Overcoming the main limiting factors of cacao production in central america through the use of improved clones developed at catie

Cacao cultivation has been an important component of Central American culture and commerce since pre-Columbian times. However, during the last decades of the 20 th century, cacao production declined considerably in this region due to the dramatic impact of pod diseases, the low yield-potential of the plantations, and the frequent periods of low prices. An expansion of the activity is currently underway encouraged by the improvement of international and local prices and the increased interest in the markets for Trinitario cacaos, which are prevalent in Central America. Success of these renovated efforts will depend on the ability to overcome the main biotic factors limiting cacao production: the incidence of frosty pod rot (FPR, Moniliophthora roreri) and to a lesser extent, black pod disease (BPD, Phytophthora palmivora), and the necessity to renovate/rehabilitate the unproductive and susceptible plantations using improved varieties. Clones resistant to FPR and/or BPD were identified in the International Cacao Genebank (IC3) by using artificial inoculation techniques developed at CATIE. They were incorporated in a breeding strategy initiated at CATIE in the late 1990’s to generate superior clones and hybrid families possessing disease resistance, high-yield and good quality. This effort has been supported by the World Cocoa Foundation, USDA-ARS, and CFC/Bioversity. The first outstanding clones were recently released for farmer observation and eventual use in six Central American countries through a regional cacao project (PCC), which is executed by CATIE and supported by NORAD (Norway) and farmer organizations. A comprehensive characterization/evaluation of the released clones was previously performed by using different agronomic, morphological, and phytopathological parameters. Selfand crosscompatibility were also determined. The results were complemented with a quality study supported by Guittard Chocolate Co. The establishment of 30 hectares of clonal gardens and 6 hectares of experimental field trials are part of the regional strategy in progress.