First, the growth habits of cocoa beans
The origin of cocoa beans is mainly distributed in blocks south of the equator and within about 20 degrees north latitude. Because the climate is hot and rainy, it is the most suitable environment for the growth of cocoa beans. Cocoa beans have different flavors everywhere, some with fruity flavor, others with smoky flavor. Today, the main producing areas of cocoa beans are Central and South America, West Africa and Southeast Asia.
Cocoa beans are the products of cocoa trees, which can be ground into cocoa powder to eat. 1922 was introduced to Chiayi and Kaohsiung in Taiwan Province, China. Chinese mainland is mainly planted in Hainan. Cocoa trees like to grow on the gentle slopes formed by hot and humid climate and alluvial soil rich in organic matter, but they are not suitable for growing on poorly drained and heavy clay or places frequently hit by typhoons.
Its planting is suitable for the land between 20 latitudes north and south of the equator. Assuming fertile soil conditions and careful cultivation, once it survives, cocoa trees can grow in sufficient sunshine. Cocoa plantations (artificially planted cocoa trees) are usually located in valleys or coastal plains, and must have evenly distributed rainfall and fertile and well-drained land.
Second, the life of cocoa trees
Cocoa tree is an evergreen tree. Its huge and smooth leaves are red when it is young and turn green when it matures. In the mature stage, the height of artificially planted cocoa trees is 15 to 25 feet, but the height of wild cocoa trees can reach more than 60 feet. The life expectancy of cocoa trees is still under speculation. It is generally believed that after 25 years, the economic function of a cocoa tree may be considered as the end, and it is suitable to replant young cocoa trees to replace it.
Third, pest control
Insect pests: young cocoa trees, sucking insects (aphids, psyllids, mealworms and thrips) and leaf-eating insects (scorpions) constitute the dominant species. For mature cocoa trees, blind Toona sinensis, shield insect meal, fruit pod borers, psyllids, ants and locusts are the dominant species.
Diseases: such as witches' broom, black fungus, etc. There are hundreds of kinds of fungi, which will reduce the annual harvest of cocoa beans in the world 1/3. Enhance growth, resist pests and diseases, and topdressing woye water-soluble fertilizer.
Fourth, picking
After pruning and careful cultivation, most kinds of cocoa trees will begin to bear fruit in the fifth year. With the best care, some tree species will have a good harvest even in the third and fourth years. Cocoa trees bear fruit (or pods) all year round, but the harvest is usually seasonal. Because cocoa trees are freely cross-pollinated, pods form various species, including Latin American species, exotic species and Trinidad species.
But the tree is very fragile and the foundation is very shallow, so workers can't risk climbing to pick the pods on the high branches.
Growers equipped long-handled, hand-shaped steel knives for pickers who went to work in the fields. Steel knives are used to reach and cut off the tallest pods without hurting the soft bark of cocoa trees. The machete you carry with you is used to pick the pods that grow on the low branches and can be reached.