FORTIZ L., ROBLES H.
Abstract
The cocoa tree ( Theobroma cacao L. of the Sterculiaceae
family) is usually a small tree, 4 to 8 meters tall. For ideal production, cocoa
trees need rainfall between, 1,150 and 2,500mm per year and temperatures between
21°C and 32° C. It is native to South America and Central America. The
scientific name for the tree, Theobroma, means "food of the gods. "
The cacao tree is very delicate and sensitive. It needs protection from wind
and requires a fair amount of shade under most conditions. This is true especially
in its first two to four years of growth. Pods, shaped like small rugby balls,
grow on the trunk of these trees. Inside the pods are 20 to 60 beans or seeds.
The pods take Jive to six months to mature, giving natural enemies like fungi
plenty of time to attack. Equally, the humid of the rainforest also provide
a nice environment for disease-causing fungi. Frequent rains provide a convenient
means for fungal spores to move from place to place.
Key Words:
Theobroma cacao L., family: Sterculiaceae, pods - cacao fruits, economical plants,
host, and pathogen.