Variability in physiological responses of Venezuelan cacao to drought

In order to assess the response of cocoa trees to drought, changes in water status, gas exchange, leaf carbon isotopic ratio ( δ 13 C), photochemical activity, and leaf N and chlorophyll content during the rainy and dry season were measured in 31 Venezuelan cocoa clones (17 Trinitarios, 6 Criollos, and 8 Modern Criollos) grown in a common garden. Drought caused a 40% decrease in water potential ( ψ ) in all but the Modern Criollos, and a...