Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the major input into the chocolate manufacturing industry, particularly the fine or flavor of the indigenous variety Trinitario, which is the hybrid of Crillo and Forastero. One key pro...Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the major input into the chocolate manufacturing industry, particularly the fine or flavor of the indigenous variety Trinitario, which is the hybrid of Crillo and Forastero. One key problem encountered by researchers is the inability to differentiate the various phenological stages of the cocoa reproductive cycle and to assess or predict the yield. This study sets out to map the various stages of the reproductive biology of cacao and to develop a set of photographic illustrations that appropriately describe the floral biology and development stages of Caribbean free cocoa as a tool for agronomist and farmers. It used a modified version of the codification of the "extended BBCH" scale (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie, Germany), which is a numerical system that differentiates between principal, secondary and tertiary growth stages. The phases and all floral stages to fruit development are described and illustrated in a set of photographs, which can now be used for training and referencing purposes. This is the first attempt to undertake and document this study.展开更多
North-East Trinidad is a low income, underutilized, agro-ecological significant and agricultural community with great potential for producing non-traditional crops for domestic usage and export. Diversification is cri...North-East Trinidad is a low income, underutilized, agro-ecological significant and agricultural community with great potential for producing non-traditional crops for domestic usage and export. Diversification is critical to agro-ecological transitions to ensure food security and nutrition while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources. The growing demand for agro-ecological and food security solutions suggest that efforts be made to utilize sustainable agriculture, and agro-ecological methods by utilizing available rural landscapes and communities in an effort to fulfill these demands. Surveys of sustainable agriculture, organic farmers and agro-ecological interests were conducted in the impoverished region of North-East Trinidad. Survey results reported over 180 farmers with >1 - 10 acres of available farmland supported a high agricultural production capacity. The highest average per capita for vegetables was tomato (2.3 acres), for tubers was yam (1.03 acres), and for tree crops was green fig (900 plants). Livestock production was limited with duck production being highest (165). There is an increasing earning potential for small farmers and leaseholders, from utilization of non-traditional export crops and expanding agro-ecological land usage, increasing sustainable agriculture production in the area.展开更多
文摘Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is the major input into the chocolate manufacturing industry, particularly the fine or flavor of the indigenous variety Trinitario, which is the hybrid of Crillo and Forastero. One key problem encountered by researchers is the inability to differentiate the various phenological stages of the cocoa reproductive cycle and to assess or predict the yield. This study sets out to map the various stages of the reproductive biology of cacao and to develop a set of photographic illustrations that appropriately describe the floral biology and development stages of Caribbean free cocoa as a tool for agronomist and farmers. It used a modified version of the codification of the "extended BBCH" scale (Biologische Bundesantalt, Bundessortenamt and Chemische Industrie, Germany), which is a numerical system that differentiates between principal, secondary and tertiary growth stages. The phases and all floral stages to fruit development are described and illustrated in a set of photographs, which can now be used for training and referencing purposes. This is the first attempt to undertake and document this study.
文摘North-East Trinidad is a low income, underutilized, agro-ecological significant and agricultural community with great potential for producing non-traditional crops for domestic usage and export. Diversification is critical to agro-ecological transitions to ensure food security and nutrition while conserving, protecting and enhancing natural resources. The growing demand for agro-ecological and food security solutions suggest that efforts be made to utilize sustainable agriculture, and agro-ecological methods by utilizing available rural landscapes and communities in an effort to fulfill these demands. Surveys of sustainable agriculture, organic farmers and agro-ecological interests were conducted in the impoverished region of North-East Trinidad. Survey results reported over 180 farmers with >1 - 10 acres of available farmland supported a high agricultural production capacity. The highest average per capita for vegetables was tomato (2.3 acres), for tubers was yam (1.03 acres), and for tree crops was green fig (900 plants). Livestock production was limited with duck production being highest (165). There is an increasing earning potential for small farmers and leaseholders, from utilization of non-traditional export crops and expanding agro-ecological land usage, increasing sustainable agriculture production in the area.