HCP TECHNICAL GUIDE
for Cacao Nursery Management
The Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund (HCP) developed this nursery manual to share best practices for the preservation and propagation of Heirloom varieties. Using experiences and lessons learned from past nursery programs conducted at designee sites in Hawaii, Belize, Ecuador and Costa Rica, this guide describes how to manage the production of cocoa seedlings and grafted plants in nurseries following HCPs methodology.
As a fundamental part of the process to preserve Heirloom varieties, it is necessary to implement breeding techniques using nursery facilities. It is also important to have a consistent and standard methodology to be followed throughout the establishment and management of a cacao nursery. We present a framework of standardized criteria and processes that can be applied regardless of the nursery’s geographical location.
As a fundamental part of the process to preserve Heirloom varieties, it is necessary to implement breeding techniques using nursery facilities. It is also important to have a consistent and standard methodology to be followed throughout the establishment and management of a cacao nursery. We present a framework of standardized criteria and processes that can be applied regardless of the nursery’s geographical location.
This manual is made possible by the support of the American People through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Cacao for Peace (CfP) Program. The contents of this manual are the sole responsibility of the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, USDA or the United States Government.
