Organic fertilizers generally come from agricultural co-products. Their valuation is therefore a major issue for sustainable development. The main objective of this study aims to develop an organic fertilizer derived ...Organic fertilizers generally come from agricultural co-products. Their valuation is therefore a major issue for sustainable development. The main objective of this study aims to develop an organic fertilizer derived from moringa leaves and cocoa pod husks that can improve soil quality and plant growth. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized blocks in three repetitions. The experiment was carried out in five treatments: T0: no fertilization, T1: 100% cocoa pods, T2: 75% cocoa pods + 25% Moringa leaves;T3: 50% cocoa pods + 50% Moringa leaves;T4: 25% cocoa pods + 75% Moringa leaves;T5: 100% Moringa leaves. Three doses were applied: 1;2;4 kg/m2. The trial took place over three growing cycles. The results of the soil analysis compared to the control revealed a significant improvement in physicochemical parameters. Variation of pH from (6.1 to 7.2), calcium from (1.4 to 4.13), magnesium from (0.450 to 0.870), potassium from (0.096 to 0.365) cmol+/kg. Carbon and nitrogen were recorded (1.02% to 2.77%) and (0.12% to 2.56%) respectively. The CEC (cation exchange capacity) saw a clear improvement (4.2 to 9.03) cmol+/kg. Concerning the growth parameters, the control plants recorded an average height of (31.19 cm) while those that benefited from the treatments oscillated between (55.51 to 105.57 cm). In terms of production, the best yields are attributed to treatments T3 and T4 with (37.66 t/ha) and (51.176 t/ha) respectively. The T3 and T4 formulations could help improve the fertility of agricultural soils and the yield of market garden products such as eggplant.展开更多
The effect of a storage system on drying time and estimation of drying parameters of cocoa beans using an indirect solar dryer with a sensible heat energy storage system (stones which act as both absorber and heat sto...The effect of a storage system on drying time and estimation of drying parameters of cocoa beans using an indirect solar dryer with a sensible heat energy storage system (stones which act as both absorber and heat storage media) is the main subject of this article. This dryer, which uses stones as storage material and is made of wood and plywood, was used to dry a quantity of 5 kg of fermented cocoa beans. The drying parameters for the drying curves and the drying efficiency of cocoa beans were established and studied. The drying curves were modelled from semi-empirical models. The results showed that the moisture of cocoa beans decreased from 60% to 7% in wet basis. With a solar collector and drying efficiency of 40% and 34%, respectively. And this with a maximum average difference temperature between the drying air and the ambient temperature of 13.25˚C day or night. The best concordances are obtained with R2 values of 0.9983, 0.9843, 0.9813 and 0.9837 respectively from the models of Hii, Jena and Das, Demir et al. and Alibas.展开更多
Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making ...Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making countries, presents a quality problem to the point of suffering a discount on the international market. One of these quality problems is the content of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin produced by fungi. Finally, to verify the level of contamination in beans produced in Côte d’Ivoire, a study was carried out. It consisted of collecting information on fermentation and drying times (The two major post-harvest operations) and collecting beans, which were analyzed by electrophoresis using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results obtained show ochratoxin A contents of between 0.05 µg/kg and 0.17 µg/kg. The general level of contamination is therefore very low and below the tolerable limit which is 2 µg/kg. In addition, the correlative study between the fermentation and drying times of the beans revealed no significant influence (p < 0.01) of the duration of these operations on the level of ochratoxin A contamination. Major contamination can occur after post-harvest activities carried out by producers. This is certainly due to the development of fungi responsible for the production of ochratoxin A during the period of storage and marketing of cocoa beans in conditions of high humidity in storage enclosures. Producers need to be made more aware of the need to ensure that cocoa beans are properly dried and stored in dry areas to avoid moisture build-up, which is a source of mould growth and ochratoxin A production.展开更多
A field trial to evaluate the growth and nutrient uptake of cocoa intercropped with coconut was conducted in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria(CRIN)Headquarters,Idi-Ayunre,Ibadan,Oyo State between 2019 and 2022.Ther...A field trial to evaluate the growth and nutrient uptake of cocoa intercropped with coconut was conducted in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria(CRIN)Headquarters,Idi-Ayunre,Ibadan,Oyo State between 2019 and 2022.There were four treatments comprising of cocoa sole,cocoa/plantain,cocoa/coconut and cocoa/coconut/plantain intercrop.The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block(RCB)replicated three times.Result obtained showed that cocoa/plantain was significantly higher(p<0.05)than all other treatments in all parameters considered and closely followed by cocoa/coconut,then cocoa sole with cocoa/plantain/coconut giving the least performance.The same trend was observed in the nutrient uptake.It was also observed in the trial that the two crops:cocoa and coconut did not show any deleterious effect on their growth when intercropped together.This showed that the two crops are compatible when grown on the same piece of land.Therefore,cocoa/coconut intercrop could be recommended to cocoa farmers in south west Nigeria to increase their revenue generation when coconut starts bearing fruit instead of sole planting of cocoa.展开更多
The productive evaluation of cocoa in this research is proposed through an assessment of soil quality and crop health in an organic production system(SPO)Taisha canton and a conventional production system(SPCv)Morona ...The productive evaluation of cocoa in this research is proposed through an assessment of soil quality and crop health in an organic production system(SPO)Taisha canton and a conventional production system(SPCv)Morona canton.Methodology:Altieri and Nicholls establish a diagnosis of chemical,physical,biological and health indicators,with weightings high(10),medium(5)and low(1).Results:SPO soil quality,reflects weights 10(high)for ammonium ion,zinc,copper,iron,manganese,moisture retention,biological activity,compaction,apparent density,residue status,color,organic matter,root development,erosion incidence,5(medium)potassium,phosphorus,calcium,sulfur,pH,texture,1(low)magnesium,boron,topsoil depth,for crop health values of 10(high)appearance,crop growth,stress resistance or tolerance,weed competition,agrosilvopastoral system,plant diversity and management system,5(medium)potential yield,incidence of pests and diseases.The SPCv soil quality presented a weighting of 10(high)for nitrogen,zinc,copper,iron,biological activity,compaction,bulk density,color,organic matter,root development,erosion incidence,5(medium)manganese,pH,texture,moisture retention,residue status,1(low)potassium,phosphorus,calcium,magnesium,sulfur,boron,topsoil depth,crop health 10(high)crop appearance and growth,stress resistance or tolerance,weed competition,agrosilvopastoral system,plant diversity,management system,potential yield,5(medium)incidence of pests and diseases,1(low)surrounding natural diversity.Conclusions:The SPO for soil quality:7.41 and for crop health:7.59 weighted as sustainable,while the SPCv for soil quality:6 and crop health:6.76,resulting in a moderately sustainable production system.展开更多
