Objective:
The objective of this cooperative research project is to evaluate the Theobroma cacao breeding populations at the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA), Côte d¿Ivoire, using molecular markers with a view to establishing structured breeding populations, selection trials, and gaining insight into combining abilities of agronomic traits.

Approach:
USDA-ARS Subtropical Horticulture Research Station (SHRS), Miami, FL will work with the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA), Côte d¿Ivoire to apply molecular tools to correctly identify breeding populations in West African collections and to target breeding efforts towards the use of disease resistant or tolerant materials that retain productivity and quality traits. These efforts will provide the next steps toward the development and delivery of new, improved cacao varieties to growers in West Africa. These activities are being conducted within the framework of the Sustainable Tree Crops Program.