Coconut Populations Research Articles

Genetic Relationships of Indigenous King Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Populations as Determined by SSR Markers

King Coconut (KC) is an indigenous and highly valuable germplasm resource in Sri Lanka. Yet, KC populations' genetic diversity, relationships, and conservation strategies are not fully understood. Indigenous old KC populations have been dispersed across a few ancient villages in Sri Lanka. Five geographically dispersed locations were selected in Sri Lanka, and 20 KC individuals from each location were collected for the current study. Six randomly selected samples from every geographical location, together with the standard two Sri Lanka Red Dwarf and two Sri Lanka Tall varieties were initially genotyped using 21 SSR markers for polymorphism. Based on the results, ten polymorphic SSR markers were selected and used for genotyping. Power Marker, STRUCTURE, and GenAlex software were used for the SSR genetic analysis. Results revealed 0.62 mean Gene Diversity (Hs), 4.2 mean allele number, and 0.55 polymorphic information content (PIC). Clear differentiation of populations was observed with the STRUCTURE and UPGMA dendrogram. Single branching in the UPGMA dendrogram for Anuradhapura and Marandawila KC populations revealed high genetic uniformity over multi-branched Kadugannawa and Colambageara populations. According to AMOVA, 64% of the genetic variation has been partitioned among populations, indicating moderate population differentiation. Detail analysis, including a higher number of KC populations and systematic molecular analysis using more SSRs/SNPs needed in the future before implementing conservation and utilization strategies.

Genomics and Transcriptomics Reveal Genetic Contribution to Population Diversity and Specific Traits in Coconut.

Coconut is an economically important palm species with a long history of human use. It has applications in various food, nutraceuticals, and cosmetic products, and there has been renewed interest in coconut in recent years due to its unique nutritional and medicinal properties. Unfortunately, the sustainable growth of the coconut industry has been hampered due to a shortage of good quality seedlings. Genetic improvement through the traditional breeding approach faced considerable obstacles due to its perennial nature, protracted juvenile period, and high heterozygosity. Molecular biotechnological tools, including molecular markers and next-generation sequencing (NGS), could expedite genetic improvement efforts in coconut. Researchers have employed various molecular markers to reveal genetic diversity among coconut populations and for the construction of a genetic map for exploitation in coconut breeding programs worldwide. Whole genome sequencing and transcriptomics on the different varieties have generated a massive amount of publicly accessible sequence data, substantially improving the ability to analyze and understand molecular mechanisms affecting crop performance. The production of high-yielding and disease-resilient coconuts and the deciphering of the complex coconut genome's structure can profit tremendously from these technologies. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the progress of coconut research, using genomics, transcriptomics, and molecular markers initiatives.

Flowering type and morphological diversity of Bido coconut from Morotai Island District, Indonesia

Abstract. Mawardi S, Romadhon MR, Rahma, Maskromo I, Dinarti D, Sudarsono. 2023. Flowering type and morphological diversity of Bido coconut from Morotai Island District, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1473-1481. In general, coconuts are divided into Tall and Dwarf types. Dwarf coconut is early bearing and has a short trunk, while Tall coconut yields high-quality copra and has a large fruit size. Furthermore, Bido-Tall coconut is an early bearing with a short trunk, medium size fruit, and high-quality copra. This research aims to evaluate Bido coconut population variations and study the flowering types of Bido and other coconut types in the research locations. Morphological and flowering type observation was conducted for Bido Tall, Local Tall, Local Dwarf, and Bido Tall outcrossing progenies at Bido Village, North Maluku, Indonesia. Flowering-type observations were carried out on three successive inflorescences. The Bido Tall, Dwarf, and the Bido Tall outcrossing progenies exhibited natural autogamy pollination, while the Local Tall coconut was semi-autogamy. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results indicated that the stem girth at 20 cm and 150 cm above ground, the internode length, the leaf numbers, the fruit color, and the fruit numbers cumulatively contributed to 68.80% of the observed coconut variabilities. Most Bido Tall coconut individuals were clustered separately from the existing local Tall and Dwarf coconuts. However, the clustering analysis showed average similarity among Bido Tall, the Local Tall, and Dwarf coconuts are still above 70%. The similarity coefficient among the Bido Tall coconut, the Bido Tall outcrossing progenies (natural hybrids), and the Local Tall was higher than among Bido Tall to the Local Dwarf coconuts.

