Physiological response to cocoa seedlings (Theobroma cacao L.) shading and under an amendment application of organic

Abstract

Currently the high demand for cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) requires the implementation of studies to know the optimal production conditions of this important plant. We evaluated the response of cocoa to different light intensities and nutrition using three light levels: 100%, 50% and 15% following three doses of organic amendment (Nutriplant): 1 ton/ha, 2 ton/ha and 4 ton/ha respectively. Treatments were distributed in an experimental design in randomized complete block (DBC) with three replications. An analysis of variance and means comparison test of Duncan with P=0.01 using the SAS statistical software. The variables evaluated were: root length, leaf area, root biomass, leaf and stem, stomatal conductance, transpiration, PAR, and net photosynthesis. It was found that cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) has a better answer without being subject to a limitation of light, this statement is reflected in the plants at full exposure showed the highest values of biomass of stem, root and leaves, leaf area, net photosynthesis, transpiration and stomatal conductance, but the application of organic amendment (Nutriplant) had no effect on the variables named. In plants exposed to low light intensity showed a positive response to variables such as height and crown diameter to the implementation of the amendment.