Cocoa Seeds Research Articles

Fluidized bed roasting modifying the microstructure of cocoa nibs and improving cocoa butter quality

AbstractThe extraction of butter from cocoa seeds involves various processing steps that weaken the lipid‐storing cell walls of cocoa cotyledons. Roasting is particularly critical, making cocoa nibs porous and brittle. In this study, the degree of disruption of the microstructure of cocoa nibs, and the quality and aroma profile of cocoa butter, were evaluated using two roasting techniques, forced convective oven, and fluidized bed. Fluidized bed roasting, recognized for its energy efficiency and low‐carbon footprint, was 12 times faster than oven roasting. This technique allowed a rapid release of steam when parenchyma cell walls were still in a glassy state, while oven roasting caused gradual physical modification allowing the cell wall to become more elastic. Consequently, small pores expanded and coalesced to produce larger pores. X‐ray tomographic analysis showed a total porosity in unroasted cocoa nibs of 8.5 ± 2.0% (vol/vol), which was doubled upon oven roasting and triplicated upon fluidized bed roasting. The higher porosity in fluidized‐bed‐roasted nibs was reflected in the lowest densities and highest cocoa butter yield. Cocoa butter obtained from fluidized‐bed roasted cocoa showed a higher presence of pyrazines and 3‐methylbutanal, and a lower concentration of hydroperoxides, thus enhancing the chocolate flavor and quality. In this paper, we proved that the pore structure of cocoa nibs is a key quality descriptor of roasting processing, and we concluded by quality considerations that fluidized bed roasting technique should be preferred for cocoa nibs roasting over conventional roasting.

Correlation between color parameters and bioactive compound content during cocoa seed transformation under controlled process conditions

The quality demanded by consumers in the cocoa sector has led to carrying out the postharvest transformation of cocoa, directing efforts to highlight properties of cocoa beans, such as the content of bioactive compounds, due to its beneficial effects on health, as well as its color, which varies from the typical brown color to the recently developed red-pink hues. This work aims to establish a correlation between the color parameters of a cocoa matrix obtained during the transformation of cocoa seeds under controlled process conditions (temperature, organic acid, and its concentration, and time) and the flavan-3-ols content (catechin, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin), methylxanthines content (theobromine, caffeine), and total phenolic content (TPC) through image analysis of color. The results showed that the content of flavan-3-ols and methylxanthines decreased as the controlled transformation advanced. However, the content of these bioactive compounds is retained by applying mild temperature conditions (30 °C) and low concentrations of organic acid (1 g/L) to transform cocoa seeds. Furthermore, the color parameters respond to changes in the internal pH of the seeds, and the red-pink hues are favored when using high concentrations of organic acid (30 g/L). Based on these findings, it was possible to establish a correlation between epigallocatechin content and four color parameters (a*,b*, hab* and Cab*) through a multiple linear regression model. In this way, color image analysis could be an appropriate alternative to predict the concentration of quality-related compounds in cocoa matrices.

Effect of Storage Time On Seed Viability of Cocoa (theobroma cacao l.) Variety Criollo

This research activity was carried out at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Muara Bungo Sungai Binjai and on Jl. Onion bone unit 3 Rimbo Mulyo Village, Kec. Rimbo Bujang Kab. Tebo, Jambi Province. This research activity was carried out for 2 months starting from 02 March - 02 April 2022. The aim of the research was to obtain information about whether storage duration affects the viability of cocoa seeds of the Criollo variety and to obtain optimal storage duration for the viability of cacao seeds of the Criollo variety. The design used in this study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments and 3 replications, the treatments were: P0 : 0 MSS (Week After Storage) = 0 Days After Storage, P1:1 MSS (Week After Storage) = 7 Days After Saving, P2 : 2 MSS (Week After Saving) = 14 Days After Saving, P3 : 3 MSS (Week After Saving) = 21 Days After Saving, P4 : 4 MSS (Week After Saving) = 28 Days After Saving, P5 : 5 MSS (Week After Save) = 35 Days After Save. Parameters observed were seed moisture content after storage (%), germination rate (%), normal sprouts (%), abnormal sprouts, dead sprouts (%), hypocotyl length, root length, shoot length, as well as supporting data (determining room temperature and humidity). Data obtained from observations were analyzed statistically using variance. If there is a significant effect, then proceed with the Duncan New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at 5% level. The results showed that the storage time of the criollo variety cocoa seeds on the viability of cocoa seeds had a very significant effect on the moisture content of the seeds after storage, germination, normal sprouts, dead shoots, long hypocotyl root length, shoot length, and had no significant effect on sprouts. abnormal. Treatments P0, P1 and P2 at 0 MSS to 2 MSS gave good treatment of the moisture content of the seeds after the storage period on the viability of the seeds on the effect of storage duration of the criollo variety cocoa seeds.

