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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Miami, Florida » Subtropical Horticulture Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #296206
Title: Integrating genomics into future approaches for cocoa selection and propagation in Côte d’Ivoire

Author
item POKOU, DESIRE - National Center For Agricultural Research (CNRA)
item TAHI, M - National Center For Agricultural Research (CNRA)
item Gutierrez, Osman
item MOTAMAYOR, JUAN CARLOS - M & M Mars Company - United States
item SCHNELL, RAYMOND - M & M Mars Company - United States
item BROWN, P - Center For Research On Plant Macromolecules

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/15/2012
Publication Date: 10/20/2012
Citation: Pokou, D., Tahi, M., Gutierrez, O.A., Motamayor, J., Schnell, R.J., Brown, P. 2012. Integrating genomics into future approaches for cocoa selection and propagation in Côte d’Ivoire. Meeting Abstract. Seven INGENIC Workshop, Yaounde, Cameroon, October 21-22, 2012.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: In Côte-d’Ivoire cocoa breeding is based on a reciprocal recurrent scheme that has been prepared with the aim of improving simultaneously the characteristics of the two main populations: Upper Amazon and Lower Amazon+ Trinitario. Resistance to Phytophtora and Cacao Swollen Shoot Virus has become the main focus of the breeding program. The development of SSR markers linked to resistance genes has been carried out during this decade to identify QTLs for resistance to diseases such as Black Pod, Frosty Pod and Witches’ Broom. Black Pod is spreading in West Africa where 70 % of world cocoa is produced: on the other hand, Frosty Pod and Witches’ Broom are located in the Americas but are still a threat to West Africa. The objective of genomics assisted breeding in Côte-d’Ivoire is to develop varieties with resistance to diseases currently affecting the production in West Africa, as well as to other potential treats. New mapping populations are being created to identify additional QTLs. The utility of Association Mapping for quantitative traits has been demonstrated, providing an alternative method to traditional mapping. More recently, the development of SNPs facilitated genetic mapping and fingerprinting. SNPs are being used to certify the quality of crosses made in seed gardens to produce the planting material for farmers.