Abstract
Coconut yields in Sri Lanka show considerable fluctuation between years mainly due tovariation in the distributions of major climatic parameters such as rainfall, solar radiation andrelative humidity. The effect of current weather is usually reflected on the yields of the followingyear. However, the degree of. influence of these variables on coconut yield is yet unknown. Anattempt was made to study the influence of intensity and distribution of rainfall in two-monthlysub-periods of the previous year on nut yield at Ratmalagara Estate in the Low Country DryIntermediate Zone (75% annual rainfall probability > 1500) of Sri Lanka. Rainfall during January/February was found to be the most influential factor on the subsequent years total yield and theyield increased with increasing rainfall. The rainfall during March/April had a similar effect wherearound 400 mm was found to be sufficient. The high intensity of rainfall during May/Augustadversely affected the crop, where amount in excess of 450 mm was not utilized to increase theyield. The impact of rain during July/August was minimal. High rainfall during September/October and November/December had a depressing effect on yield, and this was very significantwith respect to the November/December rainfall. A multiple regression model with R = 89% wasdeveloped using a combination of some parameters of bimonthly rainfall which would be usefulin determining the potential yield and to explain yield fluctuation between years to a certaindegree.
Highlights
The coconut palm generally produces one mature bunch regularly every month
Though a mature bunch can be harvested monthly, the crop is usually collected at bimonthly intervals for convenience, and this is generally done in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December
The crop data from 1969 to 1989 at Ratmalagara Estate (RE) at the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) located in the L o w Country Intermediate Zone (ILI) in Sri Lanka and daily rainfall records from 1958-1988 measured from the rain gauge maintained at the agro-meteorological statioin at the site were used in this study
Summary
The coconut palm generally produces one mature bunch regularly every month. Each bunch goes through a cycle of development lasting about 4 6 months before it is ready for harvest. Development of nuts takes place during the last twelve months after opening of the inflorescence (Child, 1974). This period as well as certain periods prior to this are very sensitive to major climatic elements such as rainfall, solar radiation, and atmospheric relative humidity. Though a mature bunch can be harvested monthly, the crop is usually collected at bimonthly intervals (six picks a year) for convenience, and this is generally done in January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October and November/December. The soil type within a given agrocliniatic zone, is important
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