Estimating Coconut Production and Productivity of Local Tall in Taliabu Island Using Drone and Sampling Population

The objective of this research is to know the local tall coconut population, production and productivity in Taliabu Island, North Maluku Province, which is crucial for the industry. The aerial photography method using drones has been carried out to determine the distribution of coconut diversity, palm age, production potential and local coconut productivity. Production data and coconut fruit components were carried out on 6 sample populations. The result (Arvitech) revealed that in Jorjoga, the area under coconut was 335 ha out of the surveyed area of 1,066 ha. The total number of coconut palms was 55.728 palms. The Geomac survey carried out in Tabona indicated there were 77,629 coconut palms in an area of 1,000 ha. The fruit component analysis showed the weight of the whole fruit and the fruit without husk at the Jorjoga was 1,340-1,629g/fruit, and 805-1,033g/seed nut, and in Tabona was 1,478-1,577g/fruit and 944-966g/seed nut. The coconut production potential at Jorjoga was 9,539 nuts/ha/year, higher than that of Tabona with 7,227 nuts/ha/year. The coconut production and productivity estimation information can be used to develop a coconut replanting and rehabilitation strategy wherein selected varieties with good attributes for the tall coconut can be planted and ensure their proper maintenance, thus can be used to estimate the need for raw materials required for the establishment of the coconut industry in Taliabu Island. Determining the coconut population status can increase the production and productivity of coconut palms through rejuvenation, rehabilitation and expansion of coconut plantations using superior tall coconut seedlings.

Genomic screening for tolerance of coconut populations differentially exposed to coconut's lethal yellowing in Ghana using genotyping by sequencing

Genomic screening for tolerance of coconut populations differentially exposed to coconut's lethal yellowing in Ghana using genotyping by sequencing

Genetic diversity analysis of Puan Kalianda kopyor coconuts (Cocos nucifera) from South Lampung, Indonesia based on SSR markers

Abstract. Rahayu MS, Setiawan A, Maskromo I, Purwito A, Sudarsono. 2021. Genetic diversity analysis of Puan Kalianda kopyor coconuts (Cocos nucifera) from South Lampung, Indonesia based on SSR markers. Biodiversitas 23: 205-211. Puan Kalianda kopyor coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a newly released tall kopyor coconut from Kalianda, South Lampung, Indonesia. The kopyor coconut is an exotic, highly economic value coconut mutant with an abnormal endosperm. This study aimed to analyze the genetic diversity of Puan Kalianda kopyor coconut from South Lampung, Indonesia using SSR markers. As many as 91 Puan Kalianda kopyor coconut accessions were genotyped using 10 SSR marker loci, and the generated data were used to evaluate their genetic diversity and population structure. The results showed a high degree of SSR marker polymorphism (PIC value = 67%), indicating the SSR marker loci are informative for revealing the genetic diversity within the evaluated Puan Kalianda kopyor coconut population. The Puan Kalianda coconut population showed a 70% expected heterozygosity (He) and 60% observed heterozygosity. The phylogenetic analysis formed two main clusters, and each cluster consisted of three sub-clusters. The Genetic structure analysis showed that the population most probably derived from two ancestral origins (K = 2) and can further be clustered into six sub-clusters (K = 6). Therefore, since genetic diversity within the population is relatively high, the Puan Kalianda tall kopyor coconut population can be considered an essential genetic resource for future kopyor coconut development.

