ASSOCIATION BETWEEN COCOA (Theobroma cacao L.) AND VANILLA (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) CROPS IN AN AGROFORESTRY SYSTEM IN COMALCALCO, TABASCO

Abstract

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and vanilla (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) are considered vegetal crops with great economical, social and cultural importance for the families of mexican tropics. However, in recent years the production of these crops has considerably decreased. Faced with this situation, determining the feasibility of combined cultivation of both species may represent an alternative to improve farmers profitability. Through this work, farming alternatives are proposed with different treatments such as cocoa and vanilla. We evaluated 60 cocoa plants and 80 vanilla cuttings, divided into five treatments: cocoa and vanilla with no-interaction (Tc), vanilla on cocoa” (Vp/Tc), cocoa and vanilla using an inert tutor at a distance of one meter (Tc-Vp1m), cocoa and vanilla using an inert tutor at a distance of two meters “(Tc-Vp2m) and; vanilla using an inert tutor without cocoa interaction (Vp); each with five repetitions. For cocoa trees, Diameter at Breast Height (DBD1.5), total tree height, stem height, diameter and crown area were recorded. The same parameters were used to characterize associated trees. Subsequently, before and after establishing the vanilla crop in the agroforestry system, the amount of cocoa fruits was registered. Also, length and thickness of cuttings, number and length of sprouts (LB) and number of knots and leaves´ length were measured for this plant. Measurements were performed four times with an interval of 60 days starting at the time of establishing the vanilla. Non-significant statistical differences in cocoa production were observed. In contrast, the vegetative development variables of vanilla showed better adaptation regarding the vanilla treatment on cocoa (Vp/Tc), showing significant statistical differences (P≤0,05) when comparing LE, NN, NH and LB treatments. It is concluded that cocoa production is not affected when tutoring vanilla. In addition, the cocoa tutor provided good conditions for optimal vegetative development of vanilla.