Development of a Dwarf x Tall coconut hybrid ‘Kalpa Samrudhi’

An evaluation trial conducted over 28 years on coconut hybrid combinations has resulted in identification of a superior, high yielding Dwarf x Tall hybrid, named as ‘Kalpa Samrudhi’ involving IND 058S as female parent and IND 069S as male parent. The results revealed that the hybrid is better performing over other hybrids and local control with higher fruit yield (117 fruits palm-1 year-1), high copra out turn (25.72 kg palm-1 year-1 or 4.5 t ha-1 year-1 copra) and estimated oil recovery of 3.04 tonnes ha-1 under rainfed conditions of Kerala. The palms of the hybrid are semi tall, take an average of 45 months for initiation of flowering under rainfed conditions, possess good tender nut water quality (TSS 6o Brix) and higher quantity (346 mL per tender nut). The tender nut water has Na content of 35.1 ppm and K content of 2370 ppm. The hybrid recorded 30.27 per cent more nut yield, 66.05 per cent more copra yield and 73.71 per cent more oil yield over another released Dwarf x Tall hybrid ‘Chandra Sankara’. The seedlings of the hybrid are more vigorous, producing higher number of leaves within 12 months, having higher leaf area and dry weight indicating precocity in growth and development. The flowering, morphological and fruit component traits of the hybrid were compared with parental palms. The characteristics of this hybrid and its performance indicate potential to increase the production and productivity of coconut

Seasonal abundance and host plants of coconut stick insect (Graeffea crouanii Le Guillou) in coconut plantations of Fiji islands

Field survey conducted in major coconut growing regions in the three Fiji islands viz., Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, and Taveuni, revealed the presence of only one pest species of stick insect, Graeffea crouanii. Temperature had a significant effect on the level of infestation in the farms surveyed, while the effect of rainfall and humidity on the infestation was insignificant. Severe infestation was observed in isolated pockets, and the pest distribution was discontinuous in the surveyed areas. On a damage scale index, the insect infestation on coconut palms ranged from 0 to 4 grades. The peak increase of G. crouanii populations was from November to April in wet season at each of the three hotspots: Namaumada (Viti Levu), Dawara (Vanua Levu), and Salialevu (Taveuni). The occurrence of G. crouanii at varying damage levels in the present study may be attributed to the presence of sparse coconut palms in isolated coconut plantations. The field survey identified many alternate host plants of G. crouanii in the two plant families viz., Arecaceae and Pandanaceae. The information on the seasonal abundance and infestation levels of G. crouanii and its alternate host plants are discussed in formulating location-specific pest management strategies

Performance of coconut hybrids and varieties in the East coast of Andhra Pradesh

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the plantation crops with more life span, so suitability of a variety or hybrid for particular region may improve the productivity of the coconut. An experiment was carried out with seven hybrids and two varieties viz. Chandra Sankara (COD × WCT), Chandra Laksha (LCT x COD), VHC1 (ECT × MGD), VHC-2 (ECT × MYD), Kera Ganga (WCT × GBGD), Laksha Ganga (LCT × GBGD), Godavari Ganga (ECT x GBGD), Kera Chandra (Double Century) and Chandra Kalpa at Dr.YSRHUHorticultural Research Station, Ambajipeta, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema Dist., Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was initiated in 2002, in Randomized Block Design in three replicated blocks. The compiled data for six years (2015- 2021) revealed that, Godavari Ganga recorded significantly highest nut yield /palm/year (144.40 nuts) followed by VHC-2 (134.93 nuts) and Kera Ganga (133.33 nuts). Godavari Ganga recorded maximum copra yield of 3.20 t/ha and oil yield of 2.20 t/ha. Tender nut water quantity was recorded more (322.5 mL) in VHC-2 and Godavari Ganga. Due to its superior nut, copra and oil yield, Godavari Ganga and VHC-2 can be recommended for cultivation Andhra Pradesh

Digital phenotyping of coconut and morphological traits associated with eriophyid mite infestation

Observations were recorded on traits associated with mite infestation related at two stages of button on six different coconut cultivars over three years. Highly significant correlation was found between mite damage score with color or weight of tepal. Step-wise multiple regression of the data analysis showed color of inner tepal as major trait associated with infestation by eriophyid mite. Other traits are ratio of tepal weight to tepal area, per cent of buttons with pink discoloration or with resin, tepals of regular aestivation and gap between fruit and tepal. Digital phenotype data of 83 image files were used to calculate color signature and correlated the same to mite damage score over three years. Red spectral values were found to vary from 14 to 251, green values to 12 to 237 and blue to vary from 5 to 183. Spectral values red max, green max, 3* Red + Green max had high significant negative correlation (>-0.4) with mite damage. Color and firmness of fruits and tepals of three coconut varieties were further analyzed where, fruits and tepals of COD variety showed high red/green (a* value of Hunterlab) >12. Firmness of 3 month old tepal and fruit of Benualim (BGRT) tall variety was (penetrometer reading >38) higher than other varieties

