Project Number: 6631-21000-017-18
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Apr 24, 2006
End Date: Apr 23, 2011

Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to evaluate various cacao breeding programs at CRIG using molecular markers with a view to establishing structured genetic breeding populations, gaining insight into combining abilities for agronomic traits, and locating QTL for traits of interest.

Approach:
The high throughput facilities for conducting microsatellite molecular analyses will be used to analyze cocoa leaf samples harvested from ongoing and new experiments carried out in fields in Ghana. Microsatellite analysis will be carried out from the Miami lab on samples provided by personnel from CRIG. The raw data copied on CDs will be mailed to a CRIG researcher previously trained at the USDA for analysis and the results submitted for joint evaluation by CRIG and USDA researchers. A final report will be submitted to CRIG and to the USDA. New experiments will be jointly planned and executed.