Vol. 12, Issue 4 (2023)

Author(s):
M Ramya and NK Binitha

Abstract:
The study aimed to investigate the yield and nutritional quality of nuts collected from nine coconut hybrids of cultivar Ayiramkachi that were grown in Kasargode, Kerala. The coconut hybrids involving tall and dwarf genotypes viz. West Coast Tall, Laccadive Ordinary, Philippines, Laccadive Micro, Andaman Ordinary and Malayan Yellow Dwarf with Ayiramkachi, planted during 1994 were utilised for the study. Soil available nutrients and nutrient content of coconut kernel of the selected hybrids before and after fertilizer application were assessed. The available nitrogen and available phosphorous were deficient in the soil while available potassium was present in sufficient quantity in pre-fertilized soils. There was only a moderate increase in nitrogen and phosphorous which showed deficiencies of these nutrients in the nuts. The nut nutrient content was found to be a reflection of soil available nutrient status which points out the need for adoption of appropriate nutrient management practices for higher yield and nut quality. Promising high yielding and nutritionally rich hybrids of Ayiramkachi were identified in the study.