Genetic variability of cocoa from the amazon basin: implications for genetic conservation

The cocoa and chocolate production chain involves US$60 billion annually and three million farmers around the world, in an area exceeding nine million hectares. The use of wild germplasm will enable to generate new disease- and pest-resistant cultivars and ability to adapt to changing environments. Here we evaluated 145 cocoa accessions, originated from nine Amazonian basins, based on eight fruit traits. Univariate anova showed significant differences (p<0.05) for all traits. For seven traits, the variance component within basins was higher (81.5%, on average). Therefore, it is recommended that the collection of wild accessions prioritize a larger number of plants from a few populations of the most divergent basins. The multivariate analyses revealed a greater divergence between the Ji-Paraná-RO and Solimões/Amazonas-PA basins (27.69) and a greater similarity between Alien clones-PER and Solimões/Amazonas-AM (0.66) in relation to their populations. They also revealed that the accessions differentiation occurred according to the river basin system. These results allowed elucidate the genetic structure and distribution of cacao populations. In addition, strengthen the importance of collecting and conserving germplasm to preserve genetic resources.

Effect of organic fertilization and pruning on cacao yield in Cundinamarca, Colombia / Efecto de la fertilización orgánica y la poda sobre la producción de cacao en Cundinamarca, Colombia

ABSTRACT Cacao has high social importance in Colombia but requires cultivation techniques that improve its productivity, especially in the production of organic cacao. Pruning and organic fertilizers were assessed as treatments to increase the bean yield in an old cacao crop in Cundinamarca. The positive effects of organic fertilizer application and pruning on the pod morphometry and bean yield were established. The application of organic fertilizers with pruning, in general, increased the length and circumference of cacao pods. A negative correlation (R=-0.618) was found among the relative chlorophyll contents in leaves at the end of the harvest period and with the number of pods per tree. A positive correlation (R=0.748) was obtained between the fresh weight of pods and the dry weight of beans. No correlation was established between the relative chlorophyll contents in leaves and the bean dry weight. Pruning plus organic fertilization increased the total dry weight of beans per tree at almost 15 %, which makes pruning with organic fertilizer application the best tool for increasing yield in organic cacao production in old plantations in Cundinamarca.

RESUMEN El cultivo de cacao tiene una alta importancia social en Colombia, pero requiere la implementación de técnicas de cultivo que mejoren su productividad, principalmente, en la producción de cacao orgánico. La poda y los fertilizantes orgánicos fueron evaluados, como los tratamientos para incrementar el rendimiento de cacao, en una plantación antigua en el departamento Cundinamarca. La aplicación de fertilizantes orgánicos y la poda tuvieron efectos positivos sobre la morfometría del fruto y el rendimiento del cacao. La aplicación de fertilizantes orgánicos con poda, en general, aumentó la longitud y el diámetro de frutos de cacao. Se encontró una correlación negativa (R=-0,618) entre el contenido relativo de clorofila en hojas al final del período de cosecha y el número de frutos por árbol. Se obtuvo una correlación positiva (R=0,748) entre el peso fresco de frutos y el peso seco de semillas. No se estableció correlación entre el contenido relativo de clorofila en hojas y el peso seco de semillas. La poda más fertilización orgánica aumentó el peso seco total de semillas por árbol, en casi un 15 %, lo que convierte la poda con aplicación de fertilizante orgánicos en una herramienta para aumentar el rendimiento de cacao orgánico en antiguas plantaciones, en el departamento Cundinamarca.

Proximal chemical evaluation, antioxidant content and fatty acids in fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar (Theobroma cacao L. Criollo cultivar)

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the proximal chemical composition, antioxidant activity assays with total phenol, 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl, 2'2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, iron reducing antioxidant power, and the fatty acid composition of fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar. The fermented and dried cocoa beans were purchased, roasted (115 °C for 5 min) and homogenized. The mixture was brought to its melting point (58 °C for 5 min). In the cocoa pulp bar there was an increase in lipids (53.0%). The roasted affected the concentration of ashes (3.38-2.98%). Total phenol (1.8, 1.5 and 1.3 mg AEG kg-1), 2,2-Diphenyl-1-Picrylhydrazyl (65.8, 64.4 and 65.0 μmol ET kg-1), 2'2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (3.60, 3.00 and 2.30 μmol EAC kg-1) and iron reducing antioxidant power (0.09, 0.07 and 0.06 mg Fe2+ kg-1) presented significant differences (p<0.05) in the fermented and dried cocoa beans, roasted cocoa beans and cocoa pulp bar respectively, however, the changes were minimal. The cocoa pulp bar had a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acid (89.2%), where oleic (48.6%) was predominated. Therefore, the cocoa pulp bar is a food with an important antioxidant content, moreover, it has a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acid, which is desirable in the diet.

RESUMEN El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la composición química proximal, el contenido de antioxidantes con los ensayos de fenoles totales, 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazil, Ácido 2'2-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico), sal de diamonio y poder antioxidante reductor del hierro, y la composición de ácidos grasos en los granos de cacao fermentados y secos, granos de cacao tostados y barra de pulpa de cacao. Se compraron los granos de cacao fermentado y seco y se tostaron (115 °C durante 5 min), y se homogeneizaron. La mezcla se llevó a su punto de fusión (58 °C durante 5 min). En la barra de pulpa de cacao hubo un aumento de lípidos (53,0%). El tostado afectó la concentración de cenizas (3,38 - 2,98%). En los resultados de fenoles totales (1,80, 1,50 y 1,30 mg AEG kg-1), 2,2-Difenil-1-Picrilhidrazil (65,8, 64,4 y 65,0 μmol ET kg-1), Ácido 2'2-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolin-6-sulfónico), sal de diamonio (3,6, 3,0 y 2,3 μmol EAC kg-1) y poder antioxidante reductor del hierro (0.09, 0.07 y 0.06 mg Fe2+ kg-1) presentaron diferencias significativas (p<0.05) en los granos de cacao fermentados y secos, granos de cacao tostados y barra de pulpa de cacao respectivamente, sin embargo, los cambios fueron mínimos. La barra de pulpa de cacao presentó una mayor concentración de ácidos grasos insaturados (89%), donde predominó el oleico (48,6%). Por lo tanto, la barra de pulpa de cacao es un alimento con importante contenido en antioxidantes, además, tiene una mayor concentración de ácidos grasos insaturados, lo que es deseable en la dieta.

