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Subject: Agricultural Statistics × Author: Jayasree, K × Author: KAU × End date: 2009 × Start date: 2000 ×
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    ThesisItemOpen Access
    Yield prediction in cocoa (Theobrama cacao L)
    (College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara, 2009) Jayasree, K; KAU; Laly, john C
    The present investigation, “Yield prediction in Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.)” was undertaken to determine the age at yield stabilization, to identify the optimum range for growth characters and early yield and to identify yield prediction models, if any, based on the growth characters and early yield of cocoa. For this purpose, the data were collected from a progeny trial of the Cadbury-KAU Co-operative Cocoa Research Project, Vellanikkara, pertaining to Forastero variety of cocoa, planted in 1989 under the shade of rubber. Individual plant data on girth (13 years), height (three years), spread (one year) and pod yield (12 years) of 660 plants were analyzed. Graphical method, correlation and regression analyses, analysis of variance, frequency distribution and 95% confidence interval were used. From graphical analyses, it was found that stabilized yield for the plant was obtained from sixth year after planting. Correlation studies established that girth is an important determining factor of yield potential of cocoa. Height in the early years has significant association with girth and yield of the plant. HD2 in the initial year of planting has clear influence on the yield of the plant upto age at yield stabilization. HD2 in the first and second year after planting have clear influence on the yield after stabilization year. Precocity has significant influence on total yield. No model could be obtained for predicting total yield of cocoa based on growth characters with reasonable predictability. There exists optimum for girth at different stages of plant growth and was derived from planting to 12 years after planting, for maximizing yield. The optimum ranges for seedling height and precocity, optimum combination of girth and height of seedlings and optimum combination of initial girth, initial height and precocity was derived, for maximizing yield.