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Agricultural land use for export commodities leads to significant biodiversity impacts. A spatially detailed assessment of these impacts is crucial for implementing effective mitigation policies. Using cocoa cultivation and exports in Côte d'Ivoire as an example, we present a novel framework that combines earth observations, enhanced landscape-scale biodiversity models, and subnational export supply chain data sets to track the tele-connected potential biodiversity impacts of export groups and importing countries. We found that cocoa cultivation accounts for ∼44% of the biodiversity impacts in Côte d'Ivoire's cocoa cultivation areas, with >90% attributable to cocoa exports. The top 10 importing countries account for ∼84% of these impacts. Our method offers improved spatial detail compared to the existing approaches, facilitating the identification of biodiversity impact hotspots. Additionally, the biodiversity impacts of agroforestry cocoa are not always lower compared to full-sun cocoa, especially when agroforestry systems are established in regions of high biodiversity importance. Our transferable framework provides a comprehensive understanding of biodiversity footprint and promotes informed decision-making for sustainable agricultural production, processing, and trade. Our framework's application is currently constrained by the scarcity of detailed supply chain data sets; we underscore the urgent need for improved supply chain transparency to fully unlock the framework's potential.

Although collaboration is vital in addressing global environmental sustainability challenges, research understanding on stakeholder engagement in climate-smart production innovation adoption and implementation, remains limited. In this paper, we advance knowledge about stakeholder collaboration by examining the roles played by stakeholders in scaling-up ecological sustainability innovations. Using the illustrative context and case of green cocoa industry in Ghana, the analysis identified three distinctive phases of stakeholder engagement in ecological sustainability innovations implemented from 1960 to 2017. We highlight defining periods of ecological challenges encompassing the production recovery sustainability initiative phase solely driven by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)-a governmental body responsible for production, processing and marketing of cocoa, coffee and sheanut. During the period, major initiatives were driven by non-governmental organisations in collaboration with COCOBOD to implement the climate-smart agriculture scheme in the cocoa sector. The findings have implications for cocoa production research and stakeholder collaboration in environmental innovations adoption.

Climate change threatens coffee production and the livelihoods of thousands of families in Mesoamerica that depend on it. Replacing coffee with cocoa and integrating trees in combined agroforestry systems to ameliorate abiotic stress are among the proposed alternatives to overcome this challenge. These two alternatives do not consider the vulnerability of cocoa and tree species commonly used in agroforestry plantations to future climate conditions. We assessed the suitability of these alternatives by identifying the potential changes in the distribution of coffee, cocoa and the 100 most common agroforestry trees found in Mesoamerica. Here we show that cocoa could potentially become an alternative in most of coffee vulnerable areas. Agroforestry with currently preferred tree species is highly vulnerable to future climate change. Transforming agroforestry systems by changing tree species composition may be the best approach to adapt most of the coffee and cocoa production areas. Our results stress the urgency for land use planning considering climate change effects and to assess new combinations of agroforestry species in coffee and cocoa plantations in Mesoamerica.

Reduced climatic suitability due to climate change in cocoa growing regions of Ghana is expected in the coming decades. This threatens farmers' livelihood and the cocoa sector. Climate change adaptation requires an improved understanding of existing cocoa production systems and farmers' coping strategies. This study characterized current cocoa production, income diversification and shade tree management along a climate gradient within the cocoa belt of Ghana. The objectives were to 1) compare existing production and income diversification between dry, mid and wet climatic regions, and 2) identify shade trees in cocoa agroforestry systems and their distribution along the climatic gradient. Our results showed that current mean cocoa yield level of 288kg ha-1yr-1 in the dry region was significantly lower than in the mid and wet regions with mean yields of 712 and 849 kg ha-1 yr-1, respectively. In the dry region, farmers diversified their income sources with non-cocoa crops and off-farm activities while farmers at the mid and wet regions mainly depended on cocoa (over 80% of annual income). Two shade systems classified as medium and low shade cocoa agroforestry systems were identified across the studied regions. The medium shade system was more abundant in the dry region and associated to adaptation to marginal climatic conditions. The low shade system showed significantly higher yield in the wet region but no difference was observed between the mid and dry regions. This study highlights the need for optimum shade level recommendation to be climatic region specific.

The inability of farmers to comply with essential precautions in the course of spraying agrochemicals remains a policy dilemma, especially in developing countries. The objectives of this paper were to assess compliance of cocoa farmers with agrochemical safety measures, analyse the factors explaining involvement of cocoa farmers in the practice of reusing agrochemical containers and wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data were collected with structured questionnaires from 667 cocoa farmers from the Centre and South West regions in Cameroon. Data analyses were carried out with Probit regression and Negative Binomial regression models. The results showed that average cocoa farm sizes were 3.55 ha and 2.82 ha in South West and Centre regions, respectively, and 89.80% and 42.64% complied with manufacturers' instructions in the use of insecticides. Eating or drinking while spraying insecticides and fungicides was reported by 4.20% and 5.10% of all farmers in the two regions, respectively. However, 37.78% and 57.57% of all farmers wore hand gloves and safety boots while spraying insecticides in the South West and Centre regions of Cameroon, respectively. In addition, 7.80% of all the farmers would wash agrochemical containers and use them at home, while 42.43% would wash and use them on their farms. Probit regression results showed that probability of reusing agrochemical containers was significantly influenced ( p < 0.05) by region of residence of cocoa farmers, gender, possession of formal education and farming as primary occupation. The Negative Binomial regression results showed that the log of number PPE worn was significantly influenced ( p < 0.10) by region, marital status, attainment of formal education, good health, awareness of manufacturers' instructions, land area and contact index. It was among others concluded that efforts to train farmers on the need to be familiar with manufacturers' instructions and use PPE would enhance their safety in the course of spraying agrochemicals., Competing Interests: The author declares no conflict of interest.