AISLAMIENTO E IDENTIFICACIÓN DE Lactobacillus spp. (LACTOBACILLACEAE) RESISTENTES A Cd(II) Y As(III) RECUPERADOS DE FERMENTO DE CACAO / Isolation and identification of Lactobacillus spp. (Lactobacillaceae) resistant to Cd(II) and As(III) from fermented cocoa

RESUMEN El objetivo de este estudio fue aislar e identificar a partir de cacao fermentado en Caldas Colombia, bacterias con potencial de aplicación en procesos biotecnológicos, como la detoxificación de cadmio (Cd(II)) y arsénico (As(III)) en el organismo humano. En total se recuperaron 36 aislados de los cuales se recuperaron 11 en presencia de 1,0 mg/L de Cd(II) y 25 en presencia de 0,1 mg/L de As(III). Su identificación molecular determinó que la mayoría de los aislados son del género Lactobacillus. Los ensayos de crecimiento en presencia de diferentes concentraciones de los elementos evaluados permitió determinar que gran parte de los aislamientos presentan resistencia a mayores concentraciones de As(III) (300 mg/L) que de Cd(II) (10 mg/L). En ensayos de tolerancia a la acidez (pH 2,5) se encontró que la cepa tipo Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, junto con los aislamientos nativos L. plantarum A19, A26 y C16, mostraron la mayor tolerancia, por lo que se seleccionaron para evaluar su tolerancia a condiciones de salinidad. Las bacterias evaluadas mostraron crecimiento en concentraciones de hasta 4 g/L de sales biliares. Se concluye que los L. plantarum evaluados en este trabajo tienen un gran potencial para futuros ensayos en los que se busque demostrar la disminución de la bioaccesibilidad de Cd(II) y As(III) en condiciones in vitro del sistema digestivo humano debido a su resistencia a altas concentraciones de estos elementos y su tolerancia a condiciones de acidez y salinidad. Esto, junto con el reconocido potencial probiótico que tienen estos microorganismos, permitirá a futuro su uso en procesos biológicos de mitigación de Cd(II) y As(III).

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to isolate and identify from fermented cocoa in Caldas Colombia, bacteria with potential application in biotechnological processes such as detoxification of cadmium (Cd(II)) and arsenic (As(III)) in the human organism. In total, 36 isolates were obtained, from which 11 were recovered in the presence of 1.0 mg/L of Cd(II) and 25 in presence of 0.1 mg/L of As(III). Molecular identification showed most isolates belong to the genera Lactobacillus. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays, in presence of different concentrations of the elements, allowed to determine that the majority of isolates have resistance to higher concentration of As(III) (300 mg/L) than Cd(II) (10 mg/L). Acidity tolerance assays at pH 2.5 showed that type strain Lactobacillus plantarum JCM 1055, and native isolates L. plantarum A19, A26, and C16, presented the highest tolerance, thus they were selected to evaluate their tolerance to salinity conditions. The evaluated bacteria could grow in bile salts up to 4 g/L. It is concluded that the evaluated L. plantarum have great potential to be used in assays in which bioaccessibility of Cd(II) and As(III) is diminished under in vitro conditions of the human digestive system, due to its resistance to high concentrations of the elements and tolerance to acidic and high bile salt conditions. These facts, together with the recognized probiotic potential of these microorganisms, may allow their future use in biological processes to mitigate Cd(II) and As(III).

Heavy metals content in soils and cocoa tissues in Magdalena department Colombia: emphasis in cadmium / Contenido de metales pesados en suelos y tejidos de cacao en el departamento del Magdalena, Colombia: énfasis en cadmio / Teor de metais pesados em solos e tecidos de cacau no departamento de Magdalena, Colômbia: ênfase no cádmio

ABSTRACT Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a species originating from the humid tropics. Over 70,000 km2 worldwide is dedicated to growing cocoa, and approximately 30% of its global production is concentrated in the equatorial regions of Central and South America, the Antilles and tropical Asia. The demand for cocoa is growing significantly but the presence of cadmium (Cd) in the species is a potential problem limiting its commercialization. The present study determined the Cd, Ni, Pb and Cr content in two cocoa-producing regions in northern Colombia. Foliage (leaf, bean and shell) and soil were analyzed. The mean Ni, Pb and Cr content in the plant tissue did not exceed the maximum permissible limits set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The mean Cd content in the beans was 0.51 mg kg-1 in region 1 and 0.66 mg kg-1 in region 2, which are considered risky per reports from the European Union and restrict the product's export. These results serve as a reference for future research on cocoa.

RESUMEN El cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) es una especie originaria de los trópicos húmedos. Más de 70,000 km2 en todo el mundo están dedicados a su cultivo y aproximadamente el 30% de su producción mundial se concentra en las regiones ecuatoriales de América Central y del Sur las Antillas y Asia tropical. La demanda de cacao está creciendo significativamente, pero la presencia de cadmio (Cd) en la especie es un problema potencial que limita su comercialización. El presente estudio determinó el contenido de Cd, Ni, Pb y Cr en dos regiones productoras de cacao en el norte de Colombia. Se analizaron el tejido (hoja, frijol y cáscara) y el suelo. El contenido medio de Ni, Pb y Cr en el tejido vegetal no excedió los límites máximos permisibles establecidos por la Agencia de Protección Ambiental (EPA) de los Estados Unidos. El contenido medio de Cd en los frijoles fue de 0,51 mg kg-1 en la región 1 y 0,66 mg kg-1 en la región 2, que se consideran riesgosos según los informes de la Unión Europea y restringen la exportación del producto. Estos resultados sirven como referencia para futuras investigaciones sobre el cacao.

