REPRODUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF Theobroma cacao IN SOUTHEASTERN MEXICO

Abstract

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is one of the main agricultural crops in Southeastern Mexico. Currently, there is no comprehensive study on reproductive behavior that allows efficient agronomic management. The objective of this study was to characterize the reproductive behavior of T. cacao ecotype Mexican Trinitario Complex in Southeastern Mexico. The number of open flowers, new fruits, fruits of 2 to 7 cm, fruits larger than 7 cm, green fruits and ripe fruits were accounted every week for one year in five plantations. The behavior of the variables was described and the relationship of those variables with temperature and relative humidity was analyzed. The reproductive period spanned the whole year. The flowering pattern was annual, with maximum flowering from April to August. The percentage of flowers that developed into fruits was 6.7 %. The period of maximum amount of fruits of 2 to 7 cm was shown from August to September and the period of highest number of fruits larger than 7 cm was from August to November. The highest number of green fruits was recorded from October to December and the highest number of ripe fruits occurred in November and December. Temperatures above 25 °C showed positive Spearman correlation with the density of open flowers (ρ = 0.68 to 0.81) and new fruits (ρ = 0.41 to 0.54); however, relative humidity negatively correlated with these variables, ρ = -0.36 to -0.65 and ρ = -0.31 to -0.47, respectively. The period of larger quantity of green and ripe fruits negatively correlated with flowering and new fruits. The proposed phenological pattern may be indicative of T. cacao trends in the region. This study could be the basis for comparing clones and planning crop management strategies.