KERAGAMAN GENETIK KELAPA DALAM MAPANGET NOMOR 32 HASIL PENYERBUKAN SENDIRI BERDASARKAN PENANDA RAPD

<p><strong>Genetic variability of selfing Mapanget Tall coconut No. 32 based on RAPD marker</strong></p><p>The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic variability of seling Mapanget Tall coconut No. 32 used RAPD marker. Ihe method of morphology, fruit component and isozymc analyses could not explain the homozygote level of the offspring and his parents. The DNA analysis was done at Plant Biology Laboratory, PAU, Life Science IPB, and the coconut leaflets samples were collected from Kima Atas Research Instalation, Research Institute for Coconut and Palmae, Manado. This research the study was conducted from November 1999 to Fcbruay 2000. Coconut materials analyzed were DMT 32-OP, DMT 32-S2, DM 1 32-S3 andDMT32-S4. DMT 32-S2 was the offsprings of the selfcd DMT 32- SI coconut seling. and the DMT 32-SI came from the sclfed of DMT 32-OP. Then selfcd DMT 32-S2 produced were found the DMT 32-S3. and selfcd of DMT 32-S3 produced the progeny of DMT 32-S4. DNA was isolated using the method of ROHDE et at (1995), while DNA quantity and quality was using the method of SAMBROOK et al (1989). Then the DNA was ampliied using 10 random primer 10 mer and PCR apparatus of 2.400 Perkin-Elmer System. Ater thai the DNA was elcctrophorated, and photographed using Polaroid 667 ilm, then ihe biner data matrix of each coconut population was calculated lor Ilic number of monomorphism banding was found in DMT 32-S2. Ihe genetic similarity between DMT 32-S3 and DMT 32-S3 was the mosl similar at genetic distance of 90%. DMT 32-S3 resulted from self pollination can be recommended as parent material for hybridization.</p>

Geological Evidence of Shoreline Erosion and Mitigation Challenges

A survey was carried out along parts of the coastal stretch of Accra, the capital of Ghana, to determine the existence andthe extent of erosion. The survey was also to determine the effectiveness of the engineering solutions that have been put inplace. Coastal land forms as evidence of erosion were identified during the field survey. These include landslides of steepcoastal cliffs, coastal caves and arches, retreat of coastal cliffs, headlands, stacks and sand dunes. These pieces of evidenceconfirm earlier findings that the coastal shoreline of Accra is being eroded. The extent of erosion, however, is high in soft rocks and low in hard rocks. Several coastal protection measures have been put in place to address the effects of erosion by the sea waves and currents. These include revetments, jetties, ripraps and beach nourishment. Some of the mitigation measures however have shown signs of failure. The signs include rusted metal basket supporting cobbles of gabions, jetties causing down-current erosion of shoreline cliffs, and reduction in coconut population along the shoreline owing to human activities, such as sand winning and diseases attacks. Sand winning along the shore is lowering shoreline morphology and enhancing sea transgression and the destruction of coastal structures.
 Keywords: Erosion; Coastal landform; Coastal protection; Revetments; Shoreline morphology

Genotyping-by-sequencing technology reveals directions for coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) breeding strategies for water production

The dwarf coconut is widely used in the coconut hybrids production (tall × dwarf) because it presents higher precocity and higher productivity of the number of fruits in relation to the other varieties. However, these hybrids originated from Intervarietal crossing, produce fruits with low market acceptance for water quality. Intravarietal crosses (dwarf × dwarf) could act as an alternative, but little is known about the diversity within and between the dwarf sub-varieties, which can lead to a misdirection to breeding programs. In this study, we report the level of genetic variability between dwarf coconut accessions belonging to three sub-varieties (green, yellow and red), as well as the analysis of population structure. We used the RAD-sequencing methodology for analyzing 39 genotypes belonging to dwarf coconut populations collected in different producing regions of Brazil. Our results show that the SNP markers increased the power of detection of genetic variability, facilitating the decision making regarding future crosses in order to explore the heterosis in dwarf coconut breeding programs. Inter-sub-varietal crosses of dwarf coconut are highly promising to reduce the time and optimize the process of obtaining new cultivars for water production requiring field assessments to confirm its agronomic potential.

Typology in the fertility of seven Tall coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) populations using artificial pollination traits in field genebank

This study investigates the fertility typology for seven Tall coconut accessions using artificial pollination characters. Ten traits describing fertility were considered for characterizing three groups of coconut individuals per accession. Ten males parental, twenty to forty female parental, and ten progenies were randomly explored per coconut accession. Except for the rate of seeds germination, the outcomes revealed the usefulness of the characters assessed for the discrimination of the accessions studied. The typology of the fertility of the accessions studied is independent of the origins and highlighted two main groups. The first group gathers Laccadive Common Tall (LCT) and West African Tall (WAT and WAT6) accessions including the most fertile male parents and the females showing great production of seed nuts. From this group, the progenies set out a lack of vigour. The second group is constituted of Panama Tall (PNT01 and PNT02), Solomon Island Tall (SIT) and Gazelle Peninsula Tall (GPT) accessions with characters opposite to the previous ones. The investigations of the Tall coconut accessions fertility are fundamental to address the low size of genitors and progenies for respective field genebank regeneration and representative field replanting.

