Genetic Variability in Partitioning to the Yield Component of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Biomass partitioning of cacao ( Theobroma cacao L.) was studied in seven clones and five hybrids in a replicated experiment in Bahia, Brazil. Over an 18-month period, a 7-fold difference in dry bean yield was demonstrated between genotypes, ranging from the equivalent of 200 to 1389 kg·ha -1 . During the same interval, the increase in trunk cross-sectional area ranged from 11.1 cm 2 for clone EEG-29 to 27.6 cm 2 for hybrid PA-150 × MA-15. Yield efficiency increment (the ratio of cumulative yield to the increase in trunk circumference), which indicated partitioning between the vegetative and reproductive components, ranged from 0.008 kg·cm -2 for clone CP-82 to 0.08 kg·cm -2 for clone EEG-29. An examination of biomass partitioning within the pod of the seven clones revealed that the beans accounted for between 32.0% (CP-82) and 44.5% (ICS-9) of the pod biomass. The study demonstrated the potential for yield improvement in cacao by selectively breeding for more efficient partitioning to the yield component.