Analisis Kemampuan Berfikir Kritis Terhadap Permasalahan Produk Unggulan Kakao Pada Siswa Sekolah Menengah Atas Di Jember


 
 
 
 Abstract : The implementation of this research is limited by setting the problem of critical thinking skills to the problem of superior products in Jember, namely Cocoa students in Jember. This research was carried out using local wisdom on the subject matter of fermentation in cocoa beans. Students' thinking ability is carried out through filling in the work on test questions in the form of descriptions. The research will be carried out in October-November. The results of the research are the critical thinking skills of vocational students with a score of 76.53 higher than high school students with an average score of 62.37 for critical thinking skills. This shows that vocational students understand more about Jember's superior product, namely cocoa. Being in a district with one of the leading products, namely cocoa, makes SMK students equipped with knowledge about cocoa commodities, such as cocoa seeds, cocoa product development and cocoa processing methods. Thus, it is hoped that high school and vocational high school students will be able to make a maximum contribution in efforts to develop local products so that they can increase the progress and welfare of the local area. Problem-based learning that links learning materials and local wisdom is needed to support the improvement of students' critical thinking skills
 Keywords : Critical Thinking, Cocoa
 
 
 
 

Damage caused by Tuckerella ornata (Acari: Tuckerellidae) on cocoa fruits (Theobroma cacao) in the Amazon region, state of Pará, Brazil

The study aimed to report peacock mites (Acari: Tuckerellidae) on cocoa fruits (Theobroma cacao L.; Malvaceae) in the northeast Bragantina region, state of Pará, Brazil. Two mite species were identified, Tuckerella ornata, with 149 specimens, 32.89% on leaves and 67.11% on fruits, and Tuckerella knorri, with only two specimens on leaves. It was found that green fruits with T. ornata significantly reduced the size and weight of seeds. More attacked fruits, with more severe damage, showed deformations and thick cracks. Significant damage was noted in the Forastero cocoa seeds, visible to the naked eye, with light brown spots and a fine crack on the epidermis.

Cocoa presents cytotoxicity against melanoma cancer cell lines (A-375 e B16-F10) and improves chemotherapy activity by increasing oxidative stress.

Melanoma frequently presents a poor chemotherapy response. In this scenario, investigations for new therapies are essential. Thus, cocoa is highlighted in this area since it presents many biological properties. This study investigated the anticarcinogenic activity of cocoa in melanoma cell lines (A-375 and B16-F10). Melanoma and fibroblast (HFF-1) cell lines were exposed to different concentrations of cocoa seeds (30 to 2000 ug/ml) at 24 and 72h. Cocoa was also associated with paclitaxel IC50. We conducted viability, proliferation, and oxidative stress analyses. Our findings suggested that cocoa isolated, at almost all concentrations tested, was able to reduce viability and proliferation of B16-F10 cells and proliferation of A-375 cells via oxidative stress increasing. Also, cocoa caused no damage in fibroblast cells. Moreover, cocoa increased paclitaxel activity on A-375 by reducing cell proliferation and increasing oxidative stress. Therefore, the results highlight cocoa as a potent selective adjuvant anticancer agent against melanoma. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In conclusion, more studies should be performed to deeply explore this remarkable action of cocoa as a an promising adjuvant to enhance chemotherapy.

Cocoa seed transformation under controlled process conditions: Modelling of the mass transfer of organic acids and reducing sugar formation analysis

Cocoa flavour is achieved during the physicochemical transformation of seeds through postharvest operations. To ensure adequate conditions for the reactions involved with the formation of flavour precursors, it is highly favourable to control operational variables. This study evaluates the effect of organic acids (acetic, lactic, and citric acids) and the physicochemical conditions of the process (organic acid concentration, temperature, stirring rate, and solid–liquid ratio) on the mass transfer phenomena and the formation of reducing sugars. Fick's second law modelled the mass transfer of organic acids into the seed. The effective diffusivity and the mass transfer coefficients depended on the organic acid used in the controlled transformation. All the operational variables evaluated were statistically significant in the mass transfer of lactic and citric acids, while the concentration was not significant for acetic acid. The organic acid concentration influenced the reducing sugar content in the cocoa beans in the acetic acid trials, while both the concentration and the temperature influenced the reducing sugar content in the lactic and citric acid trials. This study is a first step in defining contour limit values of the operational variables that control the transformation of cocoa seeds, leading to its optimisation and, ultimately, the scale-up process.

