Vol. 70 No: 1

Title:
Variations in the Number of Beans Per Pod in Theobroma Cacao L. in the Ivory Coast. III. Nutritional Factors, Cropping Effects and the Role of Boron

Author:
P. LACHENAUD

pp: 7-14

Abstract:
The effect of nutritional and cropping factors on incomplete pod filling was studied at Divo, Ivory Coast. The position of the pod on the tree significantly affected the mean number of beans. In full sunlight, mineral fertilization had a positive effect on the mean number of beans, whilst the influence of the planting design varied according to the planting material. A single boron application led to a significant increase in clone SCA 6. The discussion covers the physiological roles of boron and the aspects involved in a boron deficiency in cocoa. Auxin accumulation in deficient tissues may be responsible for incomplete filling and parthenocarpy. The role of the genotype in boron deficiency problems explains Upper Amazon Forestero—Amelonado opposition. The overall conclusion is that incomplete pod filling seems to be due to interactions between nutritional factors and seed genotypes (embryos and endosperm).

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