Selection of legitimate dwarf coconut hybrid seedlings using DNA fingerprinting

Abstract Due to the great economic importance of coconut palm in Brazil and the development of a coconut breeding program intended to produce intravarietal hybrids, the present work aimed to ease the production of hybrids with the same morphological heritage. DNA was extracted from leaf samples of 13 dwarf coconut populations from Brazil, and PCR amplification was performed using 21 previously selected microsatellites. Furthermore, this study selected nine microsatellite markers with the potential to identify Green Dwarf x Yellow Dwarf hybrids and 16 microsatellites with the potential to identify Red Dwarf x Yellow Dwarf hybrids. In conclusion, SSR marker based on DNA Fingerprinting allowed the accurate identification of legitimate intravarietal hybrids since, for those crosses, the methodology of identification based on seedling color is not a viable alternative.

Microsatellite and SNAP markers used for evaluating pollen dispersal on Pati tall coconuts and Xenia effect on the production of ‘Kopyor’ fruits

Kopyor coconut is one of the many unique coconut types existed in Indonesia. To overcome the problem of low kopyor fruit yield, it is necessary to study xenia effect on the fruit yield of this coconut. The combination of kopyor coconut and normal coconut population selected at infarmers’ coconut plantations consisted of 33 normal coconut trees, and 9 kopyor coconut trees. All adult trees surrounding the 9 kopyor heterozygous (Kk) palms were evaluated as potential male candidate parents (pollen donors). All samples genotypes were determined using four SNAP markers and six microsatellite marker loci, parentage analysis using CERVUS software version 2.0. Results of the analysis indicate that xenia effect reduced kopyor fruit yields. Kopyor heterozygous (Kk) female parents produced low number of kopyor fruits when they were surrounded by many normal homozygous (KK) pollen donors. Out of 99 harvested progeny arrays from the kopyor heterozygous (Kk) female parents, none exhibited kopyor phenotype. The results also indicate that the pollen dispersal from normal homozygous (KK) donor palms range from 0 m (self pollination) to 54 m (outcrossing). The occurence of outcrossing frequency was at least 95% and the selfing frequency is 5%.

Genetic diversity and differentiation of the Hainan Tall coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) as revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat markers

Hainan Tall coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), which show the advantageous characteristics of high yield, hardiness, and wind resistance, is the dominant coconut population in Hainan Island, the main area of coconut production in China. An understanding of the genetic diversities and origins of the Hainan Tall population is essential to effective breeding. To achieve this aim, we used dozens of inter-simple sequence repeat molecular markers to characterize the genetic diversity among Hainan Tall and other coconut accessions outside China. Results revealed that Hainan Tall consisted of two main subgroups reflecting different geographic distributions (such as northern vs. southern parts of Hainan Island), and other accessions lacking clear location trends because of human activities. Diversity analysis revealed that the Hainan Tall population exhibits a higher genetic diversity than that of exotic populations mostly collected from Southeast Asia. The phylogenetic clustering results indicated that the Hainan Tall population is domesticated separately from (and earlier than) other coconut accessions, and the differentiation existed within the Hainan Tall population. Among other causes, this notion may explain the high diversity within the Hainan Tall population. Overall, these findings provide a preliminary scenario of the genetic diversities and origins of the Hainan Tall population.

Morphological Diversity among 18 Genitors of Vanuatu Tall (VTT) Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Population used in Crosses for Hybrids Resistant to Lethal Yellowing Disease Selection at Port-Bouët, Côte d’Ivoire

Morphological Diversity among 18 Genitors of Vanuatu Tall (VTT) Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Population used in Crosses for Hybrids Resistant to Lethal Yellowing Disease Selection at Port-Bouët, Côte d’Ivoire