Pertumbuhan Bibit Kakao (Theobroma Cacao L.) Klon ICCRI 03 Dan Mcc 01 Pada Beberapa Lama Penyimpanan Benih

Cocoa seeds are recalcitrant seeds that have an inability to store long enough. As a result of storage, cocoa seeds can experience seed deterioration as well as in the growth process in nurseries. To find out that cocoa seeds that have been stored can grow well in nurseries, it is necessary to do seedling based on cocoa seeds that have been stored. This research was carried out at the Seed Production Technology Laboratory, from August to October 2020, Wire House, and the Jember State Polytechnic Soil Laboratory from October 2020 to March 2021. The design used was a Factorial Randomized Design (RAKF) consisting of 2 factors and 4 replicates. The first factor is clones (K) consisting of 2 types, namely K1 = ICCRI 03: K2 = MCC 01, and the second factor is Storage Time (P) with 4 levels, namely: P0 = Directly planted (control) : P1 = Stored 5 Days : P2 = Stored 10 Days : P3 = Stored 15 Days. Parameters observed were seedling stem diameter, seedling height, number of seedling leaves, seedling wet weight, seedling dry weight and seedling root length. The results showed that the differences in clones had a very significant effect on the observation parameters of seedling height, number of seedling leaves, seedling stem diameter, wet and dry weight of seeds on stored seeds. The storage time treatment had a very significant effect on the observation parameters of seedling height, number of seedling leaves, and seedling stem diameter. And the interaction between clones and storage time had a very significant effect on seedling height and number of seedling leaves.

MENCAPAI PRODUKSI KAKAO BERKELANJUTAN DI INDONESIA

Indonesia has the potential to become a major exporter of cocoa in the world as well as to meet the needs of the domestic cocoa industry. However, the lack of availability of raw materials (cocoa beans) causes the processing industry to import cocoa beans from other countries. Indonesia has even been included in the five largest cocoa importing countries in the world. This raises questions about the sustainability of cocoa production in Indonesia. This research has two objectives. First, predicting the sustainability of cocoa production in Indonesia. Second, identify strategies or efforts that need to be done so that cocoa production in Indonesia can achieve a better level of sustainability. The first objective of the research was achieved by using quantitative methods, namely by analyzing trends in secondary data (from FAOSTAT) related to cocoa production, planted area, and cocoa productivity as well as cocoa exports and imports. The second objective of the research is achieved by reviewing the literature, especially reviewing the results of empirical research (and various publications by cocoa-related institutions) to identify potential strategies in order to improve the sustainability of Indonesian cocoa production. The results showed that productivity problems have a high level of urgency to be overcome. If not addressed, there is a possibility that Indonesia will become a net cocoa importer in the future (imports are greater than exports). Strategies to increase the sustainability of Indonesian cocoa production need to focus on increasing productivity through the use of superior cocoa seeds, focus on specific support for farmers' livelihoods, focus on improving the supporting environmental instruments that are still lacking (such as access to finance and inputs, facilities and infrastructure) rural areas, capacity building of farmer organizations, and extension services) and focus on the existence of strong institutions to ensure the functioning of partnerships between farmers/farmers' organizations and other parties.

Effectiveness of Cocoa Seed Garmins to the Decrease of Dental Plaque Index

Dental and oral disease is a high prevalence in Indonesia 88.8% of the population has dental caries and periodontitis, 93% of children under 12 years of age have dental caries, 67.2% have experienced caries and 43.4% have not been treated. Dental plaque is a soft deposit that is firmly attached to the tooth surface, consisting of microorganisms that cause dental caries. Caries prevention and plaque control can be done by using mouth wash; it will be more effective if you rinse your mouth using herbal mouthwash that contains antioxidants and anti-bacterial. Cocoa Bean Extract (Theobroma Cacao L.) contains secondary metabolites, alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, steroids and has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties and has a strong inhibitory effect on S. mutans bacteria. The purpose of the study: to determine the phytochemical content of cocoa beans, determine the effectiveness of the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Kill Concentration (KBM) of mouthwash of cocoa bean methanol extract, determine the toxicity of mouthwash of cocoa bean methanol extract, determine the decrease in plaque index before and after gargling with methanol extract of cocoa beans (Theobroma Cacao L.), determine the effectiveness of the pH of the oral cavity before and after gargling methanol extract of cocoa beans (Theobroma Cacao L.). The research method is a laboratory experiment with a post-test only control group design. The research was conducted in the laboratory of the USK Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and the USK FMIPA laboratory in 2022. Dry samples of 1 kg cocoa beans were macerated with 80% methanol for 3x24 hours; the filtrate was evaporated using a rotary evaporator to obtain a thick methanolic extract of cocoa beans. Phytochemical test results of methanol extract of cocoa beans contain compounds, phenolics, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, saponins, alkaloids. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration Test The average number of colonies of S. mutans ....

