Evaluation of the three Cocoa varieties for Drought tolerance in Nigeria

Abstract

An experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Nigeria to evaluate the three varieties of cocoa as affected by moisture stress. The three varieties of cocoa were Criollo {CRIN1}, F, Amazon {CRJNG}, Trinitario Hybrid {T x T}. The trial was laid out in the Complete Randomized Design in 323 factorial arrangements with three replicates making fifty four experimental units. The three factors considered are cultivars, shade and watering regimes. Data on number of leaves, leaf area, plant height, stem girth, chlorophyll content, soil temperature for both shade and no shade were evaluated. Data were analysed using Analysis of variance and mean are separated using least significant difference. Hybrid receiving water every 3 days had higher leaf area [82.70 cm²] which was significantly different from others treatments under shade while the same cultivar receiving water every 6 days performed best when no shade. Amazon receiving water at 9 days and the Hybrid receiving water every 3 days had higher stem girth [0.53 mm} under shade while under no shade Amazon receiving water at 6 days and Criollo receiving water at 3 days had higher stem girth. Hybrid performed best based on soil temperature, leaf area, plant height and also best drought tolerance under no shade and delayed watering. Amazon ranked next after the Hybrid based on stem girth, no of leaves, plant height and best under shade when wetting after 3 days, Criollo performed least in terms of growth parameters though it is the best in terms of chlorophyll content. It is evident that Trinitario performed better than other cultivars and can be selected for further studies on drought tolerance cocoa variety for marginal regions of Nigeria.