Tall Coconut Research Articles

Hengniu: Fast Bearing and High Yielding Coconut Varieties

Benefits of coconut varieties that stakeholders want are early bearing, high yielding, short stems, and slow growth for height. Most local tall coconut palms in Indonesia have stem height above 20 m, making it increasingly difficult to climb to harvest fruit or tapping sap thereby making the harvesting cost high. To breed varieties of desired characters, an evaluation trial was initiated in 2014 with BYD x MTT-S4, RAD x MTT-S4, and KHINA-1 as a control. The crossing was done in 2012 and seedlings planted in January 2014 at Mapanget Experimental Garden, Indonesian Palma Crops Research Institute, North Sulawesi. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) of three types of coconut hybrids, four replications with a plot size of 16 trees. Morphological observations were carried out on stem, crown and leaf characters, inflorescences and flowers, nut production, fruit components, copra, oil content, and fatty acid composition. The results of ANOVA analysis and statistical tests obtained those vegetative characters, such as stem circumference and number of leaf, generative characters namely the number of bunches, first flowering, and fruit production of these three crosses at the age of 4 years after planting, did not show a significant difference. The first initial flowering was in the coconut hybrid of RBD x MTT-S4, which is 26 months, followed by BYD x MTT-S4 in 32 months and KHINA-1 in 36 months after planting. The results of the analysis of fruit and copra production at the age of 5 years showed a significant increase between hybrid coconuts. The highest to lowest fruit production was obtained in BYD x MTT-S4 hybrid coconut, RBD x MTT-S4, KHINA-1, which were 64 nuts, 44 nuts and 26 nuts /palm respectively, or estimated copra production was 2.26 tons, 1.45 tons and 0.88 tons copra/ha. At 6 years old the harvest of fruits from the three hybrid coconuts is obtained sequentially 118 nuts, 99 nuts and 94 nuts/palm. While estimation of copra yield per hectare is found the highest in BYD x MTT-S4 hybrid coconut is 3.86 ton/ha/year and this yield differently significant compare with RBD x MTT-S4 is found 3.04 ton/ha/year, and control hybrid of KHINA-1, which is about 2.74 ton/ha/year. Based on the production potential, hence the estimated optimum production when aged over 10 years can reach more than 5 tons/ha/year. The hybrid coconut variety BYD x MTT-S4 is released in October 2019 under the name HENGNIU.

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.

Examining the variations in the properties of chemically Pulverized carbons from Cocos nucifera across Nigeria's six political zones

High-power, renewable energy sources are needed to power the growing number of portable electronics and hybrid cars. Reassessing the pyrolysis of biomass, especially from easily accessible African tall coconut shells (Cocos nucifera), is a viable way to both meet energy needs and slow down global warming. This work describes a novel method for producing activated carbon from coconut shells obtained from six different regions of Nigeria by combining chemical pulverization and pyrolysis. After lignin was eliminated from the ground-up samples using sulfuric acid, they were pyrolyzed at different temperatures (650–850°C). To clarify the physicochemical characteristics of the activated carbons, a variety of sophisticated characterization methods were used, such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The findings showed an intriguing interaction between relative humidity and pyrolysis temperature which implies that moisture content of the precursor material plays a significant role in its viability for supercapacitor applications

Chemical Components, Nutritional Value, Volatile Organic Compounds and Biological Activities In Vitro of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Water with Different Maturities.

The differences in chemical components, nutritional value, volatile organic compounds, antioxidant activity and α-glucosidase inhibiting capacity in vitro in coconut waters with different maturities (8, 10, and 12 months after pollination and germination height below 10 cm were named CW-8, CW-10, CW-2, and MCW, respectively) from the tall coconut variety were compared and analyzed. Results showed that as the maturity increased, the ash and reducing sugar in coconut water gradually decreased, while the protein content and fatty acids continued to increase. Potassium, phosphorus, and sodium in four coconut waters showed a trend of first increasing and then decreasing, and CW-12 had the highest content of 2133.85 mg/kg, 239.74 mg/kg, and 310.75 mg/kg, respectively. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in higher amounts are alcohols and esters in coconut waters, among which 2-methylbutyl acetate, ethyl acetate monomer, and 2-methyl-1-propanol dimer were the characteristic volatile substances that distinguish MCW from the other three coconut waters. MCW has the best DPPH-scavenging and ferrous-ion-chelating ability (87.39% and 7.65%), while CW-8 had the highest hydroxyl and ABTS radicals scavenging rate (97.31% and 83.48%) and α-glucosidase inhibitory rate (81.36%). These results can provide support for the differential and high-value utilization of coconut water with different maturities.

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.

