Agroforestry systems and the incidence on water status of cacao trees

Cocoa is grown under production systems such as agroforestry and full sunlight exposition, its use depends on the agroecological regions where it is cultivated. The management of the shade canopy affects the microclimatic conditions that mainly benefit the hydric behaviour (sap flow Vs and water potential Ѱ) in the cocoa plant. It was evaluated how the modification of the shade canopy (full sunlight exposition systems SLE and agroforestry with MPAR medium and low BPAR transmitted radiation) affects the water status of cocoa trees in contrasting periods of precipitation. For the measurement of Vs and Ѱ heat sensors and stem psychrometers were installed in cocoa type CCN51 trees. An effect of the production system and monitoring season on Vs and Ѱ was found in cocoa plants. The Ѱ was higher in SLE in both seasons, but it was more accentuated in the period of minimum precipitation. A contrary behavior was found in Vs, since in minimum precipitation this variable was greater in BPAR. According to the results obtained, the management of shade canopies in cocoa crops under suboptimal climates positively affects water status.