| Sumario: | Characterization of promising cacao trees in Waslala, Nicaragua A hundred promising cacao trees from 29 farms members of Cacaonica Cooperative in Waslala, Nicaragua, were Characterized. Quantitative and qualitative descriptors for tree, pod and seed were used to document the management given to cacao farms, to assess tree morphological and productive information, and to preselect the best trees with potential for a second evaluation and further vegetative propagation. The mean cacao trees population was 625 trees ha1; weeding and pruning are done three times a year. Fungus diseases (monilia and black pod) are controlled by sick pod removal and application of a lime solution two or three months before the main harvest. Soil fertility is maintained or improved with organic manure (2.3 kg tree1 year1) and/or incorporation of green manure or harvest residues. Most of the trees (79%) were vigorous, and around 3.6 m mean height. Pod mean weight was 683 g with 39 seeds per pod. The predominant pod shape was heart-like (42%), predominant color was yellow (71%), and seed color was violet (76%). The mean seed and pod index were 1.4 and 20, respectively. Two groups of promising trees were determined, which differed by five morphological pod characteristics and four seeds characteristics. Finally, 28 promising trees with interesting characteristics were selected. A second evaluation and further asexual propagation tests should be performed in order to improve the genetic base of cacao crops in Waslala.
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