The Launch Of Valis Plus In Ghana: An Innovative Solution For Cocoa Black Pod Disease Control
05 February 2025, Ghana: Impact of Black Pod Disease on Cocoa Production in Ghana Cocoa production, a significant economic driver in many African countries, faces numerous challenges. Fluctuating global market prices, climate change, and the constant threat of diseases such as the Cocoa Black Pod pose significant pressures. The Cocoa Black Pod disease, triggered by the pathogens Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora megakarya, has been a persistent menace for cocoa farmers in Ghana, reducing crop yield and quality and impacting the livelihoods of countless farmers and the nation’s economy.
Valis Plus: an outstanding and innovative solution to control Cocoa Black Pod Disease
Ghanaian cocoa production needs strong, innovative and sustainable solutions. In response to this challenge, Certis Belchim has developed Valis Plus, a unique and exclusive tool that improves control programmes whilst managing the risk of resistance development. The fungicide is based on valifenalate, combined with copper oxychloride, and copper hydroxide in a high-quality, unique Water Dispersible Granule (WG) formulation that is easy and safe to handle. With a composition of 60g/kg valifenalate + 150g/kg copper oxychloride + 150g/kg copper hydroxide, Valis Plus is a unique formulation offering multi-site mode of action from the two forms of copper.
Valifenalate, belonging to the CAA group of fungicides, binds to the cuticle wax layer, forming a reserve of active substance and providing excellent rainfastness, which gives flexibility to the grower. From there it penetrates the leaf and pod and slowly and gradually spreads inside the treated part of the plant, reaching its optimum concentration. Through translaminar movement, application to the upper leaf surface also protects the underside of the leaf. The active ingredient is effective on the spores’ cell wall synthesis, on the plant surface and on the mycelium growth inside the plant. It has curative and preventative activity thanks to its action on spore germination, mycelium growth and sporulation. Valifenalate remains active for up to 14 days, providing a long-lasting effect and serving as a key tool for resistance risk management.
Copper acts on the inhibition of germination of the fungi spores and has a multi-site mode of action, blocking the respiratory processes; slowing down the biosynthesis of the proteins; and reducing the membrane activity and the transfer of elements. Copper hydroxide quickly releases cupric ions for high impact knock-down action, while copper oxychloride releases cupric ions over a ten-day period, providing persistence of action.
Valis Plus has the lowest copper load in the market, offering the same performance as its competitors but with less environmental impact. The dose rate is 75 g per knapsack sprayer of 15 litres, and it is conveniently packed in 75-gram bags. It must be applied thoroughly to the healthy pods, from cherelle stage to the green mature pods, and sprayed every four weeks from May/June to October/November.
Valis Plus was extensively tested by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) in large scale trials conducted over two years. Results showed that disease control and yield of fermentable pods following Valis Plus treatments matched those from the commercial reference product. The product was then approved by the Cocoa Board.
Certis Belchim: a new player in the world of crop protection
Certis Belchim, a Mitsui & Co., Ltd. company, created in 2022 through the merger of two major players in crop protection in Europe, embraces the expertise and values of its legacy companies. Certis Belchim’s ambition, from its strong foundations in Europe, is to address a worldwide market, working to develop sustainable solutions for African, Latin American and Asian agricultures. The company’s mission is to develop and deliver sustainable and innovative crop protection solutions driven by the best technical advice and market understanding. It links research-based innovation with the creation of effective solutions for real problems facing farmers on the ground. The launch of Valis plus is an example of its expanding footprint beyond the European market.
How Certis Belchim and Mitsui & Co. Ltd. contribute to the sustainable production of cocoa with solutions like Valis Plus
With a strong focus on sustainability, the combination of technical expertise and innovation, and an understanding of growers’ challenges, Certis Belchim is proud to provide a positive answer to Ghana Cocoa Board’s call for a much-needed fungicide to ensure good protection of cocoa pods. Thanks to its excellent rainfastness, preventative and curative action with effective knock down as well as persistent activity and ease and flexibility of use, Valis Plus offers a sustainable solution for cocoa farmers in Ghana and will contribute to the longevity of cocoa production in the region.
We can look forward to a future where cocoa production is not only profitable but also sustainable, ensuring the livelihoods of farmers and the satisfaction of chocolate lovers worldwide.
Also Read: Budget 2025: A Boost for Farmers, but GST on Inputs Needs Revision – Dr. R.G. Agarwal
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