RESUMO O cacau (Theobroma cacao L) é uma espécie originária dos trópicos úmidos. Mais de 70.000 km2 em todo o mundo são dedicados à sua cultura e aproximadamente 30% de sua produção global está concentrada nas regiões equatoriais da América Central e do Sul, Antilhas e Ásia tropical. A demanda por cacau está crescendo significativamente, mais a presença de cádmio (Cd) nas espécies é um problema potencial que limita sua comercialização. O presente estudo determinou o teor de Cd, Ni, Pb e Cr em duas regiões produtoras de cacau no norte da Colômbia. A folhagem (folha, feijão e casca) e o solo foram analisados. O teor médio de Ni, Pb e Cr no tecido vegetal não excedeu os límites máximos permitidos estabelecidos pela Agência de Proteção Ambiental dos Estados Unidos (EPA). O conteúdo médio de Cd nos grãos foi de 0,51 mg kg-1 na região 1 e 0,66 mg kg-1 na região 2, que são considerados de risco por relatórios da União Europeia e restringem a exportação do produto. Esses resultados servem como referência para futuras pesquisas sobre cacau.

Anti-depressant activities of Theobroma cacao Extract on Reserpine-induced Depression in Female Wistar Rats.

Background: Depression is one of the most commontypes of neurological disorder, which is a markedpattern of disturbances in emotional behavior, memoryand hedonic processing. Aim and Objectives: Toinvestigate the role of ethanolic extract of Theobromacacao seed on the prefrontal cortex of female Wistarrats following reserpine-induced depression. Materialand Methods: Thirty-six (36) female Wistar rats wereused for this study. They were divided into six (A - F)groups (n = 6). Group A- control, Group B - 0.2 mg/kgreserpine, Group C - 10 mg/kg fluoxetine, Group D -500 mg/kg Theobroma cacao seed extract, Group E -0.2 mg/kg reserpine + 500mg/kg Theobroma cacaoseed extract, Group F - 0.2 mg/kg reserpine + 10mg/kgfluoxetine. Animals were euthanized via cervicaldislocation after the last day of administration and theprefrontal cortex and hippocampus were excised andfixed in 10% formalin solution for routine histologicalprocessing while the part used for biochemical assaywere homogenized in phosphate buffer beforecentrifugation. Results: Morphological alteration andreduced population of prefrontal cortex andhippocampus neurons, reduced protein synthesis, poorbehavioral patterns, reduced neurotransmission andinduction of oxidative stress in reserpine exposedanimal. Conclusion: Theobroma cacao seed extractwas able to mitigate these aberrations.

First record of the cacao plume moth Michaelophorus nubilus (Felder & Rogenhofer) (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) in Mexico

Abstract We report field infestation under natural conditions by the cacao plum moth, Michaelophorus nubilus (Felder & Rogenhofer) on leaves of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvaceae) for the first time in Southern Chiapas, Mexico. The larvae of M. nubilus damages new "flushing" or light green leaves from buds, from either the main or lateral branches of cacao plants.

Diversity of yeasts during fermentation of cocoa from two sites in the Brazilian Amazon

The purpose of this study was to identify the yeasts involved in spontaneous fermentation of cocoa from the Brazilian Amazon region. The fermentation process was carried out experimentally with cocoa seeds from two sites (Medicilândia and Tucumã), State of Pará, northern Brazil, during a six-day period. Totals of 44 yeasts were isolated from Medicilândia and 29 from Tucumã. Molecular identification was carried out by sequencing the D1/D2 region fragment of the rRNA 26S gene, expanded with universal primers for the NL1GC and LS2 eukaryotes. Pichia manshurica and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were identified in Medicilândia and five yeast species (Pichia fermentans, P. kudriavzevii, P. manshurica, S. cerevisiae and Zygosaccharomyces bailii) were identified in Tucumã. The results showed that P. manshurica and S. cerevisiae may have potential for use as starter cultures in future studies to improve the quality of cocoa seeds fermented in the Brazilian Amazon region. (AU)

A proposta deste estudo foi identificar as leveduras envolvidas na fermentação espontânea de cacau da Amazônia brasileira. A fermentação foi realizada em Medicilândia e Tucumã, Pará, Brasil, durante 6 dias. Em total foram obtidos 44 isolados de leveduras de Medicilândia e 29 de Tucumã. A identificação molecular foi realizada por sequenciamento do fragmento da região D1/D2 do gene rRNA 26S, amplificado com primers universais para eucariotos NL1GC e LS2. Em Medicilândia, foram identificadas Pichia manshurica e Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Em Tucumã foram identificadas cinco espécies (Pichia fermentans, P. kudriavzevii, P. manshurica, S. cerevisiae e Zygosaccharomyces bailii). Os resultados sugerem que P. manshurica e S. cerevisiae podem ter potencial para uso como culturas starter em estudos futuros, para melhorar a qualidade das sementes de cacau fermentadas na Amazônia brasileira.(AU)

Antibacterial activity of the cream preparation from Theobroma cacao L. Pod Aqueous extract

Background and Objectives@#While Theobroma cacao L has long been utilized in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, it was also found to possess antibacterial activity. The beans comprise 10% of the fruit, while the remaining 90%, consisting of pods, is considered waste. It was reported that the pods possess antibacterial activity, and if utilized for this purpose, T. cacao pods will no longer be considered as waste. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the cream formulated from the aqueous extract of T. cacao L pods. @*Methods@#The milled T. cacao pods were extracted using distilled water at 4°C for 24 hours. The crude extract was subjected to liquid-liquid partitioning using hexane, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. Phytochemical screening was performed to identify the constituents present in the extract and its fractions. The extract and its fractions were tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Determination of IC50 using 3,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) Reduction Assay was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity. The extract with the highest yield and the highest antibacterial activity were formulated into a cream. T. cacao cream was evaluated with quality control tests for creams and emulsions. Acute skin irritation test was performed on the T. cacao cream to assess skin irritability upon application on adult male albino rabbits.@*Results@#T. cacao crude extract and its fractions possessed antibacterial activity. Among the fractions tested, n-butanol fraction had the highest activity against S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and P. aeruginosa. There was a significant difference between the fractions tested on the three bacterial strains (p<0.05). Although n-butanol fraction had the highest activity, the actual yield obtained after extraction was 0.95%. Since T. cacao aqueous extract also exhibited good antibacterial activity, it was chosen for the formulation study. There was no significant difference between the IC50 of the T. cacao crude extract and the IC50 of T. cacao cream, hence formulating it into a cream did not affect the antibacterial activity of the extract. @*Conclusion@#T. cacao pod extract, as well as its fractions, possessed antibacterial activity against three bacterial strains. The T. cacao cream produced was a water-in-oil, non-irritant cream with antibacterial activity, and with acceptable physical attributes.

