Coconut Stem Research Articles

SOME PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COCONUT PALM (COCOS NUCIFERA) STEM IN HAINAN ISLAND, CHINA

The physical and mechanical properties of 40-year-old coconut stem were investigated in different radial directions and height positions. The results showed that in the radial direction, the properties of the number of vascular bundles (NVB), density, shrinkage, compressive strength parallel to the grain (CS), modulus of rupture (MOR), and modulus of elasticity (MOE) decreased continuously from the outer area to the inner area, except for the water absorption (WA) value which increased from the outer area to the inner area. The density and MOE decreased from the bottom to the top in the height direction while NVB and WA increased. The shrinkage, CS, and MOE first increased and then decreased from the bottom to the top. NVB in coconut stem affects the density and determines the main mechanical properties of CS, MOR, and MOE. The analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) showed a significant difference in density, NVB, WA, CS, MOR, and MOE in radial direction and height position. These findings can be useful for the development of new applications for coconut stems, such as in construction, landscaping, or furniture manufacturing, as well as for improving our understanding of their structural characteristics.

Translocation of pesticides in coconut palm by endotherapy with the addition of different adjuvants

Commercial pesticides were selected, mixed and applied in coconut stems (Cocos nucifera Linn.) by endotherapy with various adjuvants. Tissue samples from the coconut stem were collected at different heights and days, and subjected to extraction and analysis by modified QuEChERS (“Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe") and UHPLC-MS/MS (ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry). The translocations of 3-hydroxy-carbofuran, carbendazim, carbofuran, difenoconazole, imidacloprid, thiabendazole, thiamethoxam, thiophanate-methyl and spirodiclofen, using salts, citric acid and organosilicones as adjuvants, were evaluated and compared 2 and 30 days after the applications. The results showed that each pesticide had a different translocation profile, modified by the presence of the adjuvants. The most significant modifications were obtained using organosilicones, which enhanced the translocation process by 40% for most pesticides, followed by acidification (30%) and the addition of salts (22%).

Potential use of coconut stem as reinforcement in concrete slab

The utilization of an economical, eco-friendly, renewable building material has gained the attention of researchers lately. The construction sector is responsible for depleting large quantities of non-renewable resources. This activity not only generates millions of tons of mineral waste but millions of tons of carbon dioxide gas emissions as well. Research is thus needed on building materials based on renewable resources such as vegetable fibres. Investigated was on the possible use of coconut stem strips as reinforcement in concrete paste. The coconut stem was cut into various lengths, diameter, treated and coated with gloss paint and coal tar. Various tests in accordance to standard were conducted to determine the performance of the coconut stem strips. Compressive strength test and impact load tests were carried out on the concrete slab specimens to satisfy the desire of incorporating coconut stem as reinforcement in concrete slab. The compressive strength was performed on a large number of concrete cubes; 3 cubes each for day 7, 14, 21 and 28. As regards the impact loads test, 13 slabs were cast, 3 slabs each containing steel, dried coconut stem strips, gloss painted coconut stem strips, coal tar coated coconut stem strips with varying dimensions of 16 × 15 mm, 20 × 15 mm and 25 × 15 mm and plain slab without reinforcement serving as control. As expected, the slab reinforced with steel showed better strength in the cured state; however, the 2% of the coconut stripes reinforcement treated with coal tar would serve as good as the conventional steel reinforcement for normal concrete. The coal tar can be used for low-bearing load structures such as lintel and pavement.

