Effect of bioinputs on the survival and vegetative growth of cacao grafts (Theobroma cacao L.)

A study was conducted to determine the effect of liquid vermicompost, young coconut water, aloe vera, and moringa extracts on the survival and vegetative growth of cacao grafts at Hacienda San José, Sucre State, Venezuela. A randomized block design with a split-plot arrangement was used, applying ten treatments: sprays with aloe vera, moringa, coconut water, liquid vermicompost extracts, and a control. The evaluated cacao cultivars were “Porcelana' and “Ocumare 61”, with four replications and 28 plants per experimental unit. Plants were sprayed at three intervals, spaced 14 days after grafting. Measurements included survival rate, graft length, diameter, number of leaves, as well as the width, length, and leaf area of the second proximal leaf. Results indicated that the evaluated bioinputs exhibited biostimulant effects, enhancing survival and promoting vegetative growth in both cultivars compared to the control, which did not receive treatment. The application of bioinputs resulted in higher survival rates and improved growth indicators in both genotypes.

• Main Author: Campos Ramos, Luis (author)
• Other Authors: Acosta Mata, Jesús (author), Lara Rodríguez, Leonardo (author), Silva Acuña, Ramón (author)
• Format: article
• Language: spa
• Published: 2024
• Subjects: Bioinsumos; agua de coco; extracto de moringa; extracto de sábila; humus líquido; Bioinputs; coconut water; moringa extract; aloe vera extract; liquid vermicompost
• Online Access: https://revistasespam.espam.edu.ec/index.php/Revista_ESPAMCIENCIA/article/view/530