Soil patterns and foliar standards for two cocoa clones in the States of Espírito Santo and Bahia, Brazil / Padrões de solo e normas foliares para dois clones de cacau cultivados nos Estados do Espírito Santo e Bahia, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to establish soil patterns and foliar standards for clonal crops of cocoa CCN51 and PS1319 in the Atlantic regions within the northern Espírito Santo and southern Bahia States. Samples were collected from September to October 2015, in 45 high productive plots, being 23 plots of clone CCN51 and 22 of clone PS1319. Sufficiency ranges for soil and foliar standards were recommended for cocoa clones CCN51 and PS1319 planted in the Northern Espírito Santo and Southern Bahia states. Differences in the contents of foliar macronutrients K, Ca, Mg, S and micronutrients Fe and Mn, were verified between clones CCN51 and PS1319. Differences reported for standards from different geographical regions confirmed that these standards need to be regional and specific for different cocoa clones.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estabelecer padrões de solo e padrões foliares para culturas clonais de cacau CCN51 e PS1319 nas regiões do Atlântico no norte do Espírito Santo e no sul da Bahia. As amostras foram coletadas de setembro a outubro de 2015, em 45 parcelas de alta produtividade, sendo 23 parcelas do clone CCN51 e 22 do clone PS1319. As faixas de suficiência para solo e padrões foliares foram sugeridas para os clones de cacau CCN51 e PS1319 plantados no norte do Espírito Santo e no sul da Bahia. Diferenças nos teores dos macronutrientes foliares K, Ca, Mg, S e micronutrientes Fe e Mn foram verificadas entre os clones CCN51 e PS1319. As diferenças relatadas para padrões de diferentes regiões geográficas permitem confirmar que esses padrões precisam ser regionais e específicos para diferentes clones de cacau.

Efecto de inoculantes bacterianos edáficos mixtos en el desarrollo temprano de cultivares mejorados de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) en un sistema agroforestal tradicional del norte de Oaxaca, México / Effect of mixed edaphic bacterial inoculants in the early development of improved cocoa cultivars (Theobroma cacao L.) in a traditional agroforestry system of Oaxaca, Mexico

El cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) es nativo de América del Sur y representa uno de los recursos «bioculturales¼ más significativos de Mesoamérica, ya que es una región donde se domesticó y tuvo relevancia como bebida ritual y como moneda en muchas culturas prehispánicas hasta la llegada de los españoles, quienes difundieron su uso en el mundo y lo convirtieron en una de las mercancías «commodity¼ más consumidas. Mediante este trabajo se propone una alternativa para atender la problemática de las plantaciones a través de la introducción de una diversidad amplia de cultivares de cacao en sistemas agroforestales tradicionales, en sinergia con la inoculación de bacterias edáficas fijadoras de nitrógeno y solubilizadoras de fósforo insoluble. En una parcela agroforestal tradicional se introdujeron plantas de cacao injertadas de cuatro cultivares y se dispusieron 3 tratamientos: aplicación de biofertilizante, aplicación de fertilizante químico y testigo. Se registraron la altura, el diámetro basal, el número de hojas y el número de ramas a los 2 y 12 meses, y se caracterizó la población de microorganismos asociada alrededor del tallo bajo la copa de las plantas. Los resultados de crecimiento muestran un buen potencial para los 4 cultivares estudiados y se observó que la biofertilización generó efectos significativos en algunos de los indicadores de crecimiento de las plantas de cacao. Así, las asociaciones vegetales en un sistema agroforestal podrían ser favorables para potenciar el desarrollo de frutos y resistencia a plagas y enfermedades.

Cocoa plant (Theobroma cacao L.) is native from South America and it represents one of the most significant "bio-cultural" resources of Mesoamerica, since it is a region where it was domesticated and had a relevance as ritual drink and as currency in many pre-hispanic cultures until the arrival of the Spaniards who spread its use worldwide, and became it one of the most consumed commodity goods. Through this research, an alternative is proposed to address the problem of cultivars through the introduction of a wide variety of cocoa plants in traditional agroforestry systems, in synergy with the inoculation of nitrogen-fixing and insoluble phosphor solubilizing edaphic bacterial consortia. Four cultivars of improved grafted cocoa plants were introduced in a traditional agroforestry plot and three fertilization treatments were applied: application of biofertilizer, application of chemical fertilizer and control. Measurements of height, stem diameter, number of leaves and branches were recorded at 2 and 12 months after planting and rhizosphere microbial populations were characterized. Growth results showed good potential for all studied cultivars and it was observed that biofertilization foresees significant effects in some of the growth indicators of cocoa plant. Thereby, plant associations in an agroforestry system could be favorable to promote fruit development and resistance to pests and diseases.

Alcaloides y polifenoles del cacao, mecanismos que regulan su biosíntesis y sus implicaciones en el sabor y aroma / Cacao alkaloids and polyphenols: Mechanisms that regulate their biosynthesis and its implications on the taste and aroma

El sabor y aroma de los granos de cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) fueron las principales razones que promovieron su domesticación y uso alimentario por los pueblos precolombinos de Mesoamérica. Incluso hoy día, la calidad sensorial determina la clasificación entre cacaos finos y a granel. Muchos compuestos químicos de las almendras son responsables de la calidad sensorial, pero sobresalen los polifenoles y los alcaloides, compuestos que de manera directa inciden en el sabor y palatabilidad de las almendras y de manera indirecta sobre los precursores de aroma. Los alcaloides están asociados con el amargor. Su concentración está relacionada con la variedad y se modifica con el procesamiento. Los polifenoles son responsables, junto con otras moléculas de la astringencia (poco deseable en chocolates), pero también de propiedades antioxidantes deseables por los consumidores. En esta revisión se abordan aspectos de la biosíntesis de estas importantes moléculas en las almendras de cacao, de las implicaciones en el sabor y aroma, así como los cambios que ocurren durante el procesamiento de las mismas(AU)

The flavor and aroma of cacao (Theobroma cacao) beans were the main reasons that promoted its domestication and food-use by pre-Columbian peoples of Mesoamerica. Polyphenols and alkaloids are compounds that directly affect the flavor of the cocoa beans and indirectly on the flavor precursors. The alkaloids are associated with bitterness; its concentration is related to the cultivar and its modifying through the processing. Polyphenols molecules are responsible together with other molecules of the astringency (not desirable in chocolate), but also are responsible for antioxidant properties, very desirable by consumers. This review focuses on aspects of the biosynthesis of these important molecules in cocoa beans as well as implications in taste and flavor. The changes of these molecules that occur during processing are also approached(AU)

