Cocoa varieties are the species of cocoa that are grown by farmers. The cocoa varieties in Nigeria are the cultivars of cocoa that are commonly grown by cocoa farmers in Nigeria.
There are hybrid coco varieties in Nigeria, there are also open pollinated cocoa varieties in Nigeria. The hybrid cocoa varieties start fruiting within 3 – 4 years while the open cocoa varieties fruits from the 5th year of planting.
The hybrid cocoa varieties are also known to have higher yields than the open pollinated cocoa varieties.
To get a good yield from cocoa farming, you need to choose the best variety.
Cocoa Varieties in Nigeria
The following are the cocoa varieties in Nigeria:
CRIN TC – 8
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It has some resistances to cocoa black pod disease. It can yield 1.2 – 1.5 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
CRIN TC – 7
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It has some resistances to mired attack. It can yield 1.6 – 1.9 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
CRIN TC – 6
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It has some resistances to phytophythora pod rot. It can yield 1.4 – 1.65 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
CRIN TC – 5
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It has some resistances to witches broom disease. It can yield 1.5 – 1.85 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
CRIN TC – 4
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It has resistances to some pests and diseases. It can yield 1.5 – 1.8 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
CRIN TC – 3
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It is highly resistant to Phytophythora pod rot and mirid. It can yield 1.7 – 2 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
CRIN TC – 2
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It has an early fruiting characteristic. It can yield 1.94 – 2.3 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
CRIN TC – 1
This is a hybrid cocoa variety. It is highly resistant to Phytophythora pod rot and mirid. It can yield 1.9 – 2.2 tons per hectare.
This variety can do well in the forest and savannah areas of Nigeria
Source: Seed Portal
Cocoa varieties are grouped under three categories as explained below:
Criello Group (Cacao Dulce or Sweet Cocoa)
- This cocoa specie is native to Central America. It can be found in Mexico and other Central American Countries.
- The trees of this variety have thinner stems and leaves.
- The cocoa pods from this variety are mostly purple or green or yellow in colour.
- Harvesting the cocoa pods from this variety is easy.
- The fat content of the cocoa beans from this variety is low.
- This variety is highly susceptible to cocoa black pod disease, mirids and other pests and diseases.
- The yield can reach 1.5 tonnes per hectare
Forastero group (Cacao Amargo or Bitter Cocoa)
The varieties under this group are commonly cultivated in Venezuela and Ecuador. This variety can also be found in African countries like Nigeria and Ghana. The characteristics of this group are explained as follows:
- The cocoa pods have a green colour when unripe.
- The coco pods of this variety affix firmly to the stems and branches.
- The cocoa trees of this variety are highly resistance to pests and diseases.
- The cocoa beans have low fat content.
- The varieties also have a relatively high yield.
Shouuld you wish to learn more about cocoa varieties in Nigeria, please contact us through sales@veggieconcept.ng.