Abstract
Cocoa is a major cash crop in Cameroon, where its production and export contributes significantly to the national economy and in poverty alleviation. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (cAFS) have been recognised as a fair strategy for natural resource management, combining both the agricultural and conservation objectives. This study aims to (1) assess the diversity, (2) analyses the floristic and structural characteristics as well as (3) the dendrological features of the (Exploitation Agricole Betti) (EAB), a cAFS vast of 120 ha, located in the East region of Cameroon. Cocoa and associated tree species were counted in 21 sampling plots of 0.25 ha systematicaly settled all over the system (EAB) between 28 August and 22 October 2016. A total number of 3 147 stems was recorded and distributed in 2,599 cocoa trees and 548 associated trees. The overall diversity of the system is low. The density of the cocoa trees is 495.0 stems/ha, correponding to a success rate of 44.6%. The EAB is attacked by the black pod disease. The average Pod Rot Attacked Index (PRAI) is 0.35 ± 0.38; and this varies significantly according to the associated trees density and the season. Further studies should aim to (1) identify different cocoa varieties planted in the system, (2) identify correctly all the pests and diseases of the system, (3) assess the impact of associated tree thinning and cocoa tree Pruning on the pests or diseases attack and on the cocoa production, and (4) to explore the usage of associated trees in the system. This with the view to come out with a fair model cFAS to use in tropical humid forest zones. Key words: Exploitation Agricole Betti, cocoa, success rate, associated trees, density, stand basal area, dendrological features, Black pod disease, Pod Rot Attacked Index.
Highlights
Cocoa or Theobroma cacao L., is a tropical tree, the most important genus of the Malvaceae family because of its commercial value
This study aimed to assess the diversity, to analyse the floristic and structural characteristics, as well as the healthy of the Exploitation Agricole Betti (EAB), a cFAS based in the forest zone of the East region of Cameroon
Higher shading coupled to the high rainfall tend to increase the black pod disease attacks
Summary
Cocoa or Theobroma cacao L., is a tropical tree, the most important genus of the Malvaceae family because of its commercial value. Cocoa was introduced in Cameroon since 1886 by the German colonial administration and is a major cash crop in Cameroon and many other countries of the tropical world, where its production and export contributes significantly to the national economy and in poverty alleviation. The cocoa sector is a source of employment for about four million individuals and it is Cameroon's major agricultural export crop.
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