Genetic resources of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and their utilizationAn Appraisal

Abstract

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important plantation
crop adapted as a mixed crop in palm based cropping
systems of India which effectively utilised the land, air and
root space. Four decades of cocoa research paved way for
identification of potential clones and development of
varieties suitable for different agro climatic conditions and
tolerant to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The
achievements are well recognised by International cocoa
research communities especially in the Asia Pacific region
which is mainly on coconut based cropping models. The
challenges of management of genetic resources in the
introduced environment coupled with long term breeding
strategies resulted in positive achievements to take Indian
cocoa to satisfy the requirement of chocolate industries.
Supply of quality planting material of elite clones and
hybrids encouraged cocoa cultivation in non traditional
areas as well.