In vitro antifungal activity of Myrcia ovata essential oils and their major compounds against pathogens of citrus, sweet potato, and coconut


 Myrcia ovata, an endemic species to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, presents antifungal properties. The phytopathogens Colletotrichum acutatum, Plenodomus destruens, and Thielaviopsis paradoxa are responsible for the diseases citrus postbloom fruit drop, sweet potato foot rot, and coconut stem bleeding, respectively. The antifungal activity of the essential oils of five M. ovata chemotypes (MYRO-159, nerolic acid chemotype; MYRO-180, nerolic acid + linalool chemotype; MYRO-388, geraniol chemotype; MYRO-157, citral + (E)-nerolidol chemotype; and MYRO-174, isopulegol + linalool chemotype), four major compounds (nerolic acid, nerolic acid + linalool, geraniol, and citral + (E)-nerolidol), and three pure compounds (citral, (E)-nerolidol, and linalool) against the fungi C. acutatum, P. destruens, and T. paradoxa were evaluated. For this, in vitro tests were conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications, testing concentrations (v/v) ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 μL.mL-1. All treatments presented toxicity at different levels to the three fungi. For C. acutatum, the essential oil from the individual MYRO-180 (nerolic acid + linalool chemotype) and its major compound showed the lowest Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) of 0.03 and 0.1 µL.mL-1, respectively. For P. destruens, the essential oil from the individual MYRO-159 (nerolic acid chemotype) presented the lowest MIC of 0.05 μL.mL-1. The nerolic acid + linalool chemotype and its major compound presented an MFC of 0.07 μL.mL-1. For T. paradoxa, the major compound citral + (E)-nerolidol stood out with the lowest MIC and MFC of 0.03 and 0.2 µL.mL-1, respectively. Linalool presented the lowest toxicity to the three tested fungi.

Efektifitas Pelatihan Keterampilan Tenaga Kerja Dalam Meningkatkatkan Produktivitas

The focus of this study is the skills training activities for the workforce and the inhibiting factors that affect the level of productivity of coconut stem furniture. There are three problems to be examined in this study are (1) Are there training activities for workere (2) The extent of the influence of labor on the productivity of coconut bar furniture (3) Are there any inhibiting factors in producing coconut stem furniture. This type of research is qualitative and quantitative integrated. With research subjects as many as 10 respondents consisting of 10 workers and managers. The instrument used for data collection in the form of observation, interviews, questionnaires and documentation, the data collected is then processed and analyzed using the product moment correlation coefficient formula. The results showed that there was a significant influence of the training of the skills of the workforce possessed in increasing the productivity of Maumere coconut stem furniture.

Effect of plant protection products on Rhynchophorus palmarum L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) larvae in laboratory

ABSTRACT: With the aim of developing tools for simultaneously managing Rhynchophorus palmarum and the coconut stem bleeding disease, we evaluated the effects of the insecticide thiamethoxam and the fungicide cyproconazole on R. palmarum larvae under laboratory conditions. Early-instar and intermediate-instar larvae were fed on an artificial diet containing 0.1% concentration of insecticide, fungicide or a mixture of both. Larval mortality was assessed daily during the 48 hours after the application of the treatments. Mean mortality values were subjected to analysis of variance and compared by Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Thiamethoxam caused mortality of 100% of early-instar and 90% of intermediate-instar larvae. In contrast, mortality was significantly lower in the cyproconazole treatment (60% for early-instar and 0% for intermediate-instar larvae) and the control (0% mortality for both treatments). The insecticide/fungicide mixture was equally effective (100% for early-instar and 86.67% for intermediate-instar larvae) to the insecticide only treatment. Differences in mortality between early-instar and intermediate-instar larvae were significant only for the thiamethoxam and cyproconazole treatments. These results indicate that, for the doses used here, thiamethoxam is toxic to both early-instar and intermediate-instar larvae, while cyproconazole is toxic just to early-instar larvae. Moreover, cyproconazole does not increase the toxicity of thiamethoxam. Early-instar larvae are more sensitive to thiamethoxam and cyproconazole than intermediate-instar larvae. We conclude that thiamethoxam + cyproconazole mixture may be effective for managing R. palmarum and associated fungal diseases on coconut palms.

