COCOA
Early bearing cocoa varieties have been developed
- Early bearing cocoa varieties which combine high yield (Tc1-Tc8 series 1,500-2,300kg/ha. compared with 500kg/ha. on farmers' farms), insect pests and disease tolerance and other quality parameters were developed. Twelve hybrids of cocoa from these categories have been released and distributed to farmers since 2010.
- Seedlings of these newly developed genetically improved and high yielding varieties have been raised and are being distributed to farmers, and Parents of these hybrids have been used for the establishment of seed garden in cocoa-producing states.
- Selection of two hundred and sixty-five (265) cocoa trees for black pod escape was made.
- Hand pollination in cocoa for the production of hybrid cocoa pods.
- Assessment of genetic diversity in Nigerian cocoa was undertaken using simple sequence repeat markers and single meleotide Polymorphism (SPN) markers. The latter was also employed for genetic finger printing of cocoa trees in some of our germplasm to correct the errors of mislabeling and offtypes.
- Breeding efforts was also in progress to carry out multi location on field trials of cultivars to be selected for registration with variety release committee.
- Further introduction of germplasm materials from the University of Reading was made in 2017/2018 to widen Nigeria cocoa genetic base.
- Fertilizer requirements for cocoa cultivation have been established for the different soil types of the south-west ecological zone, the sandy soils of Edo State and the heavy rainfall areas of Ikom in Cross River State.
- Articulate physio-chemical methods have been developed for site selection and management.
- Organic based manure which satisfies fertilizer requirements in cocoa nurseries has been developed by incorporating cocoa pod husk (CPH) and Chromolaena. In addition, Neem-fortified cocoa pod husk at the ratio of 80:20 (CPH: Neem Leaves) applied with 10kg N/ha enhanced cocoa seedling establishment under old cocoa plantation.
- Application of Boron at 100mg/L significantly improved fermentable pods.
- Composting of organic materials (Siam weed + Cow dung) for cocoa using farmer participatory approach was developed for Cross River State.
- Vigorous seedlings were produced from beans obtained from big pods and distal end of smaller pods. In addition, rain water was adjudged to be most suitable for production of cocoa seedlings
- Weed control in young and old cocoa has been improved by the use of Glyphosates, e.g. Touchdown Forte, Roundup and Clearweed using direct application technique; this has shown to be more economical than the cultural method of manual hand slashing.
- In line with European Union's (EU) regulation, pesticide usage on cocoa for effective control of black pod disease of cocoa has been achieved by spraying the pods with recommended fungicides such as Ridomil Gold (Metalaxyl-M+Copper hydroxide, Funguran OH (Copper hydroxide), Copper Nordox, (Copper hydroxide and Champ D.P. (Copper hydroxide), Kocide 101 (Copper oxide), Ultimax Plus (Metalaxyl (Copper oxide), Kocide 2000 (Copper hydroxide), Redforce (Copper oxide) + Me t a l a x y l , Cabno Duo (Ry r a c los trobin + Dimethomorph), Jorkenil plus (Metalaxyl + Copper (1) oxide).
- Dusban 48 E.C. (Chlorpyrifos) and Actara 25 W.G. (Thianmethoxam) have been identified as alternative insecticides to Gammalin 20 E.C. and other cocoa insecticides for solving the cocoa mirid resistance problems and for minimizing hazards to cocoa farm workers, the environment and consumers of cocoa products
- To protect cocoa beans in storage, Phostoxin (Aluminium phosphide) is recommended.
- Nematode control in cocoa using organic amendments (wood ash, poultry droppings, cocoa pod husk (CPH), cow dung and neem) was achieved. This method was as effective as chemical control using the banned Carbofuran on cocoa.
- The diversity of Trichoderma Spp. from major cocoa ecologies of Nigeria has been determined while the potential of the organism as an effective biocontrol agent of the black pod disease of cocoa was established.
- Development of potassium hydroxide crystals from cocoa pod husk has been achieved. This product competes favourably with its conventional alkali for industrial application.
- Micro-propagation of cocoa plantlets for mass production of disease free, improved cocoa clones.
- Establishment of parental clones of CRIN Tc hybrid series at CRIN HQ and substations in order to boost production of improved planting materials.
- Further introduction of cocoa genetic materials from International Cocoa Genebank at the University of Reading to enhance our germplasm and support breeding activities.
- On-farm trial of new cocoa hybrid varieties is ongoing.
- On-station evaluation of new cocoa cultivars is ongoing.
Dr S.B Orisajo
Director/Cocoa Programme Leader
