SCREENING OF CPB DAMAGE ON PROGENY TRIAL IN CRDC MADAI, SABAH: EARLY RESULTS
Authors: Navies Maisin, Aizat Jaafar, Mohd. Shakri Awang and Haya Ramba
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 13(1)/2021
Keywords: Host Plant Resistance, Tolerance, Cocoa Pod Borer, Conopomorpha cramerella, cocoa
Published On: 1/11/2021
Abstract
Cocoa pod borer (CPB), Conopomorpha cramerella (Snellen) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae), is a major cocoa pest in Malaysia and Southeast Asia including Papua New Guinea. CPB has been partly responsible in reduction of cocoa cultivation area in Malaysia. Methods to control CPB has been developed by Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB), however other approach to manage this pest is still welcomed. Host resistance of cocoa has been considered as a long term alternative control for the CPB. Breeding programme has been conducted by MCB breeder to produce superior cocoa planting materials with emphasis on high yielding, good flavour quality and resistance to pests and diseases. The progeny trial was established at plot F 33 in MCB CRDC Madai that consisted nine crosses, (KW 30 X DRC 15), (ARDACIAR 10 X ARDACIAR 26), (DRC 15 X KW 264), (PBC 123 X LAFI 7), (QH 22 X NA 33), (PBC 123 X QH 22), (KKM 22 X LAFI 7), (UIT 1 X NA 33 (HP)), and (MCBC 3 X KKM 22). Screening for CPB damage and pod physical characteristics on that progeny trial is being carried out. Observations and data recording for ADSI and physical characteristics currently been conducted on each individual progeny tree in the plot. Such information is necessary to determine the degree of tolerance, one of resistance mechanism toward CPB infestation among progeny trees. It is expected that the data will be able to categories the progeny response toward CPB infestation into susceptible, moderate and tolerance. This paper will provide an overview of progress in screening CPB tolerance of cocoa progeny in plot F 33 at MCB CRDC, Madai for further utilization in breeding programs.