KERAGAMAN FENOTIPE KELAPA DALAM DI KECAMATAN TENGA KABUPATEN MINAHASA SELATAN

North Sulawesi province is known as one of the biggest coconut production in Indonesia. South Minahasa Regency is the biggest coconut production in the North Sulawesi Province. District of Tenga is one of major coconut production in South Minahasa Regency. Therefore, effort should be conducted in order to maintain the coconut production in District of Tenga. One effort to maintain coconut production in District of Tenga is to cultivate coconut varieties which can result high yield. High yield production of coconut can be resulted through plant breeding. In plant breeding, variation is parameter of selection that can be used to evaluate population performance of breeding material. The variation of coconut in District of Tenga has not been investigated. In order to support selection program to produce good quality of coconut varieties it is important to assess coconut population in District of Tenga. Research was conducted by collecting samples at four villages namely Tawaang, Tawaang Barat, Radey and Malinow representing in District of Tenga. Sample was collected using purposive sampling. Twenty-five sampels of coconut tree were collected at each village. Samples of coconut tree were collected using purposive sampling followed by marking of each sample. Characters observed were number of fruit per tree, number of fruit per bunch, fruit weight per bunch, fruit weight without husk per bunch, fruit weight without water per bunch, coconut shell weight per bunch and fresh fruit meat (white flesh) weight per bunch. Data was analyzed using Bartlett homogeneity test. Result showed that characters of number of fruit per tree and fruit weight without husk per bunch were varied. Whereas, characters number of fruit per bunch, fruit weight without husk per bunch, fruit weight without water per bunch, coconut shell weight per bunch and fresh fruit meat (white flesh) weight per bunch were not varied.Keywords: Coconut, Variation, Fenotype, Tenga District, South Minahasa

Xenia Negatively Affecting Kopyor Nut Yield in Kalianda Tall Kopyor and Pati Dwarf Kopyor Coconuts

Xenia is a phenomenon usually associated with phenotype characters controlled by a single recessive gene. The genotype of pollen donor directly determines the phenotype of fruits or seeds harvested from female recipients. Kopyor coconut is a unique coconut mutant and its formation is an example of xenia, since the genotype of the pollen donor determines the phenotype of the harvested nuts. The objectives of this research were to evaluate xenia in two types of kopyor coconuts (i.e. Kalianda Kopyor Tall and Pati Kopyor Dwarf), determine effects of homozygous KK normal and heterozygous Kk Kopyor coconut ratio, and effects of homozygous KK normal coconuts removal from mix population on yield of Kopyor nuts. For Kalianda Tall Kopyor coconut, field observations were conducted at three kopyor coconut plantations in Kalianda district, Lampung Selatan, Lampung-Indonesia while observations of Pati Dwarf Kopyor were conducted at Tayu district, Pati, Central Java-Indonesia. In both regions, coconut provenances were mapped using GPS and sub-samples were taken based on determined criteria. For each sampled tree, observations were recorded for the following variables: nut yield and yield components. The quantitative data were subjected to t-test statistical analysis to evaluate the significant differences among the observed parameters. Results of this experiment showed the presence of more homozygous KK normal coconuts among provenances of Kalianda Tall heterozygous Kk Kopyor coconut resulted in lower harvested kopyor nuts than the expected value. Moreover, removal of homozygous KK normal coconuts from a mixed coconut population increased yield of kopyor nuts. Those results indicated xenia occurred in both Kalianda Tall and Pati Dwarf Kopyor coconuts and it negatively affected the kopyor nut yield.

Pollen Dispersal and Pollination Patterns Studies in Pati Kopyor Coconut using Molecular Markers

Parentage analysis has been used to evaluate pollen dispersal in Kopyor coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Investigations were undertaken to elucidate (i) the dispersal of pollen, (ii) the rate of self and out-crossing pollination, and (iii) the distance of pollen travel in Pati kopyor coconut population. The finding of this activities should be beneficial to kopyor coconut farmers to increase their kopyor fruit harvest and to support breeding of this unique coconut mutant. As many as 84 progenies were harvested from 15 female parents. As many as 95 adults coconut provenances surrounding the female parents were analyses as the potential male parents for the progenies. The adult coconut palms were mapped according to their GPS position. All samples were genotyped using six SSR and four SNAP marker loci. Parentage analysis was done using CERVUS version 2.0 software. Results of the analysis indicated that evaluated markers were effective for assigning candidate male parents to all evaluated seedlings. There is no specific direction of donated pollen movement from assigned donor parents to the female ones. The donated pollens could come from assigned male parents in any directions relative to the female parent positions. Cross pollination occured in as many as 82.1% of the progenies analyzed. Outcrossing among tall by tall (TxT), dwarf by dwarf (DxD), hybrid by hybrid (HxH), TxD, DxT, TxH, DxH, and HxD were observed. Self-pollination (TxT and DxD) occurred in as many as 17.9% of the progenies. The dwarf coconut was not always self pollinated. The presence of DxD, TxD, and HxD outcrossing was also observed. The donated pollens could come from pollen donor in a range of at least 0-58 m apart from the evaluated female recipients. Therefore, in addition to the wind, insect pollinators may have played an important role in Kopyor coconut pollination.