Effects of habitat management on different feeding guilds of herbivorous insects in cacao agroforestry systems / Efecto del manejo de hábitat en diferentes gremios alimentarios de insectos herbívoros en sistemas agroforestales de cacao

AbstractHuman pressure on natural habitats increases the importance of agroforests for biodiversity conservation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of cacao traditional cultivation system (CTCS) on the conservation of the herbivorous insect community when compared with a monodominant rubber agroforest, a type of agricultural system for cacao cultivation. The insects were sampled in three habitats in Southeastern Bahia, Brazil: native forests, CTCS and rubber agroforests. In each habitat, 18 plots of 10 m2 were established, and the structural measures were collected and herbivorous insects were sampled with a Malaise/window trap. The diversity of folivorous decreased with the simplification of vegetation structure, but species composition was similar among habitats. In addition to a decrease in the availability of resources in monodominant rubber agroforests, the latex present in these systems have limited the occurrence of species that cannot circumvent latex toxicity. The diversity of sap-sucking insects was similar among habitats, but species composition was similar only in the CTCS and native forest, and it was different in the rubber agroforest. We observed turnover and a higher frequency of individuals of the family Psyllidae in the rubber agroforest. The biology and behavior of Psyllids and absence of natural enemies enable their diversity to increase when they are adapted to a new host. We observed a shift in the composition of xylophagous insects in the rubber agroforest compared to that in other habitats. Moreover, this agroforest has low species richness, but high individual abundance. Latex extraction is likely an important additional source of volatile compounds discharged into the environment, and it increases the attraction and recruitment of coleoborers to these sites. We concluded that CTCS has an herbivorous insect community with a structure similar to the community found in native forests of the region, and they present a more interesting conservation strategy when compared to rubber agroforests. We also emphasized the potential risk of local pest outbreaks in rubber agroforests for both the rubber and associated cacao trees. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (2): 763-777. Epub 2016 June 01.

ResumenLa presión humana sobre los hábitats naturales aumenta la importancia de los sistemas agroforestales para la conservación de la biodiversidad. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el papel del sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao en la conservación de la comunidad de insectos herbívoros en comparación con el agrobosque monodominante de caucho, un tipo de sistema agrícola para el cultivo de cacao. Los insectos fueron muestreados en tres hábitats en el sureste de Bahia, Brasil: bosque nativo, sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao y agrobosque de caucho. En cada hábitat, se establecieron 18 parcelas de 10 m2, se tomaron medidas estructurales y se muestrearon los insectos herbívoros con una trampa tipo Malaise. La diversidad de folívoros disminuyó con la simplificación de la estructura de la vegetación, pero la composición de especies fue similar entre hábitats. Además se presentó una disminución de la disponibilidad de recursos en agrobosques de caucho, el látex presente en estos sistemas han limitado la aparición de especies que no pueden evadir la toxicidad de látex. La diversidad de insectos chupadores de savia fue similar entre los hábitats, pero la composición de especies fue similar sólo en el sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao y el bosque nativo, y diferente en el agrobosque de caucho. Hemos observado que hay una mayor frecuencia de individuos de la familia Psyllidae en el agrobosque de caucho. La biología y el comportamiento de los psílidos y ausencia de enemigos naturales permiten que su diversidad aumente cuando se adaptan a un nuevo huésped. Hemos observado un cambio en la composición de los insectos xilófagos en el agrobosque de caucho en comparación con la de otros hábitats. Por otra parte, este agrobosque tiene una baja riqueza de especies, pero gran abundancia individual. La extracción de látex probablemente es una fuente adicional importante de compuestos volátiles que son vertidos en el ambiente, y aumenta la atracción y el reclutamiento de curculiónidos en estos sitios. Hemos llegado a la conclusión de que el sistema tradicional de cultivo de cacao tiene una comunidad de insectos herbívoros con una estructura similar a la comunidad que se encuentra en los bosques nativos de la región, y presenta una estrategia de conservación más interesante si se compara con los sistemas agroforestales de caucho. También hicimos hincapié en el riesgo potencial de aparición de plagas locales en sistemas agroforestales de caucho, tanto para el caucho como para los árboles de cacao asociados.

Effects of different agricultural systems on soil quality in Northern Limón province, Costa Rica / Efectos de sistemas agrícolas diferentes sobre calidad de suelos en el norte de la provincia de Limón, Costa Rica

Conversion of native rainforest ecosystems in Limón Province of Costa Rica to banana and pineapple monoculture has led to reductions in biodiversity and soil quality. Agroforestry management of cacao (Theobroma cacao) is an alternative system that may maintain the agricultural livelihood of the region while more closely mimicking native ecosystems. This study compared physical, biological and chemical soil quality indicators of a cacao plantation under organic agroforestry management with banana, pineapple, and pasture systems; a native forest nearby served as a control. For bulk density and earthworm analysis, 18 samples were collected between March and April 2012 from each ecosystem paired with 18 samples from the cacao. Cacao had a lower bulk density than banana and pineapple monocultures, but greater than the forest (p<0.05). Cacao also hosted a greater number and mass of earthworms than banana and pineapple (p<0.05), but similar to forest and pasture. For soil chemical characteristics, three composite samples were collected in March 2012 from each agroecosystem paired with three samples from the cacao plantation. Forest and pineapple ecosystems had the lowest pH, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable nutrient cations, while cacao had the greatest (p<0.05). Total nutrient levels of P and N were slightly greater in banana, pineapple and pasture than in cacao; probably related to addition of chemical fertilizer and manure from cattle grazing. Forest and cacao also had greater %C, than other ecosystems, which is directly related to soil organic matter content (p<0.0001). Overall, cacao had more favorable physical, biological and chemical soil characteristics than banana and pineapple monocultures, while trends were less conclusive compared to the pastureland. While organic cacao was inferior to native forest in some soil characteristics such as bulk density and organic carbon, its soil quality did best mimic that of the native forest. This supports the organic cultivation of cacao as a desirable alternative to banana and pineapple monoculture. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (3): 887-897. Epub 2014 September 01.

