Cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)

Technology Institution: Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI)

Lead Scientist: Dr. Paul Musa Lahai

Country: Sierra Leone

Contact: Tel: + 232-78-529-842

Email: info@slari.gov.sl

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

• Yield is 300 – 400 tons per hectare
• Planting distance = 3 m x 3 m • Number of plants per hectare = 1,111
• First flower production occurs 3 years after cultivation (having stayed for at least 1.5 years in the nursery)
• Resistant to pests but susceptible to black pod disease (Phytophthora megakarya)
• Adapts to changing climate 7. The germination percentage of dried nuts is 90%
• Good architecture if properly managed.