Cacao plant breeding programs

Cacao plant breeding programs focus on improving cocoa trees by selecting and crossing plants with desirable traits, such as higher chocolate yield, disease resistance, and climate adaptability. Researchers assess various qualities like bean size, flavor, and growth rate to develop superior varieties. These programs aim to increase crop resilience, productivity, and quality, helping farmers grow healthier plants and produce better chocolate. The process involves careful testing and validation over years to ensure new varieties meet industry and environmental needs efficiently.