Project Number: 500-8-001-31
Project Type: Specific C/A

Start Date: Jul 01, 2002
End Date: Jun 30, 2007

Objective:
The cocoa industry in Ecuador has consistently lost world market share for the last 40 years (current production 80,000 metric tons), due to the pressure of plant disease, specifically Crinipellis and Moniliopthora, poorly categorized breed stock, lack of resistant breeding stock and poorly characterized germplasm collections and poor propagation practices on the part of small-holders/farmers. The confectionary industry remains strongly interested in the Ecuadorian production, particularly the Nacional or 'arriba' strains which have a high proportion of aromatic volatiles and other desirable flavanoid characteristics. Arriba beans command an approximate $300 premium per metric ton on the commodity market, making this an important value added product. The goal is to rehabilitate the industry to historic production levels, i.e., 250-300,000 metric tons per year. Sale of the production is virtually assured by the industry. The U.S. Department of State is prepared to reimburse at approximately $500K per annum for an integrated cocoa production plan.

Approach:
The program will involve traditional breeding and field selection, germplasm conservation, molecular-marker assisted population mapping, integrated pest management including biological control and clonal propagation techniques transferred to farmers' cooperatives. 1. Utilizing Quantitative Trail Loci analysis (QTL), determine genetic traits linked to 'arriba' flavanoids, identify strains with demonstrated disease resistance which exhibt these traits. Determine other deteminants of flavanoids, e.g., environmental, biochemical, post-harvest techniques, etc. 2. Utilize molecular markers to assist in population mapping of important Ecuadorian Theobroma collections. 3. As part of a field breeding program, assess the resistance of strains such as CCN-51and improve the quality of these strains, including productivity and quality characteristics. 4. Conduct exploration, where necessary, to identify wild material with potential for disease resistance. 5. Through training implemented through Ecuadorian institutions, and particularly the Ministry of Agriculture and the Cocoa Producers Union (ANECACAO), provide technology transfer to farmers in clonal propagation techniques. (Currently production quality is hampered by exclusive reliance upon seed propagation). 6. Evaluate propagation techniques including side-grafting, top-grafting, embryogenesis and tissue culture, under field conditions.

Project Team

Rosenquist, Eric Greene, Richard - Rich Dominique Berry - Lead Investigator 301-504-4545

Related National Programs

Plant, Microbial & Insect Genetic Res., Genomics, & Genetic Improv. I (301)