DIVO, Ivory Coast, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Following heavy rain in much of Ivory Coast, pod counters and exporters are starting to lower their production forecasts for the main cocoa crop due to high ...
Cocoa flowers grow into cherelles, and then 22 weeks later, into pods. Charelles can turn yellow prematurely or even fall more easily from tree trunks when weather conditions are unfavourable.
Squirrels appeared to be making the situation worse by grabbing cocoa bean pods and eating them. But those raids had an unexpected benefit - cocoa seeds were spread all over the farm. "All the ...