Two groups, one led by the U.S. Department of Agriculture; Mars, Inc. and IBM, and the other by two scientists from Penn State and France’s Agricultural Research Centre for Development, said they completed sequencing the genetic blueprint of the plant that is the source of chocolate, according to separate statements released by the teams.
Breaking down the genetic makeup of the cacao plant speeds up the way scientists find genes that contribute to beneficial crop traits and better breeding processes. By identifying specific gene families these traits can be selected for or even spliced into the genomes of varieties used in agriculture.
"Because of the talent and dedication brought together by this unique partnership, researchers and plant breeders will be able to accelerate the genetic improvement of the cacao crop now cultivated in tropical regions around the world," said Edward B. Knipling, administrator of USDA’s Agricultural Research Service.
"This will benefit not only the chocolate industry, but also millions of small farmers who will be able to continue to make their living from cacao," he added.
Cocoa is currently produced from the Theobroma cacao strain which has been plagued by disease, pests, and drought.
This genetic breakthrough could allow scientists to make the cacao plant more disease-resistant or produce a higher yield. Better cacao crops could also benefit farmers relying on cacao as a source of income.
"We hope this achievement will encourage greater investment in research of Theobroma cacao … whose continued study will benefit developing countries for which cocoa is of high economic importance," said Mark Guiltinan, Professor of Plant Molecular Biology at Penn State.
