The cocoa tree is a plant that needs shade for optimal fruit development. Among the many climatic requirements for an excellent harvest are temperature, water, wind, shade, soil, solar radiation, humidity, among others.
The tolerance of cocoa to low temperatures is almost nil, with an average annual limit of 21ºC, and temperatures that are too high can cause alterations in the crop. We must understand that the temperature is the one that will define the formation of flowers, for this to be abundant it should be around 25ºC, this will ensure that the cobs grow in the expected season with the required caliber. It is important to remember that temperatures below 22ºC could affect the harvest, delaying it.
It should be taken into account the temperature variations that exist in the day and night, as well as the degree of humidity when choosing to plant cocoa, since the required percentage of humidity is 80%, the feared scenario is that where 85% of humidity is bordered, which usually occur in periods of rain or cold when diseases such as monilla and black pod disease may appear.
If in the sector where cocoa is planted there are seasons of strong winds, windbreaks should be established with leafy trees to prevent leaves from falling on the crop.
