Compatibility of Ten Elite Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Clones

Abstract

Abstract:One way of boosting cocoa productivity which has plummeted over the last decade in Côte d'Ivoire is to introduce high performing clones. Preliminary observations have indicated that these new clones have differing growth patterns and agronomic traits in the field. Assessing their compatibility is of paramount importance since these clones will be made available to the farmers in the near future. This study was conducted in Soubré, southwest of Côte d'Ivoire, to evaluate the compatibility of ten new cocoa clones (coded as C1, C8, C9, C14, C15, C16, C17, C18, C20, and C21). A half diallel design consisting of 10 self-pollinations and 45 inter-crosses, replicated three times, was used. Results showed significant differences among clones for pollination success. Out of the ten clones evaluated, six (C1, C8, C9, C15, C17 and C21) were self-compatible. With a 39% mean pollination success, C9 was quite interesting because it has been reported to be among the highest yielding clones. Introduction of improved germplasm will go a long way towards enhancing productivity in Côte d'Ivoire, radically impact farmers' livelihoods, and contribute significantly to a more reliable supply of cocoa beans for chocolate manufacturers.

Diversity in Composition of Bioactive Compounds Among 26 Cocoa Genotypes

“…As a result of collective breeding, different cocoa varieties obtained have different characteristics. 11 Genotype of cocoa has been known to affect the bioactive composition in cocoa beans. Elwers et al 9 reported that there were significant differences in the composition of bioactive compounds among the cocoa beans of different cultivars, namely Criollo, Trinitario, Nacional, Lower, and Upper Amazon Forastero.…”

“…There are numerous clones and hybrids that have been developed in cocoa-producing countries such as Indonesia. As a result of collective breeding, different cocoa varieties obtained have different characteristics . Genotype of cocoa has been known to affect the bioactive composition in cocoa beans.…”

Phenotyping of Vascular Streak Dieback Disease (Vsd) Resistant Cocoa Hybrids and Endorsement of Resistant Gene in Auspicious Genotype by Employing Molecular Marker Systems

“…Mechanism of self incompatibility is exploited as a pollination control mechanism in many crops for hybrid production. This will help to evade the humdrum affair of emasculation [27,28]. Cocoa is also privileged with this mechanism and selfincompatibility in cocoa was first reported by Pound, et al, (1932) [29].…”

Intravariety Diversity of Bioactive Compounds in Trinitario Cocoa Beans with Different Degrees of Fermentation

“…Collective effort in breeding has led to different cocoa varieties with very diverse characteristics. 8 However, less study has been carried out to evaluate the intravariety/clones diversity of cocoa beans. This seriously hinders the effort in quality improvement of Trinitario as the planting material.…”

“…Further, the authors also mentioned that the types and quantities of polyphenols were different among different cocoa genotypes. Collective effort in breeding has led to different cocoa varieties with very diverse characteristics . However, less study has been carried out to evaluate the intravariety/clones diversity of cocoa beans.…”