EVALUATION OF INTERNATIONAL COCOA CLONES AT CRDC MADAI, SABAH
Authors: Aizat Japar, Nuraziawati Mat Yazik and Haya Ramba
Journal Issue: Malaysian Cocoa Journal, Volume 13(2)/2021
Keywords: germplasm, international clones
Published On: 1/11/2021
Abstract
Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) has been recognized as one of the centres for cocoa germplasm in the world with more than 1,500 cocoa clones collection. The ex-situ germplasm collection includes local selection from preceding research agencies such as Department of Agriculture (DOA) of Quoin Hill, Balong River Plantation, Borneo Abaca Limited, and MARDI, while the international cocoa clones are from Indonesia, Philippines, Costa Rica and Ecuador. Copious number of germplasm is preserved and evaluated at the MCB Cocoa Research and Development Centre of Madai, Sabah. The objectives of this study are to evaluate and assess the potential yield, vascular streak dieback disease tolerance and special characteristics of the international cocoa clones. Result obtained indicated that several international cocoa clones (ICS 95, UF 705 and AMAZON 3-2) show promising value of the study traits. This paper suggested that the potential clones could be used to develop new cocoa planting materials with specific traits and special characteristics.