Preliminary studies on cacao [Theobroma cacao] ovules in relation to bean number and bean size

The number of ovules per ovary was a very stable character which was controlled by genetic factors and it was possible to estimate the potential number of beans per pod and hence the potential yield of a tree. Preliminary data indicated that the ovules number does not strongly indicate the actual number of beans per pod. Correlation coefficient of the number of ovules to the number of beans per pod was low. The actual number of beans per pod indicated the number of ovules fertilized. This phenomena was influenced strongly by the compatibility system, frequency and abundancy of flowering, and the population of pollinating insects. However, bean size could be predicted directly from the ovule size