Cacao Phenology Under Different Philippine Climate Types
Hannah R. Azogue1, Hazel Anne F. Makahiya1, Moises A. Dorado2, and Calixto M. Protacio1
1Institute of Crop Science, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of the Philippines Los Baňos
(UPLB), College 4031, Los Baños Laguna, Philippines; 2Agrometeorology and Farm Structures Division, Institute
of Agricultural Engineering, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology, UPLB, College 4031, Los
Baños Laguna, Philippines. Corresponding author, azogueh07@gmail.com/hrazogue.alum@up.edu.ph
Abstract
The phenological response of cacao was used to assess its suitability to three climate types in the
Philippines. This was done by determining the pattern and intensity of flowering, fruit setting and
fruit retention in three sites representing each climate type from March 2019 to February 2020 and
also estimate the yield potential of cacao under these climates by applying an existing
physiological production model of cacao. Two months with less than 100 mm rainfall
synchronized peak flowering for all sites from April to June resulting in cherelles peaking in
number in August while most mature pods were retained on the last quarter of the year. Uneven
rainfall distribution throughout the year discouraged year-round production of cacao leading to
seasonality and low fruit setting and retention in Type II and III climate despite having enough
annual total rainfall. Type IV climate with the relatively even rainfall distribution throughout the
year, high temperature and less occurrence of typhoons highly favors the production of cacao as
seen by the better fruit setting and pod retention rate. Potentially, both Type III and IV climate are
most suited for cacao production because of high solar radiation and temperature throughout the
year given that water is not limited. Thus far, among the climate types in the Philippines, Type IV
is the most suitable in cacao production along with Type III if only fruit set and pod retention rate
can be increased for the whole production year in the latter by supplemental irrigation during the
dry months and mitigation of typhoon effects.
Keywords: Cacao flowering pattern and intensity, fruit setting, pod retention, suitability
Vol 48 - 3 December 2023