About 44%of the world’s cocoa is produced in one single country,Côte d’Ivoire.Providing this important raw material,most Ivorian cocoa farmers live in severe poverty,which,despite a multitude of sector interven...About 44%of the world’s cocoa is produced in one single country,Côte d’Ivoire.Providing this important raw material,most Ivorian cocoa farmers live in severe poverty,which,despite a multitude of sector interventions,is still widespread,affecting social and environmental sustainability in cocoa production.In this context,cocoa farmers are still often treated as a homogeneous group of small-scale producers(mainly males),resulting in interventions being conceptualized as one-size-fits-all approaches and failing to deliver support schemes that take farmers’specific conditions appropriately into account.Applying a broader typology approach that combines farm characteristics with farmers’characteristics,this study aims to delineate Ivorian cocoa farmers and their farms into specific types in order to improve advice for targeted sustainability interventions and living income(LI)potentials.Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis of a household dataset collected in 2022 in five cocoa-growing regions of Côte d’Ivoire were chosen to identify types of male-headed farms.To assure gender sensitive analysis,a female-headed farm type was created artificially.The specific characteristics of the identified types were captured using descriptive analysis.Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were then applied to examine the relationships between these farm types and various outcomes.Additionally,a binary logistic model was used to estimate the probability of these links in relation to variables relevant for achieving a LI.Finally,Spearman non-parametric correlation was used to identify eventual differences in the strength of relationships between key variables per farm type.Three different types of male-headed farms are identified:type 1(the most productive and diversified farms with larger size),type 2(middle-sized farms with strong focus on cash crops),and type 3(small-sized farms with a good level of diversification for self-consumption).The artificially created type 4 represents female-headed farms with the smallest size.On average,none of these farm types achieves a LI.However,type 1 shows the smallest LI gap,while type 4 is by far the worst.Our analyses reveal underlying socio-economic factors systematically disadvantaging female-headed cocoa farms,most notably limited access to land and other material assets.The key contribution of this study lies in the empirical identification of the different characteristics of farms in a given farming system,thereby identifying the need for targeted support interventions.Type-specific recommendations are made,showing pathways to provide tailored programs to farmers of different types in order to reduce their LI gaps.展开更多
This study examines the effects of germination substrates incorporating spent mushroom substrate(SMS)and locally sourced organic materials on the growth and vigor of cocoa seedlings.Seven treatments were evaluated usi...This study examines the effects of germination substrates incorporating spent mushroom substrate(SMS)and locally sourced organic materials on the growth and vigor of cocoa seedlings.Seven treatments were evaluated using a Completely Randomized Design(CRD),comprising combinations of coconut coir,rice husk,sugarcane bagasse,and biochar.Key findings reveal that treatments combining SMS,sugarcane bagasse,and either coconut coir or biochar(T6 and T7)achieved significantly higher survival rates and Dickson Quality Index(DQI)scores compared to conventional soil(T1).These treatments provided favorable chemical properties,including optimal pH,electrical conductivity,and nutrient content(N,P,K),which are critical for cocoa seedling development.The results suggest that using SMS with agricultural waste as an alternative germination medium can reduce cultivation costs,enhance seedling growth,and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by repurposing organic waste.This approach not only offers cost-effective benefits for farmers but also mitigates environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.展开更多
Elevation is one of many components that influence agriculture, and this in turn affects the level of both inputs and outputs of farmers. This article focuses on the productivity and technical efficiency of 100 cocoa ...Elevation is one of many components that influence agriculture, and this in turn affects the level of both inputs and outputs of farmers. This article focuses on the productivity and technical efficiency of 100 cocoa farms using cross-sectional data from areas ranging from 190 to 1021 m above sea level which were classified as low, medium, and high elevation in Davao City, considered as the chocolate capital of the Philippines. Using stochastic frontier analysis, the results showed that the cost of inputs per ha and the number of cocoa trees per ha significantly increase yield. Farms at high elevations were less technically efficient, as this entails lower temperatures and increased rainfall, and cocoa farming in those areas and conditions can be more challenging, especially with changes in farming practices, terrain, and distance to markets. Other significant variables were age of cocoa farms, married farmers, and age of the farmers. Older farms may be more developed, farmers who are married benefit from their spouses being able to readily contribute as farm labor, and lastly, older farmers' inefficiency may likely stem from nonadaptation of newer farming practices. With an average technical efficiency of 0.61, 0.63, and 0.26 in low, medium, and high elevation areas, respectively, farmers therefore have an incentive to improve farm practices and consider topographical variations found in high elevation areas. Recommendations for the improvement of technical efficiency of cocoa farms are better connectivity to markets, enhancing farm practices, and continuation and improvement of government programs on cocoa with an added emphasis on research. For farmers in high elevation areas, mitigating solutions such as sustainable agriculture practices and ecolabelling are key to improving efficiency and minimizing the potential negative impact on upland farming systems. Moreover, such adaptation measures may also contribute to sustainability of cocoa farming in high elevation areas.展开更多
Among all the plagues threatening cocoa cultivation in general, and particularly in West Africa, the swollen shoot viral disease is currently the most dangerous. The greatest challenge in the fight to eradicate this p...Among all the plagues threatening cocoa cultivation in general, and particularly in West Africa, the swollen shoot viral disease is currently the most dangerous. The greatest challenge in the fight to eradicate this pandemic remains its early detection. Traditional methods of swollen shoot detection are mostly based on visual observations, leading to late detection and/or diagnostic errors. The use of machine learning algorithms is now an alternative for effective plant disease detection. It is therefore crucial to provide efficient solutions to farmers’ cooperatives. In our study, we built a database of healthy and diseased cocoa leaves. We then explored the power of feature extractors based on convolutional neural networks such as VGG 19, Inception V3, DenseNet 201, and a custom CNN, combining their strengths with the XGBOOST classifier. The results of our experiments showed that this fusion of methods with XGBOOST yielded highly promising scores, outperforming the results of algorithms using the sigmoid function. These results were further consolidated by the use of evaluation metrics such as accuracy, mean squared error, F score, recall, and Matthews’s correlation coefficient. The proposed approach, combining state of the art feature extractors and the XGBOOST classifier, offers an efficient and reliable solution for the early detection of swollen shoot. Its implementation could significantly assist West African cocoa farmers in combating this devastating disease and preserving their crops.展开更多