Introduction and Objective: Climate change is one of the major development hurdles in many developing countries. The health outcome of farm households are related to climate change, which is related to several external and internal health-related issues, such as management of occupational stressors. This study seeks, inter alia, to determine the climate related occupational stress and factors influencing reported sick times among cocoa farmers., Material and Method: Data were collected from selected cocoa farmers in South-Western Nigeria. Descriptive statistics and Negative Binomial regression were used for data analyses., Results: The results showed that cocoa farmers were ageing, and that the majority had cultivating cocoa for most of their years of farming. Cocoa was the primary crop for the majority of the farmers, while 92.00% of the farmers in Osun state owned the cultivated cocoa farms. The forms of reported climate change induced occupational stresses were increase in pest infestation (74.5% in Ekiti state), difficulties in weed control (82.1% in Ekiti state), missing regular times scheduled for spraying cocoa pods (45.7% in Ondo state), inability to spray cocoa effectively (58.5% in Ondo state), and reduction in cocoa yield (71.7% in Ekiti state). The Negative Binomial regression results showed that the age of farmers (0.0103), their education (-0.0226), years of cocoa farming (-0.0112), malaria infection (0.4901), missed spraying (0.5061), re-spraying of cocoa (0.2630), reduction in cocoa yield (0.20154), contact with extension (0.2411) and residence in Ondo state (-0.2311) were statistically significant (p<0.05)., Conclusion: Climate change influences the farm operations of cocoa farmers with resultant occupational stresses. Efforts to assist cocoa farmers should include, among others, provision of weather forecasts and some form of insurance.

The history of cocoa and chocolate including the birth and the expansion of the chocolate industry was described. Recent developments in the industry and cocoa economy were briefly depicted. An overview of the classification of cacao as well as studies on phenotypic and genetic diversity was presented. Cocoa agronomic practices including traditional and modern propagation techniques were reviewed. Nutrition-related health benefits derived from cocoa consumption were listed and widely reviewed. The specific action of cocoa antioxidants was compared to those of teas and wines. Effects of adding milk to chocolate and chocolate drinks versus bioavailability of cocoa polyphenols were discussed. Finally, flavor, sensory, microbiological, and toxicological aspects of cocoa consumption were presented.

The use of neonicotinoids as an insecticide group in Ghana has been quite significant particularly in cocoa production. The high usage has been mainly as a result of a government policy of free insecticide spraying on cocoa farms, in an effort to curb declining yields caused by pests and diseases and to prevent the use of unapproved or banned insecticides on cocoa farms. However the scale of cocoa farming, the frequency and intensity of usage coupled with the mode of application may result in large physical volumes of insecticides in the environment. This makes the knowledge of the concentration and fate of neonicotinoids in the environment extremely important. The present study was aimed at assessing the levels of five major neonicotinoids in soils from cocoa farmlands in Ghana. Extraction and cleanup of analytes were performed by use of a method based on the original QuEChERS procedure after optimizing salts, sorbents and instrumental conditions. Analyte extraction with NaCl and MgSO4 in acidified acetonitrile followed by cleanup with primary secondary amine (PSA) presented the optimum conditions for extraction. Quantification was performed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with electrospray ionization (ESI). Validation of the procedure showed average recoveries ranging from 72.0 to 104.8% for all analytes at all fortification levels with relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 15.0. Limits of quantitation were <10 μg kg(-1) for all neonicotinoids studied. The results obtained from the analysis of 52 samples from cocoa farms revealed imidacloprid as the predominant neonicotinoid with concentrations ranging from 4.3 to 251.4 μg kg(-1) in >50% of samples analyzed., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Conversion of native rainforest ecosystems in Limón Province of Costa Rica to banana and pineapple monoculture has led to reductions in biodiversity and soil quality. Agroforestry management of cacao (Theobroma cacao) is an alternative system that may maintain the agricultural livelihood of the region while more closely mimicking native ecosystems. This study compared physical, biological and chemical soil quality indicators of a cacao plantation under organic agroforestry management with banana, pineapple, and pasture systems; a native forest nearby served as a control. For bulk density and earthworm analysis, 18 samples were collected between March and April 2012 from each ecosystem paired with 18 samples from the cacao. Cacao had a lower bulk density than banana and pineapple monocultures, but greater than the forest (p < 0.05). Cacao also hosted a greater number and mass of earthworms than banana and pineapple (p < 0.05), but similar to forest and pasture. For soil chemical characteristics, three composite samples were collected in March 2012 from each agroecosystem paired with three samples from the cacao plantation. Forest and pineapple ecosystems had the lowest pH, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable nutrient cations, while cacao had the greatest (p < 0.05). Total nutrient levels of P and N were slightly greater in banana, pineapple and pasture than in cacao; probably related to addition of chemical fertilizer and manure from cattle grazing. Forest and cacao also had greater %C, than other ecosystems, which is directly related to soil organic matter content (p < 0.0001). Overall, cacao had more favorable physical, biological and chemical soil characteristics than banana and pineapple monocultures, while trends were less conclusive compared to the pastureland. While organic cacao was inferior to native forest in some soil characteristics such as bulk density and organic carbon, its soil quality did best mimic that of the native forest. This supports the organic cultivation of cacao as a desirable alternative to banana and pineapple monoculture.

Recent evidence has shown that primates worldwide use agroecosystems as temporary or permanent habitats. Detailed information on how these primates are using these systems is scant, and yet their role as seed dispersers is often implied. The main objective of this study was to compare the activity, foraging patterns and seed dispersal role of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) inhabiting shaded cocoa plantations and rainforest in southern Chiapas, Mexico. We gathered data on three monkey groups living in shaded cocoa plantations and three groups living in rainforest, using focal sampling, and collecting fecal samples. General activity and foraging patterns were similar in both habitats, with the exception that monkeys in the cocoa habitat spent more time feeding on petioles. Monkeys in shaded cocoa plantations dispersed 51,369 seeds (4% were seeds ≥3 mm width) of 16 plant species. Monkeys in the rainforest dispersed 6,536 seeds (78% were seeds ≥3 mm width) of 13 plant species. Our data suggest that the difference between habitats in the proportion of large versus small seeds dispersed reflects differences in fruit species abundance and availability in cocoa versus forest. Mean seed dispersal distances were statistically similar in both habitats (cocoa = 149 m, forest = 86 m). We conclude that the studied cocoa plantations provide all elements necessary to constitute a long-term permanent habitat for black howler monkeys. In turn, howler monkeys living in these plantations are able to maintain their functional role as seed dispersers for those native tree and liana species present within their areas of activities., (© 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Comprehensive sensitivity analysis is a significant tool to interpret and improve life cycle assessment (LCA) models, but is rarely performed. Sensitivity analysis will increase in importance as inventory databases become regionalized, increasing the number of system parameters, and parametrized, adding complexity through variables and nonlinear formulas. We propose and implement a new two-step approach to sensitivity analysis. First, we identify parameters with high global sensitivities for further examination and analysis with a screening step, the method of elementary effects. Second, the more computationally intensive contribution to variance test is used to quantify the relative importance of these parameters. The two-step sensitivity test is illustrated on a regionalized, nonlinear case study of the biodiversity impacts from land use of cocoa production, including a worldwide cocoa products trade model. Our simplified trade model can be used for transformable commodities where one is assessing market shares that vary over time. In the case study, the highly uncertain characterization factors for the Ivory Coast and Ghana contributed more than 50% of variance for almost all countries and years examined. The two-step sensitivity test allows for the interpretation, understanding, and improvement of large, complex, and nonlinear LCA systems.

