Effect of different pruning levels and growth retardants on growth, yield and quality of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to study the effect of pruning and growth retardant on yield and quality of cocoa. Three different types of pruning and two growth retardant were taken up for the study. Observations were recorded on number of new laterals produced, length of new laterals, leaf area, number of pods per tree and quality parameters of bean like soluble protein, phenol and fat content. Hard pruning recorded highest number of new laterals produced (24.58) after imposition of treatments. Highest length of new laterals (112.07 cm) was recorded with medium pruning. Initially, light pruning recorded highest leaf area for 4th and 6th month (69.67 cm2 and 152.09 cm2) but later medium pruning reregistered highest leaf area for 8th and 10th month (225.72 cm2 and 299.41 cm2 ) respectively. Highest number of pods per tree (34) and yield parameters like soluble protein (16.40 mg/g) and fat content (42.63 %) of bean was also recorded in medium pruning. Total phenol in the bean was recorded highest in light pruning (67.57 mg/g).