Peruvian researchers link native cacao trees to Mesoamerican varieties

Researchers from the Universidad Nacional Toribio Rodríguez de Mendoza and the Universidad Nacional Intercultural de Quillabamba discovered a genetic link between native cacao trees in northern Peru and the Criollo Mesoamerican variety.

The team analyzed 151 samples collected from the Amazonas and Cusco regions to map the genetic diversity of the local cacao.

The study identified four trees in a dry forest in Luya, a remote area near the Marañón River, that share a close genetic relationship with the Criollo variety historically cultivated by the Olmec and Maya civilizations. While researchers do not claim a definitive origin, they suggest that these trees may have ancestral roots in the dry forests of Peru rather than being recently introduced to the isolated region.

The team noted that local owners believe these plants originated from the riverbanks, which may have helped spread the varieties. The findings highlight a complex evolutionary and cultural history for cacao in Peru. The researchers also noted that 56% of cacao in Peru currently comes from only a few varieties, which has pushed out many local types.

Preserving these native seeds is important for maintaining genetic diversity and helping crops survive diseases and climate change, especially since extreme rains currently threaten harvests.