CIFOR–ICRAF publishes over 750 publications every year on agroforestry, forests and climate change, landscape restoration, rights, forest policy and much more – in multiple languages.

CIFOR–ICRAF addresses local challenges and opportunities while providing solutions to global problems for forests, landscapes, people and the planet.

We deliver actionable evidence and solutions to transform how land is used and how food is produced: conserving and restoring ecosystems, responding to the global climate, malnutrition, biodiversity and desertification crises. In short, improving people’s lives.

Analysis of the Ricinodendron heudelotii × Theobroma cacao L. Interaction in Traditional Agroforestry Systems in Côte d’Ivoire

Export citation

The objective of this study was to improve cacao (Theobroma cacao) production through its association with a woody species, such as Ricinodendron heudelotii, in western Côte d’Ivoire. To do this, a design of two transects (10 m and 20 m) was installed around the species in 5 localities (Buyo, Duekoué, Guéyo, San-Pedro, and Soubré). The diameter at the breast height of the tree, the height, the number of fruits, the above biomass, and its carbon stock were measured. Results showed morphological variability of R. heudelotii according to the localities. The presence of the species within cacao trees reduces the rate of pod rot, stabilizes the rate of pods eaten away, and increases the biomass production and the carbon storage of cacao trees. The distance between the two species had no impact on the vigor and the yield of cacao trees. However, cacao density in the 10 m line was reduced compared to that of the 20 m. Therefore, the integration of R. heudelotii into cacao agroforestry systems could improve cacao production. That is why the reduction of cacao density, as well as the use of more suitable varieties of cacao, should be considered for the sustainability of this system.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9010026
Altmetric score:
Dimensions Citation Count:

Related publications