Pollination is a well-studied and at the same time a threatened ecosystem service. A significant part of global crop production depends on or profits from pollination by animals. Using detailed information on global crop yields of 60 pollination dependent or profiting crops, we provide a map of global pollination benefits on a 5' by 5' latitude-longitude grid. The current spatial pattern of pollination benefits is only partly correlated with climate variables and the distribution of cropland. The resulting map of pollination benefits identifies hot spots of pollination benefits at sufficient detail to guide political decisions on where to protect pollination services by investing in structural diversity of land use. Additionally, we investigated the vulnerability of the national economies with respect to potential decline of pollination services as the portion of the (agricultural) economy depending on pollination benefits. While the general dependency of the agricultural economy on pollination seems to be stable from 1993 until 2009, we see increases in producer prices for pollination dependent crops, which we interpret as an early warning signal for a conflict between pollination service and other land uses at the global scale. Our spatially explicit analysis of global pollination benefit points to hot spots for the generation of pollination benefits and can serve as a base for further planning of land use, protection sites and agricultural policies for maintaining pollination services.

Shaded perennial agroforestry systems contain relatively high quantities of soil carbon (C) resulting from continuous deposition of plant residues; however, the extent to which the C is sequestered in soil will depend on the extent of physical protection of soil organic C (SOC). The main objective of this study was to characterize SOC storage in relation to soil fraction-size classes in cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) agroforestry systems (AFSs). Two shaded cacao systems and an adjacent natural forest in reddish-yellow Oxisols in Bahia, Brazil were selected. Soil samples were collected from four depth classes to 1 m depth and separated by wet-sieving into three fraction-size classes (>250 microm, 250-53 microm, and <53 microm)-corresponding to macroaggregate, microaggregate, and silt-and-clay size fractions-and analyzed for C content. The total SOC stock did not vary among systems (mean: 302 Mg/ha). On average, 72% of SOC was in macroaggregate-size, 20% in microaggregate-size, and 8% in silt-and-clay size fractions in soil. Sonication of aggregates showed that occlusion of C in soil aggregates could be a major mechanism of C protection in these soils. Considering the low level of soil disturbances in cacao AFSs, the C contained in the macroaggregate fraction might become stabilized in the soil. The study shows the role of cacao AFSs in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emission through accumulation and retention of high amounts of organic C in the soils and suggests the potential benefit of this environmental service to the nearly 6 million cacao farmers worldwide.

The blood serum of cacao farmers and their domestic water sources were analyzed for insecticide residues in selected cacao growing communities of Southwestern Nigeria. The farmers were grouped into five exposure periods based on their years of involvement in insecticide application, viz, <5 years, 5-9 years, 10-14 years, 15-19 years and >20 years. The residue analyses revealed that 42 out of the 76 farmers had residues of diazinon, endosulfan, propoxur and lindane in their blood; and 47.6% out of these farmers belonged in the >20 years exposure duration period. About 34% of the farmers had diazinon with a mean concentration of 0.067 mg kg(-1), 29% endosulfan (mean=0.033 mg kg(-1)), 23% propoxur (mean=0.095 mg kg(-1)), and 17% lindane (mean=0.080 mg kg(-1)) in their blood. The residues of lindane, endosulfan and propoxur in all the exposure duration categories were found to be far below the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) while diazinon residues detected in the blood serum of the farmers in all the exposure duration categories exceeded the NOAEL of 0.02 mg kg(-1) for the insecticide. The study also revealed that the sources of drinking water had been contaminated with dazinon and propoxur in some of the farmers' localities; and the concentrations of the insecticides exceeded the acceptable daily intake (ADI). It is concluded that cacao farmers in Southwestern Nigeria may have been occupationally exposed due to insecticide application for mirid control in their cacao plantations; and the exposure at times is of such magnitude as to be hazardous to the farmers and their respective communities.

Insectivorous birds reduce arthropod abundances and their damage to plants in some, but not all, studies where predation by birds has been assessed. The variation in bird effects may be due to characteristics such as plant productivity or quality, habitat complexity, and/or species diversity of predator and prey assemblages. Since agroforestry systems vary in such characteristics, these systems provide a good starting point for understanding when and where we can expect predation by birds to be important. We analyze data from bird exclosure studies in forests and agroforestry systems to ask whether birds consistently reduce their arthropod prey base and whether bird predation differs between forests and agroforestry systems. Further, we focus on agroforestry systems to ask whether the magnitude of bird predation (1) differs between canopy trees and understory plants, (2) differs when migratory birds are present or absent, and (3) correlates with bird abundance and diversity. We found that, across all studies, birds reduce all arthropods, herbivores, carnivores, and plant damage. We observed no difference in the magnitude of bird effects between agroforestry systems and forests despite simplified habitat structure and plant diversity in agroforests. Within agroforestry systems, bird reduction of arthropods was greater in the canopy than the crop layer. Top-down effects of bird predation were especially strong during censuses when migratory birds were present in agroforestry systems. Importantly, the diversity of the predator assemblage correlated with the magnitude of predator effects; where the diversity of birds, especially migratory birds, was greater, birds reduced arthropod densities to a greater extent. We outline potential mechanisms for relationships between bird predator, insect prey, and habitat characteristics, and we suggest future studies using tropical agroforests as a model system to further test these areas of ecological theory.

Losses of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning due to rainforest destruction and agricultural intensification are prime concerns for science and society alike. Potentially, ecosystems show nonlinear responses to land-use intensification that would open management options with limited ecological losses but satisfying economic gains. However, multidisciplinary studies to quantify ecological losses and socioeconomic tradeoffs under different management options are rare. Here, we evaluate opposing land use strategies in cacao agroforestry in Sulawesi, Indonesia, by using data on species richness of nine plant and animal taxa, six related ecosystem functions, and on socioeconomic drivers of agroforestry expansion. Expansion of cacao cultivation by 230% in the last two decades was triggered not only by economic market mechanisms, but also by rarely considered cultural factors. Transformation from near-primary forest to agroforestry had little effect on overall species richness, but reduced plant biomass and carbon storage by approximately 75% and species richness of forest-using species by approximately 60%. In contrast, increased land use intensity in cacao agroforestry, coupled with a reduction in shade tree cover from 80% to 40%, caused only minor quantitative changes in biodiversity and maintained high levels of ecosystem functioning while doubling farmers' net income. However, unshaded systems further increased income by approximately 40%, implying that current economic incentives and cultural preferences for new intensification practices put shaded systems at risk. We conclude that low-shade agroforestry provides the best available compromise between economic forces and ecological needs. Certification schemes for shade-grown crops may provide a market-based mechanism to slow down current intensification trends.

