Abstract

AGUIRRE-MEDINA, Juan F.; MENDOZA-LOPEZ, Alexander; CADENA-INIGUEZ, Jorge  and  AVENDANO-ARRAZATE, Carlos H.. EFFECT OF COCOA (Theobroma cacao L.) BIOFERTILIZATION IN NURSERY WITH Azospirillum brasilense Tarrand, Krieg et Döbereiner AND Glomus intraradices Schenk et Smith. INCI [online]. 2007, vol.32, n.8, pp.541-546. ISSN 0378-1844.

Theobroma cacao L. originated in America and has been associated with the development of various Indian cultures in the tropical forest. Its beans are used for the production of food, beverages and sweets. The demand of cocoa cultivated without agrochemical products has increased. Plant nutrition with microbial fertilizers is an alternative for increasing its organic production. In this experiment the contribution of two micro organisms to the development and nutritive characteristics of cocoa was determined under two soil conditions, treated with methyl bromide or untreated, in the Soconusco region, Chiapas, Mexico. The cocoa beans were inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense and Glomus intraradices, alone or in combination at sowing. Morphological and physiological characters, and the N₂, P and Ca²⁺ content in the vegetal tissue were recorded every 30 days for six months. The results indicate a differential response for soil condition and micro organisms in the production of dry matter. Root and foliar lamina were the most affected organs. The inoculated plants showed a higher N₂ concentration. G. intraradices translocated more P in the untreated soil and more Ca²⁺ under either soil conditions.

Keywords : Cacao; Componentes del Rendimiento; Contenido de N, P y Ca²⁺.