Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev.
Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev., commonly known as the Angolan cocoa, is a small tree that belongs to the Malvaceae family and is native to the humid forests of Angola, Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo.
The tree produces a brownish yellow, globular fruit with a texture similar to a small avocado. The fruit contains numerous seeds that are used to produce cocoa butter and cocoa powder. Theobroma sphaerocarpum is highly valued for its butter, which is used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and as a substitute for cocoa butter in the food industry.
The tree is also known for its medicinal properties. The bark and leaves are used in traditional medicine to treat fever, coughs, and headaches. The leaves are also used as a traditional remedy for malaria.
Theobroma sphaerocarpum is a slow-growing tree that can reach a height of up to 12 meters. It has glossy dark green leaves that are oblong in shape and leathery to the touch. The tree bears small yellowish-green flowers that develop into the globular fruit.
Theobroma sphaerocarpum is commonly known as Angolan cocoa, but it is also known by other names such as Congo cocoa, Gabon cocoa, and bush cocoa.
Growth conditions of Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev.
Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. commonly known as "Mapa" in Ghana and "Akwaduo" in Ivory Coast, is a tropical understory tree species that belongs to the family of Malvaceae. Mapa is naturally distributed throughout the lowland rainforest of West Africa, particularly in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. The species is an important tree for conservation in agroforestry as it provides food, timber, semi-luxurious substances, and other valuable materials. The following are the typical growth conditions required for the growth and development of Mapa trees:
Light requirements
Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. thrives well under partial shade conditions. Similarly, it can also grow under the canopy of other trees in the forest. When cultivating Mapa as a standalone crop, it is essential to provide some shades because excessive exposure to sunlight may cause leaf scorching and water loss, which may lead to stunted growth.
Soil requirements
Mapa can grow in a wide range of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clayey textures. However, the species prefers well-drained soils with a pH ranging from 5 to 7.5. Although Mapa can tolerate low soil fertility, the growth and yield of the trees can be improved by growing them on soils rich in organic matter and essential minerals such as phosphorus and potassium.
Temperature requirements
Like many tropical trees, Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. requires a warm and humid climate to grow well. The optimum temperature range for Mapa trees is 24°C to 27°C; temperatures above 32°C can lead to water loss and other physiological stresses that may impact the growth and development of the trees. In areas with lower temperatures, the growth of Mapa is usually slower.
In conclusion, Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. is an excellent tree species for agroforestry conservation, and it requires partial shade, well-drained soils, and warm and humid temperatures to grow into healthy trees.
Cultivation Methods
Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev., commonly known as the Spherical-fruited cocoa, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid climates. It prefers a well-draining soil with good organic matter content. The plant grows well in shade or partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture. Before planting, it is essential to prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility. Planting should be done during the rainy season to aid in the establishment of the plant.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial to the successful growth of Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. As a general rule, the plant needs consistent moisture, especially during the dry months. However, excessively wet soil can cause root rot or other fungal diseases. The frequency and amount of water needed depend on various factors, including the local climate, soil type, and age of the plant. Young trees require more watering than mature ones. The best approach is to water the plant deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. If you are unsure about the water needs of your plant, always err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to ensure that Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. produces high-quality fruits. A complete fertilizer with a balanced nutrient ratio, such as 10-10-10 or 12-4-8, is recommended. The first application should be done three months after planting, followed by two or three more applications spaced evenly throughout the year. In addition to chemical fertilizers, organic matter such as compost and manure can improve soil fertility. Be careful not to overfertilize as it can cause excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
Pruning
Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. requires minimal pruning, but it is essential to remove any dead or diseased wood periodically. Pruning can also be done to encourage an open canopy to maximize light penetration and air circulation. However, excessive pruning can cause tree stress and reduce fruiting. Pruning should be done during the dry season, and any cuts should be made at a slight angle to prevent water stagnation on the cut surface. On younger trees, it is also essential to remove any suckers that grow at the base of the tree to direct energy towards fruit production.
Propagation of Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev.
Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev., commonly known as the dense-flowered cocoa or bola cocoa, is usually propagated through seeds or vegetative methods such as cuttings, grafting, and budding.
Propagation by seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagating Theobroma sphaerocarpum. The seeds, which are about 2 cm long and 1 cm wide, should be collected from ripe fruit. The seeds must be cleaned, soaked in water, and dried before sowing. Sowing should be done in well-drained soil and in a partially shaded area. Germination of the seeds usually takes about 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Cuttings, grafting, and budding can also be used to propagate Theobroma sphaerocarpum.
Cuttings
Theobroma sphaerocarpum cuttings should be taken from mature plants grown under favorable conditions. The cuttings should be about 15 cm in length and have at least three nodes. The cuttings should be planted in a suitable rooting medium and kept under partial shade. The rooting of the cuttings may take several months.
Grafting
Grafting is commonly used to propagate Theobroma sphaerocarpum. The grafting method that seems to work best is cleft grafting. A healthy scion taken from a mature plant is grafted onto a vigorous rootstock of the same species. The grafting must be done during the rainy season and in a partially shaded environment.
Budding
Budding is also a viable option for propagating Theobroma sphaerocarpum. Budding involves inserting a bud from a mature plant into a rootstock. The bud should be inserted between the bark and the cambium layer of the rootstock. The rootstock must be kept moist, and the budding must be done during the rainy season.
Disease and Pest Management for Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev.
Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev., also known as the West African cocoa tree, is a crop plant that is highly susceptible to a variety of diseases and pests. Managing these threats is crucial to maintain the quality and yield of the crop. This article will describe some of the most common diseases and pests that affect the plant as well as suggest some methods for managing them.
Diseases
Black pod: This is a fungal disease that affects the pods of the cocoa tree. It causes the pods to turn black and rot, reducing yields significantly. The best way to manage this disease is through the application of fungicides. Good sanitation practices such as removing affected pods from the plant and burying them can also help to reduce the spread of the disease.
Witches’ broom: This is another fungal disease that causes the cocoa tree to produce a large number of small branches that resemble broomsticks. It can significantly reduce yields, and there is no effective chemical control for the disease. The most effective way to manage witches' broom is through the removal of infected trees and the planting of resistant varieties.
Pests
Cocoa pod borer: The cocoa pod borer is a common pest that can cause significant damage to the cocoa tree. These insects lay their eggs on the cocoa pods, and when the larvae emerge, they feed on the seeds inside. To manage this pest, farmers can use insecticides or employ pheromone traps to trap and kill adult moths.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to the cocoa tree, especially in the early stages of growth. They can be managed through the application of insecticides, the use of biological control agents such as ladybugs, or through physical means such as brushing affected parts of the plant with a soft brush.
Conclusion
Effective disease and pest management is essential for maintaining the quality and yield of Theobroma sphaerocarpum A. Chev. crop. By understanding the common diseases and pests that affect the plant and employing suitable management practices, farmers can ensure that their crops remain healthy and productive.
