Title

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

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-2009

Publication Title

Pacific Agriculture and National Resources

Keywords

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

ISSN

1948-4631

Volume

1

Issue/No.

1

First Page

21

Last Page

26

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.

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

ORCID ID

0000-0002-1270-6727