Project Number: 1275-22000-242-13
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: May 09, 2008
End Date: May 09, 2013

Objective:
1. To assess the genotypic differences of cacao and alternate crops to abiotic stresses such as nutrient deficiency/elemental toxicities, and moisture stresses. 2. Cacao and alternate crops management such as cabruca, agroforestry and cover crops systems of cultivations and their impact on the soil quality factors such as soil physical, soil chemical and soil micro, macro and meso faunal activities. 3. To collaborate with Brazilian researchers to acquire and characterize wild cacao germplasm with the purpose of conserving of genetic diversity.

Approach:
Fundação Pau Brasil actively promotes sustainable cacao production through collaborations with cacao research institutions. This specific cooperative agreement (SCA) will emphasize the coordination of research approaches of the USDA/ARS and all collaborating institution mentioned here and will promote cacao research and the conservation of unique cacao germplasm. The agreement promotes international partnerships and cooperation with the USDA-ARS.