Responses of hybrid Theobroma cacao to two shade associations in Turrialba, Costa Rica
In Central America, many systems for the cultivation of cacao (Theobroma cacao) exist, the most common involving associations with Erythrina poeppigiana and Cordia alliodora. There are few studies comparing these two association, or other less important ones. This study compares the above named associations, in order to quantify their different yield responses and certain related ecological interactions. Plots of 16 trees (4 x 4) planted at 6 x 6 m, were used. Neighbouring plots shared the same border trees. T. cacao was planted at 3 x 3 m, with 16 trees per experimental plot, using the interclonal cross 'Catongo x Pound-12'. A central border plot of 8 T. cacao trees (EET-400 x SCA-12 and UF-29 x IMC-67) was also studied. A partially randomized block design (four replicates) was used at the 'La Montaña' experimental site, Turrialba (600 meters above sea level). Plot management for both associations was as uniform as possible. From 1982, the E. poeppigiana was pruned twice a year. The first pruning (almost 100 percent) is in May or June, at the beginning of the rainy season, and the second (about 5 percent) in November, at the start of the second rainy period. Dry cocoa yields were always higher for the E. poeppigiana association, with a mean difference of 342 kg dry cacao.ha-1, which is a 66 percent increase. Each tree under E. poeppigiana produced an average of 7 pods more than with C. allidora shade, which is a 62 percent increase. The reason for the 4 percent difference between these two methods of comparison is that, although larger T. cacao pods have been produced with the C. alliodora association since 1981, taking means of pod sizes for all years the association with E. poeppigiana still shows a slight advantage (average 9 percent larger). The mean number of suckers per T. cacao was 24 percent less in the E. poeppigiana association (17) than with C. alliodora (22). This characteristics is economically important since fewer work days are required to keep the plants free of suckers. Little diference in tree vigour was noticed by eye athough there as a slightly greater trunk development in the C. poepiggiana association (6.34 cm) than with C. alliodora (6.01 cm).
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | biblioteca |
| Language: | eng |
| Published: |
Turrialba (Costa Rica)
1987
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| Subjects: | ARBOLES, PLANTAS DE SOMBRA, RENDIMIENTO, ECONOMIA, THEOBROMA, CORDIA, ERYTHRINA POEPPIGIANA, COSTA RICA, |
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