Molecular Assessment of <i>Cocos nucifera</i> L. Var. Sri Lanka Yellow Dwarf for Genetic Purity and <i>Aceria</i> Mite Tolerance

World-over, coconut is classified broadly into tall and dwarf phenotypes. The dwarf coconut variety is further divided into forms based on the colour of the epicarp. The Sri Lanka Yellow Dwarf (SLYD) coconut variety was observed to have individuals of differing phenotypes and this variety also showed varying degrees of tolerance to Aceria guerreronis (Keifer), which is a pest infesting coconut causing economic losses. This study was aimed at the evaluation of the coconut form SLYD for varietal confirmation and the tolerance to Aceria mite at the microsatellite marker loci. Twenty five sample palms drawn randomly from four morphological groups based on stature and tolerance to Aceria mite were genotyped at seven SSR marker loci along with Sri Lanka Tall (SLT) and Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SLGD) as reference varieties. Three SSR loci were highly informative for the SLYD population and the results revealed the presence of a population structure within the SLYD coconut population. A clear clustering was observed for tall like and the dwarf like groups with more variation within the tall like group. Clear allelic identifications were established at several SSR loci for the clustering based on stature and the markers were identified for distinguishing different groups. The study provided evidence for the need for reclassification and purification of SLYD coconut population. Certain associations were present for the character Aceria mite tolerance, indicating the potential for marker assisted selection.

Characterization of Annur and Bedakam Ecotypes of Coconut from Kerala State, India, Using Microsatellite Markers

The coconut palm is versatile in its adaptability to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions. A long history of its cultivation has resulted in development of many ecotypes, which are adapted to various agro-eco factors prevalent in a particular region. These ecotypes usually are known by the location where they are grown. It is important to explore such adaptation in the coconut population for better utilization of these ecotypes in coconut breeding programs. The aim of the present study was to identify the genetic diversity of the Bedakam and Annur ecotypes of coconut and compare these ecotypes with predominant West Coast Tall (WCT) populations, from which they are presumed to have been derived, using microsatellite markers. All the 17 microsatellite markers used in the study revealed 100% polymorphism. The clustering analysis showed that Annur and Bedakam ecotypes were two separate and distinct populations compared to WCT. It was also evident from the clustering that Annur ecotype was closer to WCT than Bedakam ecotype.

Genetic and phylogenetic relationships of coconut populations from Amini and Kadmat Islands, Lakshadweep (India)

A great deal of variability exists in coconut populations of the Lakshadweep group of islands in India, which is regarded as one of the likely centre's for coconut domestication. It is possible to gain insights into the evolution of coconut populations in these islands by undertaking detailed studies of these populations. In this study, the variability and phylogenetic relationships within populations of Laccadive Ordinary Tall (LCT) and Laccadive Micro Tall (LMT) from Amini and Kadmat Islands were studied using microsatellite markers. LCT collections from these two islands were earlier grouped, according to fruit shape, into three type’s viz., elongated, round or oval shaped and pear shaped ones. Three accessions of LMT, one each from Amini and Kadmat, and a variant of LMT from Kadmat Island, characterized by the round shaped fruit and nut, were also used for the studies. Seedlings raised from these types were analysed using 20 highly polymorphic SSR markers. Elliptical type from Amini, which are described as ‘Niu Kafa’ type, emerged as distinct from other populations and was related to round or ‘Niu Vai’ type from Amini. Pear shaped type from both the islands, which was considered as the introgressed form, showed affinity and appear to have developed as a result of introgression between elliptical and round types. When the LMT palms were analyzed, the LMT palms from Amini and Kadmat clustered together, while the round variant of LMT from Kadmat Island was found to be distinct. A large extent of variations were also found among individual palms of these distinct types when analyzed using SSR markers, highlighting the importance of selection of LCT mother palms for hybrid seed production.