Muchos de los ecosistemas boscosos naturales de la provincia de Limón, Costa Rica, se han convertido en monocultivos de banano y piña, lo que ha reducido la biodiversidad y la calidad de los suelos. El manejo agroforestal del cacao (Theobroma cacao) es un sistema alternativo, que puede generar ingresos para los agricultores de la región mientras imita mejor los ecosistemas nativos. En esta investigación se compararon los indicadores físicos, biológicos, y químicos de la calidad del suelo en un cacaotal orgánico y agroforestal, una plantación bananera, una piñera, un potrero y un bosque natural. En general, el suelo del cacaotal tuvo características físicas, biológicas y químicas mejores que los monocultivos de banano y piña, mientras las tendencias en comparación con el potrero fueron menos marcadas. Aunque algunas características del suelo en el cacaotal orgánico, como densidad y cantidad de carbono, fueron inferiores al bosque nativo, la calidad del suelo en el cacaotal imitó mejor la del bosque nativo. Los resultados de esta investigación apoyan el cultivo de cacao como una alternativa deseable al monocultivo de banano y piña.

Use of Trichoderma fungi in spray solutions to reduce Moniliophthora roreri infection of Theobroma cacao fruits in Northeastern Costa Rica / Uso de aspersión fungicida de Trichoderma para reducir infección de frutos de Theobroma cacao por Moniliophthora roreri en el noreste de Costa Rica

Cacao (Theobroma cacao) is an important cash crop in tropical climates such as that of Latin America. Over the past several decades, the infection of cultivated cacao by Moniliophthora roreri, known commonly as “monilia”, has significantly hindered cacao production in Latin America. Studies have proposed the use of Trichoderma sp. Fungi in biocontrol treatments to prevent and reduce monilia infection, yet tests of Trichoderma-containing spray treatments on cacao agroforests have produced mixed results. Researchers and agricultural workers have suggested that addition of soil, fly ash, or other carbon sources to a Trichoderma spray may improve its efficacy in fighting monilia. To test these suggestions, we designed a series of spray mixtures including Trichoderma cultures, soil, and all necessary controls. We applied the spray mixtures to 80 cacao trees (20 trees for each of four resistant-selected clones to monilia) at the FINMAC organic cacao plantation in Pueblo Nuevo de Guacimo, Limón Province, in northeastern Costa Rica in March-April 2013. Five treatments were applied (control, water, water plus sterilized soil, water plus Trichoderma, and water plus sterilized soil plus Trichoderma). Each treatment was applied to four trees of each clone. We monitored the incidence of moniliainfection under each spray treatment over the course of 35d. We found that spraying entire cacao trees two times with a mixture containing Trichoderma and sterilized soil significantly reduced the incidence of monilia infection by 11% (p<0.05) in only 35d, ascompared to the control. This reduction in loss of cacao pods translates into an increase of plantation mean productivity of 1 500kg dried beans/ha by 198kg/ha up to 1 698kg/ha or by a total increase over the whole 110ha plantation by 21 780kg. We propose that using such an antifungal spray over the whole course of a crop cycle (120 days) would decrease infection incidence even more. Application of this fungal control measure has the potential of revitalizing the production of cacao in the region. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (3): 899-907. Epub 2014 September 01.

El cacao (Theobroma cacao) es un cultivo comercial importante en los climas tropicales como los de América Latina. A lo largo de las últimas décadas la infección de cacao cultivado con Moniliophthora roreri, conocida comúnmente como “monilia”, ha dificultado la producción del cacao en América Latina de manera significativa. Algunos estudios han propuesto el uso del hongo Trichoderma sp. en tratamientos de control biológico para prevenir y reducir la infección por monilia. No obstante, pruebas realizadas con tratamientos por aspersión que contenían Trichoderma en cultivos de cacao agroforestales produjeron resultados diversos. Investigadores y trabajadores agrícolas han sugerido que la adición de tierra, cenizas volantes u otras fuentes de carbón a la aspersión de Trichoderma podría mejorar su eficacia en la lucha contra la monilia. Para probar la validez de estas sugerencias, diseñamos una serie de mezclas para la aspersión que incluían cultivos de Trichoderma, tierra y todos los testigos necesarios. Aplicamos aspersiones a 80 árboles de cacao (20 árboles para cada uno de cuatro clones seleccionados anteriormente por su resistencia a la monilia) en la finca de cacao orgánico FINMAC en Pueblo Nuevo de Guácimo, provincia de Limón, noreste de Costa Rica durante marzo y abril de 2013. Se aplicaron cinco tratamientos (testigo, agua, agua con tierra esterilizada, agua con Trichoderma, y agua con tierra esterilizada y Trichoderma). Se aplicó cada tratamiento a cuatro árboles de cada clon. Medimos la tasa de incidencia de infección por monilia bajo cada tratamiento por aspersión durante 35d. La aplicación de dos aspersiones a los árboles completos con una mezcla de Trichoderma y tierra esterilizada redujo la tasa de incidencia de infección por monilia en 11% (p<0.05) en solo 35d, en comparación con el tratamiento testigo. Esta reducción en la pérdida de frutos de cacao representa un aumento de 198kg/ha de semillas secas sobre la producción media de 1 500kg/ha, o un aumento total de 21 780kg en toda la plantación de 110ha. Proponemos que el uso de tal aspersión fungicida a lo largo de todo el ciclo de cultivo (120d) produciría una disminución aún mayor de la tasa de incidencia de infección. La aplicación de este método de control fungicida tiene el potencial de revitalizar la producción de cacao en la región.

