Theobroma Cacao L. (Malvaceae) Agroecology in Kauai: A Case Study

Authors

• Genevieve K. Smith, University of Texas at Austin
• Eben Gering, University of Texas at AustinFollow
• Rafael F. Guerrero, University of Texas at Austin
• Emily Jane McTavish, University of Texas at Austin
• Tony Lydgate, Steelgrass Farm

ORCID

0000-0002-1270-6727

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Pacific Agriculture and National Resources

ISSN

1948-4631

Publication Date

11-2009

Keywords

Theobroma cacao, Adoretus sinicus, Chinese Rose Beetle, Pollination, Herbivory

Abstract

Theobroma cacao L. (cacao) is a widely cultivated tree of Neotropical origin and the source of cocoa beans and chocolate. Limited cocoa production is currently underway on the islands of Hawaii, but the factors that control T. cacao’s survival and fecundity outside of its native range remain poorly studied. Here we assess deficiencies in current knowledge of cacao ecology, and we establish research priorities for developing a profitable and renewable Hawaiian cacao farming program. We also present baseline data on fruit yield, herbivory, and insect community structure from a recently established organic cacao farm on the island of Kauai. Our observations indicate that non-native organisms, including the common agricultural pest, the Chinese rose beetle (Adoretus sinicus), may greatly affect the health and performance of Hawaiian cacao trees in both antagonistic and mutualistic ways.

Volume

1

Issue

1

First Page

21

Last Page

26

Comments

©2009 University of Hawai'i, Hilo

NSUWorks Citation

Smith, Genevieve K.; Eben Gering; Rafael F. Guerrero; Emily Jane McTavish; and Tony Lydgate. 2009. "Theobroma Cacao L. (Malvaceae) Agroecology in Kauai: A Case Study." Pacific Agriculture and National Resources 1, (1): 21-26. https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cnso_bio_facarticles/1000