Genetic resources of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and their utilization- An 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.