Hedonic Test Analysis and Feasibility of The Selling Price of Cocoa Seed Waste Products in PT XYZ Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta

Innovative use of waste into herbal beverage products the waste treatment process starts from the stage of roasting cocoa beans, breaking the beans and peeling the skin, sorting, drying, preparation of packaging and materials, filling and mixing, giving silica gel and labelling the expiration date. The raw materials needed are cocoa bean husk, dried cardamom, and cinnamon powder. While the packaging material uses PET plastic bottle packaging. Before the product is marketed, it is necessary to conduct a feasibility analysis of the selling price. The analysis shows that the selling price of chocolate product of Rp. 15,000 is feasible because profit taking is 48% with the selling price per unit more than the cost per unit. The net profit margin of chocolate product of 32.6% means that the company is considered efficient in determining the selling price of its products and successfully controlling costs in it because the NPM figure is > 5%. Hedonic tests were also conducted to determine consumer acceptance of the product through a hedonic test of 20 panelists based on the parameters of color, aroma, taste, and packaging. The hedonic test scale 1 shows that consumers do not like it very much, a scale 2 does not like it, a scale 3 likes it, and a scale 4 likes it very much. The average level of preference for color parameters is 3.58, aroma is 3.31, taste is 3.47, and packaging is 3.84 which indicates that the panelists like these 4 parameters.

Effect of Media Type and Storage Duration on Viability of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seeds

This study aims to determine the best storage media and storage time for cocoa seeds. The research was carried out at the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Medan Area University. The analytical method used is Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with treatments, namely No Storage Media, Use of PE Plastic Storage Media + 1 Week Storage, PE Plastic + 2 Weeks Storage, PE Plastic + 3 Weeks Storage, Aluminum Foil Paper + 1 Week Storage, Aluminum Foil + 2 Weeks Storage, Aluminum Foil Paper + 3 Weeks Storage, Burlap Sack + 1 Week Storage, Burlap Sack + 2 Weeks Storage, Burlap Sack + 3 Weeks Storage, Glass Bottle + 1 Week Storage, Glass Bottle + 2 Weeks Storage , Glass Bottle + 3 Weeks of Storage, a total of 12 treatments with 3 replications. The data were analyzed statistically with the F test at a 5% significance level. If F Count is greater than F Table 5%, then it is continued with the Duncan' New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at a level of 5%. The results showed that the treatment on several storage media had a significant effect on the simultaneous growth of cocoa seeds. And the length of time for storing seeds for one week was significantly different, there were parameters for observing seed germination, seed growing simultaneously and seed growing speed.

Pengaruh Pemberian Beberapa Jenis Pupuk Organik Cair Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Tanaman Kakao

The Effect of Giving Several Types of Liquid Organic Fertilizers on the Growth of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L) Seedlings”. The growth of cacao seedlings is influenced by many factors. One very important factor, namely the availability of nutrients, the availability of nutrients for the growth and development of cocoa seeds can be increased by adding nutrients (fertilizing). Liquid organic fertilizer (POC) is available more quickly and is easily absorbed by plant roots. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the application of several types of liquid organic fertilizer and the right type of liquid organic fertilizer on the growth of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings. This research was carried out at the Green House of the Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Health and Marine Affairs, Ottow Geissler University, Papua and was carried out for 3 months, from March to May 2020. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and repeated 4 times. , so that 16 experimental units were obtained. The treatments consisted of Control (without fertilizer), POC Gamal, POC Lamtoro and POC Banana Peel. Observation variables were plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), leaf width (cm) and leaf length (cm). The resulting data were analyzed by ANOVA at the 95% confidence level, if the treatment had a significant effect, then continued with the BNJ test. The results showed that the treatment that showed the best observed variables for plant height, number of leaves, leaf width and leaf length was liquid organic fertilizer of lamtoro leaves.
 

