The University Of The West Indies, St. Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago

Research Directory

	Current research in CRU is centred around cacao germplasm held in the International Cocoa Genebank, Trinidad. Activities are divided into four themes: Conservation, Characterisation, Evaluation and Utilisation. The separate departments of CRU apply their fields of expertise to accomplish the overall goals of the four themes.
Conservation The conservation of the ICG, T is paramount to sustaining this living genepool. Several activities at CRU are coordinated to achieve this end.

Characterisation

· Cacao accessions housed at the ICGT are characterised for morphological traits using a descriptor list modified from the original list sanctioned by the IPGRI

· Molecular characterization is also undertaken at CRU for genetic diversity studies and clone verification.

Evaluation

· Evaluation of the cacao germplasm for disease resistance (Witches' broom and Black Pod), flavour attributes, economic yield traits and butterfat content is an essential part of reinforcing the value of the ICG, T as a local and international resource.

Utilisation

· Current use of the germplasm at the ICG, T is focussed on the controlled distribution of selected cacao accessions, possessing desirable agronomic traits.

· Accessions of the ICGT are also being used in a pre-breeding program designed to accumulate disease resistance genes.

· The effects of post-harvest processing and preparation of cocoa liquors on quality and flavour are being investigated.