Effective use of cocoa genetic resources as exemplified by the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad

The use of semi-cultivated cocoa germplasm from the headquarters of the Amazon in cocoa breeding programmes had become common in the major cocoa-producing countries by the late 1950s. Today's cultivars consist of a mixture of about a dozen hybrids, each of which is a cross between an upper Amazon parent and a parent selected from local sources. However, only a very small random sample of the upper Amazon germplasm available in Trinidad has been evaluated and used. Moreover, the upper Amazon and other collections in Trinidad, which include those from Belem (Brazil) and Turrialba (Costa Rica) represent only a fraction of the germplasm that still exists, wild, semi-cultivated and domesticated. Since the success of a breeding programme is largely dependent upon the genetic variations in the Breeder's working collection, there is a great scope for further genetic improvement. Working collections are an integral part of breeding programmes but they need to be regularly supplied with new genetic variations, clearly defined and with evaluation data, from primary collection centres or genebanks. Seed is considered the most cost effective and safest means for the transfer of germplasm. A free flow of communication about, and exchange of, genetic material should develop between scientists in charge of genebanks and working collections and this should lead to the creation of a cocoa genetic resources network. The main cost factor in the network is the operation of the genebanks which should be a small research establishment with a minimum of 30 ha of good cocoa land as cocoa germplasm can only be kept in tree form. Whereas working collections pay off as part of cocoa breeding programmes, genebanks do not. Logically the genebanks should be supported by the parties directly concerned: the cocoa breeding programmes.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	125308 Toxopeus, H., 82731 Kennedy, A.J., Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO) Roma, Italia 1188
Format:	biblioteca
Published:	Roma (Italia) 1989
Subjects:	THEOBROMA CACAO, RECURSOS GENETICOS, GERMOPLASMA, FITOMEJORAMIENTO, HIBRIDOS, BANCO DE GENES, VARIEDADES, COLECCIONES, TRINIDAD Y TOBAGO,
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