Scientific research

Handbooks for Genebanks: No. 4. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome

Excerpt:
Roberts (1973) introduced the terms "orthodox" and "recalcitrant" for the two categories of seed storage behaviour he identified. According to Roberts, orthodox seeds can be dried to low moisture contents (2-5%) without damage. In addition, their longevity increases with decreases in seed storage moisture content and temperature in a quantifiable and predictable way over a wide range of storage environments. In contrast, recalcitrant seeds cannot survive desiccation below a comparatively high (between 12 and 31%) moisture content. p.15

[Theobroma cacao has] "tropical-recalcitrant" seeds that are sensitive to damage from both desiccation and exposure to cool temperatures of 10-15°C or less. p.15

The "lowest safe moisture content" for cocoa (Theobroma cacao) is 23% (Mumford & Brett, 1982) p.28