Cocoa farming faces numerous constraints that affect production levels. Among these constraints are termites, one of the biggest scourges in tropical agriculture and agroforestry. The aim of this study is to assess th...Cocoa farming faces numerous constraints that affect production levels. Among these constraints are termites, one of the biggest scourges in tropical agriculture and agroforestry. The aim of this study is to assess the level of damage caused by termites in cocoa plantations. To this end, 3 plantations were selected. In each of the 3 plantations, 18 plots containing an average of 47 ± 6 cocoa plants were delimited. Sampling was based on 25 cocoa plants per plot. The study consisted in sampling the termites observed on the plants and noting the type of damage caused by them, taking into account the density of the harvest veneers and, above all, the termites’ progress through the anatomical structures of the plant, i.e. the bark, sapwood and heartwood. A total of 8 termite species were collected from cocoa plants. These species are responsible for four types of damage (D1, D2, D3 and D4), grouped into minor damage (D1 and D2) and major damage (D3 and D4). D1 damage ranged from 24.67% ± 5.64% to 39.55% ± 7.43%. D2 damage ranged from 6.88% ± 1.31% to 9.33% ± 2.79%. D3 damage ranged from 2.88% ± 1.55% to 6.44% ± 1.55%. D4 damage ranged from 1.11% ± 1% to 3.11% ± 1.37%. Among the termite species collected, Microcerotermes sp, C. sjostedti, A. crucifer and P. militaris were the most formidable on cocoa trees in our study locality. In view of the extensive damage caused by termites, biological control measures should be considered, using insecticidal plants.展开更多
The use of plant extracts as antifungal agents is gaining increasing attention, particularly for the control of black pod disease in cocoa. Despite extensive research, current strategies haven’t been entirely effecti...The use of plant extracts as antifungal agents is gaining increasing attention, particularly for the control of black pod disease in cocoa. Despite extensive research, current strategies haven’t been entirely effective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Blumea balsamifora leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against Phytophthora megakarya. We assessed the efficacy of the most promising combination (75% B. balsamifera, 25% C. citratus) after storage at room temperature for up to 9 days. Agar microdilution and in vivo bioassays were conducted to determine antifungal susceptibility and effectiveness. Blumea extract exhibited the highest overall inhibitory activity, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (117 µl mL−1) while C. citratus had a narrower range of MIC (146 to 233 µl mL−1). The combination of C. citratus and B. balsamifera demonstrated a synergistic effect against P. megakarya, achieving growth inhibition on V8 media (92.72 ± 4.20% to 100%) and on artificially infected detached pod cortex (92.24 ± 4.53% to 98.75 ± 1.25%), which was not significantly different from the positive control (Ridomil). Furthermore, this combination maintained its effectiveness for up to 9 days at room temperature. These findings suggest that combining plant extracts can enhance their antifungal properties.展开更多
This study aimed to discriminate ten Cameroonian cocoa hybrids according to their total fat, fatty acid composition, tocopherol and tocotrienol profiles. Six cocoa clones from the gene banks of the Cameroon Cocoa Deve...This study aimed to discriminate ten Cameroonian cocoa hybrids according to their total fat, fatty acid composition, tocopherol and tocotrienol profiles. Six cocoa clones from the gene banks of the Cameroon Cocoa Development Corporation were used to create hybrids. The determination of fatty acid composition was carried out by using a gas chromatography (GC) apparatus coupled by a flame ion detector (FID). Tocopherol and tocotrienol analysis was performed by upper high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Information on the impact of the genotype on the cocoa fat composition was provided. The major fatty acids (FA) in fermented samples are stearic (34.57%), palmitic (26.13%), oleic (34.13%) and linoleic (3.16%) acids. (35.05% to 35.6%). SCA12 × ICS40, SCA12 × SNK13, SNK13 × T79/501 have the least hard cocoa butters. Tocopherols analysis showed a predominance of γ-tocopherols (94.64 ± 1.51 to 292.16 ± 3.17 µg∙g<sup>−1</sup>), whereas only a small amount of β and δ-tocopherol (from 0.46 to 2.78 µg∙g<sup>−1</sup> and 0.12 to 5.82 respectively) was observed. No γ-tocotrienol was found in fermented samples. A differentiation in terms of total fat and tocopherol content was observed amongst hybrids with the same mother-clone, suggesting an impact of pollen on these compounds.展开更多
Climate change threatens cocoa quality, raising concerns regarding sustainable premium cocoa production. Evaluating the effectiveness of certification standards is imperative to address this concern effectively. A mul...Climate change threatens cocoa quality, raising concerns regarding sustainable premium cocoa production. Evaluating the effectiveness of certification standards is imperative to address this concern effectively. A multi-stage method was employed for a systematic review of 39 peer-reviewed articles to highlight the impacts of climate change on the biophysical environment of cocoa and its implications for adapting Geographical Indications (GIs). Additionally, a comprehensive review was conducted on climate-relevant standards of certificates in Ecuador, Indonesia, and Ghana. The findings of this study provide practical insights into possible difficulties that cocoa-producing countries may encounter in maintaining the distinctive flavours and quality trademarks of cocoa in the face of changing climate. Moreover, the findings emphasize the need for producer countries to prioritize viable adaptation and product differentiation strategies that meet sustainable marketing standards to protect GIs or place-based intellectual property. Furthermore, the findings indicate certificates require effective multi-level climate change management and environmental-social-governance principles that promote scientifically proven mitigation strategies, such as increasing soil organic carbon, zero deforestation, and reducing emissions while striving to leverage local adaptation policies to reduce location-specific vulnerability. Finally, certificates can accelerate the expansion, intensification, and redistribution of sustainable production for gains that outweigh the inconveniences caused by climate change.展开更多
