Quantitative trait analysis in Theobroma cacao using molecular markers

The aim of this study was to determine the genetic components controlling yield in an F₁ cacao cross between Catongo and Pound 12 clones. Genetic maps were constructed for the two parents using molecular markers which detected 158 polymorphic loci covering 772 cM for the heterozygous genotype Pound 12 and only 4 loci representing 16.9 cM of a linkage group which indicated a high level of homozygosity of Catongo. Yield was recorded twice a month during 15 years on 55 individuals from this segregating population. Ten yield QTL were detected on eight linkage groups. Some of these QTL were frequently detected over 15 years of production, while others were specific for a given year. Total yield genetic variance, on a yearly basis, ranged from 0 to 56%. Two major QTL (E and I) each explained approximately 20% of the total variance of the average yield over 15 years. The analysis of potential cacao yield components, such as pod index and trunk diameter, suggested that some regions of the genome exert effects on more than one trait, providing a possible genetic explanation for the correlations detected between some of title traits studied. Data showed that correlation between successive annual yield decreased when the lag between corresponding seasons increased. When separated by more than 10 years, annual yields were no longer correlated. The utilisation of molecular markers alone or in combination with phenotypic selection showed an advantage in the early selection of the best cacao producer trees. Further use of molecular markers in breeding programs is discussed with a view to reducing the generation time of a selection procedure. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.