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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 different 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 offered technical guidelines to inform cacao farming within similar contexts. This collaborative work is a scaffold to encourage public–private partnerships, capacity building, and data sharing amongst cacao researchers across the tropics.

In recent times, increased emphasis has been placed on diversifying the types of trees to shade cacao (Theobromacacao L.) and to achieve additional services. Agroforestry systems that include profitable and native timber trees are a viable alternative but it is necessary to understand the growth characteristics of these species under different environmental conditions. Thus, timber tree species selection should be based on plant responses to biotic and abiotic factors. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate growth rates and leaf area indices of the four commercial timber species: Cordia thaisiana, Cedrela odorata, Swietenia macrophylla and Tabebuia rosea in conjunction with incidence of insect attacks and (2) to compare growth rates of four Venezuelan Criollo cacao cultivars planted under the shade of these four timber species during the first 36 months after establishment. Parameters monitored in timber trees were: survival rates, growth rates expressed as height and diameter at breast height and leaf area index. In the four Cacao cultivars: height and basal diameter. C. thaisiana and C. odorata had the fastest growth and the highest survival rates. Growth rates of timber trees will depend on their susceptibility to insect attacks as well as to total leaf area. All cacao cultivars showed higher growth rates under the shade of C. odorata. Growth rates of timber trees and cacao cultivars suggest that combinations of cacao and timber trees are a feasible agroforestry strategy in Venezuela.

Background: The Palma Real Mountain of Venezuela has Criollo and Forastero cocoa trees of over 50 years old. These individuals are considered ancestral representatives of high quality cocoa that have survived for many years in this location without any agronomic management. Question: This study shows some physiological traits of these old trees, in order to determine whether differences exist in photosynthetic capacity and some biochemical parameters between the two types of cocoa growing under natural conditions. Studied species: Theobroma cacao L. Study site and years of study: was done in the mountain Palma Real in the Island of Margarita, Edo. Nueva Esparta, in January 2008 and November 2009. Methods: The individuals present in the area were initially characterized as Criollo or Forastero and gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence and the response of the photosynthetic rate (A) to intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD), carbon isotope ratio (?13C), nitrogen isotope ratio (?15N), leaf N and chlorophyll content were evaluated. Results: The results showed that the gas exchange characteristics of Criollo cocoa differ slightly from those of Forastero. However, similar PFD saturation (~400 mmol m-2 s-1) with values of A at saturating light approaching 4 mmol m-2 s-1, carboxylation efficiency (CE) and photochemical activity, indicated a comparable photosynthetic capacity in both cocoa types. Conclusions: There are apparently no physiological disadvantages in Criollo compared with Forastero trees and therefore both could be recommended as suitable materials for cultivation in similar environments, thereby expanding cultivation of high quality cocoa.