Recent evidence indicates that primate populations may persist in neotropical fragmented landscapes by using arboreal agroecosystems, which may provide temporary habitats, increased areas of vegetation, and connectivity, among other benefits. However, limited data are available on how primates are able to sustain themselves in such manmade habitats. We report the results of a 9-month-long investigation of the feeding ecology of a troop of howler monkeys (n = 24) that have lived for the past 25 years in a 12-ha cacao plantation in the lowlands of Tabasco, Mexico. A vegetation census indicated the presence of 630 trees (> or =20 cm diameter at breast height (DBH)) of 32 shade species in the plantation. The howlers used 16 plant species (13 of which were trees) as sources of leaves, fruits, and flowers. Five shade tree species (Ficus cotinifolia, Pithecellobium saman, Gliricidia sepium, F. obtusifolia, and Ficus sp.) accounted for slightly over 80% of the total feeding time and 78% of the total number trees (n = 139) used by the howlers, and were consistently used by the howlers from month to month. The howlers spent an average of 51% of their monthly feeding time exploiting young leaves, 29% exploiting mature fruit, and 20% exploiting flowers and other plant items. Monthly consumption of young leaves varied from 23% to 67%, and monthly consumption of ripe fruit varied from 12% to 64%. Differences in the protein-to-fiber ratio of young vs. mature leaves influenced diet selection by the monkeys. The howlers used 8.3 ha of the plantation area, and on average traveled 388 m per day in each month. The howlers preferred tree species whose contribution to the total tree biomass and density was above average for the shade-tree population in the plantation. Given the right conditions of management and protection, shaded arboreal plantations in fragmented landscapes can sustain segments of howler monkey populations for many decades., (Copyright 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

Deadwood is a key component of nutrient cycling in natural tropical forests, serving as a globally important carbon storage and habitat for a high number of species. The conversion of tropical forests to agriculture modifies deadwood pools, but we know little about deadwood dynamics in forests recovering from human disturbance. Here we quantified the volume and diversity of coarse woody debris (CWD, ≥ 7 cm diameter) and the mass of fine woody debris (FWD, < 7 cm) along a chronosequence of natural forest recovery in the lowlands of the Ecuadorian Chocó region. We sampled forest plots ranging from 1–37 years of recovery post-cessation of agricultural use as either cacao plantation or cattle pasture, as well as actively managed cacao plantations and cattle pastures, and old-growth forests. In contrast to our expectation, we found no significant increase in deadwood volume with recovery time. The diversity in size, decay stage and type of CWD increased along the recovery gradient, with no effect of previous land use type. The mass of FWD increased overall across the recovery gradient, but these results were driven by a steep increase in former pastures, with no change observed in former cacao plantations. We suggest that the range of sizes and decomposition stages of deadwood found in these two major tropical agricultural systems could provide suitable resources for saproxylic organisms and an overlooked carbon storage outside old-growth forests. Our estimates of deadwood in agricultural systems and recovering forests can help improve global assessments of carbon storage and release in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cocoa is one of important commodities for the economy of Indonesia. However, national exports of the commodity has declined due to decreasing of domestic cocoa production. For enhancing cocoa production, potassium fertilization is required. Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient in the physiology, anatomy, and yields processes. Anatomically, K is needed in the elongation of meristem tissue as well as for increasing the yields of fruit and seed. The objectives of this research included the study of the effect of K fertilizer dose and determination of optimum K doses on root anatomy development as well as the yield of cocoa pods. This research was conducted on the cocoa plantation of PT. Pagilaran. Applied doses of K fertilization consisted of 0, 150, 300, 450, and 600 g KCl/plant in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 5 replications. Observed variables consisted of root anatomy and yield of cocoa pods. The results indicated that the dose of K fertilization significantly influenced both stele and xylem diameters of cocoa roots but insignificantly effected the thickness of cork tissue, phloem diameter, and the thickness of cambium tissue. Moreover, the dose also showed significant effect on the number of beans per pod, the weight of 100 beans, as well as the fresh and dry weight of beans per plant. It was also revealed that the dose showed no significant effect on length, diameter, and weight of the cocoa pods. It implied that K fertilization dose had effect on root anatomical properties and yield of cacao.

