Cartilla Instructiva Nº 10: Podas en el Cultivo de Cacao y Poda de Formación

Poda is a fundamental aspect of cacao cultivation, allowing for proper ventilation and light entry. It also serves as a preventive measure against diseases and promotes a higher yield in the plantation. Poda is an activity that involves the removal of unwanted branches, including chupones, ramas mal formadas, entrecruzadas, and mal dirigidas. This process also helps eliminate parts of the tree that are diseased or dead. The objectives of poda include giving shape to the cacao tree, increasing its productivity, allowing for the entry of light and air, controlling the growth and development of productive branches, facilitating management tasks, and reducing the presence of pests and diseases. The activity of poda is typically performed at specific times of the year, as outlined in the cacao cultivation calendar. This calendar indicates the optimal times for poda, including de formación, de rehabilitación, de mantenimiento, sanitarias, rehabilitación-renovación, fructificación, cosecha, descanso, and floración. The tools used for poda include a tijera grande de dos manos, tijera de podar pequeña, serrucho, escalera telescópica para cortar ramas de altura, and motosierra pequeña manual para sacar ramas gruesas. There are four main types of poda: poda de formación, poda de mantenimiento, poda de sanidad, and poda de rehabilitación. Poda de formación is essential for shaping the cacao tree and promoting its growth. Poda de mantenimiento helps maintain the tree's health and productivity. Poda de sanidad is crucial for preventing diseases, while poda de rehabilitación is used to restore the tree's health after a disease or pest infestation. The benefits of poda include stimulating the emission of floral and vegetative buds, eliminating unwanted branches that hinder agricultural tasks, promoting the proper entry of solar energy, and preventing the presence of diseases. By performing poda correctly, cacao farmers can improve their yields and maintain a healthy and productive plantation.