Effect of spacing on yield in improved clones of Theobroma cacao L.

Authors

  • Vishnarayan Mooleedhar Cocoa Research Section, Central Experimental Station, Centeno via Arima PO, Trinidad, W.l.
  • F.B. Lauckner Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, U.W.l., St Augustine, Trinidad, W.l.

Keywords:

Spacing, Yield, Clones, Theobroma cacao

Abstract

A field trial was established in 1979 to investigate the effect of close plant-spacing on the yield of cocoa from improved clonal plants. In this trial three commercial TSH (Trinidad Selected Hybrid) clones were used at three spacings. From data collected over a three-year period it was observed that all the clones performed significantly better under good environmental conditions. Yields from the closest spacing were significantly better than the intermediate and traditional spacings. A variety/spacing interaction was detected with one clone, being better suited to the close spacing than the other two clones.

Issue

Section

Research Papers