Genotype–environment interactions shape leaf functional traits of cacao in agroforests

The outbreak of frosty (Moniliophthora roreri) and black pod (Phytophthora palmivora) in Central American cacao agroforests throughout the 1980s led to breeding Theobroma clones resistant these diseases. However, while clonal disease resistance has been well-documented, adaptability contrasting pedoclimates remains less understood. Plant functional responses environmental constraints can be assessed by evaluating intraspecific trait variation (ITV), but trait-based approaches have rarely implemented genotype assessments. objective our study was determine clone ITV environments. Here, we used bivariate, multivariate, space analyses quantify nine leaf traits, among six disease-resistant clones, growing two gardens with distinct characteristics (a “mild dry season” near-optimal conditions a “harsh site sub-optimal conditions). All traits varied though differences differed depending on site: physiological were larger at site, chemical wider morphological similar both sites. Multivariate hypervolume revealed greater influence values least productive most characterized higher specific area, independent site. To knowledge, paper is first show evidence that provide new insights into × environment interactions selection agroforestry systems support favor applying research plant paradigms.