A network of agronomists, researchers, and practitioners associated with cacao farming provided open access to their independent field trials across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). A centralized dataset was assembled using qualitative and quantitative data from 25 experimental field trials (hereafter referred to as “CacaoFIT”) spanning several LAC agroecosystems. This dataset was used to document the main traits and agroclimatic attributes of the cacao cultivation model being tested within the CacaoFIT network. By synthesizing data from an entire network of cacao trials, this study aimed to highlight specific design features and management practices that may contribute to better cacao farming sustainability. The CacaoFIT network comprises 200 ha of field trials testing over 150 cacao genotypes and set up under dierent shade canopy design, management, and research goals. Small-sized trials were common across Mesoamerica, whereas medium to large-size trials were distinct to South America. Cacao trials were 15 years old (on average) and ranged from 3 to 25 years of establishment. Most cacao trials were managed conventionally (i.e., 55%), while 20% were under organic practices, and the remaining 25% presented both conventional and organic management approaches. Most field trials (ca. 60%) planted an average of 10 international clones or national cultivars at high (1,230–1,500 plants ha−1 ) and medium density (833–1,111 plants ha−1 ). Mixed shade canopies were the dominant agroforestry model, while timber vs. leguminous shade canopies were also common. The diversity and depth of research domains examined across the CacaoFIT network varied widely. Agronomy and agroforestry topics dominated the research agenda across all trials, followed by environmental services domains. Cacao physiology and financial performance were researched to a lesser extent within the network. Five featured field trials from CacaoFIT oered technical guidelines to inform cacao farming within similar contexts. This collaborative work is a scaold to encourage public–private partnerships, capacity building, and data sharing amongst cacao researchers across the tropic [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out during the period 2016 - 2018 in farms of the UBPC "José MaceoGrajales", Baracoa municipality, Guantánamo Province with the aim of evaluating the effect of different alternatives for agroecological soil management in the fragile mountainous agroecosystem of Theobroma cacao L. Four treatments were studied, with four replications in a Random Block Design. The treatments were: 1. Live barriers + dead barriers, 2. Live barriers + dead barriers + organic matter, 3. Live barriers + dead barriers + organic matter + organic fertilizer generated from the Canavalia ensiformis and 4. Control without conservation measures. Evaluations such as chemical analysis of the soil (pH, organic matter, phosphorus and potassium), soil losses and cocoa crop yields were carried out in 2016, two years later the same evaluations were repeated. The results obtained show that the application of agroecological management alternatives significantly influences the improvement of the studied chemical properties of the brown sialitic, ochric soil and the reduction of soil losses to permissible limits in the cocoa agroecosystem. The most efficient alternative in agroecological soil management for Theobroma cacao L., was the combination of living and dead barriers plus organic fertilizers generated from the legume Canavalia species, with agricultural yields of 1, 18 t ha-1, higher than the national average. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report midline impacts of a community-randomized cash transfer intervention to 1857 vulnerable mothers in 140 rural cocoa-farming communities of Côte d'Ivoire. Compared to mothers in the comparison group who participated in village savings and loan associations (VSLAs), treatment mothers participated in VSLAs and received 8 € each week for up to one year with no conditions attached (the midway point of a two-year program). We find small- to moderate-sized treatment effects on four of six indicators of economic well-being (d = 0.23–0.75), as well as small reductions in maternal stress (d = −0.27). We find no statistically detectable impacts on educational engagement, educational aspirations, or educational expectations for children. Results suggest that cash transfer programs in rural West African communities can improve economic well-being and reduce maternal stress. Implications for children and families and for future cash transfer evaluations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Côte d'Ivoire remains the world's leading producer of cocoa beans. However, cocoa farming is now recognized as a primary cause of deforestation in the country. To combat deforestation, the Ivorian government recently advocates for agroforestry, a farming technique involving the cultivation of cocoa trees with fruit or forest trees. Yet, the impact of these associated trees and their shade on the quality of produced cocoa beans remains relatively unknown. This study is aimed at evaluating the influence of tree shade in cocoa farms on the quality of cocoa beans produced in the Bonon area. Morphological, biochemical, and functional analyses were performed on cocoa beans from shaded, partially shaded, and sunny subplots. Overall, only beans from shaded subplots showed better commercial quality. Regarding nutritional potential, results demonstrated that acidity, protein content, and vitamin C levels were influenced by shade. Low protein levels were observed in beans from sunny areas. The presence of moderate shade significantly favored good foaming power and foam stability. These findings play a key role in the perceived quality and application of these beans in the food and cosmetic industry. Moreover, these discoveries open new research perspectives in the field of food biochemistry and sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forest species have long been associated with cocoa farming systems based on farmers' perceptions. However, in the absence of scientific evidence, there is a lack of consensus on farmers' knowledge of desirable and undesirable cocoa shade species. This study aimed to identify farmers' criteria for selecting tree species in cocoa systems, and to analyse cocoa tree planting density and aboveground biomass (ABG) around shade trees. In the south of Côte d'Ivoire, 154 farmers were interviewed on the advantages and disadvantages of cocoa tree species. Botanical inventories were carried out to record the presence of all identified shade species. Cocoa tree planting density and biomass around the 15 most common shade species were calculated. The results showed that cocoa farmers have a lot of knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of 35 shade trees. Ricinodendron heudelotii, Xylopia aethiopica and Terminalia spp. were the most beneficial species for cocoa. They increased soil moisture and provided good shade. Cola nitida, Elaeis guineensis, Musa paradisiaca and Cocos nucifera were the most detrimental species to cocoa. They attracted pests and diseases and competed for nutrients and water. But these detrimental species were present in more than 50% of farms. While these beneficial and detrimental species did not significantly affect cocoa tree AGB, farmers preferred to reduce cocoa density by two species: Elaeis guineensis and Citrus sinensis. Further research should be conducted to highlight the influences of shade species on the full phenology of the cocoa tree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El cacao ha estado presente en México desde la época prehispánica; se utilizaba en rituales, bebidas e incluso para el comercio. Sin embargo, en la actualidad, la contribución de México al mercado mundial del cacao es muy baja. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo establecer el panorama actual de la producción y comercialización del cacao mexicano. Específicamente, se calculó el índice de dependencia y el índice de ventaja comparativa revelada para mostrar si el mercado mexicano ha aprovechado las ventajas comparativas de sus características climatológicas y geográficas. Los resultados muestran que el país no es competitivo en el mercado internacional del cacao; su participación tanto en área cosechada como en volumen de producción es nula. Además, la demanda comercial del mercado mexicano de importaciones de cacao para satisfacer sus necesidades internas es alta. El consumo de este cultivo en el país depende principalmente de las importaciones desde Ecuador, lo cual es un riesgo porque cualquier impacto en el sistema de producción de cacao en ese país repercutiría directamente en el mercado mexicano. En conclusión, México no es competitivo en el mercado internacional del cacao a pesar de ser el origen del cultivo. La estrategia del país debería ser aumentar la superficie cosechada y así reducir su dependencia de las importaciones de cacao.

