Epiphytes Distribution and Yield of Cocoa Trees Under Shade and Full Sun Conditions

Cocoa agroforestry is widely promoted for biodiversity conservation and sustainable production; however, uncertainties remain regarding the distribution of epiphytes and cocoa yield under different shade regimes. This study evaluated the effects of shade on epiphyte distribution and cocoa productivity at two community sites located approximately 6 km apart. One site consisted of cocoa cultivated under indigenous and introduced shade trees, while the other site used a 40% shade net. Annual rainfall at the sites was 1364.70 mm and 1178.44 mm, respectively, with average monthly temperatures ranging from 28 to 35 °C. During the main dry season, light intensity under direct sunlight exceeded 13.00 Klux and was approximately three times greater than in shaded plots. Lichens were the dominant epiphytes across all shade systems, with 40–70 colonies per 225 m2 plot. Only one vascular epiphyte species was recorded, occurring exclusively on cocoa trees under the shade net. Correlation coefficients between light availability and epiphyte abundance ranged from 0.08 to 0.62, indicating that light influenced epiphyte distribution and diversity. Cocoa pod production under indigenous shade trees and full sunlight was comparable (127–177 pods per plot), whereas production under the shade net was approximately twice that recorded in unshaded plots. Although flower cushion abundance varied among treatments, pods from shaded plots generally contained more beans. The highest incidence of diseased and wilted pods occurred under shade trees. Overall, the findings suggest that heavy tree shade may limit epiphyte development through reduced light availability, while uniform artificial shading may enhance cocoa yield.