Genetic resources of cacao: a catalogue of the CATIE collection

Abstract

The present catalogue contains information on 294 clones, 8 related species and on one hybrid. Limited information on 119 clones is included at the end of the catalogue. Since the data was collected only in Turrialba, detailed information on soil and climate are given to allow comparisons with data from other sites. The descriptors which have been used are defined as precisely as possible, with information on the instruments employed, the type of plant material, etc. the sampling method for each of the characteristics is mentioned. Since the evaluation for disease resistance was outside the scope of the project activities, information was compiled from the literature, with citations. Information on self-compatibility of the clones was provided by observations made at CATIE and by literature accounts. Information on the combining ability (specific or general) of a clone is included in the catalogue under notes. The collected data for each of the clones make up the main part of the catalogue and are presented as a copy of the computer listing. Drawings of the longitudinal and transverse sections of a representative fruit of each of the clones are included as illustrations of the forgoing data. The same scale was used for all the drawings. The information on the related species and hybrids is presented partly as drawings and partly as data. The appendices are included to help the reader/user in selecting the desired material.