Growth and Nutritional Responses of Juvenile Wild and Domesticated Cacao Genotypes to Soil Acidity

Abstract

Cacao is an important tropical crop and requires high-fertility soils for better growth and productivity; nevertheless, soils where this crop is grown are, in general, acidic and low in fertility. Therefore, germplasm with tolerance to soil acidity is desirable for cacao genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to evaluate cacao germplasm for early growth, nutrient concentration, and potential tolerance to soil acidity. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to evaluate 60 cacao genotypes with diverse geographic origins. Cacao seedlings were grown for six months in acid soil with and without lime. Growth parameters and the total concentration of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn were measured in shoots after harvest. Our results indicate that the best early growth predictors of acid soil tolerance are the number of leaves and root area. N, Ca, Mg, and K uptake may have a potential role in tolerance to soil acidity. Finally, the results revealed a large difference among cacao genotypes in terms of their responses to acid soil stress, which led to the selection of ten genotypes: CCN-51, PH-21, CCN-10, PAS-91, ICT-1087, ICS-95, UF-667, TSH-565, PH-144, ICT-1189 that are potentially tolerant to soil acidity and could be used for breeding acid soil-tolerant cacao varieties.

Soil characteristics and allometric models for biometric characteristics and nutrient amounts for high yielding “Bolaina” (Guazuma crinita) trees

“…For calculation of the macro-and micronutrient amounts, the following formula was used 67 : Concentration = results of chemical analysis of plant tissues (trunk, branches and leaves), in g kg −1 for macronutrients and mg kg −1 for micronutrients; m = 1 for macronutrients and 10 3 for micronutrients.…”

Effect of oil palm compost and sandy soil on the growth of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings

“…Soil chemical analysis was performed following the procedures described in (Arévalo-Hernández et al, 2022). For pH and EC (Electric conductivity), a dilution of 1:2.5 in water was used and then measured in a potentiometer and conductimeter, respectively.…”

“…For the determination of nutrient uptake (macro in g per plant and micronutrients in mg per plant), the equation 1 was used (Arévalo-Gardini et al, 2021;Arévalo-Hernández et al, 2022).…”

Effect of liming and fertilizers on the growth and nutrition of 12-month old Teak (Tectona grandis L.) grown on acidic soil of Peru

“…Nitrogen was determined by MicroKjeldah method. For the calculation of Uptake, the dry matter was multiplied by the concentration and divided by 10 for macronutrients (g plant -1 ) and by 1 for micronutrients (mg plant -1 ) (Arévalo-Hernández et al, 2022).…”

“…In general, many teak plantations have suffered the problems of acidity in early establishment with high death rates associated with poor soil management. The management of tropical acid soils consists of the correction of the acidity, elevation of pH, use of acidity tolerant clones and the application of fertilizers that improve the soil fertility (Arévalo-Hernández et al, 2022;Bolan et al, 2003). However, despite the common use of lime for ameliorating soil acidity, in Peru, because of its use in the production of illegal narcotics, its acquisition for forest farming is limited.…”