Three new species of a plant close to cocoa discovered, claim- these will increase chocolate production worldwide

Scientists have discovered three new species of plant close to cocoa beans in the rainforests of South America. These new species are Theobroma globosum, Theobroma nervosum and Theobroma schultzei. In recent years, cocoa plants have been facing a devastating threat due to climate change and black pod disease. This has also affected chocolate products. Scientists are confident that the discovery of these new species can help chocolate products withstand changes in the weather.

Scientists from University College Cork, University of Sao Paulo, and New York Botanical Garden discovered this and the results of the research have been published in the journal Kew Bulletin. According to the researchers, the species found in South American rainforests are close relatives of cocoa, on which cocoa beans grow. Fruits grow on the trunk and branches of the cocoa tree. These are called pods. The pods contain seeds called cocoa beans. Beans are made up of a seed coat, a kernel, and a germ. Cocoa beans are roasted and ground to make cocoa nibs, which are used to make chocolate, chocolate products, and cocoa tea.

According to lead researcher Dr. James Richardson, this discovery can help in preparing such cocoa trees, which will be much more capable of coping with the changes in the climate and black pod disease. In such a situation, the production of chocolate and other cocoa products will continue even while fighting the changing climate and diseases.

Cocoa prices have recently risen as West Africa's drought has reduced supply. According to analysts, the price of cocoa beans, the most essential raw material in chocolate, has risen to a record $12,000 per tonne, about four times the price last year. In such a setting, the discovery of new types will result in cocoa trees that can endure drought, strong rainfall, and illnesses.