Study on growth , Flowering and Fruit Setting Patterns of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Abstract

A study was conducted at Chumporn Horticultural Reseaech Centre between October 1989 and december 1990, using eight 6 - year - old cocoa trees of 2 clones (UIT 1 and Sca 6). the number of flowers, flushing, the total number of fruits set the percentage of cherelle wilt in relation to fruit set, and the total mumber of pods harvested were determined weekly. Meteorological data were collected at the centre. Soil moisture content was measured monthly using a neutron moisture meter at 3 soil depths (30, 60 and 90 cm0. Leaf flushing occurred 4-5 times a year and the pattern was similar in both clones, with a maxinum in late April. flowering was greatest during late April . Flowering was greatest during late April and June with maximum fruit set in June. Fruit setting and cherelle wilt patterns were similar to time, but differed betwen the 2 clones. The harvesting period