Makassar, S.Sulawesi (ANTARA Sulsel) - A research team from the Australian Center for International Agriculture Research (ACIAR) project and the Indonesian Research Center for Coffee and Cocoa (Puslitkoka) recommended two superior cocoa clones from Masamba sub-district, North Luwu, South Sulawesi.

"These two clones are named Masamba Cocoa Clone 02 (MCC 02) and Masamba Cocoa Clone 01 (MCC 01). They are recommended for use in Indonesia," Dr Philip Keane, a scientist from ACIAR, stated here on Wednesday.

According to Dr. Keane, MCC 02 can produce more than three tons of cocoa per hectare per year, with a dry seed weight of up to 1.66 grams per seed and is resistant to major pests and diseases that affect cocoa production.

"MCC 02 is resistant to Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) or timber vessel disease, Rotten Fruit Cocoa (BBK), and Cocoa Fruit Borer (CPB) pest," stated Keane, who is also an academician at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.

He explained that MCC 01 has the same superiority and can produce more than three tons per hectare per year, with a dry seed weight of up to 1.75 grams per seed.

However, MCC 01 cannot withstand pests and diseases.

"But, in an area not affected by any serious pests and diseases, with good care and maintenance, MCC 01 can be used," Keane noted, adding that MCC 01 is the main seedling for producing the next hybrid cross with the disease-resistant clones but with low productivity.

Previously, these two clones were identified and developed by the local farmers named Muhtar (late) for MCC 01, and M. Nasir and Andi Mulyadi who identified MCC 02.

"We then conducted research on the farmers` findings," Keane said.

Cocoa research has been going on since 2000.

South Sulawesi was chosen as one of the research locations due to the diverse genetic variations of cocoa in the province.

The research team hails from the forestry and plantation of Polewali Mandar district, University of Papua, Agriculture Technology Assessment Office, and Hasanuddin University.  O Tamindael