Dwarf Coconut Research Articles

Phosphorus-Mediated Transition from Vegetative to Reproductive Growth in Dwarf Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

Reducing the time before the flowering stage in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) trees greatly influences yield, yet the mechanisms driving the switch from vegetative to reproductive growth are not well understood, especially the role of phosphorus in this transition. In this study, dwarf coconut plants of the same cultivation age were selected and categorized into the vegetative phase (VP) or the reproductive phase (RP). By examining the phenotypic traits, nutrient variations in the roots and soil, and the transcriptional expression of relevant genes in the roots across both phases, we investigated the potential mechanisms driving the transition from the VP to the RP in coconuts. The shoots of coconuts in the RP were significantly taller compared to those in the VP. Moreover, the phosphorus concentration in the roots of coconuts during the RP was 1.31 times higher than in the VP, which may be linked to the significant upregulation of the PT1 genes AZ11G0219160 and AZ02G0034860 in the roots of coconuts in the RP. In addition, all phosphorus-containing metabolites in the roots during the RP showed a significant increase, particularly those related to long-chain fatty acids and ribonucleotide metabolites. This suggests that coconut roots may facilitate the progression from vegetative to reproductive growth by enhancing phosphorus uptake via PT1s and promoting the synthesis and accumulation of phosphorus-containing metabolites.

Exploring the potential of dwarf coconut: physicochemical properties and sensory evaluation of several coconut varieties

Abstract Dwarf coconut has not been widely used in many products as much as the tall varieties. In this research, dwarf coconut water was the subject of the research to elevate its economic value. Four different varieties of coconut, namely Nias Yellow Dwarf (NWD), Mapanget Tall (MT), Tebing Tinggi Dwarf (TTD), and Khina, were evaluated for their 9-month-old fruits regarding their physical characteristics, water volume, pH, Brix, and sensory evaluation. Overall, there were several attribute differences among those varieties, especially, between tall and dwarf coconuts. NYD and Khina have the highest overall likeness rating for their water. They were also highly rated for their sweetness attribute which could be provided by the relatively high content of sugar and amino acids in the waters. Nonetheless, the meats of all coconuts scored a medium rating in all attributes. In conclusion, NYD and Khina were recommended to be used in coconut water drink production. These findings may benefit coconut-based-beverage producer by giving unique characteristics to their product.

High-density linkage to physical mapping in a unique Tall × Dwarf coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) outbred F2 uncovers a major QTL for flowering time colocalized with the FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT).

The coconut tree crop (Cocos nucifera L.) provides vital resources for millions of people worldwide. Coconut germplasm is largely classified into 'Tall' (Typica) and 'Dwarf' (Nana) types. While Tall coconuts are outcrossing, stress tolerant, and late flowering, Dwarf coconuts are inbred and flower early with a high rate of bunch emission. Precocity determines the earlier production of a plantation and facilitates management and harvest. A unique outbred F2 population was used, generated by intercrossing F1 hybrids between Brazilian Green Dwarf from Jiqui (BGDJ) and West African Tall (WAT) cultivars. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers fixed for alternative alleles in the two varieties, segregating in an F2 configuration, were used to build a high-density linkage map with ~3,000 SNPs, anchored to the existing chromosome-level genome assemblies, and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping analysis was carried out. The linkage map established the chromosome numbering correspondence between the two reference genome versions and the relationship between recombination rate, physical distance, and gene density in the coconut genomes. Leveraging the strong segregation for precocity inherited from the Dwarf cultivar in the F2, a major effect QTL with incomplete dominance was mapped for flowering time. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene homologs of coconut previously described as putatively involved in flowering time by alternative splice variant analysis were colocalized within a ~200-kb window of the major effect QTL [logarithm of the odds (LOD) = 11.86]. Our work provides strong phenotype-based evidence for the role of the FT locus as the putative underlying functional variant for the flowering time difference between Dwarf and Tall coconuts. Major effect QTLs were also detected for developmental traits of the palm, plausibly suggesting pleiotropism of the FT locus for other precocity traits. Haplotypes of the two SNPs flanking the flowering time QTL inherited from the Dwarf parent BGDJ caused a reduction in the time to flower of approximately 400 days. These SNPs could be used for high-throughput marker-assisted selection of early-flowering and higher-productivity recombinant lines, providing innovative genetic material to the coconut industry.