Cascarilla de cacao venezolano como materia prima de infusiones / Husk of Venezuelan cocoa as raw material of infusions

En la industria del cacao se subutilizan materiales que pudieran ser ingredientes en la elaboración de productos novedosos, uno de ellos es la cascarilla de cacao. Estudios previos le atribuyen a dicho material una alta capacidad antioxidante, lo que sumado a su relativo bajo costo, lo hacen un atractivo ingrediente para la elaboración de infusiones, pero antes de promoverlo como tal, se necesita garantizar su calidad. En este estudio se evaluó la composición química, la calidad microbiológica de la cascarilla de cacao, así como también aquellos parámetros que determinan su uso como materia prima en la preparación de infusiones. Las semillas de cacao fueron cultivadas en dos estados en Venezuela. A la cascarilla de cacao se le determinó el contenido de humedad, proteínas, grasa, cenizas, carbohidratos, minerales, calidad microbiológica, ocratoxina A y las propiedades como antioxidante, contenido de materias extrañas, cenizas insolubles en HCL y extracto acuoso. Los métodos aplicados se basan en normas nacionales e internacionales. Se determinaron diferencias significativas entre las muestras mediante la aplicación de ANOVA. Un bajo contenido de humedad pero alto en cenizas, una calidad microbiológica ajustada a la norma y la ausencia de ocratoxina A se observaron en la totalidad de las muestras analizadas. El bajo contenido de materias extrañas y alto valor del extracto acuoso y alto contenido de polifenoles con actividad antioxidante permite recomendar la cascarilla del cacao como materia prima para preparar infusiones.

In the cocoa bean industry, some by-products go underutilized. Some of these components could provide other innovative products, and such is the case with the husk of the cocoa bean. Previous studies have attributed the husk with a high antioxidant capacity, which added to its relative low cost, makes it an attractive ingredient for the production of infusions. However, prior to promoting it as such, its quality needs to be guaranteed. This study evaluated the chemical composition of the husk of cocoa, its microbiologic quality and other parameters in order to be considered raw material in the preparation of infusions. The cocoa was cultivated in two different states in Venezuela. Moisture, protein, fat, ash, carbohydrates, microbiologic quality and ochratoxin A as well antioxidant properties, content of foreign matter, insoluble ash in HCL and aqueous extract were evaluated in the husk of cocoa seeds. Applied methods were in compliance with national and international norms. Significant differences were determined between the samples through the ANOVA application. A low level in moisture content, but high in ash, along with a microbiologic quality that met the norm, and an absence of ochratoxin A were observed in the totality of the analyzed samples. Low levels of foreign matter, the high value of its aqueous extract and high phenolic compounds content with antioxidant activity allow for the recommendation of the husk of cocoa as raw material for the preparation of infusions.

Fotossíntese, crescimento e incidência de insetos-praga em genótipos de cacau pulverizados com silício / Photosynthesis, growth and incidence of insect pest in cacao genotypes sprayed with silicon

Poucos são os estudos envolvendo o efeito do silício sobre a fisiologia e a resistência do cacaueiro a insetos-praga. Com o objetivo de avaliar as alterações fisiológicas, a incidência e o nível de dano provocado por insetospraga após aplicação de silicato de potássio em genótipos de cacau, foi conduzido em campo, um experimento no delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 com 4 repetições, sendo 3 genótipos de cacau (TSH 1188, CCN 51 e Catongo) e 3 doses de silicato de potássio (0; 3 e 6 mL L-1). Avaliou-se o crescimento, a cinética da emissão da fluorescência da clorofila, o teor de Si, o índice de clorofila, além da incidência e nível de dano provocado por insetospraga. A aplicação de silicato de potássio na dose 6 mL L-1 reduziu a maioria das variáveis de crescimento. O TSH 1188 foi o único genótipo que apresentou incremento no índice de clorofila e no desempenho das variáveis de fluorescência com a aplicação de 3 mL L-1. A aplicação de silicato de potássio não influenciou o teor foliar de Si nos genótipos estudados, mas reduziu a incidência e o nível de dano provocado por insetos-praga.

There are few studies of the effect of silicon on the physiology and resistance to insect pests in cocoa. With aim to evaluate the physiological changes, the incidence and level of damage caused by insect pests after application of potassium silicate in cacao genotypes was conducted in the field, an experiment in randomized blocks in factorial scheme 3 x 3 with four replications, with three genotypes of cocoa (TSH 1188, CCN 51 and Catongo) and three doses of potassium silicate (0, 3 and 6 mL L-1). We evaluated the growth kinetics of chlorophyll fluorescence emission, the Si content, chlorophyll content, and the incidence and level of damage by insect pests. The application of potassium silicate at a dose 6 mL L-1 reduced the majority of growth variables. The TSH 1188 was the only genotype that showed increase in chlorophyll content and in performance of variable fluorescence with the application of 3 mL L-1. The application of potassium silicate did not influence the content of Si in leaf genotypes, but reduced the incidence and level of damage by insect pests.

Análise comparativa de métodos de determinação de área foliar em genótipos de cacau / Comparative analysis of methods of determining leaf area in cocoa genotypes

O conhecimento da área foliar é uma ferramenta importante na análise do crescimento e desenvolvimento vegetal. Desse modo, objetivou-se comparar os métodos, integrador de área foliar, software DDA, software ImageJ e de medição das dimensões foliares, visando definir o fator de correção mais adequado para estimar a área foliar de genótipos cacau. O experimento foi desenvolvido na Estação Experimental Filogônio Peixoto no delineamento de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições em arranjo fatorial 4 x 8, sendo 4 métodos de avaliação de área foliar e oito genótipos de cacau (Variedade Comum; TSH 1188; Catongo; CCN 51; ICS 1; ESFIP 02; SJ 02 e PH 16). Os resultados foram submetidos a análises de variância e correlação e as médias comparadas pelo teste Tukey 5%. Não houve diferença entre os métodos de determinação de área foliar, sendo constatada correlação positiva entre os métodos DDA, ImageJ e Dimensões foliares com o método do integrador de área foliar (padrão), com valores dos coeficientes de correlação (r) superiores a 0,98. Os genótipos TSH 1188, Catongo e CCN 51 apresentaram maior área foliar média. Os métodos testados mostraram-se viáveis para estimar área foliar do cacaueiro com precisão, contudo, foram encontrados três grupos de fatores de correção, sendo K = 0,682 para os genótipos SJ 02 e Variedade Comum, K = 0,670 para os genótipos CCN 51, Catongo, TSH 1188 e ICS 01 e K = 0, 655 para os genótipos ESFIP 02 e PH 16.