In situ approach for rapid characterization to aid on farm conservation of coconut germplasm - A case study of two ecotypes from West coast of India

Characterization and evaluation of coconut germplasm have conventionally been undertaken in ex situ gene banks, which take a minimum duration of fifteen years. On the other hand, utilization of coconut populations in situ can effectively reduce the time required for characterization of the populations. Hence, a concept to make a paradigm shift in the existing approach of coconut germplasm characterization is advocated in this study with a view to broaden the conservation base and facilitate inclusion of identified diverse ecotypes. The methodology has been applied to identify, locate and characterize two tall coconut ecotypes viz., Bedakam and Kuttiyadi, from northern Kerala. Agronomic traits, viz., higher number of nuts per palm, higher copra content and better performance under marginal management conditions along with adaptation to the environment, were the major reasons for preference of these ecotypes among the farmers. Comparison of the two ecotypes revealed that the traits, trunk girth, length of internode, number of leaves, number of bunches with nuts, number of nuts, shell weight, husked fruit weight and fruit weight were higher in Kuttiyadi than in Bedakam ecotype. On the other hand, number of leaf scars per meter, length of inflorescence, fruit breadth, husk weight, nut cavity volume and copra weight were higher in Bedakam compared to Kuttiyadi ecotype. Relevance, utility and importance of the study are discussed from the perspective of effective utilization of the coconut diversity in situ and their possible further use in coconut improvement efforts through conservation strategies

Traditional knowledge on Nicobari aloo (Dioscorea alata L.) among Nicobaritribal community of Car Nicobar Island, India

Nicobarese, the dominant tribe of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, rely on coconut-based cropping systems and fishingfor livelihood. The Nicobari aloo (Dioscorea alata) is valued staple food crop for the community. Diverse types ofDioscorea alata are conserved in different parts of the islands. The acquired knowledge on this food crop over thegenerations is vital for the sustenance. The Nicobarese live in joint family system called “Tuhet” which share land, coconutpalms, tuber crops and livestock. Each tuhet cultivates different varieties of Nicobari aloo along with other crops. It wasobserved and documented that this tribe cultivate Nicobari aloo in traditional way even at present, as natural/organic farmingpractices without using fertilisers and chemicals. The community makes away of preparations of Nicobari aloo tubers forregular consumption as well as during village festivals. This paper documents the traditional knowledge of the tribe on thistuber species, varieties, cultivation and utilisation

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Not AvailableNoni (Morinda citrifolia L.) a tropical fruit belongs to the family Rubiaceae, commonly known as Indian Mulberry. It is a small tree that grows to a normal height around 10 to 30 feet in about 5 to 8 years. The fruits are irregular in shape, 7.5 to 15 cm long, ovoid green at unripe stage, turning yellowish-white colour, soft and creamy at maturity.Not Availabl

Tender coconuts for nutritional security

Not AvailableThe coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) nick-named as Kalpa vriksha, is a multipurpose palm grown widely in humid tropics, providing nutritious food and refreshing drink, oil for edible and non-edible uses, fibre, shell for fuel and industrial uses, timber and a variety of miscellaneous products for domestic and industrial uses. Its crop is of greater significance in generating employment, alleviating poverty and enhancing income to rural areas. It provides livelihood for 10 million people, contributing 6 per cent to the national vegetable oil pool.Not Availabl

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Not AvailableThe extent of genetic diversity among nineteen coconut accessions comprising collections from the Indian Ocean Islands were characterized with eight polymorphic microsatellite primers. The fixation index (Fst) was found to be higher (0.78) between Laccadive Micro (LMT) and Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD) population and the lowest Fst value (0.04) was found among the population Guelle Rose Tall (GLT) and Sri Lankan Tall (SLT). An average Fst value of 0.48 was observed for the accessions indicating higher level of population differentiation among the accessions. The maximum genetic distance (2.29) was observed between Laccadive Green Tall (LGT) and Chowghat Orange Dwarf (COD). The minimum genetic distance (0.04) observed between Laccadive Micro(LMT) and Srilankan Tall (SLT). Overall, the within population variation was found to be higher (67%) than among the population variation (33%) for these coconut accessions. The clustering pattern distinguished two main groups among the Indian Ocean Islands population. The control population COD formed the first group and the remaining populations form the second group. The clustering within the second group revealed the relationship among the accessions under study and the information on possible migration of coconut types within the region which could be useful for planning future collections as well the utilization of conserved types.Not Availabl