Plants that could lead to 'climate-proof' chocolate
University College Cork scientists and partners identify three new plant species akin to cocoa plants. Discovery in South American rainforests may aid in developing resilient cocoa trees amid climate change. Research stresses biodiversity documentation and genetic resource expansion for robust cocoa production.
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Scientists from University College Cork, along with collaborators, have discovered three new plant species closely related to Theobroma cacao, the plant that produces cocoa beans for chocolate. The new species found in South American rainforests could potentially lead to the development of climate-resilient cacao trees, crucial for sustaining chocolate production in the face of climate change challenges. Dr. James Richardson highlighted the importance of these discoveries in expanding genetic resources for producing drought-tolerant or disease-resistant cacao trees. The team's research, published in the Kew Bulletin, emphasizes the significance of cataloguing Earth's biodiversity and maintaining natural history collections for future discoveries. This finding underscores the ongoing need to explore and characterize unknown species to address challenges like the recent increase in cacao prices due to low production caused by climate-related factors. The study's detailed examinations of leaves, flowers, and fruits contribute to the broader understanding of plant biodiversity and its potential applications in agriculture.
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