The knowledge of the leaf area is an important tool in the analysis of plant growth and development. Thus, the objective was to compare the methods, integrating leaf area, software DDA, software ImageJ and measurement of leaf dimensions, aiming to define the most appropriate correction factor to estimate the leaf area of cacao genotypes. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Station Filogônio Peixoto in a randomized block design with four replications in a factorial arrangement of 4 x 8, being 4 assessment methods of leaf area and eight cacao genotypes (Common Variety; TSH 1188; Catongo; CCN 51; ICS 1; ESFIP 02; SJ 02 e PH 16). The results were submitted to analysis of variance and correlation and means were compared by Tukey test 5%. There was no difference between the methods of determining leaf area, being found positive correlation between the methods DDA, ImageJ and leaf dimensions with the integrative method of leaf area (default), with values of correlation coefficients (r) greater than 0,98. The genotypes TSH 1188, Catongo and CCN 51 have higher average leaf area. The methods tested were shown to be viable to estimate leaf area of cacao accurately, however, we found three groups of correction factors, being K = 0,682 for genotypes SJ 02 and Common Variety, K = 0,670 for genotypes CCN 51, Catongo, TSH 1188 and ICS 01 and K = 0, 655 for genotypes ESFIP 02 and PH 16.

Actividad antioxidante de clones de cacao (Theobroma cacao l. ) finos y aromáticos cultivados en el estado de Chiapas, México / Antioxidant activity of clones of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) fine and aromatic grown in the state of Chiapas-México

Objetivo: determinar la capacidad antioxidante y contenido de grasa de clones de cacao, provenientes de especies nativas del Estado de Chiapas, México. Materiales y métodos: en extractos de 34 muestras semillas de cacao diluidas en metanol al 95% y clasificadas según pH en tres grupos: I (5,52-5,90), II (5,91- 6,28) y III (6,29-6,67), se realizaron ensayos analíticos de variables físicas y químicas. Se evaluó la inhibición de radicales 2,2-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH) a 517 nm, el contenido de polifenoles mediante el reactivo de folin-ciocalteu (FCR) a 765 nm y cantidad de grasas totales según método AOAC. Se aplicó un ANOVA al nivel del 95%, con post prueba Tukey para comparar de medias muestrales y determinar diferencias significativas (p<0.05), además de sus correlaciones lineales. Resultados: El Grupo I con menor pH, mostró menor contenido calórico (26,3±3,6% de grasas), posee la mejor actividad antioxidante con menor valor EC50 de 4182 ppm y mayor contenido de polifenoles 6,6±0,32 equivalentes de ácido gálico por 100 g de muestra seca. Conclusión: El cacao chiapaneco posee importantes ventajas competitivas en el mercado, por su calidad como alimento funcional-nutracéutico y como materia prima para la industria alimentaria, fuente de antioxidantes y aditivos naturales, con potencial consumo en la industria farmacéutica y cosmética internacional.

Objective: To determine antioxidant capacity and fat content of cacao clones from the State of Chiapas, Mexico. Materials and Methods: 34 cocoa beans samples were diluted in 95% methanol and classified by pH in: group I (5.52-5.90), group II (5.91- 6.28), and group III (6.29-6.67). Chemical and physical analysis were developed. 2,2- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition was evaluated at 517 nm. Polyphenol and fat contents were evaluated by Folin-Ciocalteu Reagent at 765 nm and AOAC method, respectively. Differences in variables were evaluated by ANOVA and Tukey test, in addition to its linear correlations. Results: Group I showed the lowest caloric content (26.3±3.6% fat), the best antioxidant activity with lower EC50 value of 4182 ppm and the highest polyphenol content (6.6±0.3 gallic acid/100 g dry sample). Conclusion: Chiapas cocoa has significant competitive advantages due to its quality as a functional and nutraceutical food. It is a good raw material for food industry because it is a good source of antioxidants and natural additives. Furthermore, it is a potential ingredient in the international pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.

CARACTERIZACIÓN MOLECULAR DE CLONES DE Theobroma cacao L, POR MEDIO DE MARCADORES MOLECULARES MICROSATÉLITES / Theobroma cacao L. CLONES MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION USING MOLECULAR MICROSATELLITE MARKERS

Theobroma cacao L. es la única especie del género Theobroma que se explota comercialmente en grandes extensiones, registrando en la actualidad una amplia distribución mundial, a través de programas de desarrollo directamente influenciados por factores vinculados al mercado y por los intereses de productores, comerciantes, industriales y consumidores. En este estudio se evaluaron 12 clones de cacao por medio de marcadores moleculares utilizando 10 secuencias microsatélites (SSRs), como un estudio piloto antes de un ensayo a mayor escala. Los datos se procesaron mediante el programa Power Marker Versión 3.25. Se estimaron las frecuencias alélicas y luego se generó una matriz de distancias genéticas basada en el coeficiente de Nei. Utilizando el algoritmo de agrupamiento UPGMA se generó el dendrograma correspondiente. El análisis de diversidad mostró un índice de diversidad genética total de 0,6944 considerado intermedio para los materiales evaluados. La estimación de la heterocigosidad promedio fue de 0,58579 y de promedio del contenido de información polimórfica de 0,6523. En este estudio los marcadores mTcCIR6, mTcCIR25, mTcCIR26 y mTcCIR12 son los más informativos y polimórficos. Se recomienda relacionar los resultados de diversidad genética con caracteres morfo-agronómicos y de patogenicidad en los distintos clones de cacao a fin de consolidar estrategias eficaces de mejoramiento y control de enfermedades.

Theobroma cacao L. is the only Theobroma species that is commercially exploited in enormous extensions, registering presently wide distribution worldwide through development programs directly influenced by factors linked to the market and the producers, traders, industrials, and consumers’ interests. In this study 12 cacao clones were evaluated by means of molecular markers using 10 microsatellite sequences (SSRs) as a pilot study before a test at a greater scale. The data were processed using the Power Maker Version 3.25 program. The allelic frequencies were stimated and a genetic distance matrix was developed based on the Nei coefficient. Using the UPGMA grouping algorithm the corresponding dendrogram was generated. The diversity analysis showed a total genetic diversity index of 0.6944 considered intermediate for the materials evaluated. The average heterozygocity estimate was 0.58579 and the average polymorphic information content was 0.6523. In this study markers mTcCIR6, mTcCIR25, mTcCIR26 and mTcCIR12 are the most informative and polymorphic ones. It is recommended to relate the genetic diversity results with morpho-agronomic and pathogenicity characters in the different cacao clones in order to consolidate efficient strategies for disease improvement and control.