Rescue of patashte (theobroma bicolor Humb & Bonpl.) and cushta (theobroma angustifolium) two promising species in danger of extinction in El Salvador

Abstract

In El Salvador there are plant species such as patashte (Theobroma bicolor) and cushta (Theobroma angustifolium) wild relatives of cocoa, with high nutritional potential for food and as raw material for agribusiness and the development of products such as chocolate, atoles, snacks, among others, however, these species are in danger of extinction, so there is not much technical information. For this reason, collection tours of these species were carried out in municipalities, with tradition in cocoa production in order to include both species in cocoa germplasm banks that were established as part of the cocoa genetic resources rescue project. However, the situation of both species is critical due to the high degree of genetic erosion, since only fruit samples were obtained in the Cangrejera, Izalco, Sonsonate canton. These samples were taken to the Agricultural Chemistry Laboratory of the Faculty of Agronomic Sciences of the University of El Salvador (UES), in order to perform bromatological analyzes and to know their chemical composition in a preliminary way. Also, develop nurseries with both species for planting in the UES collections. As a result, concentrations were found for patashte and cushta of 16.04 and 4.48% protein; of 33.81 and 23.93% fat; 35.02 and 44.75% carbohydrates respectively. On the other hand, patashte and cushta plants were established in the germplasm bank of the university campus, Experimental and Practical Station (EEP), San Pedro Nonualco and the Hacienda Santa Clara cooperative, trying to contribute to their rescue. It is concluded that both species have potential for direct consumption with artisanal preparations and raw material for the elaboration of many nutritious food products, and include them in Food and Nutritional Security (SAN) programs, so it is important and urgent, to propose and execute strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation.