Plant & Animal Genomes XVIII Conference Plant & Animal Genomes XVIII ConferenceJanuary 9-13, 2010
Town & Country Convention Center
San Diego, CA
Francis Kwame Padi1 , Stephen Yaw Opoku1 , Boamah Adomako1 , Yaw Adu-Ampomah1 , Juan Carlos Motamayor2,3 , David Kuhn2 , Raymond Schnell2 , Jemmy Takrama1
Research into cocoa improvement has made a considerable impact on the productivity of the crop in West Africa. Much of the germplasm distributed to farmers have been of Upper Amazon origin following the realisation of their higher agronomic worth over the local Trinitario and Amelonado germplasm. However, breeding objectives have remained largely unchanged since formal breeding started in Ghana over seven decades ago. Increasing ravages by the cocoa swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD), Phytophthora pod rot, and attack by insect pests have resulted in low yields. Successes realised in developing clones with tolerance to CSSVD, and with resistance to pod rot are yet to make an impact at the farm level. Through a USDA/MARS Inc. led research, these breeding gains are being consolidated through the use of molecular marker technology. Loci with significant effect on traits of agronomic value are being mapped, and integration of these results into the existing breeding programme is providing planting materials buffered against the effects of the key pests. Broadening the genetic base of breeding materials underpins the current research drive with the evaluation of clones from populations that were under-utilised for breeding, and of clones with resistance to pests that are still alien to West Africa. The Seed Gardens that supply planting materials to farmers are being supported with genetic fingerprinting of hitherto released planting materials. Together, these efforts will improve the productivity of the crop and help sustain the livelihoods of millions of farm families, and of the economies of West African States.