Data_Sheet_2_CacaoFIT: the network of cacao field trials in Latin America and its contribution to sustainable cacao farming in the region.xlsx

A network of agronomists, researchers, and practitioners associated with cacao farming provided open access to their independent field trials across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). A centralized dataset was assembled using qualitative and quantitative data from 25 experimental field trials (hereafter referred to as “CacaoFIT”) spanning several LAC agroecosystems. This dataset was used to document the main traits and agroclimatic attributes of the cacao cultivation model being tested within the CacaoFIT network. By synthesizing data from an entire network of cacao trials, this study aimed to highlight specific design features and management practices that may contribute to better cacao farming sustainability. The CacaoFIT network comprises 200 ha of field trials testing over 150 cacao genotypes and set up under different shade canopy design, management, and research goals. Small-sized trials were common across Mesoamerica, whereas medium to large-size trials were distinct to South America. Cacao trials were 15 years old (on average) and ranged from 3 to 25 years of establishment. Most cacao trials were managed conventionally (i.e., 55%), while 20% were under organic practices, and the remaining 25% presented both conventional and organic management approaches. Most field trials (ca. 60%) planted an average of 10 international clones or national cultivars at high (1,230–1,500 plants ha−1) and medium density (833–1,111 plants ha−1). Mixed shade canopies were the dominant agroforestry model, while timber vs. leguminous shade canopies were also common. The diversity and depth of research domains examined across the CacaoFIT network varied widely. Agronomy and agroforestry topics dominated the research agenda across all trials, followed by environmental services domains. Cacao physiology and financial performance were researched to a lesser extent within the network. Five featured field trials from CacaoFIT offered technical guidelines to inform cacao farming within similar contexts. This collaborative work is a scaffold to encourage public–private partnerships, capacity building, and data sharing amongst cacao researchers across the tropics.

由可可种植从业者、农学家与研究人员组成的协作网络，开放共享了其在拉丁美洲与加勒比海地区（Latin America and the Caribbean，以下简称LAC）开展的独立田间试验数据。研究团队以覆盖LAC多个农业生态系统的25组田间试验（以下简称“CacaoFIT”）的定性与定量数据为基础，搭建了一套集中式数据集。该数据集用于记录CacaoFIT网络中所测试的可可种植模式的核心性状与农业气候属性。本研究通过整合整个可可试验网络的全部数据，旨在揭示有助于提升可可种植可持续性的特定试验设计特征与管理实践方案。CacaoFIT网络总计覆盖200公顷田间试验，共测试了超过150个可可基因型，试验设置采用了不同的遮荫冠层设计、管理模式与研究目标。中小型规模的田间试验在中美洲分布较为普遍，而中大型规模试验则主要集中于南美洲。参与试验的可可田块平均存续时长为15年，建立年限跨度为3至25年。多数可可试验田采用常规管理模式（占比约55%），20%采用有机管理模式，剩余25%则同时采用常规与有机两种管理方式。约60%的田间试验平均种植了10个国际无性系或地方品种，种植密度分为高密度（1230~1500株/公顷）与中密度（833~1111株/公顷）两类。复合遮荫冠层是该数据集采用的主导农林复合模式，而用材林型与豆科型遮荫冠层也较为常见。CacaoFIT网络所覆盖的研究领域多样性与研究深度差异显著。所有试验的研究议程均以农艺学与农林复合学主题为主，其次为环境服务领域相关研究。该网络中关于可可生理学与种植经济效益的研究占比较少。CacaoFIT网络中的5个典型田间试验可为相似环境下的可可种植提供技术指导方案。本协作研究可为热带地区可可研究人员之间的公私合作伙伴关系建立、能力建设与数据共享提供框架支撑。