Abstract

ZONTA, A; ANGOLA, F  and  GONCALVEZ, A. Limiting factors for Cupuazú production Theobroma grandiflorum (Wild ex Spreng) Schum, in agroforestry systems, Bolivian Amazon. Rev.Cient.Agro.Amaz. [online]. 2015, n.5, pp. 38-44. ISSN 2307-9606.

Cupuazú (Theobroma grandiflorum) is a fruit tree cultivated in the north of Bolivian Amazon, and it develops well in agroforestry systems. It is also consumed in the entire region and generates an important income for the farmers and family. The aim of the research work was to determine the relationship between cupuazú fruits production and five factors: pH, texture, organic matter content, total exchangeable bases from the soil and crop management practices. Twenty one agroforestry systems were evaluated with 12 year old plants approximately, and four trees per each site were sampled. Data was analysed by ANOVA and regression analysis. Results indicated that pH soil, texture and number of crop management practices were the factors of mayor significance in order to obtain fruits of good quality. The best production was obtained in trees established in soils whith a pH around 6 and texture loam, clay loam, silt loam and sandy loam; also in agroforestry systems with at least three crop management practices.

Keywords : Amazon fruits; soil pH; tropical forest.