Brazilian cocoa trees had very little genetic variation since they were introduced to the country in the mid-1700s, according to Science Daily. That made them more susceptible to pathogens. In 1989, a fungus called Moniliophthora perniciosa wiped out 70 percent of Brazil's chocolate trees, affecting the country's socio-economic stability.
It all starts with a pretty pink mushroom.
The scientists discovered thousands of genes active in the "witches' broom."
"The discovery of sets of fungal genes that are most likely involved in pathogenicity paves the way for the development of targeted treatments of the disease," study author Daniela Thomazella said, according to Science Daily.
This study will not only create understanding of this particular fungus, researchers said, according to Science Daily, but "this work provides an important basis for future studies that aim to improve agricultural sustainability and global food security."
