Questions and Answers
What is the most significant species of the genus Theobroma?
Who is credited with introducing cocoa to Ghana?
Which country is currently the leading producer of cocoa in the world?
What percentage of the world’s cocoa output did Ghana contribute between 1911 and 1976?
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What is the approximate annual revenue generated by cocoa in Ghana?
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How many regions in Ghana are involved in cocoa cultivation?
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What was cocoa's contribution to Ghana's foreign exchange in the past?
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Cocoa contributes what percentage to Ghana's GDP?
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What is the minimum depth of fertile soil required for cocoa growth?
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At what pH level is soil most suitable for cocoa cultivation?
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What is a notable benefit of using hybrid seeds for cocoa planting?
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What is the primary method of seed propagation for cocoa?
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Which propagation method is used to produce genetically identical plants?
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What environmental condition affects the success of stem cuttings in vegetative propagation?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of hybrid cocoa plants?
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Which method is used to clone a healthy mother plant while it is still attached?
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What is the primary purpose of pruning in cocoa cultivation?
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How long does it typically take for cocoa fruits to begin fruiting after planting?
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Which of the following is NOT an insect pest commonly affecting cocoa plants?
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What is the expected increase in yield from applying 48 kg/ha of P2O5?
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What happens to cocoa pods during the maturity stage?
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What is the typical productive lifespan of a cocoa plant?
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Which practice allows for the flowering process in cocoa plants to be influenced by insects?
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What is the timeframe for cocoa pods to fully develop and ripen?
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What benefit does cocoa butter provide for the skin?
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Which of the following is a common use of cocoa butter in hair care?
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What is one significant constraint faced by the cocoa industry?
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What is a use of cocoa shell mentioned in the content?
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What impact does child labor have on the cocoa industry?
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What does the 2021 budget statement forecast for the cocoa sector?
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What is the average number of beans per pod for Criollo cocoa?
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Which cocoa type is known for producing the highest quality cocoa but in limited quantities?
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Which aspect makes cocoa's future bright according to the content?
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What color are the unripe pods of Trinitario cocoa?
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Which problem is associated with the cocoa production value chain?
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Which cocoa type is primarily dominant in cocoa production due to its hardiness?
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What is a common characteristic of Forastero cocoa pods?
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What color are the cotyledons of Criollo cocoa beans?
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Which cocoa type is highly susceptible to diseases and has quick fermentation?
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Which type of cocoa has pods that may range from smooth to heavily sculptured?
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Study Notes
Cocoa Overview
- Cocoa, known scientifically as Theobroma cacao, belongs to a genus with over 20 species.
- It likely originated in the Upper Amazon region and spread to Sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia.
Cocoa Production in Ghana
- Introduced in the early 19th century by Dutch missionaries.
- Tetteh Quarshie is credited for its widespread cultivation after bringing cocoa from Fernando Po in 1895.
- Ghana emerged as the world's leading cocoa producer from 1911 to 1976, contributing 30-40% of global output.
- Currently, Ghana is the second-largest producer after Ivory Coast, known for high-quality cocoa.
- Approximately 1.6 million people are involved in cocoa cultivation and related industries.
- Cocoa generates about $2 billion in foreign exchange and contributes 3.2% to Ghana's GDP.
- Previously accounted for 66% of foreign exchange; now approximately 35-40%.
Cocoa Types
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Criollo
- Vulnerable to diseases; produces mild-flavored beans with a pleasant aroma.
- Beans ferment quickly; low yield with limited market availability.
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Trinitario
- Originates from Trinidad and Venezuela; a hybrid of Criollo and Forastero.
- Pods vary in shape, color, and are hardier than Criollo.
- Average is 30 or more beans per pod; important for breeding.
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Forastero
- Originates from Amazonia; dominant in cocoa production due to vigor.
- Pods are thick with a woody layer and take about 7 years to bear fruit.
- Harsh flavor described as bitter, and it is highly susceptible to swollen shoot disease.
Growth Requirements
- Cocoa thrives in deep, fertile, well-drained loamy or clayey soils with a pH of 6.5–8.0.
- High organic matter content (around 3.5% in topsoil) is preferred for optimal growth.
Propagation Methods
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Seed Propagation
- Economical; seeds can germinate in pods or be raised in nurseries.
- Seedlings are ready for field planting after 4-6 months.
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Hybrid Seed Production
- Mixed hybrids (“akokora bedi”) offer benefits like early bearing, high yield, and disease tolerance.
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Vegetative Propagation (Clonal)
- Involves creating genetically identical plants, utilizing methods like cuttings and air layering.
- Air layering enables cloning healthy plants while still attached to the parent.
After Planting Operations
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Pest Control
- Pests include stem and pod borers, capsid, termites, and various insects.
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Fertilizer Application
- Regular application of fertilizers can boost yields by 20-30%.
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Pruning
- Essential for removing excess vegetation and unhealthy branches, enhancing tree health.
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Pollination
- Flowers are pollinated by insects, with a timeframe for potential abortion of flowers noted.
Maturity and Yield
- Fruiting begins in 3-5 years; full bearing occurs around 7-10 years.
- Productive lifespan of cocoa trees is around 40 years.
General Uses of Cocoa
- Cocoa butter provides cosmetic and pharmaceutical benefits, enhancing skin and hair health.
- Cocoa products include beverage powders, chocolates, and livestock feed materials.
Constraints in Cocoa Production
- Mining activities (Galamsey) threaten cocoa farms, with destruction of about 20 acres weekly.
- Issues include aging farmers, child labor, and inequitable value distribution among value chain actors.
- Challenges with forest degradation and a need for more robust adaptation measures persist.
Future Outlook
- The cocoa sector is anticipated to experience modest growth, with price fluctuations due to substitutes.
- Expectations include a 1.6% increase in cocoa prices based on recent budget forecasts.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the cultivation and significance of cocoa, specifically Theobroma cacao. It explores the plant's background, origin in the Upper Amazon, and its production in Ghana. Test your knowledge on beverage crops and cocoa's role in agriculture!
