Results of Organic biostimulant tests on cocoa farms in Ivory Coast
Methode
In each of the 2 zones, the Xurian biostimulant (manufactured by Elephant Vert: http://www.elephant-vert.com) was applied to a part of the plantation (0.5 ha) of 5 producers. The production of cocoa beans (in dry weight) was measured on the treated area of the plantation (application of the biostimulant) as well as on an untreated area of the same area (control area).
Quantitative results
Although the results differ between the two zones, they are encouraging as to the effect of the biostimulant on the improvement of cocoa production. In the Bieby area, we observe a 46% increase in cocoa production (dry weight). On the other hand, in the Alosso 1 area, we observe only a slight improvement in cocoa production (10%), but this seems to be explained by a late application of the biostimulant compared to the cocoa cycle in this area.
Small cocoa period...
Production measurement during the next period (April - June 2019) will allow to:
- consolidate the production improvement effects on the Bieby area and
- observe a potential "lagged" effect of the application of the biostimulant on the production of the Alosso zone 1.
Indirect effect
The activity of brown rot in both areas was also monitored and showed a decrease in infected trees on the Xurian test plot compared to the control plot. Suggesting the existence of an indirect effect of the application of the biostimulant that would reduce the activity of brown rot in cocoa plantations.
Qualitative analysis supplement
In addition, all the producers interviewed in both zones stated that they had observed an improvement in production on the plot with application of Xurian compared to the rest of their plantation. The main effects of the application of the Xurian biostimulant raised by producers on their cocoa plantation are:
- increase in the number of pods
- early production of pods
- increase in the number of flowers
- decrease in brown rot
See executive report below.
