Developments in cacao breeding programmes in Africa and the Americas

Description

This chapter explores the main developments in cacao breeding programmes in Trinidad, Brazil, Ecuador and Costa Rica in the Americas; and Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon in Africa. The different types of commercial cacao cultivars and breeding programme objectives are described. Heterosis and heterotic groups in cacao, and the contrast between ‘traditional’ and new cacao breeding methods are explored. Finally, the issue of breeding cacao for organoleptic quality is examined and future developments in this area are discussed.

Table of contents

1 Introduction 2 Types of commercial cacao cultivars 3 Breeding objectives 4 Heterosis and heterotic groups in cacao 5 ‘Traditional’ and new cacao breeding methods 6 Cacao breeding programmes and outputs 7 Selection of cacao for organoleptic quality 8 Future trends and conclusion 9 References