Possibilities of Vegetative Propagation in the Coconut (Cocos nuciferaL.)

Abstract

THE coconut is a perennial palm which takes 6–8 years to begin bearing, but later continues to bear right through the year and all through its life, extending during a period of 60 years or more depending on local conditions. It is highly cross-pollinated in Nature, particularly the tall variety, and is propagated only through seed. These features, namely, the long interval between generations and the highly heterogeneous nature of the planfc population, are proving to be great handicaps in making quick headway in coconut breeding. The perennial nature of the palm, on the other hand, is of advantage, in that the benefit from any improvement can be enjoyed over a very long period.