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Cocoa is the most important raw material internationally in European countries, playing a crucial role for small and medium-scale farmers. This study analyzed the impact of Rhizobium japonicum on the fermentation of Nacional and Hybrid cocoa varieties, applying concentrations of 0% (control), 3% (60 mL), and 5% (100 mL). A completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 treatments and 4 replications was used, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted.
Results showed that the testa percentage reached 15.15% in T3 (Hybrid, 3%) and 15.50% in T6 (Nacional, 5%), while the seed index was 1.40% in T3 and 1.46% in T6. Fermentation levels reached 77.75% in T5 (Nacional, 3%), 68.50% in T6, and 66.00% in T3. Cadmium content decreased from 0.45 to 0.29 mg/kg in hybrids and from 0.45 to 0.30 mg/kg in Nacional beans. In conclusion, higher inoculation rates of Rhizobium japonicum enhanced fermentation quality.