This study assessed the contribution of climate projections to improving rainfall information for cocoa crops in the central and southern regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Particular attention was paid to fourteen local...This study assessed the contribution of climate projections to improving rainfall information for cocoa crops in the central and southern regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Particular attention was paid to fourteen localities in these two climatic zones. Simulation data were obtained from the CORDEX ensemble and observation data from CHIRPS. They cover the period 1991-2005 for the reference period and the future period from 2021 to 2050 for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. In addition, the study was based on the water requirements necessary during the critical phase of the cocoa tree (the flowering phase) for a good yield from the cocoa production chain on the one hand, and on a selection of three climate indices CDD, CWD and r95PTOT to study their spatio-temporal changes over two future periods 2021-2035 (near future) and 2036-2050 (medium-term) on the other. These climatic indices influence cocoa cultivation and their use in studies of climatic impacts on agriculture is of prime importance. The analysis of their spatio-temporal changes in this work also contributes to providing climate services based on rainfall, to which cocoa crops are highly sensitive. Our results show that the CDD and CWD indices vary from one region to another depending on latitude. For the fourteen localities studied, the number of consecutive dry days (CDD) could increase between now and 2050, while the number of consecutive wet days (CWD) could decrease over the period 2021-2035 and then increase over the period 2036-2050. The localities of Tabou, Aboisso and San-Pedro record high numbers of CDD index and CWD index for both projection scenarios. In comparison with the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, these results show that the RCP8.5 scenarios are having an impact on cocoa growing in Côte d’Ivoire.展开更多
The concern of the present work is the convective drying of empty cocoa shells in an indirect solar dryer. Some drying experiments, using one sample, were carried out. During the experiments, the sample is introduced ...The concern of the present work is the convective drying of empty cocoa shells in an indirect solar dryer. Some drying experiments, using one sample, were carried out. During the experiments, the sample is introduced in the drying chamber. Then at steady time intervals, the sample is withdrawn from the drying chamber, for a rapid weighing. After each weighing, the sample is reintroduced in the dryer. At each time interval, the ambient temperature of the drying chamber and its relative humidity γ are measured by a thermo-hygrometer. From the experimental data, a theoretical determination of the moisture evaporated from the product was performed and a good agreement was found between the theoretical and experimental values, confirmed by the value of the RMSE. Those calculations used the constants in the Nusselt number found in literature. Then those constants were evaluated again, to get new values more suitable with the experimental data. The dimensionless numbers of Nusselt, Grashof and Prandtl were calculated. That allowed the calculation of the average value of the Nusselt number. The average convective heat transfer coefficient was determined.展开更多
This study, which assesses the quality of soils under cocoa trees in the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire, is being carried out against a backdrop of declining crop yields due to a number of factors, includ...This study, which assesses the quality of soils under cocoa trees in the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire, is being carried out against a backdrop of declining crop yields due to a number of factors, including the loss of soil fertility. The aim was to identify homogeneous groups of soils in terms of fertility and propose sustainable management methods for each group. The study was carried out on twenty-four cocoa orchards belonging to the SCOOP KAPATCHIVA cooperative, spread over eight sectors. A morphological characterisation of the soils was carried out in the field, followed by physico-chemical laboratory analyses of soil samples taken in the field. Soil fertility was analyzed on the basis of these two groups of data. The results showed that soil depths were generally high, except in some high altitude areas, where soils were often enriched in ferromagnesian elements and compacted. The texture of the soils varied between loamy and sandy-loamy, influencing cocoa production. Indeed, the soils of the plots with high production were looser and without ferromagnesian concretions, while those of the plots with low production were more gravelly and compact. Biological activity in the upper soil layer (0 - 30 cm) was notable with an abundance of termites and earthworms. The organic matter and nitrogen content varies considerably between sectors, directly impacting soil fertility. The soils were slightly acidic and showed significant differences in the levels of exchangeable magnesium and potassium, and not at all for phosphorus which appeared at very low doses. Chemical analysis also revealed that nutrient balance was a key factor in orchard productivity, with varying ratios of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Knowledge of these results made it possible to make recommendations for soil management with a view to improving cocoa yields in the study area.展开更多
This study looks at the prevalence of swollen shoot disease in cocoa plantations in the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire, a key cocoa-producing area. Cocoa accounts for around a third of the country’s expo...This study looks at the prevalence of swollen shoot disease in cocoa plantations in the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire, a key cocoa-producing area. Cocoa accounts for around a third of the country’s export earnings, but production is under threat from the swollen shoot virus, which is causing major yield reductions. The aim of the study is to establish a link between the chemical properties of the soil and the presence of the disease, in particular the levels of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and acidity (pH) in the soil. Specifically, soils from healthy plots were compared with soils from infested plots in six plantations in the Bouaflé and Kononfla sub-prefectures. The results show that soils from infested plots have lower phosphorus levels and near-neutral acidity in the 20 - 40 cm soil layer, while soils from healthy plots are slightly acidic and contain more calcium and phosphorus. These chemical differences seem to influence the prevalence of the virus. Low phosphorus levels appear to be a key factor in the vulnerability of cocoa trees to the disease. The study therefore suggests that any strategy to combat swollen shoot should include better soil management, incorporating factors such as soil depth and the availability of essential nutrients. In addition, an assessment of the micro-organisms present in the soil could provide further information on the interactions between the soil and the disease.展开更多
The overall objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of the heap fermentation of cocoa on microbial dynamics and physicochemical parameters of the soil. The methodology was to heap fermentation broad b...The overall objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of the heap fermentation of cocoa on microbial dynamics and physicochemical parameters of the soil. The methodology was to heap fermentation broad beans 600 cocoa pods moved to a place after the soil was taken for microbiological and physicochemical analyzes considered the control sample. In addition, cocoa lixiviate and soil were subjected to analyze. Chemical analysis of cocoa lixiviate revealed the absence of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium. It appears from the analysis of soil than clays represent on average 46.67%, 8.03% for fine silt, heavy silt 5.69%, 15.39% fine sands and heavy sands 20.02%. Microbiological analysis revealed the abundance of total coliform up to 4.6× 103 CFU/g soil. The variations of the abundance of yeasts are 0.01 × 103 CFU/g soil obtained on day 2 at 12 o＇clock to 3.5 × 103 CFU/g soil observed on day 3 to 18 pm （0-3 cm deep）. However, further study on the assessment of biodiversity after the fermentation would determine its species richness.展开更多
