Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Submitted July 8, 2025
Published 2025-10-21

Artículos

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): Revista Semilla del Este

Development of sustainable strategies for reducing cadmium in fermentative mass of experimental cocoa hybrids through inoculation of rhizobium japonicum


DOI https://doi.org/10.48204/semillaeste.v6n1.7649

Cover image

References
DOI: 10.48204/semillaeste.v6n1.7649

Published: 2025-10-21

How to Cite

Vásquez Cortez, L. H., Uvidia Vélez, M. V., Pazmiño Pérez, A. M., & Rojas Sánchez, J. R. (2025). Development of sustainable strategies for reducing cadmium in fermentative mass of experimental cocoa hybrids through inoculation of rhizobium japonicum. Revista Semilla Del Este, 6(1), 36–49. https://doi.org/10.48204/semillaeste.v6n1.7649

Abstract

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.