Floral Attributes And Toddy Yield Of Selected Dwarf Coconut Varieties As Affected By Tapping Season

The study was conducted to determine the floral attributes and toddy yield of selected dwarf varieties locally available in Capiz State University Burias Campus, Burias, Mambusao, Capiz, Philippines. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design for a factorial experiment. Two factors were considered: Factor A- Varieties and Factor B – Season of Tapping. A total of four coconut varieties were used in the study. Varieties used were V1 – Aromatic (ARO), V2 – Equatorial Green Dwarf (EGD), V3 – San Isidro Green Dwarf (SGD), and V4 – Talisay (TAL). Season of Tapping included S1- Dry Season and S2 – Wet Season. Each treatment was replicated three times with six trees per treatment. The different varieties differ in terms of the length of the tappable portion of the spadix, length of the discarded tip of the spadix, tapping duration, and volume of toddy produced. The following results revealed that season significantly influences the length of the spadix, age of spadix at tapping, number of days from tagging to bending, number of days from bending to cutting, tapping duration, and volume of toddy produced. Among the coconut varieties, Aromatic gave the greatest volume of toddy when tapped during the wet season. Generally, more toddy is produced during the wet season than in the dry season. Season and variety interact in influencing the age of spadix at tapping, tapping duration, and volume of toddy produced.

Cost Reduction in the Production of Green Dwarf Coconut Palm Seedlings Biostimulated with Bacillus cereus.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12088-023-01163-9.

SEMENTES DE MAMÃO EM DIFERENTES ESTÁGIOS DE DESENVOLVIMENTO SÃO EFICAZES NO CONTROLE DO ÁCARO VERMELHO DA PALMEIRA?

Objective: To evaluate the acaricidal potential of papaya fruit seed (C. papaya L.) extracts at different phenological stages of development on the red palm mite. Methods: Extracts from green and ripe seeds, diluted at different concentrations, were sprayed on adult mites in a completely randomized design using Petri dishes with discs of dwarf coconut leaf. The acaricidal effect was assessed at intervals of 12 hours up to 72 hours after spraying. Results and Conclusion: The mortality of Roiella indica was proportional to the increase in extract concentrations for both green and ripe papaya fruit seeds. It was concluded that aqueous extracts from green and ripe papaya fruit seeds exhibit acaricidal activity against adult red palm mites under laboratory conditions. Research Implications: Papaya seeds at different stages effectively controlled red palm mites under laboratory conditions. Originality/Value: This research contributes by exploring the potential of an agricultural residue as a pest control agent in agriculture and demonstrating its potential for more sustainable agricultural practices.

Soil physical, chemical and biological properties in Conilon coffee intercropping systems

ABSTRACT Shaded coffee systems may offer a series of benefits, however, studies on shaded cultivation of Conilon coffee crops are still scarce in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties of two Conilon coffee intercropping systems from southeastern Brazil. Two commercial coffee crops – one shaded by macadamia trees and the other by green dwarf coconut trees – were evaluated according to three treatments: coffee plants in the inter-row of the tree species; coffee plants in the same row of the trees; and unshaded coffee. The experimental design was a completely randomized with four replicates. Coffee plants intercropped with macadamia trees, both intra- and inter-row, resulted in less soil compaction than unshaded systems. As for intercropping with green dwarf coconut trees, the unshaded system presented lower soil resistance to penetration. Differences in physical properties between treatments allow no inferences about intercropping systems influence on green coconut trees. Intercropped coffee improves soil chemical properties, resulting in greater soil fertility than unshaded systems, and showed greater soil organisms. These findings indicate that Conilon coffee-macadamia intercropped with tree species represents a promising alternative for sustainable soil management.

