Biochemical/Molecular characterisation

Up to 2001, accessions in the ICG,T were analysed with biochemical (Isozyme electrophoresis, IE) and molecular (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA, RAPD) techniques, to assess the level of genetic diversity in the genebank and within each represented population. In 2001, we adopted the molecular technique of microsatellite markers (SSRs) to obtain DNA fingerprints and we have phased out IE and RAPD analysis. Genetic relationships between different populations are analysed, to describe the structure of the genetic diversity in T. cacao.

The results are being used to search for potential heterotic groups and provide a sound method of selecting genetically diverse accessions for pre-breeding. The information is also used to decide which clones should be given priority for distrubtion to cocoa breeders in producing countries. Furthermore, information on genetic diversity can provide a basis for assessing redundancy in the ICG, T.

Project Staff
Michel Boccara
Antoinette Sankar