Generation of cacao clones with durable resistant against frosty pod

CATIE is developing a strategy for the generation and deployment of varieties with durable resistance against Moniliophthora roreri, the causal agent of moniliasis or frosty pod rot (FP), the most devastating disease in tropical America. The strategy is based on the sequential accumulation of FP resistant genes with different geographic and genetic origin into single varieties (pyramiding). This takes advantage of the polygenic and predominantly additive nature of FP resistance in cacao. CATIE is applying a holistic approach to enhance cacao performance and durability of resistance by simultaneously generating genotypes that combined FP resistance with agronomic relevant traits such as high yield, good quality and resistance to black pod rot (Phytophthora palmivora).