Production of cocoa (a) Method of propagation: (i) This is done mainly by seed (ii) it can be grown vegetatively by buddng and stem cutting.
(b) Climatic and soil requirements: (i) needs an annual rainfall of at least 1140 mm 2000 mm. (ii) a mean temperature of 17°C - 21°C. (iii) requires deep, fertile and well aerated loamy soil. (iv) soils if can retain moisture.
(c) Nursery requirement: (i) seeds are planted in the nursery between October and December (ii) They are planted in rich forest soil packed in baskets or polythene bags. (iii) watering is done regularly and on daily basis during the dry season. (iv) Transplanting is done 5 - 6 months after planting in the nursery.
(d) Maturity period (I) The seed matures between 3- 5 years depending on the variety.
(e) Method of harvesting: (i) a sharp sickle cutlass is used to cut the stalk off the pod without damage to the flower cushion.
(f)(i) Major diseases and their control: (1) black pod disease caused by the fungus Phytphora palmivora. (2) swollen shoot disease transmitted mealy bugs. (ii) Control of diseases: cocoa black pod: regular spraying with fungicide e.g perenox , removal infected pods, burning of infected pods. swollen shoot disease: planting resistant varieties , destruction of infect trees, spraying trees with insecticide or destruction of vectors, mealy bug with insecticide.