Resilient Cocoa: Israeli Researchers Discover Drought-Proof Strain Amidst Conflict

Israeli researchers at the Volcani Institute have discovered a resilient strain of cocoa plant that survived months of drought and severe cold, despite being caught in the Gaza conflict. This breakthrough could help alleviate global cocoa shortages and mitigate rising chocolate prices by expanding cocoa-growing regions.

Israeli researchers uncovered a breakthrough in cocoa cultivation amidst the Gaza conflict. Despite the devastation from the Oct. 7 assault that left their southern Israel facility without resources for months, 18 cocoa seedlings survived, indicating an unexpected drought and cold resistance.

This discovery promises to alleviate global cocoa shortages. Volcani Institute's senior scientist Ellen Graber plans to clone these 'super hero' plants, testing for pest resistance and identifying resilience genes.

The Volcani Institute's history of developing robust plant strains augments hopes for an expanded cocoa-growing region, potentially stabilizing cocoa prices and enhancing supply.

(With inputs from agencies.)