Safe handling and movement of cocoa germplasm for breeding

Description

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) originated in South America, but is now cultivated in various parts of the tropics. Movement of cocoa germplasm is often required in breeding programmes to increase the genetic diversity pool or to test clones/progeny in the field. However, such movement brings with it the risks of spread of pests and diseases, many of which are confined to particular geographical locations. Thus, it is critical that movement of germplasm is conducted within a quarantine framework. This chapter reviews the risks associated with the movement of cocoa germplasm. It considers international governance of plant movement and discusses the International Cocoa Quarantine Centre at the University of Reading (ICQC,R) as a hub for safe handling and movement of cocoa germplasm.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Overview of risks associated with plant movement 3 Levels of risk 4 Risk management governance and procedures 5 Case study: International Cocoa Quarantine Centre, Reading 6 Concluding remarks 7 Where to look for further information 8 References