Location: Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-21000-281-006-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jun 19, 2017
End Date: Jun 19, 2022
Objective:
1. Assess cacao genotypes for tolerance to abiotic stresses such as mineral deficiency/toxicities and for drought tolerance.
2. Select, establish, and evaluate Peruvian cacao germplasm accessions for genetic diversity and for improved agronomic traits.
Approach:
1. Develop studies to evaluate the tolerance of native and international cacao clones to abiotic stresses such as mineral deficiency/toxicities and drought. The agreement promotes international partnerships and cooperation with the USDA-ARS.
2. Develop studies to assess genetic diversity in wild populations and farmer selections of cacao using molecular markers. A core set of the germplasm will be selected and evaluated for agronomic traits.
