Abstract

Cross and self-pollination compatibility studies were carried out using 10 Cola nitida genotypes from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan. The few genotypes that were self-pollinated tended to show low pod production; whereas, crosses between the genotypes showed higher pod production. These data would suggest that multiple genotypes should be included in plantations to achieve higher levels of cross-pollination for seed production. Several genotypes (AA231, AA86 and AD44) used in crosses produced pods at a higher frequency. This would suggest higher compatibility of these genotypes. Successful crosses achieved in this work have therefore created a way by which Cola production could be given a boost in Nigeria. This could be achieved by substituting the incompatible genotypes in plantations with cross compatible genotypes discovered in this research work.

Key words: Compatibility, Cola nitida, cross and self-pollination, pod production.