Looking of finding an alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers to increase yields of cassava (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Manihot esculenta</span>...Looking of finding an alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers to increase yields of cassava (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Manihot esculenta</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">), trials were carried out in the Lamto zone in central Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, the effects of compost and ash from cocoa shell and NPK were tested on the agronomic parameters of cassava. The trial was conducted for two years with four varieties of cassava: </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Yacé</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Alleda agba</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Six mois</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Bonoua</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">, grown on elementary plots treated with one of these fertilizers. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks with three replicates. Analysis of the results showed that the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Six</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">mois</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> variety gave the longest stems (131,</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:""> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">67 cm) with the cocoa shell compost. The </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Bonoua</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> variety, on the other hand, gave the largest diameter of the stem base (21.56 mm), a higher number of leaves (77.30) and a large wingspan (136</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">89 cm) with cocoa shell compost. The leaves developed by the plants of this variety were wider (19.30 cm) and longer (17.96 cm) with cocoa shell compost. Also, this </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Bonoua</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> variety treated with shell compost yielded a high number of tuberized roots (5.11), high average weight per plant (5.83 kg/plant) and higher yield (58.29 t/ha). This compost of cocoa shell has also allowed a better conservation of the cultivated soils quality.展开更多
文摘Organic fertilizers generally come from agricultural co-products. Their valuation is therefore a major issue for sustainable development. The main objective of this study aims to develop an organic fertilizer derived from moringa leaves and cocoa pod husks that can improve soil quality and plant growth. The experimental design consisted of completely randomized blocks in three repetitions. The experiment was carried out in five treatments: T0: no fertilization, T1: 100% cocoa pods, T2: 75% cocoa pods + 25% Moringa leaves;T3: 50% cocoa pods + 50% Moringa leaves;T4: 25% cocoa pods + 75% Moringa leaves;T5: 100% Moringa leaves. Three doses were applied: 1;2;4 kg/m2. The trial took place over three growing cycles. The results of the soil analysis compared to the control revealed a significant improvement in physicochemical parameters. Variation of pH from (6.1 to 7.2), calcium from (1.4 to 4.13), magnesium from (0.450 to 0.870), potassium from (0.096 to 0.365) cmol+/kg. Carbon and nitrogen were recorded (1.02% to 2.77%) and (0.12% to 2.56%) respectively. The CEC (cation exchange capacity) saw a clear improvement (4.2 to 9.03) cmol+/kg. Concerning the growth parameters, the control plants recorded an average height of (31.19 cm) while those that benefited from the treatments oscillated between (55.51 to 105.57 cm). In terms of production, the best yields are attributed to treatments T3 and T4 with (37.66 t/ha) and (51.176 t/ha) respectively. The T3 and T4 formulations could help improve the fertility of agricultural soils and the yield of market garden products such as eggplant.
文摘The effect of a storage system on drying time and estimation of drying parameters of cocoa beans using an indirect solar dryer with a sensible heat energy storage system (stones which act as both absorber and heat storage media) is the main subject of this article. This dryer, which uses stones as storage material and is made of wood and plywood, was used to dry a quantity of 5 kg of fermented cocoa beans. The drying parameters for the drying curves and the drying efficiency of cocoa beans were established and studied. The drying curves were modelled from semi-empirical models. The results showed that the moisture of cocoa beans decreased from 60% to 7% in wet basis. With a solar collector and drying efficiency of 40% and 34%, respectively. And this with a maximum average difference temperature between the drying air and the ambient temperature of 13.25˚C day or night. The best concordances are obtained with R2 values of 0.9983, 0.9843, 0.9813 and 0.9837 respectively from the models of Hii, Jena and Das, Demir et al. and Alibas.
文摘Côte d’Ivoire has been the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans for several decades. Apart from this production performance, the quality of the beans, which are mainly exported to the major chocolate-making countries, presents a quality problem to the point of suffering a discount on the international market. One of these quality problems is the content of ochratoxin A, a mycotoxin produced by fungi. Finally, to verify the level of contamination in beans produced in Côte d’Ivoire, a study was carried out. It consisted of collecting information on fermentation and drying times (The two major post-harvest operations) and collecting beans, which were analyzed by electrophoresis using the High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. The results obtained show ochratoxin A contents of between 0.05 µg/kg and 0.17 µg/kg. The general level of contamination is therefore very low and below the tolerable limit which is 2 µg/kg. In addition, the correlative study between the fermentation and drying times of the beans revealed no significant influence (p < 0.01) of the duration of these operations on the level of ochratoxin A contamination. Major contamination can occur after post-harvest activities carried out by producers. This is certainly due to the development of fungi responsible for the production of ochratoxin A during the period of storage and marketing of cocoa beans in conditions of high humidity in storage enclosures. Producers need to be made more aware of the need to ensure that cocoa beans are properly dried and stored in dry areas to avoid moisture build-up, which is a source of mould growth and ochratoxin A production.
文摘A field trial to evaluate the growth and nutrient uptake of cocoa intercropped with coconut was conducted in Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria(CRIN)Headquarters,Idi-Ayunre,Ibadan,Oyo State between 2019 and 2022.There were four treatments comprising of cocoa sole,cocoa/plantain,cocoa/coconut and cocoa/coconut/plantain intercrop.The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block(RCB)replicated three times.Result obtained showed that cocoa/plantain was significantly higher(p<0.05)than all other treatments in all parameters considered and closely followed by cocoa/coconut,then cocoa sole with cocoa/plantain/coconut giving the least performance.The same trend was observed in the nutrient uptake.It was also observed in the trial that the two crops:cocoa and coconut did not show any deleterious effect on their growth when intercropped together.This showed that the two crops are compatible when grown on the same piece of land.Therefore,cocoa/coconut intercrop could be recommended to cocoa farmers in south west Nigeria to increase their revenue generation when coconut starts bearing fruit instead of sole planting of cocoa.
