Morphophysiological responses of Theobroma cacao L. rootstocks to flooding and post-flooding conditions

• DOI: 10.32615/ps.2023.031
• Publication Date: 2023-09-18T09:00:31Z
• Authors: M.L.P.B. PINTO; J. CRASQUE; B. CERRI NETO; T.R. FERREIRA; C.A.S. SOUZA; A.R. FALQUETO; T.C. DE SOUZA; J.A. MACHADO FILHO; L.O. ARANTES; S. DOUSSEAU-ARANTES
• Keywords: water stress; photosynthesis; cocoa; plasticity; QK1-989; Botany; Research Paper

This study investigates how cocoa rootstocks respond to flooding and post-flooding conditions, offering insights for cocoa plantation sustainability in flood-prone areas due to climate change. We studied Theobroma cacao L. rootstocks for 60 d of flooding and 30 d post-flooding, grafting PS-1319 scions onto five rootstocks (TSH-1188, Cepec-2002, Pará, Esfip-02, SJ-02). Photochemical performance remained stable across rootstocks, while flooding progressively reduced electron transport efficiency. Photochemical damage emerged after 7 d, worsening occurred at 19 d. Although post-flooding efficiency improved, recovery time was insufficient for full restoration. Stem diameter increased less in Esfip-02. TSH-1188 had the highest stem dry mass during flooding and the most root and total dry mass during post-flooding. SJ-02 had the lowest stem dry mass and post-flooding total dry mass. Principal component analysis revealed stem and root development as a key for recovery. SJ-02 and Esfip-02 showed lower flooding tolerance and recovery, while TSH-1188 and Pará exhibited higher resilience.