Cocoa Research Program Overview
Cocoa Research Unit (CRU), University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago
“Evaluation of Cocoa Germplasm for Resistance to Witches’ Broom Disease”
One of two international cacao germplasm field collections is located in Trinidad. This collection represents clones of cacao collected from centers of origin in the Amazon and from other sources. The aim of this project is to develop efficient methods for evaluating for witches’ broom disease resistance, and by using this method, evaluating representative trees in the international collection for witches’ broom resistance. These clones will be made available to farmers and to other researchers, especially to those participating in the CFC/ICCO/IPGRI project noted below.
Common Fund for Commodities Project, CFC/ICCO/IPGRI
“Project on Cocoa Productivity and Quality Improvement, A Participatory Approach”
One component of this project in Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Trinidad is for farmers’ participatory evaluation and selection of new cocoa varieties that have been identified by growers through years of observation for productivity and disease resistance. The second component entails the evaluation and dissemination of selected “best performers” of clones with field resistance to witches’ broom and frosty pod identified over the years by scientists at the various participating locations. Through an exchange of planting materials, trials in Ecuador, Costa Rica and Venezuela will determine comparative performance at the different locations for productivity and disease resistance. Plants identified in these studies will be the basis for future breeding activities for disease resistance and for availability to growers. Studies to identify cacao genes responsible for improved characteristics (termed “QTLs":) will be used in marker assisted breeding approaches to speed up development of new varieties.
CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica
“Selection and Generation of Moniliasis-Resistance Cacao Genotypes and Maintenance and Conservation of the International Cacao Collection”
This project aims to identify resistant sources to frosty pod and black pod diseases; and to generate, by using conventional breeding techniques, superior varieties possessing disease resistance, high-yields and good quality. The International Cacao Collection at CATIE is the source of the materials used in the breeding program. Consequently, its maintenance and conservation are strategic for current and future studies, and thus, an integral part of the research program. Superior clones and hybrids will be made available to farmers and training for farmers and technical personnel on different aspects of cacao production; and disease control will be realized.
Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
“Physical Map and Candidate Gene Isolation of the Major QTL for Scavina 6 Resistance to Moniliophthora perniciosa - Year 2”.
The objective of this research is to identify, conserve, preserve and develop cacao genetic resources. Cacao as a crop needs to be at the level of other crops such as corn, soybean, etc. with a complete understanding of the cacao genetic makeup. The genetic mapping will provide useful information for the future in developing disease resistant cacao, improved productivity, and flavor characteristics through marker assisted breeding techniques. This approach to cacao improvement will substantially shorten the time that is required by conventional breeding to make new clonal or seed propagated varieties available to growers.
INIAP, Pichilingue, Queveda, Ecuador
“Cocoa Rehabilitation in Ecuador”
This project focuses on management of the cacao crop, with special emphasis on developing biological (or “natural”) control for diseases using an integrated strategy. Specifically this approach will provide promising Micro-organisms showing antagonistic potential against pathogens causing witches’ broom and frosty pod rot. It will measure and evaluate the antagonistic effect of such organisms under field conditions in traditional cocoa orchards. This technology will be combined into a cropping system that puts several approaches together (an integrated approach) such as the use of disease resistant trees, biological control against pathogens, removing diseased pods and other cacao debris, proper pruning, and using minimal amounts of fungicide, thus reducing the effect of disease on productivity. This information is being transferred to farmers through the SUCCESS Alliance Ecuador Program.