文摘The productive evaluation of cocoa in this research is proposed through an assessment of soil quality and crop health in an organic production system(SPO)Taisha canton and a conventional production system(SPCv)Morona canton.Methodology:Altieri and Nicholls establish a diagnosis of chemical,physical,biological and health indicators,with weightings high(10),medium(5)and low(1).Results:SPO soil quality,reflects weights 10(high)for ammonium ion,zinc,copper,iron,manganese,moisture retention,biological activity,compaction,apparent density,residue status,color,organic matter,root development,erosion incidence,5(medium)potassium,phosphorus,calcium,sulfur,pH,texture,1(low)magnesium,boron,topsoil depth,for crop health values of 10(high)appearance,crop growth,stress resistance or tolerance,weed competition,agrosilvopastoral system,plant diversity and management system,5(medium)potential yield,incidence of pests and diseases.The SPCv soil quality presented a weighting of 10(high)for nitrogen,zinc,copper,iron,biological activity,compaction,bulk density,color,organic matter,root development,erosion incidence,5(medium)manganese,pH,texture,moisture retention,residue status,1(low)potassium,phosphorus,calcium,magnesium,sulfur,boron,topsoil depth,crop health 10(high)crop appearance and growth,stress resistance or tolerance,weed competition,agrosilvopastoral system,plant diversity,management system,potential yield,5(medium)incidence of pests and diseases,1(low)surrounding natural diversity.Conclusions:The SPO for soil quality:7.41 and for crop health:7.59 weighted as sustainable,while the SPCv for soil quality:6 and crop health:6.76,resulting in a moderately sustainable production system.
基金This work was conducted in the frame of the accompanying research on strategies for improving farmer families’incomes and sustainable cocoa production funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development(BMZ).
文摘About 44%of the world’s cocoa is produced in one single country,Côte d’Ivoire.Providing this important raw material,most Ivorian cocoa farmers live in severe poverty,which,despite a multitude of sector interventions,is still widespread,affecting social and environmental sustainability in cocoa production.In this context,cocoa farmers are still often treated as a homogeneous group of small-scale producers(mainly males),resulting in interventions being conceptualized as one-size-fits-all approaches and failing to deliver support schemes that take farmers’specific conditions appropriately into account.Applying a broader typology approach that combines farm characteristics with farmers’characteristics,this study aims to delineate Ivorian cocoa farmers and their farms into specific types in order to improve advice for targeted sustainability interventions and living income(LI)potentials.Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis of a household dataset collected in 2022 in five cocoa-growing regions of Côte d’Ivoire were chosen to identify types of male-headed farms.To assure gender sensitive analysis,a female-headed farm type was created artificially.The specific characteristics of the identified types were captured using descriptive analysis.Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were then applied to examine the relationships between these farm types and various outcomes.Additionally,a binary logistic model was used to estimate the probability of these links in relation to variables relevant for achieving a LI.Finally,Spearman non-parametric correlation was used to identify eventual differences in the strength of relationships between key variables per farm type.Three different types of male-headed farms are identified:type 1(the most productive and diversified farms with larger size),type 2(middle-sized farms with strong focus on cash crops),and type 3(small-sized farms with a good level of diversification for self-consumption).The artificially created type 4 represents female-headed farms with the smallest size.On average,none of these farm types achieves a LI.However,type 1 shows the smallest LI gap,while type 4 is by far the worst.Our analyses reveal underlying socio-economic factors systematically disadvantaging female-headed cocoa farms,most notably limited access to land and other material assets.The key contribution of this study lies in the empirical identification of the different characteristics of farms in a given farming system,thereby identifying the need for targeted support interventions.Type-specific recommendations are made,showing pathways to provide tailored programs to farmers of different types in order to reduce their LI gaps.
文摘This study examines the effects of germination substrates incorporating spent mushroom substrate(SMS)and locally sourced organic materials on the growth and vigor of cocoa seedlings.Seven treatments were evaluated using a Completely Randomized Design(CRD),comprising combinations of coconut coir,rice husk,sugarcane bagasse,and biochar.Key findings reveal that treatments combining SMS,sugarcane bagasse,and either coconut coir or biochar(T6 and T7)achieved significantly higher survival rates and Dickson Quality Index(DQI)scores compared to conventional soil(T1).These treatments provided favorable chemical properties,including optimal pH,electrical conductivity,and nutrient content(N,P,K),which are critical for cocoa seedling development.The results suggest that using SMS with agricultural waste as an alternative germination medium can reduce cultivation costs,enhance seedling growth,and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices by repurposing organic waste.This approach not only offers cost-effective benefits for farmers but also mitigates environmental impacts associated with waste disposal.
文摘Elevation is one of many components that influence agriculture, and this in turn affects the level of both inputs and outputs of farmers. This article focuses on the productivity and technical efficiency of 100 cocoa farms using cross-sectional data from areas ranging from 190 to 1021 m above sea level which were classified as low, medium, and high elevation in Davao City, considered as the chocolate capital of the Philippines. Using stochastic frontier analysis, the results showed that the cost of inputs per ha and the number of cocoa trees per ha significantly increase yield. Farms at high elevations were less technically efficient, as this entails lower temperatures and increased rainfall, and cocoa farming in those areas and conditions can be more challenging, especially with changes in farming practices, terrain, and distance to markets. Other significant variables were age of cocoa farms, married farmers, and age of the farmers. Older farms may be more developed, farmers who are married benefit from their spouses being able to readily contribute as farm labor, and lastly, older farmers' inefficiency may likely stem from nonadaptation of newer farming practices. With an average technical efficiency of 0.61, 0.63, and 0.26 in low, medium, and high elevation areas, respectively, farmers therefore have an incentive to improve farm practices and consider topographical variations found in high elevation areas. Recommendations for the improvement of technical efficiency of cocoa farms are better connectivity to markets, enhancing farm practices, and continuation and improvement of government programs on cocoa with an added emphasis on research. For farmers in high elevation areas, mitigating solutions such as sustainable agriculture practices and ecolabelling are key to improving efficiency and minimizing the potential negative impact on upland farming systems. Moreover, such adaptation measures may also contribute to sustainability of cocoa farming in high elevation areas.
文摘Among all the plagues threatening cocoa cultivation in general, and particularly in West Africa, the swollen shoot viral disease is currently the most dangerous. The greatest challenge in the fight to eradicate this pandemic remains its early detection. Traditional methods of swollen shoot detection are mostly based on visual observations, leading to late detection and/or diagnostic errors. The use of machine learning algorithms is now an alternative for effective plant disease detection. It is therefore crucial to provide efficient solutions to farmers’ cooperatives. In our study, we built a database of healthy and diseased cocoa leaves. We then explored the power of feature extractors based on convolutional neural networks such as VGG 19, Inception V3, DenseNet 201, and a custom CNN, combining their strengths with the XGBOOST classifier. The results of our experiments showed that this fusion of methods with XGBOOST yielded highly promising scores, outperforming the results of algorithms using the sigmoid function. These results were further consolidated by the use of evaluation metrics such as accuracy, mean squared error, F score, recall, and Matthews’s correlation coefficient. The proposed approach, combining state of the art feature extractors and the XGBOOST classifier, offers an efficient and reliable solution for the early detection of swollen shoot. Its implementation could significantly assist West African cocoa farmers in combating this devastating disease and preserving their crops.
