Abstract
A PRELIMINARY STUDY ON IMMATURE NUTFALL OF COCONUT WITH REFERENCE TO PEST DAMAGE
Highlights
It was reported that a coconut inflorescence commencing with an average of 16 female flowers or potential nuts loses 24% during the first two months, 40% during the second two months and 2% during the third two months of their development (Abeywardene and Mathes, 1971)
Namely microbial infections, insect pest damages and physiological reasons were identified as predominant causes for nut shedding
Fungal infections were comparatively high during the first four months resulting in a 17% immature nutfall
Summary
It was reported that a coconut inflorescence commencing with an average of 16 female flowers or potential nuts loses 24% during the first two months, 40% during the second two months and 2% during the third two months of their development (Abeywardene and Mathes, 1971). Total of twenty healthy palms were selected and a nylon net basket was hung just below the selected inflorescence in each palm soon after the opening of the inflorescence. Fallen nuts were collected daily during the first two months and at weekly intervals thereafter over a six month period, and were categorized according to the cause of nutfall. Namely microbial infections, insect pest damages and physiological reasons were identified as predominant causes for nut shedding. Especially fungal infections were identified by the light brown to dark brown patches with water soaked appearance and the presence of mycelium in the perianth region and in the inner tissues.
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