Resistance of dwarf Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) cultivars to Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae).

The red palm mite Raoiella indica Hirst, 1924 (Acari: Tenuipalpidae) is an important pest of the coconut palm Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) and has caused problems in coconut production worldwide. Research has been carried out aiming at controlling the mite through chemical, biological, alternative, and host plant resistance methods. Identifying coconut palm cultivars resistant to R. indica is important to reduce the problems caused to plantations. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of R. indica in six dwarf coconut palm cultivars, to identify sources of resistance. The cultivars of the sub-varieties green, red, and yellow evaluated were Brazilian Green Dwarf-Jiqui (BGDJ), Brazilian Red Dwarf-Gramame (BRDG), Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD), Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD), Brazilian Yellow Dwarf-Gramame (BYDG), and Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD). Confinement and free choice tests of R. indica on the cultivars were performed, in which biological parameters and preference were evaluated. Mite performance was different in the cultivars evaluated. In the confinement bioassay, R. indica had the worst performance in the cultivar BGDJ, the best performance in CRD, MRD, and BRDG, and intermediate performance in BYDG and MYD. In the free choice test, the cultivars MRD and MYD were preferred in relation to BGDJ, and CRD was less preferred in relation to BGDJ. Therefore, we considered that the cultivar BGDJ is the most resistant to R. indica, by antibiosis and antixenosis; CRD has resistance by antixenosis; and MRD, BRDG, BYDG, and MYD are susceptible.

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis Provides Insights into the Effect of Epicuticular Wax Accumulation on Salt Stress in Coconuts.

The coconut is an important tropical economical crop and exhibits high tolerance to various types of salinity stress. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism underlying its salt tolerance. In this study, RNA-Seq was applied to examine the different genes expressed in four coconut varieties when exposed to a salt environment, resulting in the generation of data for 48 transcriptomes. Comparative transcriptome analysis showed that some genes involved in cutin and wax biosynthesis were significantly upregulated in salt treatment compared to the control, including CYP86A4, HTH, CER1, CER2, CER3, DCR, GPAT4, LTP3, LTP4, and LTP5. In particular, the expression of CER2 was induced more than sixfold, with an RPKM value of up to 205 ten days after salt treatment in Hainan Tall coconut, demonstrating superior capacity in salt tolerance compared to dwarf coconut varieties. However, for yellow dwarf and red dwarf coconut varieties, the expression level of the CER2 gene was low at four different time points after exposure to salt treatment, suggesting that this gene may contribute to the divergence in salt tolerance between tall and dwarf coconut varieties. Cytological evidence showed a higher abundance of cuticle accumulation in tall coconut and severe damage to cuticular wax in dwarf coconut.

Produtividade da água em coqueiro irrigado nas condições de clima tropical úmido na Amazônia Oriental

ABSTRACT: The growing demand for coconut water has led to the expansion of irrigated green dwarf coconut cultivation; however, the inefficient use of water has contributed to the degradation and waste of water resources, making fundamental studies aiming to optimize the use of water. The objective of this study was to determine the physical productivity and water productivity of green dwarf coconut palms under the climatic conditions of Santa Izabel do Pará, eastern Amazonia, Brazil. The experiment was carried out from 2020 to 2021, in a green dwarf coconut plantation spaced 7.5 m x 7.5 m in a triangle, at Fazenda Reunidas Sococo, with an area of approximately 7 ha. Water productivity (WP) was determined both in terms of fruit production (WPf) and coconut water production (WPca), through the relationship of fruit productivity (fruit biomass and water volume) with accumulated evapotranspiration. The dwarf coconut tree presented a total production of 105 and 186 fruits plant-1 and 37 and 62 L plant-1 of coconut water in the years 2020 and 2021. The largest volumes of water and the highest weights occurred during the wettest season. WPf was of 1.87 fruits m-3 (2020) and 2.94 fruits m-3 (2021) and WPca 0.66 L m-3 (2020) and 0.98 L m-3 (2021).

