These trees are clones being tested for desirable characteristics

Established in 2000, the Experimental Station of Matalarga specializes in the improvement of cocoa production in the Dominican Republic. The research team at the station has identified two areas of high priority: production and quality. To confront these problems, Alejandro Núñez and his colleagues have developed a multi-tiered strategy that involves research, education, and community participation.

This clonal garden is an important part of that strategy. In it there are over 100 clones that are being evaluated for desirable characteristics. Several promising performers have emerged from this process, and the research team has already selected those trees with the highest seed production. Candidates for hybrid production have also been identified. When the best performers have been selected and distributed nationally, this will greatly enhance the productivity and quality of Dominican cocoa.

Trees are small and do well under a partial canopy

Cocoa is a low-maintenance perennial crop that is an ideal component to a mixed agroforestry system. Mature trees occupy the space between three and five meters in the forest understory. These trees grow well in partial shade, and are ideally grown in mixed stands of coffee, banana, papaya, citrus, and other leguminous species. The overstory can be populated with mahogany, Brazil nuts, and other large, productive species.

The area below the cocoa trees can be used to cultivate taro, oregano, ginger, forage peanuts, mushrooms and other tropical, shade tolerant species. A cocoa plantation can also be used to graze animals like pigs, ducks, and chickens, which will consume fallen fruit.