文摘Cocoa farming faces numerous constraints that affect production levels. Among these constraints are termites, one of the biggest scourges in tropical agriculture and agroforestry. The aim of this study is to assess the level of damage caused by termites in cocoa plantations. To this end, 3 plantations were selected. In each of the 3 plantations, 18 plots containing an average of 47 ± 6 cocoa plants were delimited. Sampling was based on 25 cocoa plants per plot. The study consisted in sampling the termites observed on the plants and noting the type of damage caused by them, taking into account the density of the harvest veneers and, above all, the termites’ progress through the anatomical structures of the plant, i.e. the bark, sapwood and heartwood. A total of 8 termite species were collected from cocoa plants. These species are responsible for four types of damage (D1, D2, D3 and D4), grouped into minor damage (D1 and D2) and major damage (D3 and D4). D1 damage ranged from 24.67% ± 5.64% to 39.55% ± 7.43%. D2 damage ranged from 6.88% ± 1.31% to 9.33% ± 2.79%. D3 damage ranged from 2.88% ± 1.55% to 6.44% ± 1.55%. D4 damage ranged from 1.11% ± 1% to 3.11% ± 1.37%. Among the termite species collected, Microcerotermes sp, C. sjostedti, A. crucifer and P. militaris were the most formidable on cocoa trees in our study locality. In view of the extensive damage caused by termites, biological control measures should be considered, using insecticidal plants.
文摘The use of plant extracts as antifungal agents is gaining increasing attention, particularly for the control of black pod disease in cocoa. Despite extensive research, current strategies haven’t been entirely effective. This study evaluated the effectiveness of Cymbopogon citratus and Blumea balsamifora leaf extracts, both individually and in combination, against Phytophthora megakarya. We assessed the efficacy of the most promising combination (75% B. balsamifera, 25% C. citratus) after storage at room temperature for up to 9 days. Agar microdilution and in vivo bioassays were conducted to determine antifungal susceptibility and effectiveness. Blumea extract exhibited the highest overall inhibitory activity, with the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (117 µl mL−1) while C. citratus had a narrower range of MIC (146 to 233 µl mL−1). The combination of C. citratus and B. balsamifera demonstrated a synergistic effect against P. megakarya, achieving growth inhibition on V8 media (92.72 ± 4.20% to 100%) and on artificially infected detached pod cortex (92.24 ± 4.53% to 98.75 ± 1.25%), which was not significantly different from the positive control (Ridomil). Furthermore, this combination maintained its effectiveness for up to 9 days at room temperature. These findings suggest that combining plant extracts can enhance their antifungal properties.
文摘This study aimed to discriminate ten Cameroonian cocoa hybrids according to their total fat, fatty acid composition, tocopherol and tocotrienol profiles. Six cocoa clones from the gene banks of the Cameroon Cocoa Development Corporation were used to create hybrids. The determination of fatty acid composition was carried out by using a gas chromatography (GC) apparatus coupled by a flame ion detector (FID). Tocopherol and tocotrienol analysis was performed by upper high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Information on the impact of the genotype on the cocoa fat composition was provided. The major fatty acids (FA) in fermented samples are stearic (34.57%), palmitic (26.13%), oleic (34.13%) and linoleic (3.16%) acids. (35.05% to 35.6%). SCA12 × ICS40, SCA12 × SNK13, SNK13 × T79/501 have the least hard cocoa butters. Tocopherols analysis showed a predominance of γ-tocopherols (94.64 ± 1.51 to 292.16 ± 3.17 µg∙g<sup>−1</sup>), whereas only a small amount of β and δ-tocopherol (from 0.46 to 2.78 µg∙g<sup>−1</sup> and 0.12 to 5.82 respectively) was observed. No γ-tocotrienol was found in fermented samples. A differentiation in terms of total fat and tocopherol content was observed amongst hybrids with the same mother-clone, suggesting an impact of pollen on these compounds.
文摘Climate change threatens cocoa quality, raising concerns regarding sustainable premium cocoa production. Evaluating the effectiveness of certification standards is imperative to address this concern effectively. A multi-stage method was employed for a systematic review of 39 peer-reviewed articles to highlight the impacts of climate change on the biophysical environment of cocoa and its implications for adapting Geographical Indications (GIs). Additionally, a comprehensive review was conducted on climate-relevant standards of certificates in Ecuador, Indonesia, and Ghana. The findings of this study provide practical insights into possible difficulties that cocoa-producing countries may encounter in maintaining the distinctive flavours and quality trademarks of cocoa in the face of changing climate. Moreover, the findings emphasize the need for producer countries to prioritize viable adaptation and product differentiation strategies that meet sustainable marketing standards to protect GIs or place-based intellectual property. Furthermore, the findings indicate certificates require effective multi-level climate change management and environmental-social-governance principles that promote scientifically proven mitigation strategies, such as increasing soil organic carbon, zero deforestation, and reducing emissions while striving to leverage local adaptation policies to reduce location-specific vulnerability. Finally, certificates can accelerate the expansion, intensification, and redistribution of sustainable production for gains that outweigh the inconveniences caused by climate change.
文摘This study assessed the contribution of climate projections to improving rainfall information for cocoa crops in the central and southern regions of Côte d’Ivoire. Particular attention was paid to fourteen localities in these two climatic zones. Simulation data were obtained from the CORDEX ensemble and observation data from CHIRPS. They cover the period 1991-2005 for the reference period and the future period from 2021 to 2050 for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios. In addition, the study was based on the water requirements necessary during the critical phase of the cocoa tree (the flowering phase) for a good yield from the cocoa production chain on the one hand, and on a selection of three climate indices CDD, CWD and r95PTOT to study their spatio-temporal changes over two future periods 2021-2035 (near future) and 2036-2050 (medium-term) on the other. These climatic indices influence cocoa cultivation and their use in studies of climatic impacts on agriculture is of prime importance. The analysis of their spatio-temporal changes in this work also contributes to providing climate services based on rainfall, to which cocoa crops are highly sensitive. Our results show that the CDD and CWD indices vary from one region to another depending on latitude. For the fourteen localities studied, the number of consecutive dry days (CDD) could increase between now and 2050, while the number of consecutive wet days (CWD) could decrease over the period 2021-2035 and then increase over the period 2036-2050. The localities of Tabou, Aboisso and San-Pedro record high numbers of CDD index and CWD index for both projection scenarios. In comparison with the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, these results show that the RCP8.5 scenarios are having an impact on cocoa growing in Côte d’Ivoire.
