Venezuelan scientists make progress in vitro propagation of cocoa for the agricultural sector

Published at: 16/06/2026 11:25 AM

A team of Venezuelan scientists are making satisfactory progress in the in vitro propagation of cacao plants through the process of somatic embryogenesis, a strategic research aimed at ensuring healthy and high-quality plant material for farmers.

For the researcher at the Institute for Advanced Studies Foundation (IDEA), Andy Díaz, somatic embryogenesis is a method of regeneration that consists of the formation of embryos from non-sexual tissue (asexual reproduction). This procedure is achieved by growing small portions of plant tissue.

“We take specific parts of the cacao flower, such as petals and staminodes, and cultivate them in a medium with a defined chemical composition to induce the formation of embryos. Later, these are transferred to new culture media where they begin their germination and development process until they become complete plants,” he said.

The scientist explained that “currently, this research work is being carried out in strategic alliance with the National Center for Innovation and Technological Development in Cocoa (Cenidic), which has allowed the in vitro regeneration of cocoa genetic material from its Germplasm Bank, located in the state of Miranda. This valuable resource is protected in the laboratories of the ASA Directorate, where there are already somatic embryos in the germination phase and fully formed vitroplants that show the root system and leaves characteristic of the species”.

Díaz specified that the workflow begins under conditions of strict asepsis with the disinfection and introduction of flower buds for the extraction of the explants. After the cultivation and induction phases in the laboratory, the plants that achieve remarkable development are transferred to the acclimation area.

“In the climate room, the temperature and lighting are regulated so that the plant adapts progressively to external conditions. Once this hardening stage has been overcome, they will be transferred to bags for subsequent establishment in the field”, concluded the researcher.

Mazo News Team