Recovery of Coconut Trees from Scale Insect Infestation with Salt and Trichoderma Microbial Inoculant (TMI)

This study showed the role of Trichoderma Microbial Inoculant (TMI) and salt in the fast recovery of mature coconut trees damaged by coconut scale insect, Aspidiotus rigidus Reyne, and in the growth of coconut seedlings. Four treatments with three replicates were laid out in a randomized complete block design. Treatments made were: T0 with 0 fertilizer, 0 TMI; T1 with full dose N, P, K fertilizers, NaCl, 0 TMI; T2 with ½ dose fertilizers + NaCl, + TMI; and T3 with NaCl + TMI. Fertilizers and salt were split delivered in T1. Ten 1-m tall coconut seedlings (Laguna Tall Variety) per replicate treatment were interspersed with the mature trees in each block. About 25 g TMI per tree and 15 g TMI per seedling were applied together with fertilizers. Numbers of green, yellow, and brown leaves, inflorescences, and fruits produced per mature tree were monitored for 27 months. New and mature green leaves were counted as measure of coconut seedling growth. Mature trees in T3 had significantly higher number of green leaves and fruits compared to other treatments. T3 seedlings had significantly higher number of mature green leaves than those of other treatments. Both mature trees and seedlings in T3 exhibited the fastest growth. These results highlighted the importance of salt and TMI for productivity of coconut trees and seedlings.

Performance assessment of elite coconut genotypes and hybrids for economic andquality traits and oil yield

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important plantation crop of the tropics cultivated in more than 80 countries across the globe. Coconut is a monotypic species with two different botanical forms namely tall and dwarf types. India owns a leading position in the world in coconut production and productivity. Coconut is cultivated in an area of 2082.11 thousand ha in more than 16 states of the country producing 23904.10 million nuts with an average productivity of 11481 nuts/ha. The four southern states of India, accounting for more than 92 per cent of the total coconut production in the country include Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh (Coconut Development Board, 2018). The major source of coconut production comes from the tall coconut varieties, while dwarf and hybrid varieties meant especially for tender coconut cultivation contribute for about 10 per cent of the total production.

Community farm school approach for coconut seedlings/juveniles through collaborative social actions

Three Grama Panchayats in Kerala's Alappuzha district undertook community-level participatory action research in 2019–2021. A total of 90 coconut farmers participated in the adoption of ICAR-CPCRI technology to produce West Coast Tall (WCT) coconut seedlings that are resistant/tolerant to the root (wilt) disease at the community level. Partners included extension agents, coconut producers' societies (CPS) and clusters, women self-help groups (WSHGs), and agricultural labor organizations. The characteristics of technologies that are suggested for adoption in root (wilt) disease-affected tracts, such as the scientific management of young coconut trees and the production of high-quality seedlings through community nurseries, challenge the idea of adoption. There are a lot of variances in the homestead gardens' marginal holdings, including expertise, the use of technology, and access to advisory services. Government agencies provided the majority of the seedlings and extension advisory services, emphasizing the necessity for FPO-based or private extension in the coconut growing industry. The coconut farmers' understanding has significantly improved as a result of the participatory interventions for managing seedlings. The participatory demonstration and community farm school (CFS) strategy is discussed in the paper as a way for homesteads to manage juvenile coconuts while integrating new ideas and fostering cross and reciprocal learning. Refining the current extension approach requires integrating new knowledge about the characteristics of seedling growth, future economic performance, and social evaluation of choices of technological, individual, and skill-oriented interventions in risk-prone areas with debilitating root (wilt) disease.

Per se performance of elite coconut genotypes and hybrids for economic quality traits and oil yield

The present study was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar Tamil Nadu state of India. The experimental trees comprised of five tall coconut genotypes viz., IC 610370, IC 610371, IC 610372, IC 610374 and IC 610379 West Coast Tall (Check), and the hybrids viz., Chowghat Orange Dwarf x Aliyar 1 (COD x ALR1), Chowghat Orange Dwarf x West Coast Tall (COD x WCT), Aliyar 1 x Malayan Green Dwarf (ALR1 x MGD), Malayan Green Dwarf x Aliyar 1 (MGD x ALR), Kenthali Dwarf x Aliyar 1 (KTD x ALR1) and Veppankulam Hybrid Coconut VHC 2 (Check hybrid - released from Veppankulam Coconut Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Tamil Nadu, India). Coconut palms of uniform size were taken from the chosen genotypes and hybrids for recording the observation. All the coconut genotypes and hybrids showed variation in yield, nut characters, and quality traits. The results of the present study revealed that the genotype IC 610370 and the hybrid COD x WCT recorded maximum values for all the recorded traits. This was followed by the genotype IC 610371 and the hybrid COD x ALR1.

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.

