Conserving and exploiting cocoa genetic resources: the key challenges

Description

The future of the world cocoa economy depends on the availability of genetic diversity and the sustainable use of this broad genetic base to breed improved varieties. Decreasing cacao genetic diversity (in situ, on-farm and conserved in collections) is a serious problem, and all its many causes need to be urgently addressed: the destruction of the Amazonian rainforests, changing patterns of land use, the spread of pests and diseases, sudden changes in climate and threats from natural disasters and extreme weather. These factors are resulting in an irreversible loss of the cacao genetic diversity so essential for farmers, breeders and consumers. A Global Strategy was published in 2012 to optimize the conservation and maximize the use of cacao genetic resources as the foundation of a sustainable cocoa economy. The chapter describes the key challenges, how they are being addressed and the priorities for further research and actions.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 How challenges are being addressed: an overview 3 Addressing challenges: securing existing ex situ cacao genetic resources 4 Addressing challenges: developing a global strategic cacao collection 5 Addressing challenges: collecting and gap filling in ex situ collections to reflect genetic diversity 6 Addressing challenges: ensuring the in situ and on-farm conservation of important diversity 7 Addressing challenges: strengthening the distribution and safe movement of germplasm 8 Addressing challenges: strengthening the use of cacao genetic resources 9 Addressing challenges: improving documentation and sharing of information 10 Strengthening networking and partnerships for global collaboration 11 Research to strengthen the conservation and use of cacao genetic diversity 12 Acknowledgements 13 Where to look for further information 14 References