Diversity, structure and health of a cocoa based agroforest system in the Humid dense forest, East Cameroon

• DOI: 10.5897/ijbc2021.1494
• Publication Date: 2021-12-07T16:22:56Z
• Authors: Henry Seraphin Es...; Jean Lagarde Betti; Richard Priso; Jules Ngueguim; Oumar Farrick Nji...
• Keywords: Pruning; Cash crop; Diversity index; Thinning

Cocoa is a major cash crop in Cameroon, where its production and export contributes significantly to the national economy poverty alleviation. Cocoa-based agroforestry systems (cAFS) have been recognised as fair strategy for natural resource management, combining both agricultural conservation objectives. This study aims (1) assess diversity, (2) analyses floristic structural characteristics well (3) dendrological features of (Exploitation Agricole Betti) (EAB), cAFS vast 120 ha, located East region Cameroon. associated tree species were counted 21 sampling plots 0.25 ha systematicaly settled all over system (EAB) between 28 August 22 October 2016. A total number 3 147 stems was recorded distributed 2,599 cocoa trees 548 trees. The overall diversity low. density 495.0 stems/ha, correponding success rate 44.6%. EAB attacked by black pod disease. average Pod Rot Attacked Index (PRAI) 0.35 ± 0.38; this varies according season. Further studies should aim identify different varieties planted system, correctly pests diseases impact thinning Pruning on or attack production, (4) explore usage system. with view come out model cFAS use tropical humid forest zones.   Key words: Exploitation Betti, cocoa, rate, trees, density, stand basal area, features, Black disease, Index.