The main objective of this research is to develop a methodology to calculate a soil quality index in cocoa crops (Theobroma cacao L.), based on chemical properties such as pH, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, and percentage of base saturation, essential for the availability of nutrients in each cocoa tree. The problematic situation that causes this research is related to low yields per hectare, in small and medium-sized cocoa farms in the department of Huila – Colombia. A chemical quality index is proposed, which facilitates the analysis of the health behavior of the cultivated soil and nutrition of the cocoa plants, as a result of its interrelation with the physical and biological aspects. The proposed methodology is based on principal components analysis, to obtain weights and variable standardization equations, which evaluate 248 soil samples. The data indicate that in the cocoa producing land lots there are high pH values, cation exchange capacity and base saturation, but low levels of organic matter. It is concluded that in general the soils used showed moderate or low quality (52.42% and 11.29%, respectively), the rest showed high quality (36.29%). A soil intervention can improve its quality, however, the characteristic of the crop and the low levels of organic matter, requires recovering the properties and improving the health of the soil, if possible, through the implementation of regenerative agriculture, the object of future studies and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, public concerns over the potential accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils and crops due to the excessive use of agrochemicals are increasing. This study was conducted in the Abuakwa North Municipality of Eastern Region, Ghana, to assess the status of heavy metals in cocoa soils and beans. Cocoa farms aged between 10 and 20 years and have received agrochemicals for at least 5 years were selected, and their adjacent forests were used as controls. Soil samples and cocoa pods were collected randomly and processed for laboratory analysis. The study discovered that across the sampling sites, heavy metal concentrations in soil were below permissible limits. However, contamination factor and geo-accumulation index results revealed that Tontro cocoa farms were considerably contaminated and moderately polluted respectively with Cu, probably due to long-term fungicide application. The concentrations of Fe (39.3–47.1 mg kg−1) and Zn (54.8–70.0 mg kg−1) in the cocoa beans across the communities were below the FAO/WHO's safe limit of 99.4 mg kg−1 and 73.0 mg kg−1 respectively. Lead (0.03–0.06 mg kg−1) and Cd (0.12–0.20 mg kg−1) concentrations were below the EU's maximum allowable level and Codex Alimentarius Commission's limit of 1.0 mg kg−1 respectively. However, bean Cu content in the Tontro farm (51.5 mg kg−1) was slightly above the EU's recommended maximum limit of 50.0 mg kg−1, possibly due to the continuous application of copper-based fungicides. The study showed that, overall, agrochemicals used for cocoa farming in Abuakwa North Municipality of Ghana did not cause serious harm to the soils and beans, since the mean metal concentrations were not alarming and guarantee public health safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry has the potential to support more resilient livelihoods, soil health, and biodiversity, when compared to monocropping. In Ecuador, the Union of Cacao Peasant Organizations (UNOCACE) has been working with producers since 2016 to transition cacao plots to a dynamic agroforestry system that includes timber and fruit species as well as ground cover in addition to cacao. This study evaluates the application of this model and its implications for agricultural production, livelihoods, and soil health through producer surveys and field-based sampling. The program is resulting in significantly more timber and fruit trees on the cacao plots. Despite this, cacao production and income have not decreased in a significant way, once accounting for the number of producing trees on the plots. In addition, while additional labor is utilized on the dynamic agroforestry plots, after utilizing a matching procedure, no significant difference is seen in total crop productivity for each day of labor utilized. Over time, total productivity could increase for the dynamic agroforestry plots as the companion crops and trees mature. As the program is relatively new and has undergone some changes, additional studies are needed to understand the benefits or challenges, especially for soil health, that might be realized further in the lifespan of the program.

This study investigates the impact of boron fertilizer on physiological activities of cocoa trees, specifically focusing on boron content, nitrogen content, nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, and photosynthesis rate in cocoa plant leaves. This research was arranged in a randomized complete block design with two treatment factors, which were the type of boron fertilizer application (soil and foliar fertilizer), and the dose of boron fertilizer (1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6 g plant−1 with 0 g plant−1 as a control). Data were then analyzed for variance differences (ANOVA) with α = 5%, followed by the Tukey test, and contrast orthogonal for comparing treated and control plants. The results showed that the dose of boron fertilizer and the type of fertilizer application used have a significant effect on the physiological activity of the cocoa plant. The dose of boron with soil application affects physiological activity in a linear pattern where each additional dose of boron will increase the activity of nitrate reductase, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate. The dose of boron with foliar application affects physiological activity in a quadratic pattern, where the dose of boron in the range of 3 g plant−1 is the optimum dose that gives maximum results on nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate in the cocoa leaves. Therefore, it is considered that the application of boron fertilizer at a dose of 3 g plants−1 with the foliar application is more efficient in increasing physiological activity compared to the dose of boron with soil application.

La fermentación del cacao es un proceso clave y relevante en la síntesis de moléculas precursoras de aroma y sabor. El objetivo de este estudio fue la caracterización microbiológica, sensorial y bromatológica de la fermentación de los granos de cacao en los genotipos CCN 51 e ICS 95. Se realizó la extracción del grano llevándose a fermentadores semi-escalera durante siete días, tomándose muestras cada 24h para identificación. En laboratorio, se efectuó el aislamiento de los microorganismos e identificación, para levaduras, con la amplificación de la región ITS (Internal Transcribed Spacer) y las bacterias mediante la secuenciación del gen 16S ARN ribosomal. Para el análisis sensorial y bromatológico, se llevó, ha secado el grano hasta obtener 7% de humedad, identificando el perfil sensorial a partir de licor de cacao, a través de evaluadores entrenados. Se identificaron microorganismos como: Candida orthopsilosis, Hanseniaspora opuntiae, Issatchenkia orientalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Kodamaea ohmeri, Tatumella sp., Tatunella ptyseos, Lysinibacillus, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Acetobacter pasteurianus, Acetobacter sp., Gluconobacter sp., Gluconacetobacter sp., Bacillus sp., Bacillus cereus y Serratia marcescens. Como resultado sensorial se determinó que el ICS 95 presentó mayores descriptores sensoriales positivos como nuez, frutal y floral en comparación al CCN 51, que refleja sabores básicos más intensos. Por el contrario, CCN 51 se resaltó en mayor proporción los polifenoles, la teobromina y carbohidratos. Estos resultados serán el punto de partida sobre la potencialidad que brindan los microorganismos en la calidad sensorial, para así mejorar de manera significativa los procesos de fermentación a nivel industrial.

The cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) crop for the department of Nariño represents a productive alternative to the substitution of illicit crops, on which small and medium producers depend; nevertheless, high relative humidity, temperature, and rainfall, as well as inadequate phytosanitary management, cause a high incidence of diseases such as Moniliophthora roreri and Phytophthora sp., limiting productive yield. In this sense, it is necessary to identify cacao clones adapted to the conditions of the area and tolerant to the main diseases. This study aimed to assess the productive and sanitary potential in the initial stages of development of four cacao clones, TCS 01, TCS 06, TCS 13, and TCS 19, under environmental conditions of the Nariño Pacific. The SAS 9.4 software was used for the statistical analysis, employing the Glimmix procedure to analyze the variables, and the analysis was adjusted to the Poisson distribution. In addition, Tukey’s tests were used when there were significant differences. The clone TCS 19 presented the best results in production (1.44 kg dried bean tree-1), surpassing the commercial control ICS 95 (0.6 kg dried bean tree-1). In terms of health, M. roreri was the disease with the highest incidence, especially in the genotypes TCS 01 (38.67%) and TCS 13 (25.85%). The yields of the materials evaluated exceeded the average national (460 kg ha-1) and regional (560 kg ha-1) production. According to these results, TCS 19 could potentially be considered a promising genetic resource for the development of cacao farming on the Pacific Coast of Nariño. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social networks can influence people's behaviour and therefore it is assumed that central individuals in social networks, also called "opinion leaders", play a key role in driving change in agricultural and food systems. I analyse the outcomes of an intervention (that encouraged Sulawesi smallholder farmers to take a specific action toward improving the health of their cocoa trees) to assess the impact of engaging opinion leaders in agricultural programs that aim to change farmers' practices. The intervention has been implemented through (a) 18 opinion leaders identified by interviews and a social network survey of 1885 cocoa farmers; and (b) 18 randomly selected farmers who were not central in local social networks. The obtained social networks and statistical data were quantitatively analysed and the results were interpreted with input from the field staff. Contrary to expectations, the highly socially central opinion leaders were not more effective in promoting the initiative in their communities. On average, randomly selected low-centrality farmers convinced almost twice as many of their peers to take the recommended action as compared to the identified opinion leaders (17.1 versus 8.6) but the variation within the random group was also significantly higher. Importantly, while the identified opinion leaders were mostly senior men, women performed better in influencing others into taking action even when their centrality in local social networks of agricultural advice was lower. I discuss the implications of the conventional selection of perceived opinion leaders as model farmers for achieving sustainable and equitable change at scale in agriculture and propose practical alternatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a strong link between pesticide exposure risk and farmers' safety behavior. However, there is a lack of understanding of farmers' safety behavior in pesticide use and the psychological factors that influence it, especially in Nigeria. This study aimed to identify safety behaviors in pesticide use and their determinants among cocoa farmers in Nigeria using the Health Belief Model (HBM). We used a suitable questionnaire to retrieve data from 391 cocoa farmers across three major cocoa-producing belts in Nigeria. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that cocoa farmers in this study sprayed insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on their cocoa farms. The study revealed that most pesticides were not approved for cocoa production by the authority, but the farmers were still using them. The study participants overused surveyed pesticides as the quantities applied were beyond the recommended dosage by the manufacturers. Correlation analysis showed a relationship between education status, pesticide training, perceived susceptibility and cue to action, and the farmers' pesticide overuse. In all, 42.7% of the farmers showed unsafe behaviors, 49.1% showed intermediate behaviors, and just 8.2% reported safe behaviors in pesticide use. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that perceived barriers, susceptibility, self-efficacy, and cue to action were related to age, education status, and farm experience and accounted for 59.3% of the total variance in the farmers' pesticide safety behaviors. Perceived barriers had the most significant negative influence on the farmers' behaviors, while perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, and cue to action positively influenced the farmers' behavior. Future intervention programs in Nigeria incorporating significant variables, especially perceived barriers, in their designs with proper implementation could be more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroforestry systems (AFS) upscaling has the potential to integrate sustainability and resilience objectives into agriculture. However, this is a daunting task requiring multi-actor collaboration across public and private sectors at multiple governance levels, coupled with innovative approaches to jointly managing AFS knowledge. Understanding such multi-actor interactions from a network perspective may help to unravel how social structures, created by relational patterns enhance or hinder AFS upscaling. Our paper aims to comparatively explore the role of regional actor-networks on AFS upscaling for a selected farming system. By conducting semi-structured interviews, we collected information about the ties of 86 actors supporting cacao agroforestry systems (CAFS) across two regions of Colombia. We use social network analysis (SNA) to comparatively visualize and understand the general structure of these networks, find relational patterns between the diverse categories of actors involved, and identify a set of key players bridging the majority of the actors within these networks. We find highly centralized networks that connect multiple actors by a low number of mostly non-reciprocal ties. Within these networks, we identify a predominance of bridging ties over bonding ties, homophily patterns among research and education institutions, and heterophily configurations among farmer-based organizations. We also find that the composition of the sets of key actors and the platforms where they converge varies substantially from region to region due to decentralized agricultural policies and differing characteristics across regions. Our approach provides key entry points for promoting multi-actor coalitions that can effectively expand the benefits of AFS in tropical agricultural systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Economía, Sociedad y Territorio is the property of El Colegio Mexiquense and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Evaluation of the efficacy of clay particles as a coating agent of cacao pods and carrier of entomopathogen, Metarhizium anisopliae Sorokin, was conducted for the control of cacao mirid bug (CMB), Helopeltis bakeri Poppius. Choice and no-choice tests were performed to evaluate Philippine-sourced clay particles as a coating agent of cacao pods to deter CMB feeding, in comparison with the commercially available particle film (US kaolin Surround®). To determine the most efficient local clay particles in protecting the pods from CMB feeding, six (6) treatments were evaluated namely, Philippine-sourced kaolin (PH kaolin), zeolite (PH zeolite), bentonite (PH bentonite), US kaolin, water (negative control), and a commercial synthetic insecticide thiamethoxam (Actara®) (positive control). All treatments were subjected to choice and no-choice tests. Among the Philippine clay particles tested in both tests, PH zeolite showed significant coating and deterred CMB from feeding. Since the US Kaolin and zeolite showed significant feeding deterrent effects on CMB, these treatments were tested as carriers of entomopathogenic fungi, M. anisopliae, including water (negative control) and thiamethoxam. Results showed that zeolite is a good carrier of the spores of M. anisopliae as its effects to deter CMB feeding started 24 hours after exposure. This was confirmed by positive M. anisopliae extraction from dead CMB through potato dextrose agar (PDA) plating.

