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The Effects of Water Availability on Mature Cocoa Plant
Thesis Abstract:
In Malaysia, cocoa is usually grown in areas where prolonged drought is absent. To increase cocoa acreages, cocoa planting may be extended to the northern areas of Peninsular Malaysia where prolonged dry periods occur for several months annually. The study observed the effects of reduced water availability on growth and productivity of mature cocoa.
Results showed that flowering in cocoa was not dependent on water availability in the soil. Mild water stress at 75-80 percent of available soiI water for one month reduced leaf water potential but not the yield of mature cocoa. When the mild water stress lasted two months, the effect was similar to that of exposure to 30-70 percent of available soil water for shorter periods. Yields were reduced due to increase in cherelle wilt percentage, which came about from reduced photosynthate. Water stressed condition resulted in highly negative leaf water potential which brought about stomatal closure and reduced photosynthesis.
Therefore, under conditions of reduced water availability, irrigation is necessary to provide sufficient water supply to maintain plant growth and productivity of the cocoa plant at optimum level. Irrigation, however, has to be managed to prevent oversupply of water, which can adversely affect plant growth and productivity.