Establishing references for gene expression analyses by RT-qPCR in Theobroma cacao tissues

tubulin (TUB) were the most appropriate for normalization when shoot apexes were treated with hormones, while ACT, TUB and Rpl35 were the most appropriate after inoculation with M. perniciosa.We conclude that for each plant system and biological or ontogenetical condition, there is a need to define suitable reference genes.This is the first report to define reference genes for expression studies in cacao.