Effectiveness of juvenile tree growth rate as an index for selecting high yielding cocoa families

► We studied the relationship between vegetative vigor and bean yields in cocoa. ► Families with rapid increase in vigor prior to bearing have large cumulative yields. ► Tree size during bearing age is correlated with yield but not with yield efficiency. ► Yield efficiency is additively inherited in cocoa. ► Early selection for seedling vigor and precocity can identify productive varieties.