No evidence of coconut stem bleeding disease transmission by bark beetles in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Stem bleeding disease, caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis paradoxa is one of the most important diseases of coconut palm Cocos nucifera worldwide and some insect species have been found in association with T. paradoxa infected coconut palms. The present research investigated whether coconut palm-infesting bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) could disseminate stem bleeding disease. Adult bark beetles collected from coconut palms presenting stem bleeding symptoms were inoculated in PDA culture medium. Results showed no germination of the fungus T. paradoxa from either cuticle or digestive tract of bark beetles. Thus, we found no evidence that bark beetles carry viable spores of T. paradoxa that could infect healthy coconut palms and disseminate stem bleeding disease.

Deteksi dan Identifikasi Fitoplasma yang Berasosiasi dengan Penyakit Layu Kelapa Di Pulau Derawan, Kalimantan Timu

Coconut is a major commodity in Derawan island as source of additional income for the farmers. Research was conducted to detect and identify phytoplasmas associated with coconut wilt disease in Derawan island. Coconut wilt disease was indicated by the typical symptoms, i.e. leaf yellowing, shorten of coconut sheaths and leaves, necrosis and collapse of old leaves, and also nut fall. The presence of phytoplasmas in phloem tissues of coconut stem was observed using fluorescence and electron microscope. Identification of phytoplasmas was carried out by nested-PCR and sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. DNA fragment of phytoplasma with the size of 1.25 kbp was successfully amplified using primer pairs P1/P7, followed by primer pairs R16F2n/R16R2. Sequence analysis of the amplified fragments showed that phytoplasma associated with coconut wilt disease in Derawan island belongs to 16SrII (witches broom phytoplasma) and 16SrXI ( ca. Phytoplasma oryzae ) groups.

Mechanical and Morphological Study of Arecanut Leaf Sheath (ALS), Coconut Leaf Sheath (CLS) and Coconut Stem Fiber (CSF)

Mechanical and Morphological Study of Arecanut Leaf Sheath (ALS), Coconut Leaf Sheath (CLS) and Coconut Stem Fiber (CSF)

Mechanical and Morphological Study of Arecanut Leaf Sheath (ALS), Coconut Leaf Sheath (CLS) and Coconut Stem Fiber (CSF)

Mechanical and Morphological Study of Arecanut Leaf Sheath (ALS), Coconut Leaf Sheath (CLS) and Coconut Stem Fiber (CSF)

Fuel pellets from downed coconut (Cocos nucifera) in super typhoon Haiyan

The study investigated the physical and chemical properties of fuel pellets from downed coconut (Cocos nucifera L) in super typhoon Haiyan that struck the Philippines on November 8, 2013. Coconut trunk and fronds were used as feedstock in this study. Proximate, ultimate and elemental analyses were performed to evaluate fuel properties of pellets from coconut biomass. In general, physical and chemical properties of coconut biomass pellets were within recommended limits. However, pellets showed relatively high levels of ash in comparison with woody biomass. Calorific values of both coconut stem and fronds were comparable with various wood species and energy crops.

Physical and mechanical properties of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) stem

A study was conducted on coconut palm (Cocos nucifera) stem of Khulna region in Bangladesh. Important physical and mechanical properties were studied for 40-year-old tree. The test was done at different height positions (i.e., top, middle and bottom) and lateral positions (i.e., core and periphery). The average air dry and oven dry density of coconut stem was 400 and 460 kg/m3, respectively. The MOE and MOR values for air dry and oven dry conditions were 2374 and 2633 N/mm2 and 27.30 and 30.44 N/mm2. The compression strength in parallel to grain and perpendicular to grain for air dry and oven dry conditions were 12.41 and 12.85 N/mm2 and 9.28 and 9.64 N/mm2, respectively. There is a possibility to use the stem of coconut palm for different structural purposes.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 50(1), 39-46, 2015

Senile Coconut Palm Hierarchical Structure as Foundation for Biomimetic Applications

