Volume 1 focuses on breeding and cultivation. Part 1 reviews the critical issue of enhancing genetic diversity. Building on this foundation, Part 2 summarises the latest research on breeding improved varieties. The third part of the book assesses improvements in cultivation techniques to make the most of these new varieties. The final part of the book considers safety and quality issues.

With its distinguished editor and international range of expert authors, this volume will be a standard reference for cocoa scientists, growers and processors. It is accompanied by a companion volume which focuses on pest, disease and sustainability issues.

Sample content

Not sure what you're getting if you buy this book? Click on the cover image below to open a PDF and preview pages from the book.  Alternatively, watch our informative video introduction.

Cocoa cultivation faces a number of significant challenges, including stagnating yields, a narrow genetic base, vulnerability to pests and diseases and environmental impact. This volume reviews how research is addressing these challenges in areas such as breeding and agronomy, understanding and managing the range of diseases affecting cocoa, as well as ways of measuring and improving the sustainability of cocoa cultivation.There is a growing demand for cocoa. However, cultivation is dependent on ageing trees with low yields and increasing vulnerability to disease. There is growing concern about the environmental impact of cultivation in areas soil health and biodiversity. There is therefore an urgent need to make cocoa cultivation more efficient and sustainable to enlÃ)