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

Hybrid fuzzy support vector machine approach for Coconut tree classification using image measurement

Classification of trees based on morphological parameters is important for identification, taxonomy, ecological research, conservation etc. The manual measurement of these parameters is tedious, laborious, and inconsistent. Even though there are many tree classification methods based on the morphological parameters available in the literature, there is hardly any research in classification of Coconut trees based on morphological parameters. This research proposes a novel hybrid fuzzy support vector machine approach for classification of Coconut trees based on three critical morphological parameters such as height, inclination, and orientation. A fuzzy logic-based parameter measurement from image is used to estimate critical morphological parameters the from the images. An original dataset of 17000 images of Indian west coast tall Coconut trees is created to train and test the proposed method. The classification for each of the three parameters is carried out separately using fuzzy logic and support vector machine and the best classification is chosen using confidence voting method. The final classification of the Coconut trees based on all the three parameters is obtained using weight-based indexing by combining the individual outcome of confidence voting method. The results showed that the proposed architecture gives better performance than state-of-the-art classifiers, with an accuracy of 88.86%. The statistical analysis showed that the proposed architecture is stable and robust than other methods, gives least confidence interval value of ±2.5, ±3.2, ±1.9 for three different datasets other than the original dataset.

Proteome Landscape during Ripening of Solid Endosperm from Two Different Coconut Cultivars Reveals Contrasting Carbohydrate and Fatty Acid Metabolic Pathway Modulation.

Cocos nucifera L. is a crop grown in the humid tropics. It is grouped into two classes of varieties: dwarf and tall; regardless of the variety, the endosperm of the coconut accumulates carbohydrates in the early stages of maturation and fatty acids in the later stages, although the biochemical factors that determine such behavior remain unknown. We used tandem mass tagging with synchronous precursor selection (TMT-SPS-MS3) to analyze the proteomes of solid endosperms from Yucatan green dwarf (YGD) and Mexican pacific tall (MPT) coconut cultivars. The analysis was conducted at immature, intermediate, and mature development stages to better understand the regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms. Proteomic analyses showed 244 proteins in YGD and 347 in MPT; from these, 155 proteins were shared between both cultivars. Furthermore, the proteomes related to glycolysis, photosynthesis, and gluconeogenesis, and those associated with the biosynthesis and elongation of fatty acids, were up-accumulated in the solid endosperm of MPT, while in YGD, they were down-accumulated. These results support that carbohydrate and fatty acid metabolisms differ among the developmental stages of the solid endosperm and between the dwarf and tall cultivars. This is the first proteomics study comparing different stages of maturity in two contrasting coconut cultivars and may help in understanding the maturity process in other palms.

Impacts of climate variability on the production of Dwarf x Tall and Tall x Tall coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palm hybrids planted on the coast in Côte d'Ivoire

The Ivorian coast is the main coconut production area where agriculture is mainly rainfed. However, in this area, climate variability poses a great threat to the growth and sustainable development of agriculture. This study aimed at highlighting the impacts of climate variability on the production of the most popular Dwarf x Tall and Tall x Tall coconut palm hybrids in the world. It is based on the evaluation of the production of the hybrids from statistical tests (ANOVA, STUDENT's T-test at 5%) and the results of the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration indices (SPEI) during the period of 2009 to 2018 of the study area. The results obtained revealed that the NJM×GOA+ hybrid was significantly differentiated by its good production potential of bunches (10 bunches), fruits (151 nuts) and copra (3.69 t). The maximum fruit production per year was observed in the Dwarf × Tall hybrids (101 nuts). The highest mass productions of copra per tree and copra per hectare were recorded in the Tall × Tall hybrids. The maximum productions of the ten hybrids were observed in 2012, 2015 and 2018 and the lowest in 2014 and 2017. Productions gradually increase or remain stable for consecutive wet years (2009 to 2011) prior to harvest. The onset of drought in one year (2012, 2013, 2015, 2016) and pronounced for two consecutive dry years (2012 to 2013 and 2015 to 2016) prior to harvest significantly decrease the level of production. These cumulative effects of drought are most pronounced in NRC×GRL+, NRM×GTN, NJM×GD001, NJM×GD002, and NJM×GD003 hybrids. NJM×GOA+, GVT×GTN, GSL×GTN, NRM×GVT, and NVS×GVT hybrids are developing abilities to express themselves better under this climate variability. They could be taken into account in the crop improvement program and proposed to growers to improve the yield of coconut trees under rainfed conditions.

Land equivalent ratio polyculture of liberica coffee (Coffea liberica)-areca nut (Areca catechu L.) and liberica coffee-tall coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

The research was carried out at Sungai Beras Village, Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency, in May-August 2021. The research object was five years old areca nut with three years old liberica coffee, ten years old tall coconut with three years old liberica coffee, three years old liberica coffee, five years old areca nuts, and ten years old tall coconut. The equipment used was GPS, scales, meters, and a camera. This study used a survey method by numbering the sample with a systemic sampling. The parameters observed in this study were plant height, spacing, stem diameter, crop productivity, and the LER between coffee-areca nut and coffee-coconut polycultures. The results showed that liberica coffee polyculture cultivation with areca nut or tall coconut was better than monoculture liberica coffee cultivation. The productivity of the liberica coffee polyculture cultivation area with areca nut plants increased by 19% compared to the productivity of the liberica coffee monoculture. The productivity of liberica coffee polyculture with tall coconut increased by 8% compared to the productivity of liberica coffee monoculture. There is a difference in land productivity of 11% when liberica coffee is cultivated in polyculture with areca nuts compared to liberica coffee polyculture with tall coconut.

