Influencia de la altitud en la morfología y peso de las almendras de cacao en el departamento Norte de Santander, Colombia

Cocoa production is a subject widely studied by researchers, however, the yield behavior and characteristics of cocoa beans at different altitudinal levels have been scarcely addressed in the published scientific literature. The objective of the research was to establish the relationship between the morphology and weight of cocoa beans (Theobroma cacao, L) in relation to 6 altitudinal gradients, from 0 to 1,200 m. a.s.l., in the department of Norte de Santander (Colombia). In each gradient, 5 farms were randomly selected and the 2019 and 2020 harvests were analyzed, for a total of 60 observations. Per sample, we determined the weights and percentage of hulls in 100 dry almonds (n=100) and morphology (length, width and thickness) in 20 dry almonds (n=20). The data were analyzed with descriptive statistical estimators, analysis of variance and Tukey tests. The study determined a positive relationship between altitude, weight and morphology of the almonds with the highest values obtained in the gradient of 801-1000 m.a.s.l. (147.47 g ± 10.36 g) and the lowest between 0-200 m.a.s.l. (130.6 g ± 17.36 g). (130.6 g ± 17.40 g); in the morphology of the kernels, the gradient of 801-1000 m.a.s.l. obtained higher average volumes (2.766 cm3) and the gradient of 201-400 m.a.s.l., lower values (2.452 cm3). The percentage of husk evidenced an inversely proportional relationship with respect to altitude with low values in the gradient of 801-1000 m.a.s.l. (11.08% ± 0.79%) and high values between 201-400 m.a.s.l. (14.05% ± 0.79%) and 201-400 m.a.s.l. (14.05% ± 0.79% ± 0.79%). (14, 05% ± 0, 92%).