Potential use of green coconut shell liquid in young dwarf coconut plants

Potential use of green coconut shell liquid in young dwarf coconut plants

Net radiation partitioning, evapotranspiration, and crop coefficients of the green dwarf coconut in Santa Izabel do Pará, Brazilian Amazon

Net radiation partitioning, evapotranspiration, and crop coefficients of the green dwarf coconut in Santa Izabel do Pará, Brazilian Amazon

Condições meteorológicas afetam o desenvolvimento sazonal e a produção de frutos de coqueiro-anão-verde

ABSTRACT Understanding the green dwarf coconut palm development is essential to improve its management. This study aimed to characterize and understand the seasonality of the green dwarf coconut palm development and yield under rainfed and irrigated conditions in the northeastern region of the Pará state, Brazil. The longitudinal and transverse diameters, fruit mass and yield, in addition to the number of live leaves, live bunches, fruits of the bunches nº 11 and 14 and female fowers were monitored. The coconuts between the bunches nº 20 and 22 showed larger dimensions and biomass (fresh and dry). The partition of the production components varies according to the time of the year, with the liquid albumen mass, which is a component of greater commercial focus, being higher in the rainy season, with lower percentage losses in the irrigated cultivation. The meteorological seasonality plays a key role in fower dropping and fruit abortion, directly contributing to the amount of produced fruits.

Aplicações de gesso e calcário melhoram a fertilidade do solo sob cultivo de coco na Amazônia Oriental, Brasil

ABSTRACT Gypsum and lime application causes chemical modifications in the soil that influence nutrient content, root growth and development of plants. An experiment was carried out in the municipality of Santa Isabel, Pará state, Brazil, to evaluate the chemical changes in the soil and the responses of green dwarf coconut to gypsum and lime at 6 and 12 months after application. The experimental design was completely randomized blocks, with 4 blocks and 7 treatments: T1 = control; T2 = 2000 kg ha-1 lime; T3 = 500 kg ha-1 gypsum; T4 = 2000 kg ha-1 lime + 300 kg ha-1 gypsum; T5 = 2000 kg ha-1 lime + 500 kg ha-1 gypsum; T6 = 2000 kg ha-1 lime + 700 kg ha-1 gypsum; T7 = 2000 kg ha-1 lime and 1000 kg ha-1 gypsum. After 12 months of applying the treatments, the combination of gypsum and limestone was used to reduce aluminum saturation, with values of 0% at a depth of 0.0-10 cm of the soil, as well as increments in sulfur contents and base saturation of the soil, with values of 70% at a depth of 0.0-10 cm of the soil; with positive effects on macronutrients concentrations in leaf tissue and on root growth. Application of agricultural gypsum, associated with lime, is efficient to improve the chemical attributes of the soil and the development of green dwarf coconut plants.

Vegetative Growth Response of Entog Dwarf Coconut (Cocos Nucifera L.) to Different Planting Hole Size and Compound Inorganic Fertilizer Application

Entog Dwarf coconut is a national superior variety. The purpose of this study was to determine the vegetative growth of Entog Dwarf coconut at 7-10 months of age. The research was conducted at the Palm Plant Research Institute in Manado (Upper Kima Experimental Garden and Ecophysiology Laboratory) using a factorial group randomized design with 2 factors and 3 replications. The first factor was the planting hole with a depth of 100cm and 60cm. The second factor was compound inorganic fertilizer with doses of 1.5kg, 1.0kg, 0.5kg, and control. Nutrient analysis of soil and leaves without fertilization at 7 and 10 months and after fertilization at 10 months. The results of the analysis of variance at the 5% level showed that planting holes had a significant effect, while compound inorganic fertilizers had a significant effect on vegetative characters. The tallest plants were about 51.2-63.7cm with a dose of 0.5-1.5kg while the shortest was 27.2cm, the largest stem circumference was 10.8-11.3cm with a dose of 0,5kg and 1.5kg while the smallest was 6.42cm, and the largest number of leaves was 3.67 midribs with a dose of 1.5kg while the smallest number was 2.67 midribs, where all vegetative characters were categorized as low in control plants. The interaction between the two factors had no significant effect on vegetative growth. The vegetative characters observed were positively correlated. The results of nutrient analysis of pH, moisture content, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, stomatal index, and chlorophyll showed little difference both without fertilization and after fertilization.