The influence of coconut endosperm composition based on the maturity levels against the quality of pliek-u

Pliek-u is Acehnese’s food heritage that has potential as functional food due to its high protein and lactic acid contents. The study aimed to investigate the effect of coconut endosperm composition based on the maturity levels against the quality of pliek-u. Two levels of Tall Coconut maturities used i.e., over mature (u-riek) and mature (u-pateun). About 2kg of grated coconut endosperm was fermented in a plastic box for 7 days at 3 compositions i.e., 30% over mature and 70% mature (P1), 50% over mature and 50% mature (P2), and 70% over mature and 30% mature (P3). Each treatment had been conducted in 3 replications. Then, the coconut was dried by using solar tunnel dryer type Hohenheim Aceh for 2 days. To produce pliek-u, soon after the drying process, the warm coconut was pressed by using a hydraulic press. The parameters observed to evaluate the quality of pliek-u were moisture, fat, protein, and acidity. The consumer preferences were evaluated from 30 panellists on 4 criteria i.e., aroma, color, texture and taste by using hedonic scale from 1 to 5. Results showed that the composition of coconut endosperm at different maturity levels had influenced the quality of pliek-u significantly. The best moisture was obtained from pliek-u produced by treatment P2, while the lowest fat content, the highest protein content and the most acid taste were identified from pliek-u produced by treatment P3. However, according to consumer’s preferences, the best overall acceptance was pliek-u produced by treatment P1 and P2 at score 4.2 (like). Therefore, this study recommended the best composition of coconut endosperm in pliek-u processing at 50% over mature and 50% mature (P2).

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.

Genotype-Environment Interaction and Yield Stability of Upland Rice in Intercropping Cultivation

Rice cultivation as intercropping in plantations is a potential approach to increase land resource efficiency. Implementation of rice intercropping would require genotypes adapted to shaded environments. This study aimed to clarify the interaction of genotype and environment on agronomic characteristics of upland rice grown under intercropping system and to identify suitable genotypes for this particular cropping system. Multi-location trials evaluated twelve upland rice lines and two check varieties in eight upland sites during the wet season (WS) 2015-2016. Rice was grown as intercropping in six sites and as monoculture in two sites. Rice as intercrop was cultivated in between plantations of tall coconut, rambutan, teak, albizia, and natural rubber. The result of this study revealed that the interaction between genotype and environment was significant for all agronomic characteristics. The genotype B12056F-TB-1-29-1 was the best performer when grown as intercropping in Subang and Indramayu, with shading intensities of 65% and 44%, respectively. The genotype B11908F-TB-3-WN-1 was the best yielder in Cianjur and Lampung Tengah, which had 37% and 54% shading intensity, respectively. The genotype B12825E-TB-2-4 was the best performer in Lampung Timur with shading intensity of 45%, while Jatiluhur was the best genotype in Banyumas with shading intensity of 82%. The yield of rice genotypes grown as monocultures was higher than as intercropping. Among the genotypes, B12056F-TB-1-29-1 showed the highest yield across sites. Stable and high-yield genotypes identified from this study are expected to be adopted by farmers for intercropping rice cultivation.

Analisis Pewilayahan Komoditi Pertanian Berbasis Produksi di Kabupaten Banggai

The research objective was to know the agricultural commodity zoning by using the production approach, to know the distribution map of agricultural commodity and to know a carrying capacity agricultural land in Banggai District. The research has been conducted in Banggai District, Central Sulawesi. It applied the survey method. The data analysis used regional economic approach numely analysis of Localization, Specialization, and Basis (Location Quotient o: 1.Q) with data of agricultural commodity production total in Banggai District of Central Sulawesi. The e finding of research 3 of research showed that the agricultural commodity zoning was spread throughout regions in Banggai District while the specialization of agricultural commodity distribution in Banggai District for special food crop was corn, for horticulture was cayenne pepper, for the plantation was tall coconut, and for livestock was kampung chicken. Meanwhile, the basis of food crops in Banggai District was com as found in 15 sub-districts (65.22%). basis of horticulture was long beans as found in 13 sub-districts (56.5%). basis of plantation was tall coconut as found in 13 sub-districts (56.5%), and basis of livestock namely free range chiken in Banggai District was found in 19 sub-districts (82.61%).

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.