Effect of different pollination methods and organic attractants on yield and pod quality in cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out during 2024-25 in a farmer’s orchard at Chikkala village, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, to evaluate the effectiveness of different pollination techniques on yield-attributing traits in cocoa. The experiment followed a factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications, involving six pollination methods namely natural pollination (P1), single hand pollination with fresh flowers (P2), double hand pollination with fresh flowers (P3), pollinator attraction using banana pseudostem (P4), cocoa pod shells (P5), and fermented Mahua longifolia seed cake with jaggery (P6). These treatments were evaluated across two cocoa varieties viz., Trinitario clone (V1) and Forastero clone (V2), resulting in 12 treatment combinations. The results revealed that pollination methods had a significant influence on key yield parameters, including pod set percentage, pod retention percentage, and number of pods per tree. In contrast, varietal differences were largely non-significant.