文摘The concern of the present work is the convective drying of empty cocoa shells in an indirect solar dryer. Some drying experiments, using one sample, were carried out. During the experiments, the sample is introduced in the drying chamber. Then at steady time intervals, the sample is withdrawn from the drying chamber, for a rapid weighing. After each weighing, the sample is reintroduced in the dryer. At each time interval, the ambient temperature of the drying chamber and its relative humidity γ are measured by a thermo-hygrometer. From the experimental data, a theoretical determination of the moisture evaporated from the product was performed and a good agreement was found between the theoretical and experimental values, confirmed by the value of the RMSE. Those calculations used the constants in the Nusselt number found in literature. Then those constants were evaluated again, to get new values more suitable with the experimental data. The dimensionless numbers of Nusselt, Grashof and Prandtl were calculated. That allowed the calculation of the average value of the Nusselt number. The average convective heat transfer coefficient was determined.
文摘This study, which assesses the quality of soils under cocoa trees in the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire, is being carried out against a backdrop of declining crop yields due to a number of factors, including the loss of soil fertility. The aim was to identify homogeneous groups of soils in terms of fertility and propose sustainable management methods for each group. The study was carried out on twenty-four cocoa orchards belonging to the SCOOP KAPATCHIVA cooperative, spread over eight sectors. A morphological characterisation of the soils was carried out in the field, followed by physico-chemical laboratory analyses of soil samples taken in the field. Soil fertility was analyzed on the basis of these two groups of data. The results showed that soil depths were generally high, except in some high altitude areas, where soils were often enriched in ferromagnesian elements and compacted. The texture of the soils varied between loamy and sandy-loamy, influencing cocoa production. Indeed, the soils of the plots with high production were looser and without ferromagnesian concretions, while those of the plots with low production were more gravelly and compact. Biological activity in the upper soil layer (0 - 30 cm) was notable with an abundance of termites and earthworms. The organic matter and nitrogen content varies considerably between sectors, directly impacting soil fertility. The soils were slightly acidic and showed significant differences in the levels of exchangeable magnesium and potassium, and not at all for phosphorus which appeared at very low doses. Chemical analysis also revealed that nutrient balance was a key factor in orchard productivity, with varying ratios of calcium, magnesium and potassium. Knowledge of these results made it possible to make recommendations for soil management with a view to improving cocoa yields in the study area.
文摘This study looks at the prevalence of swollen shoot disease in cocoa plantations in the Marahoué region of Côte d’Ivoire, a key cocoa-producing area. Cocoa accounts for around a third of the country’s export earnings, but production is under threat from the swollen shoot virus, which is causing major yield reductions. The aim of the study is to establish a link between the chemical properties of the soil and the presence of the disease, in particular the levels of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and acidity (pH) in the soil. Specifically, soils from healthy plots were compared with soils from infested plots in six plantations in the Bouaflé and Kononfla sub-prefectures. The results show that soils from infested plots have lower phosphorus levels and near-neutral acidity in the 20 - 40 cm soil layer, while soils from healthy plots are slightly acidic and contain more calcium and phosphorus. These chemical differences seem to influence the prevalence of the virus. Low phosphorus levels appear to be a key factor in the vulnerability of cocoa trees to the disease. The study therefore suggests that any strategy to combat swollen shoot should include better soil management, incorporating factors such as soil depth and the availability of essential nutrients. In addition, an assessment of the micro-organisms present in the soil could provide further information on the interactions between the soil and the disease.
文摘The overall objective of the present study is to evaluate the impact of the heap fermentation of cocoa on microbial dynamics and physicochemical parameters of the soil. The methodology was to heap fermentation broad beans 600 cocoa pods moved to a place after the soil was taken for microbiological and physicochemical analyzes considered the control sample. In addition, cocoa lixiviate and soil were subjected to analyze. Chemical analysis of cocoa lixiviate revealed the absence of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium. It appears from the analysis of soil than clays represent on average 46.67%, 8.03% for fine silt, heavy silt 5.69%, 15.39% fine sands and heavy sands 20.02%. Microbiological analysis revealed the abundance of total coliform up to 4.6× 103 CFU/g soil. The variations of the abundance of yeasts are 0.01 × 103 CFU/g soil obtained on day 2 at 12 o＇clock to 3.5 × 103 CFU/g soil observed on day 3 to 18 pm （0-3 cm deep）. However, further study on the assessment of biodiversity after the fermentation would determine its species richness.
文摘Looking of finding an alternative to the use of chemical fertilizers to increase yields of cassava (</span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Manihot esculenta</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">), trials were carried out in the Lamto zone in central Côte d’Ivoire. Thus, the effects of compost and ash from cocoa shell and NPK were tested on the agronomic parameters of cassava. The trial was conducted for two years with four varieties of cassava: </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Yacé</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Alleda agba</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">, </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Six mois</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> and </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Bonoua</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">, grown on elementary plots treated with one of these fertilizers. The experimental design was complete randomized blocks with three replicates. Analysis of the results showed that the </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Six</span></i> <i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">mois</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> variety gave the longest stems (131,</span></span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:""> </span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">67 cm) with the cocoa shell compost. The </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Bonoua</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> variety, on the other hand, gave the largest diameter of the stem base (21.56 mm), a higher number of leaves (77.30) and a large wingspan (136</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">89 cm) with cocoa shell compost. The leaves developed by the plants of this variety were wider (19.30 cm) and longer (17.96 cm) with cocoa shell compost. Also, this </span><i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;">Bonoua</span></i><span style="font-family:Verdana;font-size:12px;"> variety treated with shell compost yielded a high number of tuberized roots (5.11), high average weight per plant (5.83 kg/plant) and higher yield (58.29 t/ha). This compost of cocoa shell has also allowed a better conservation of the cultivated soils quality.