Pengaruh Pemberian Beberapa Jenis Pupuk Organik Cair Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Tanaman Kakao

The Effect of Giving Several Types of Liquid Organic Fertilizers on the Growth of Cacao (Theobroma cacao L) Seedlings”. The growth of cacao seedlings is influenced by many factors. One very important factor, namely the availability of nutrients, the availability of nutrients for the growth and development of cocoa seeds can be increased by adding nutrients (fertilizing). Liquid organic fertilizer (POC) is available more quickly and is easily absorbed by plant roots. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the application of several types of liquid organic fertilizer and the right type of liquid organic fertilizer on the growth of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) seedlings. This research was carried out at the Green House of the Agrotechnology Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, Health and Marine Affairs, Ottow Geissler University, Papua and was carried out for 3 months, from March to May 2020. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and repeated 4 imes. , so that 16 experimental units were obtained. The treatments consisted of Control (without fertilizer), POC Gamal, POC Lamtoro and POC Banana Peel. Observation variables were plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), leaf width (cm) and leaf length (cm). The resulting data were analyzed by ANOVA at the 95% confidence level, if the treatment had a significant effect, then continued with the BNJ test. The results showed that the treatment that showed the best observed variables for plant height, number of leaves, leaf width and leaf length was liquid organic fertilizer of lamtoro leaves.

Pengaruh Aplikasi Air Kelapa Tua dengan Cara dan Interval yang Berbeda terhadap Bobot Kering Bibit Kakao

In order to properly grow, cocoa seedling requires adequate nutrients. In a usual practice nutrient in the form of 2g of urea is given once every two weeks. The source of nutrition for cocoa seeds can come from organic materials such as coconut water. Coconut water contains nutrients and growth hormones. The purpose of this study was to determine whether coconut water could be used to fulfill the nutrition of cocoa seedling through different application methods and intervals expressed by plant dry weight. The experiment was conducted from October 2019 until February 2020 in Ciparanje experimental field, Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor with the altitude of 760 meter above the sea level. Experimental design used was randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments and each treatment was repeated three times. The treatments consisted of control (urea 2 g every 12 days), coconut water application towards plant every 3, 7, 14, 21 days, and to the soil every 3, 7, 14, 21 days. The results of the experiment showed that there was no effect of coconut water application in different methods and intervals on shoot dry weight, root dry weight, shoot root ratio and leaf area of cocoa seedling, therefore coconut water can be used as an alternative source of nutrition for cocoa seedlings.

PENGARUH BERBAGAI JENIS MEDIA PERKECAMBAHAN TERHADAP VIGOR BENIH KAKAO (Theobroma cacao L.) VARIETAS BL50

Cocoa is one of the plantation commodities which is a source of state income. Growing media is not only related to seed germination in general, but also relates to the ability of seeds to survive even in a less favorable environment. The purpose of this study was to determine the vigor of cocoa seeds of BL50 variety on several types of germination media. The research was carried out in Nagari Tanjung Lolo, Tanjung Gadang District, Sijunjung Regency from March to April 2022. The tools used consisted of a handsprayer, ruler, caliper, and writing utensil. The materials used in this experiment were BL50 variety cocoa seeds, crushed bricks, humus soil, sand, and insecticide. The experiment was arranged according to the rules of Randomized Block Design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 4 replications, and each replication consisted of 7 samples, with a total of 84 samples of cocoa seeds. The treatments given in this study were various sprout media, namely; A = crushed brick B = humus soil, and C = sand. The data were analyzed for variance, if significantly different, it was continued with the Honestly Significant Difference Test (BNJ). The results showed that humus soil media was a good medium for accelerating germination, while sand media was good for root development which included root length and diameter.

A Proprietary Herbal Blend Containing Extracts of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cocoa Seeds Increases Serum Testosterone Level in Healthy Young Males: A Randomized, Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

