Identifikasi Karakter Morfologi Tanaman Kakao (Theobroma cacao L.) di Kecamatan Tiga Binanga Kabupaten Karo

Abstract

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is one of the plantation commodities with high economic value, particularly as the primary raw material for the chocolate industry. The genetic diversity of cocoa plants plays a crucial role in supporting breeding programs and the conservation of local germplasm. This study aimed to identify the morphological characteristics of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) originating from several villages in Tiga Binanga Subdistrict, namely Tiga Binanga, Kuta Galoh, Bunga Baru, and Pergendangen. The research was conducted from July to August 2024 using a descriptive approach with a survey method, based on the cocoa descriptor guideline from the Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Sampling locations were determined using purposive sampling, while plant samples were collected using accidental sampling. Morphological data were obtained from leaves, flowers, fruits, and seeds, which were subsequently identified. Data analysis was carried out using the Numerical Taxonomy System (NTSYS Version 2.2). The observations revealed that cocoa plants cultivated in Tiga Binanga Subdistrict were categorized into the Forastero group, characterized by dark purple cotyledons and fruit color ranging from yellow to yellowish green at maturity. The analyzed cocoa plants were grouped into four main clusters: Cluster 1 (A1K1, B2K5, B3K6), Cluster 2 (C1K7, C2K8, D1K10, D2K11), Cluster 3 (B1K4), and Cluster 4 (A2K2, A3K3, C3K9, D3K12), with similarity levels ranging from 46% to 79%.