Nut malformations in coconut

COCONUT IS a rainfed crop. The traditional tall varieties have long gestation period compared to the hybrids. However, even in the tall cultivars there are certain problems relating to the nut malformations. In general, the nut malformations are more in the case of hybrids than in the tall varieties.

The results of field experiements conducted at Coconut Research station, Veppankulam, indicated that whenever there is increase in nut yield there is bound to be an increase in the formation of barren nuts.

On an average, in any coconut garden there is three per cent barren nut production and if this percentage is on increase, then the control measures are ought to be taken.

The production of barren nuts is related to genetic as well as nutritional. The seedlings that does not conform to the quality standards may produce a continuous barren nut formations and cannot be rectified at all. Besides, the seed nuts that are collected from a mother palms of such characters may even show up the disorder.

Nut malformations are often related to the deficiency of the potash and boron nutrition. In many cases the application of potash 2 kg per palm per year over and above the normal recommendation has shown good improvement. Similarly application of borax at the rate of 100-250 per palm per year depending upon the severity of the problem produced desirable results.

In addition to the above key elements, the organic matter build up of the soil by means of liberal dosage of FYM or pig or poultry manure will improve the yielding ability of palms and reduce the nut malformations.

H. Vijayaraghavan, R. Jagannathan and W. Wilfred Manuel Sugarcane Research Station, TNAU, Sirugamani-639115.

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