SANITARY AND PRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF 12 CLONES OF COCOA IN ECUADOR

Abstract

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the main crops of economic importance in Ecuador since small and medium farmers on the coast rely on this income. However, fungal diseases decreases yield. In this research 10 experimental cocoa clones of National type and two commercial control varieties (EET-103 and CCN-51) were evaluated from 2008 to 2011, at plantations located in Quevedo and Tenguel. The objective of this research was to identify disease tolerant clones to frosty pod rot (Moniliophthora roreri) and witches’ broom (Moniliophthora perniciosa), while maintaining high production levels. Experimental design was a randomized complete blocks in a factorial arrangement with four replications. Variables measured were number of branches showing witches’ broom per tree; percentage of diseased pods; number of healthy pods; total number of pods; and yield of dried cacao almonds (kg ha^-1). Commercial clone CCN-51 exhibited the lowest incidence of diseases and the highest production of healthy pods and average almond yield (1047.7 kg ha^-1). Four experimental clones showed desirable traits: L46-H57 had the highest number of healthy pods and total pod number; L21-H43, L46-H57 and L46-H88 yielded more than 550 kg ha-1 of almonds; L18-H58 presented fewer number of witches’ broom (7.3), and L21-H43 had the lowest incidence of diseased pods (37.0 %). These clones might be used for breeding programs and genetic conservation. The Quevedo location showed higher incidence of fungal diseases and yield of dry cocoa beans than Tenguel.