The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction of the genotypes with common temperatures (common, TSH-1188, ESFIP-02, CCN-51, Ipiranga-01, SJ-02, PH-16, PS-1319, CEPEC-2002 and Catongo) (15 degrees C, 20 degrees C, 25 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 35 degrees C, 40 degrees C, 15-25 degrees C and 20-30 degrees C) and drying periods (0, 2 and 4 days) on germination and post-germination cacao tree. The genotype / temperature interaction study was a 10 x 8 factorial, while the desiccation tolerance was a 10 x 3 factorial. Variance analysis was performed and the means were compared using the Scott-Knott grouping test (p < 0.05). For the temperature influence test, the means obtained were submitted to the regression test. The temperature response was influenced differently by the genotype. The TSH-1188 genotype was the only one to present quite distinct behavior, with germinability and vigor above the temperatures tested. As for seed desiccation, the evaluated genotypes had a significant reduction of vigor.