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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory » Research » Research Project #431232
Research Project: Assess Cacao Germplasm for Abiotic Factors and Improved Agronomic Traits

Location: Sustainable Perennial Crops Laboratory

Project Number: 8042-21000-281-06-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.