ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior of cocoa clones produced in the northern coastal region of the Espírito Santo, for the physical and chemical characteristics of fruit. The physico-chemical characterizations were carried out on 10 fruits of seven cacao clones (CCN 10, CCN 51, CEPEC 2002, PH 15, PH 16, PS 1319 and TSH 1188). The variables evaluated were: the total weight, diameter, length of the fruit, shell weight, thickness and groove region thicker bark, number, dry weight, width, thickness and length of almonds, total soluble solids, total acidity, pulp pH and TSS/TTA. The means were grouped by the Scott-Knott test at 0.05 of probability and the analysis of genetic diversity was proceeded. The presence of genetic divergence among populations was observed, with the formation of three groups by Tocher and two groups when using the Unweighted Pair-Group Method Average (UPGMA). Clones CCN 10 and CCN 51 are the most suitable for the production of almonds. The characteristics related to fruit size, length and diameter were the most affected in genetic diversity of genotypes.
Key words:
Theobroma cacao L.; genetic breeding; genotypes; genetic diversity