Integrated soil fertility management using cocoa bean shells improves soil chemical properties, coconut yield and mitigates environmental pollution

One approach to sustain and intensify coconut production is nutrient cycling through an integrated soil fertility management strategy. This strategy may include transferring crop by-products from one farm commodity to another. One such promising by-products identified is cocoa bean shells (CBS), which is in abundance and could serve as an environmental pollutant at Bamiankor, which is a forest zone and an important area for coconut and cocoa productions, located in the Western region of Ghana. Following this, a 42-month integrated soil fertility management field study was conducted to assess improvements in selected soil chemical properties, coupled with vegetative, and reproductive parameters in a Sri Lankan Green Dwarf (SGD) coconut genotype under various fertilizer treatments. The treatments included: no-fertilizer control (CK), nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer, cocoa bean shells (CBS), and NPK+CBS, which were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) in three replications. There were appreciable increases in values of soil pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP). Values in carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio after treatment with CBS, however, were significantly reduced. It was observed that collar girth from palms treated with NPK+CBS were significantly higher compared to other treatments. Similarly, number of leaves, percentage of palm inflorescence, and number of nut-load palm−1 year−1 were all significantly higher under NPK+CBS treated palms compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, CBS in combination with NPK fertilizer is recommended as a good strategy to intensify coconut production. However, for a long-term benefit, circularity, cleaner, and sustainable production, addition of sole CBS is advocated. Adoption of this management strategy will also potentially mitigate the negative environmental consequences associated with accumulation of CBS in studied area.

Pest and Disease Challenges, Control Strategies as Well as Policy Support for The IPM Program on Coconut

Coconut played an important role in humans as an estate commodity. Many efforts have been made to increase coconut production through intensification, extensification, and diversification but those efforts have not given maximum results yet, likewise, assembling superior coconut varieties also have been carried out, to produce superior coconut varieties such as Tall coconut, Dwarf coconut, Hybrid coconut, but this is also not been able to increase coconut production optimally. On the other hand, several factors can cause the decline in coconut production, such as severe damage caused by major pests and diseases. The list of highlighted major pests in this article was as follows, Rhynchophorus spp., Cyrtotrachelus sp., Oryctes rhinoceros, Amblypelta sp., and Opisina arenosella. Three species of it were categorized as new emerging pests in Indonesia: Cyrtotrachelus sp., Amblypelta sp., and O. arenosella. Cyrtotrachelus sp. has been reported to cause damage, and mortality of coconut plants reached 10.63%, as well as Amblypelta sp., as reported in North Sulawesi Province, while the O. arenosella has been reported to caused severe damage to coconut plantations in West Java. For diseases, are Bud Rot Disease and Nut Fall Disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora. In 2022, Nias Yellow Dwarf coconuts in Tiniawangko Village, South Minahasa, North Sulawesi, infected with Bud Rot disease by 31.53%, causing coconut plants to die, and Nut Fall Disease causing a decrease in production by 25.00%. In addition, it was found that coconut plants died due to infection with an Unknown Disease. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective approach to control all pests and diseass, where possible. This is a combination of methods (pesticides, physical controls such as site hygiene, and biological controls) to minimize the use of pesticides and the cost of control. The IPM program can run well if there is policy support from the government.