Superior to hardwood and softwood trees, coconut palms are able to withstand extreme weather conditions without failure. Previous studies have shown that the internal structure of coconut palm stems significantly differs from hardwood, softwood and even other palm stems, in terms of fibre orientation and density distribution, likely influencing the mechanical characteristics of the tree. This paper aims at quantifying the cocowood hierarchical structure at an integral level (stem structure). To achieved this, quantitative analysis of more than 40 senile coconut palms from Fiji and Samoa has been carried out. This paper defines and analyses the typical cocowood morphology (form-structure) in terms of such factors as characteristic radius, fibrovascular bundles orientation and density distribution. For the first time, the characteristic triple helix configuration traced out by the fibrovascular bundles within the cocowood structure is modelled for the whole coconut stem. Specific equations are proposed to determine these factors at any given position in the tree. Knowledge advanced from this study will provide a scientific basis for future cocowood biomechanics research, including finite element modelling and analysis for biomimetic engineering applications.

In vitro activity of essential oils of Lippia sidoides and Lippia gracilis and their major chemical components against Thielaviopsis paradoxa, causal agent of stem bleeding in coconut palms

Essential oils of Lippia sidoides, Lippia gracilis and their main chemical components were investigated for in vitro control of Thielaviopsis paradoxa. Mycelial growth and a number of pathogen conidia were inhibited by the essential oil of L. sidoides at all concentrations tested (0.2; 0.5; 1.0; 3.0 μL mL-1). L. sidoides oil contained 42.33% thymol and 4.56% carvacrol, while L. gracilis oil contained 10% thymol and 41.7% carvacrol. Mycelial growth and conidial production of T. paradoxa were completely inhibited by thymol at a 0.3 μL m-1 concentration. The results suggest that thymol could potentially be used for controlling coconut stem bleeding.

PEMANFAATAN BATANG KELAPA DAN KAYU KARET SEBAGAI BAHAN BAKU GLULAM

The research of coconut and rubber wood utilization as raw material for glulam has been done. This research aims to optimize the function of rubber wood and palm stem by the incorporation of technology and adhesion to wood products in the form of building construction materials. In addition, knowing the physical and mechanical properties of glulam based on three variations of the type of timber (rubber wood, coconut, coconut stem wood + rubber), and various number of layers (5 layers, 6 layers, and 7 layers). Each combination treatment was repeated three times. The best mechanical physical properties of glulam for type of rubber wood, with 7 layers. Keywords : glulam, coconut wood, rubber wood, characters physical, characters mechanic

Potential of community level utilization of coconut shell and stem wood for charcoal and activated carbon in Kerala

Since the production of activated carbon at present being limited to large scale industries, an attempt was planned to develop an appropriate clean technology to produce activated carbon in the cluster or community based organizations. As the existing method of employing rotary kiln for the large industrial scale production of activated carbon has very little scope for down-scaling due to techno-economic considerations, fluidized bed reactor (FBR) system was identified as the appropriate technology for small or community level production of active carbon. Both the charcoal and activation plants were designed for continuous operation by way of operating three shifts per day. As pilot plants, a continuous vertical carbonizing plant with an input capacity of 3 tones raw material (coconut shell) per day, which can produce about one tone charcoal per day and an FBR with an input capacity of 0.25 tone charcoal per day, which can produce 0.125 tone of active carbon, was successfully designed, fabricated, installed, trial runs were conducted, optimized the process parameters for desired quality products, and assessed the quality of products for industrial use. The design drawings, description and operational details of the newly developed pilot plants are ready for commercialization. The quality of charcoal and the granular shell active carbon produced were found conforming to Indian standards. The details of the plants developed (1 tone output capacity charcoal plant and 0.125 tone output capacity FBR activation plant) as well as yield and quality assessments are given in this report. Economic analysis of the pilot plants developed showed that a minimum up-scaling of the plants to a level of a input capacity utilization of 6 tones of shells per day is financially viable for self-sustaining. Both the plants developed are pollution free and techno-economically suitable for cluster or community level production of charcoal and activated carbon after due up-scaling to the required capacity. As far as conversion of waste coconut stem wood is concerned, it was found that the plant can produce stem wood charcoal with moderate yield and quality. The inherent quality of stem wood charcoal, its poor hardness, makes it unsuitable for the manufacture of activated carbon. Stem wood charcoal is suggested for using as direct fuel or as an ingredient for fuel briquettes.

