Characterization and evolution of pathogenic Phytophthora megakarya populations on cocao in Cameroon (1986-2002)

In Cameroon, the predominant pathogenic Phytophthora species on cocoa, P. megakarya, causes almost 50% pod losses on average. This species is only found in Africa. It comprises two populations, one in West Africa, the other in central Africa. In order to gain a clearer understanding of the different mechanisms involved in the development of this pathogen in Cameroon, depending on geographical origin and environmental conditions, the structure of isolated populations was studied. (Résumé d'auteur)