Comparación de perfiles metagenómicos de fermentación de cacao de datos publicados en servidores públicos, con información de distintos orígenes de países productores de cacao

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the metagenomic profiles of the cacao fermentation process from six different sites. Bioinformatics analyses were performed using six databases from Mexico, Costa Rica, Cameroon, and Colombia. The dada2 package in RStudio was used, followed by a 16S rRNA cleaning analysis and taxonomy assignment to the samples. Subsequently, the relative abundance and species richness were determined, and the samples were compared using alpha and beta diversity indices. A statistical analysis was conducted, and the results were compared with global market prices according to Selina Wamucii (2023), whose study indicated that cacao from Mexico was the highest priced, ranging from 4.10 to 5.00 USD per kilogram. Abundance analyses revealed a significant presence of the Proteobacteria phylum at all sites except Mexico, which is consistent with the ecological significance of cacao fermentation. The dominance of the Actinobacteriota phylum in Mexico suggests antimicrobial benefits and potential biocontrol. Additionally, the Cyanobacteria phylum, observed in Cameroon and Costa Rica, could influence the final product's composition due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities and production of bioactive compounds. High alpha diversity, especially in Colombia and Costa Rica, indicates very rich microbial communities. Despite the geographical differences, no significant differences were found between the samples. Finally, this study highlights the complex interaction between microbial diversity, market quality, and market perception. Despite the limitations, it provides valuable insights into microbial diversity at the studied sites, but emphasizes the need for careful interpretation of the results. It also suggests areas for future research in this field.