2024-08-21 20:07:26
The species’ ability to use them as a way to improve the product in terms of resistance to diseases and their adaptation to the effects of climate change was studied.
The Universidad del Rosario announced the discovery of three new species related to cacao in the world. This was published by the Kew Bulletin magazine of New Gardens. These new species were discovered in the northwest of the Amazon region.
The research, which included scientist James Richardson, studied the capacity of species related to cocoa to use them as a way of improving the product in terms of resistance to diseases and its adaptation to the effects of climate change.
“It should be noted that cocoa and its derived product, chocolate, are the product of a plant called Theobroma cacaoa tree native to the tropical forests of America,” said the Universidad del Rosario in its statement. The species found, despite not being part of the same family as cocoa, showed an important relationship with the bean.
“These new species were discovered as a result of the study of specimens in herbaria and demonstrate the importance of maintaining natural history collections, as there are many more species to be discovered within them,” said James Richardson.
It is important to highlight that this is a historical fact. In 60 years, only one species related to cocoa had been found, however, during this expedition three new species were found for genetic use to strengthen the product. “These findings will help us better understand the biology of cocoa and highlight the need to conserve and protect biodiversity in forests and jungles to ensure the sustainability of crops such as cocoa,” the statement said.
According to figures from the International Cocoa Organization, the harvest of the product is estimated at around 4.5 billion tons. In July, cocoa futures showed a reduction of 4.1%, however, prices rose up to 90% due to the production of the bean in Africa.