Planting Techniques for Climate Resilient and Perceptible Economic Benefits of the Distributed Malayan Yellow Dwarf Coconut Seedlings by the Anambra State Government

This paper discusses the plantation techniques and perceptible economic benefits of the Anambra State Government’s distributed Malayan Yellow Dwarf coconut seedlings. Through the distributed seedlings, the government seeks to ensure climate resilience and economic benefits for its people. Data was collected from a cross-section of 384 respondents randomly selected to represent the entire population. The study revealed the recommended planting techniques disseminated as trimming and dressing the seedlings to prepare for planting, ploughing the land to encourage aeration, 6.5 meters apart planting space, and digging a 2-square foot depth, among others. The study also found that 73.2% of the sample is moderately aware of these recommended techniques and that the awareness was determined by gender, educational level, agricultural experience, and household size. The respondents had positive feelings about the investment by the government, and it was recommended that policymakers should intensify efforts to populate the State with high-yielding coconuts that are likely to start producing in the next 3 – 4 years as a way of repositioning the State revenue generation.

Propagation Program of Superior Coconut Varieties in Indonesia to Save Coconut Industries & Farmer’s Livelihood

Coconut palms are classified into two types, namely Tall and Dwarf, and hybrid and semi-tall types. By breeding activities, such as the selection of coconut germplasm, evaluation and utilization in the coconut breeding program, the IPCRI-IAARD has released 52 varieties of coconut until 2022, consisting of Talls, Dwarfs, Hybrids, and Semi Tall types has been used in coconut development programs. The potential of good local tall seedlings is around 6.0 million seednuts in 37 Provinces of Indonesia. Dwarf coconut type because it is short and the fruit is small, is used for tender coconuts and coconut sugar production. The hybrid coconut varieties are more suitable for private sectors because hybrid palms require high inputs. The tall coconut varieties that are suitable as raw material for the coconut industry include are mostly planted by smallholders. The varieties of Dwarf Pandan Wangi, Dwarf Pandan Manis, Dwarf Entoq Kebumen and Kopyor coconut are very suitable for tender coconut and mixed refreshment drinks. The IPCRI-IAARD has collaborated with several private sectors to supply hybrid coconut seedlings, and help them to establish their own seed garden. Various strategies for providing Tall, Dwarf, Hybrid and Semi-Tall coconut seedlings are expected to increase coconut production and productivity, and can supply raw material to coconut industry. Introduction

RUGOSE SPIRALING WHITEFLY INFESTATION ON COCONUT: THREATS AND REMEDY

Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW) Aleurodicus rugioperculagus (Hemiptera: Aleurodidae) is an invasive pest causing severe damage to coconut plant, having higher percent of infestation (70.2% to 165.4%). The nymph and adults suck cell sap from the underside of the leaves and secret honeydew that develop sooty mold fungi and interfere the growth of the plants. It was first identified in Bangladesh in 2019 on coconut plants in Jashore.Then it has spread to almost all other districts in Bangladesh. Highest coconut tree infestation was observed in southwestern part (97.5%) and lowest (68.0%) was in central part of the country and there was no significant difference among locations. In the coastal regions, the highest percent (97.0%) of infested coconut tree, infested fronds (96.2%) and leaflet area (84.0%) was recorded in Bagerhat district while the lowest percent infested tree (68.0%), fronds per tree (67.2%) and leaflet area (48.0%) was in Cox’s Bazar. The abundance of RSW increases as the number of leaves increased. Higher percent tree infestation (85.7%) was noticed in native while it was lower(81.2%) in dwarf coconut plants although no significant difference was observed.Low abundances of adult RSW were also found in dwarf coconut plants than that of native ones. The highest incidence of whitefly of coconut was observed in summer months of April-May andthe lowest was in June-July. Biological control is an effective measure where Encarsia guadeloupae, lady bird beetleand lacewings are common predators and entomopathogenic fungi Isaria fumosorosea reduces the incidenceof RSW from 77.8 to 75.1%. Various cultural and mechanical practices also significantly reduce the pest incidence, infestation, abundance of egg, nymph and adult by 50.0%, 49.9%, 49.7%, 50.1% and 49.8% respectively. Different systemic neonicotinoid insecticides also showed successful result in controlling rugose spiraling whitefly