate'.

Regional Manager, District Cocoa Officers, District CHED Extension Coordinators, Major District and District Producers, Main Producers and Supervisors of Cocoa Mbad Spray Teams other stakeholders in the cocoa sector were also present.

Mr. Adu-Acheampong said that the new insecticide has proven to be very effective and that it is safe from its consumer safety, cocoa and environment.

"The product containing its active ingredient" Isoclast "has been developed from strong innovations, research and development in the agricultural sector and has the ability to break the resistance of Akate and '. other pests that affect cocoa farms and affect maximum yield. ", he added.

"The product has no harmful effect on beneficial insects such as the bee, it has no toxic effect on fish and mammals and degrades very quickly with half a year. -life less than a day.

Again, the product has a favorable profile compared to other insecticides on the market containing "clothianidin" and "imidacloprid" having a longer shelf life, respectively 800 and 750 days, "added the researcher.

"We do not want the quality of Ghanaian cocoa beans to be compromised in any way in local and international markets, so that the livelihoods and activities of our farmers are maintained," he said. .

Mr. Kwadwo Danso, regional manager of the CHED system in Ashanti, warned farmers and all other distribution officials against the sale of the product, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.

Alhaji Ahmed Abubakar, key account manager of Corteva Company Ltd. in Nigeria and Ghana, said the Transform Akate had already been introduced and marketed in Côte d'Ivoire and is now in high demand because of its potency and efficiency.

Mr. Stephen Appiah Yeboah, Director of Sales and Marketing for AgriPlus Ltd., urged CHED and COCOBOD's Cocoa Parasites and Pests Control Program (CODAPEC) to strengthen the coordination of the distribution of the product to farmers. farmers and also facilitate the evaluation of their products. feedback to maintain earnings.

Nana Samuel Yaw Akuoko, chief regional farmer of Ashanti, congratulated COCOBOD and its partners for the initiative and urged farmers to comply with all necessary instructions regarding the use of the product.