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<p>Cocoa (<i>Theobroma cacao</i>&#xa0;L.) is a&#xa0;critical cash crop in Ghana, contributing significantly to national income and rural livelihoods. However, productivity remains low due to physiological disorders such as cherelle wilt, largely influenced by water stress and tree age. This study aimed to determine the effect of varied irrigation levels and cocoa tree age on cherelle retention during the dry season in the Western Region of Ghana. The experiment was laid out using a&#xa0;randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three age classes (4–7, 8–15, and &gt; 15&#xa0;years) and four irrigation levels (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of the predetermined crop water requirement [PCWR]), alongside a&#xa0;rainfed control. Cherelle counts were conducted weekly across a&#xa0;3-month period. Results indicated significant differences in cherelle retention across both irrigation levels and tree age. Moderate irrigation at 60% PCWR (11 L/tree) consistently yielded higher cherelle retention in young (4–5&#xa0;years) and mid-aged (8–10&#xa0;years) trees, particularly in early developmental stages. Trees aged 8–10&#xa0;years with 40% PCWR (8 L/tree) demonstrated the highest initial retention. Conversely, older trees (&gt; 15&#xa0;years) showed consistently low cherelle retention regardless of irrigation level. The interaction between age and irrigation revealed that tree maturity significantly modifies water-use efficiency and reproductive success. Findings suggest that strategic irrigation tailored to tree age could substantially reduce cherelle wilt and enhance pod setting. Moderate irrigation (60–80% PCWR) is recommended for cocoa orchards in Ghana, especially during the dry season. This research underscores the importance of integrated irrigation scheduling and tree age management to promote sustainable cocoa production in rainfed agro-ecologies. Results are critical for policymakers, extension officers, and farmers in devising climate-resilient strategies to improve cocoa productivity under water-limited conditions.</p>

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Optimizing Irrigation and Tree Age for Enhanced Cherelle Retention in Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Production in Ghana

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年11月17日

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  • Faruk Kwansah Nyame,
  • Livingstone Kobina Sam-Amoah,
  • Joshua Danso Owusu-Sekyere,
  • Ransford Opoku Darko,
  • Francis Kumi,
  • Clement Nyamekye

摘要

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is a critical cash crop in Ghana, contributing significantly to national income and rural livelihoods. However, productivity remains low due to physiological disorders such as cherelle wilt, largely influenced by water stress and tree age. This study aimed to determine the effect of varied irrigation levels and cocoa tree age on cherelle retention during the dry season in the Western Region of Ghana. The experiment was laid out using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three age classes (4–7, 8–15, and > 15 years) and four irrigation levels (40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% of the predetermined crop water requirement [PCWR]), alongside a rainfed control. Cherelle counts were conducted weekly across a 3-month period. Results indicated significant differences in cherelle retention across both irrigation levels and tree age. Moderate irrigation at 60% PCWR (11 L/tree) consistently yielded higher cherelle retention in young (4–5 years) and mid-aged (8–10 years) trees, particularly in early developmental stages. Trees aged 8–10 years with 40% PCWR (8 L/tree) demonstrated the highest initial retention. Conversely, older trees (> 15 years) showed consistently low cherelle retention regardless of irrigation level. The interaction between age and irrigation revealed that tree maturity significantly modifies water-use efficiency and reproductive success. Findings suggest that strategic irrigation tailored to tree age could substantially reduce cherelle wilt and enhance pod setting. Moderate irrigation (60–80% PCWR) is recommended for cocoa orchards in Ghana, especially during the dry season. This research underscores the importance of integrated irrigation scheduling and tree age management to promote sustainable cocoa production in rainfed agro-ecologies. Results are critical for policymakers, extension officers, and farmers in devising climate-resilient strategies to improve cocoa productivity under water-limited conditions.