PHEROMONE BAITED TRAP FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF RED PALM WEEVIL, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) POPULATION IN COCONUT PLANTATIONS

4-methyl-5-nonanol (ferrugineol), the major component of theaggregation pheromone of Rhynchophorus ferrugineus F. was evaluated as alure for trapping of this pest in coconut plantations in Sri Lanka. Trap design,longevity of ferrugineol in field conditions, and the effect of trapping ondamage incidence of R. ferrugineus were studied. N-pentanol, a knowncompound present in coconut stem volatiles was used in combination offerrugineol in all tested traps. Trap designs tested were; an open plasticbucket, a funnel trap, and a modified metal trap. The open plastic bucket (5 L)baited with ferrugineol-pentanol, which was hung on coconut palm stem at 1.5m, caught significantly more number of adult weevils than ferrugineolpentanolbaited funnel and metal traps. An open plastic bucket trap was sixtimes less expensive than the metal trap currently recommended by theCoconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka. Ferrugineol remained effective as abait for 12 weeks under field conditions. High capture rates of adult R.ferrugineus were obtained in ferrugineol baited open bucket traps inplantations where the initial damage incidence was high. Monthly surveys ofindividual palms during pheromone trapping revealed that a sharp reductionof the number of coconut palms damaged by R. ferrugineus in 10-hectareexperimental blocks. Continuous trapping of weevils with ferrugineol over aperiod of time significantly lowered the infestation of this pest.

Phytoplasma diseases of coconut in India - root (wilt) and tatipaka diseases

Root (wilt) and Tatipaka diseases in India are caused by phytoplasma. Lethal yellowing disease in Caribbean region, Lethal yellowing like disease in west and east Africa and Coconut stem necrosis.in Sumatra and Peninsular Malaysia are phytoplasma induced diseases of coconut in other continents. Root wilt disease in India was first reported from Kerala in 1874.Tatipaka disease was first noticed in Andhra Pradesh after the 1949 cyclone. The progress made on various aspects including history, nature of spread, description of external & internal symptoms, etiology abiotic factors, biotic agents implicated in transmission of disease, culturing, chemotherapy, screening of coconut germplasm, breeding for disease resistance/tolerance and disease management is detailed.

THE PRODUCTION AND PROPERTIES OF COCONUT STEM CHARCOAL IN THAILAND

A programme of experimentation and training on the production of charcoal from coconut stems in transportable metal k.ilns was carried out. Comparisons were made between different timber densities, preparation methods and kiln loading systems. Other timber sources and traditional kilns were used. The highest density coconut wood produced the best charcoal and extensive preparation was found to be necessary. Local clay kilns produced excellent charcoal, but were slow and needed considerable fuel. Coconut stem charcoal. production was markedly different from carbonisation of wood from dicotyledonous trees.
 
 The charcoal produced was found to have similar calorific value to that from other woods, but was faster‑burning and easier to ignite. Content of volatile matter was low and little ash was produced. The charcoal was often rather wet. A sample of consurners found that the charcoal was better than they had expected. The main complaint was the speed of burning.

COCONUT STEM UTILIZATION IN INDONESIA

Coconut stem has been utilized in every coconut producing country in some form or other. Its utiliza­tion varies widely from small bridges to houses, furnitures and works of art. In Indonesia it is used mainly in Java, the most densely populated island. In other islands it is rarely used except for foot bridges because of two reasons. First, the farmers are reluctant to fell their coconut trees for its yield, however, small it is. Second, there is still enough supply of forest wood.