Copyright of Revista de Economia e Sociologia Rural is the property of Sociedade Brasileira de Economia e Sociologia Rural and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

As one of the largest exporters in the world, cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) production in Indonesia provides an important contribution to the plantation sector that can, directly and indirectly, attribute to the national economic development. However, recent data shows a decline in cocoa productivity in Indonesia. This is arguably caused by various factors, including poor agricultural management and practices in cocoa plantations, that may lead to lower fertility in the soil and an increased risk of diseases and pests. Potassium deficiency is a major contributing factor to the low soil fertility that affects cocoa yields. Therefore, in this work, we implement an application with an expert system utilizing the forward chaining method to detect potassium deficiency in cocoa plants and then give a fertilization-based recommendation based on the plants' condition. The system employs a set of rules to identify symptoms related to the deficiency on the sample photo of a cocoa leaf according to the channels of red, green, and blue of the image. The sample images of cocoa leaves are submitted to the application with an easy-to-use interface that can show the scanning result and proceed to display the suggested quantity of fertilizers to prevent potassium deficiency. Implementing the system can contribute constructive impacts to improve current practices in the overall cropping system of cocoa plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shade trees are used in agroforestry pattern for production and service aspects. Cocoa-tree agroforestry pattern is expected to improve atmospheric and rhizosphere zone in cacao plantations. However, the information related to this is still quite limited. This study was conducted using a nested design, with types of shade trees as nest. Shade trees used were Falcataria moluccana, Cocos nucifera, and Cassia spectabilis, and without shade was used as control. Variables observed were light, air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, soil texture, bulk density, permeability, and moisture content. Soil chemical properties were also observed, including organic C, pH, total N, P, K, Ca, Mg, B and content of available P, K, Ca, Mg, and B. The results showed that cacao agroforestry pattern using F. moluccana and C. spectabilis was able to improve the microclimate characteristics and soil fertility. However, F. moluccana showed lower soil fertility than C. spectabilis. F. moluccana and C. spectabilis shade trees were able to optimize light plants from 33 % to 34 %, and from 38 % to 39 %, respectively. F. moluccana could provide optimal air and soil temperature of 30 ⁰C to 32 ⁰C and 27 ⁰C, respectively. Meanwhile, C. spectabilis could provide optimal air and soil temperature of 29 ⁰C to 31⁰C and 26 ⁰C to 27 ⁰C, consecutively. Cocoa-tree agroforestry pattern using C. Spectabilis shade trees could optimize soil moisture content, pH, total N, and P, and availabilities of K, Ca, Mg, and B in soil.

Increasing epidemiological evidence demonstrates the correlation between toxic contamination and miscarriages, and the disproportionate exposure of marginalised and racialised groups to environmental burdens. Yet, the debate on environmental reproductive health is still largely underpinned by a reductionist biomedical understanding of the health-place relationship that overlooks the interplay between social identities and places. In this article, I argue that understanding the role that places play in shaping reproductive inequalities, beyond the simplistic recognition of the environment as a factor of risk, is important to design a more inclusive reproductive health agenda that addresses the multiple scales across which reproductive inequalities unfold. These scales span from everyday experiences of reproduction to state-level models of reproductive governance. Drawing on 13 months of fieldwork in coca-farming territories in the Bajo Cauca region (Colombia), the aim of this paper is to conceptualise the reproductive geographies of miscarriages related to toxic contamination. This article contributes to debates on reproductive inequalities by discussing the complex and dynamic relationship between social identities and places, and theorising the spatiality of miscarriages. • Social identities need to be understood in their relation with places. • Reproductive health inequalities unfold across a multiplicity of scales. • Reproductive agency is not limited to individual decision-making. • Miscarriages are a neglected priority in the reproductive health agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cocoa and chocolate production chain involves US$60 billion annually and three million farmers around the world, in an area exceeding nine million hectares. The use of wild germplasm will enable to generate new disease- and pest-resistant cultivars and ability to adapt to changing environments. Here we evaluated 145 cocoa accessions, originated from nine Amazonian basins, based on eight fruit traits. Univariate anova showed significant differences (p

Ecuador is one of the largest producers of fine and aromatic cocoa whose flavor has been recognized for centuries in the international market. To increase production and yield, producers rely on agricultural practices such as pruning and the use of soil and foliar fertilization. The effects of these amendments on crops of Theobroma cacao L were analyzed using a Latin square design in triplicate with four treatments including the control with 48 experimental units, divided into 16 units for each replicate. The treatments evaluated were T1 (pruning), T2 (pruning plus foliar fertilization), T3 (pruning plus soil fertilization) and T4 (control). The variables evaluated in this study were: fruit diameter (cm), fruit length (cm), seed per ear, weight of 100 seeds (gr), yield (kg/ha/year), as well as a cost/benefit analysis. Statistical analyses were carried out using ANDEVA and Tukey's test at 5% probability was used for the comparison of means. The variable of greatest interest was yield, in which T2 obtained an average of 2355.9 kg/ha/year. In addition, the cost/benefit analysis showed that for each dollar invested in T2 yields $2.21, being superior to the other treatments. In conclusion, small and large farmers should adopt these agricultural practices to improve their profitability and quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of the effects of landscape composition on pests and their natural enemies on agroforestry systems is still limited, whereas the system can maintain biodiversity. This research investigated the impact of agricultural landscape composition on shaping the interaction between pests and natural enemies in cacao agroforestry. The study was conducted in twelve cacao plantations spread across five districts in East Java, Indonesia. A sampling of insects was carried out by observing the intensity of pest attacks and the diversity and abundance of predators. The surrounding landscape of the cacao field was characterized by manually digitalizing the land use. The results found two main pests attacking all cacao plantations: cacao pod borer, Conophomorpha cramerella (CPB) with attack intensity 0.72-12.05%, and Helopeltis sp. with attack intensity 12.39-42.24%. Management of cacao plantations, such as intensification and canopy cover, significantly affected the attack intensity of CPB but not Helopeltis sp. Based on the generalized linear model, the landscape composition, especially the patch number of natural habitats, positively impacted CPB attack intensity and predator abundance. However, predator abundance harmed CPB attack intensity. In conclusion, the proportion of natural habitat in agricultural landscapes contributes to reducing the attack intensity of pests via maintaining natural enemy abundance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Frosty pod rot disease of cacao (FPR), caused by the fungus Moniliophthora roreri, has severely impacted the production of cocoa in Latin America since its discovery. Prior to the 1950s, FPR was known only from Colombia and Ecuador. However, beginning in the 1970s, its geographical range has dramatically expanded throughout most of the cacao‐producing regions of the Americas. The origin of the pathogen remains unknown. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of M. roreri from areas spanning, as much as possible, its current geographical range using simple‐sequence repeat markers and a publicly available single‐nucleotide polymorphism data set. Two hotspots of genetic diversity were found: coastal Ecuador and the inter‐Andean Magdalena Valley of Colombia, neither of which correspond to the Amazonian origin of the host. However, both areas were early centres of intense cultivation of cacao. Our results indicate that M. roreri was introduced into both areas from its centre of origin, where intensive cacao cultivation probably led to the increase of inoculum and further dissemination of the disease. Current invasions can be traced to two genotypes responsible for all known instances of the pathogen in Central America, the Caribbean, Peru and Bolivia. We also report for the first time M. roreri in Maynas (Peruvian Amazon), which is probably the result of a recent introduction from Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]