LN18178 is a proprietary herbal blend containing extracts of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cocoa seeds. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of LN18178 on serum testosterone levels in healthy young adults in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. One hundred and twenty male volunteers (age 21-35 years) were randomized into three groups. Each group (n = 40) received a daily dose of either placebo or 200 or 400 mg LN18178 for fifty-six days. An increase in serum testosterone (free and total) was the primary efficacy measure of the study. The secondary measures included dihydrotestosterone (DHT), cortisol, Luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-Estradiol (E2), hand grip strength, and the mid-upper arm circumferences (MUAC). The vital signs and clinical chemistry parameters in blood and urine were performed to determine product safety. Post-intervention, both doses of LN18178 significantly increased free testosterone (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline; p = 0.0268 and p < 0.0001, respectively vs. placebo). The high dose group showed significant increases in total testosterone (p < 0.0001 vs. baseline; p = 0.0184 vs. placebo) and luteinizing hormone (p < 0.0007 vs. baseline; p = 0.0470 vs. placebo). The changes in other hormones were not significant. At post-trial, the LN18178-400 group showed significant improvements in the hand grip strength and mid-upper arm circumference. The hemato-biochemical parameters, urinalysis, and vital signs of the participants were within the normal range. Together, these observations suggest that LN18178 is a safe and tolerable herbal blend; it increases testosterone level and increases muscle strength and MUAC in young, healthy males. Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2022.2035037 .

Potential of Trichoderma SP as a Control of Phytopthora Palmivora Causes Leaf Blight of Cocoa Seeds

In nature, "soil-borne" Trichodermacommonly as endophytic and survive on the surface of leaf. However, study and analysis related to controlling "water -borne" pathogens on the leaf surface is relatively seldom. Aims of this study were to describe the selected isolates ofTrichoderma sp. From cocoa planting soiland determine its inhibitory effect of Phytophthora palmivora by in vitro. The experiment was conducted at the Laboratory of Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture UMSIDA on January-March 2014. This research consist of: (i) exploration of isolatedTrichoderma sp. From cocoa plantation in Klepu, District Sumbermanjing, Malang (East Java) which includes to describing and calculating the viability of conidiospore and (ii) antagonist analysis ofTrichoderma sp. against P. palmivoraby in vitro. The isolates of Trichoderma sp. TcN-Klp with green color colonies had 100 % germination rate after 11hoursrelative incubation period and inhibits the growth of P. palmivora by in vitro on PDA up to 47.06 % at 4 days after inoculation.

Climate change manifestations and adaptations in cocoa farms: Perspectives of smallholder farmers in the Adansi South District, Ghana

Climate change can have huge consequences for cocoa farming and the livelihoods of communities in tropical Africa, although evidence of such effects is scanty. This study evaluated the perceptions of smallholder cocoa farmers on climate change manifestations and adaptations in the Adansi South District, Ghana. The study involved a survey of 150 households and three focus group discussions from three communities in the district. The Mann-Kendall trend test was used to evaluate the rainfall and temperature trends for the period 1981–2019. The weighted average index (WAI) was used to determine the farmers' perception of climate change, its physical manifestation on their cocoa farms, and adaptation practices. While the district's temperature varied considerably from 1981 to 2019, only a marginal increase in annual rainfall was observed. The farmers correctly perceived the changes in climate (WAI = 2.07), evidenced by changes in rainfall patterns (1.76), frequent bushfires (1.68), and increasing intensity of the sun (1.65). Physical manifestations of these changes included increased dieback of cocoa trees (1.77), diseases and pest infestation (1.75), decreased yields (1.69), and stunted growth (1.65). Adaptation measures included early planting of cocoa seeds (1.87), intercropping (1.70), mulching (1.65), planting of drought-resistant varieties (1.64), and crop diversification (1.63). The adaptation measures were influenced by gender, age, education, and farming experience, among other socioeconomic factors. The findings suggest the need for relevant policies to educate cocoa farmers on the effects of climate change, highlighting the risks and benefits, and prioritizing key adaptation options for sustainable cocoa production in Ghana.

Response of Cocoa Seed Growth Received by Bio-priming Technique Treatment

Cocoa ( Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the people's plantation crops with promising prospects because it can flower and bear fruit throughout the year. One of the efforts to improve the quality of cocoa seeds is by increasing the viability and vigor of seeds through seed invigoration techniques. This study aimed to determine the effect of biopriming invigoration treatment techniques in increasing cocoa seeds' viability, vigor, and growth. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Agronomy Unit of the Faculty of Agriculture of Halu Oleo Kendari from April to May 2019. This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments: Control (B0), Bio-priming Bacillus sp. CKD061 (B1), Bio-priming Pseudomonas flourescent (B2), a combination of Bio-priming Bacillus sp. CKD061 with Pseudomonas fluorescent. Each treatment was repeated three times, so there were 12 experimental units. The data obtained were analyzed using variance analysis and continued using the Least Significant Difference Test (LSD). Based on the results of research that biopriming treatment using rhizobacteria has the best influence on the viability, vigor and growth of cocoa seeds. Keywords: Biopriming, cocoa seeds, rhizobacteria, seed growth