The biggest is at INPA. near Manaus, with 27 accessions. Cultivation practices Conventional propagation techniques. As in all species of Theobroma, the seeds are not resistant to desiccation and are sown as soon as they have had the flesh removed and been washed. Seed beds are prepared with fertile soil and fertilized with manure, being kept in natural shade or under plastic mesh so as to achieve 75 percent shade. From 800 to 1000 seeds per m 2 are sown in rows set 5 cm apart, with 2 cm between seeds, and are covered with a 1 cm layer of soil.
Germination takes about ten days.
When the seedlings measure 10 cm, they are transplanted into 40 x 30 cm black polyethylene bags, with a rich substrate of organic matter and fertilizer. For propagation by cutting, young terminal branches with about five leaves are used, as in cocoa. The leaves are cut down the middle and a growth stimulant is applied to the base of the cuttings, which are placed in a propagator with saturation humidity, under a roof which provides 75 percent shade. After they have taken root they are transplanted into black polyethylene bags and are kept in the nursery in the shade until they are ready for planting out in the garden. Traditional cultivation techniques.