Cocoa (The cocoa) is cross pollinated, perennial and promising inter crop in coconut garden six types viz., VTLCH 1-4, VTLCC1 and VTLC- 1 was received from Regional Station working under ICAR-CPCRI, Vittal and planted at Coconut Research Station, Veppankulam in 2008. Single row system of cocoa was inter-cropped in coconut variety ECT. Thirteen critical biometric and yield related parameters were recorded. As per the AICRP trial for bio metric parameters the data for the year 2022- 23 was analysed and descriptive statistics was discussed. The yield of past four years i.e yield after GAJA cyclone was taken into consideration to analyse the stability of cocoa varieties and to identify superior types suitable for the East coast Tall. Among the various types, the genotypes Tc2 (VTLCH 1), highest mean yield (1.58 kg tree⁻¹ year⁻¹), compared to the lowest in Tc6 (0.96 kg tree⁻¹ year⁻¹). Descriptive statistics indicated moderate variability (CV = 17.72%) for yield. Stability analysis using parametric models showed that Tc2 possessed a regression coefficient less than unity (βᵢ = 0.55), low deviation from regression (S²dᵢ = 0.80), and low coefficient of variation (2.03%), indicating high adaptability under stress conditions. Variance-based parameters further supported its stability, with low θᵢ (19.78), Wᵢ² (24.66), and σ²ᵢ (2.81), coupled with high θ₍ᵢ₎ (30.32), reflecting minimal genotype × environment interaction. Non-parametric stability measures (S and NP indices) and Kang’s rank-sum method also ranked Tc2 as the most stable genotype. Positive correlations between yield and traits such as canopy spread, trunk girth, and pod characteristics emphasized their role in stress recovery and productivity. Overall, Tc2 demonstrated superior yield stability and resilience, making it a suitable genotype for cultivation in cyclone-prone coastal ecosystems and a valuable candidate for climate-resilient breeding programs.
Leucopholis spp. white grubs are subterranean polyphagous pests of palms in the southern and north-eastern regions of India. Natural enemies play a vital role in effectively suppressing and regulating pest populations, thereby maintaining ecological balance in a sustainable manner. A terrestrial crab was observed predating on arecanut white grub, Leucopholis lepidophora in Karnataka. Natural parasitism(1.66%) by the ecto-solitary larval parasitoid Campsomeriella collaris collaris Fabricius (Hymenoptera: Scoliidae) was recorded on coconut white grubs, L. coneophora in organic gardens of Kerala. Additionally, a solitary endo-larval parasitoid, Prosena sp. nr. siberita (Diptera:Tachinidae), was documented for the first time on L. coneophora with 0.83% natural parasitism. Amber disease(2.34%) caused by Serratia spp. on L. coneophora and L. burmeisteri, mortality of second instar grub within 10–12 days of exposure under laboratory assay was also observed. White muscardine fungus (Beauveria brongniartii) was isolated and Koch’s postulates were established on early instar larvae of L. coneophora. Additionally, green muscardine disease (0.18% incidence) due to Metarhizium anisopliae and natural infection of (3.93%) of caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps spp.) were observed on third instar larvae of L coneophora. Entomopathogenic nematodes Steinernema sp. showed higher pathogenicity (LT₅₀=5.104 days at 8000 IJs) compared to Heterorhabditis indica (LT₅₀=14.576 days at 8073 IJs). Despite the identification of diverse natural pathogens associated with white grub populations, their practical exploitation as biological control agent remains limited due to inconsistent performance under natural conditions. Thus, only entomopathogenic nematodes have emerged as promising candidates for effective biocontrol.
Coconut (Cocos nucifera), often referred to as the “Kalpavruksha” is an economically vital crop. India, particularly its southern states, is a major producer of coconut, contributing significantly to GDP and supports around 12 million livelihoods (Murthy, B. N. S.2019)Gujarat, a non-traditional coconut-growing state, has witnessed a rise in coconut cultivation, especially in coastal districts like Kutch, Junagadh, Porbandhar, and Navasari. This study analyzed the growth, instability, and decomposition of coconut cultivation in Gujarat over the period 2000-2020, using secondary data.The statistical tools employed such as, Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was used to evaluate growth trends in area, production, and yield. Instability was assessed using Coefficient of Variation (CV) and Cuddy-Della Valle Index (CDVI), while decomposition analysis quantified the contributions of area, yield, and their interaction to production changes.The results reveal significant variability in growth in area and production across most districts, with Gujarat’s coconut area with a CAGR of 4.10 percent (2000-2020) and production 5.80percent.However, yield growth showed a decline of -0.87percentin Period II (2010-2020). Instability analysis revealed varying degrees of volatility, with Surat and Valsad showing the highest instability in area and production (CV of 30.05% and 46.68%, respectively), while Kutch displayed relatively stable growth. Decomposition analysis revealed that area expansion contributed significantly to production increases (41.54% in Period I, 127.96% in Period II), while yield effects were less consistent (-20.51% in Period II). This emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to enhance yield through better farming practices and climate-resilient varieties, alongside continued support for area expansion.
Areca catechu L. (dwarf-type palm) was studied to determine the morphology of the inflorescences, the growth and development of the flower and fruit, and the appropriate flower stage for pollination. Results indicated that the growth and development of male and female flowers were divided into three phases. During the first phase, the male flowers (green mixed with white) fell daily after the inflorescence emerged, while the female flowers had white sepals mixed with green and a prominent fragrance. In the second phase, the male flowers fell continuously, and the female flowers enlarged. In the third phase, the male flowers fell off the flower stalk, and the female flowers bloomed as the ideal period for pollination. At 14 days after pollination, small green fruit appeared in the inflorescence. The fruit kernel was fully formed at 98 days, with full fruit development at 182 days. The husk of the A. catechu fruit started to turn yellow at 196 days, with the fruit becoming fully ripe at 280 days.
Coconut cultivation, predominant in coastal India, faces a prolonged juvenile phase of 3–5 years during which economic returns are minimal. Intercropping with short-duration fruit crops like papaya (Carica papaya L.) offers a sustainable solution for income generation during this period. A field experiment was conducted at ICAR-CPCRI, Regional Station, Kayamkulam, to evaluate nutrient management strategies for papaya under a juvenile coconut ecosystem using organic residue recycling. Three papaya varieties—Taiwan 786, Co 8, and Arka Prabhat—were planted in a single row in between coconut palms, under four nutrient treatments at bimonthly intervals using different organic amendments; coconut leaf vermicompost (CLVC), rock phosphate, neem cake, poultry litter, and green manure. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomised block design with four replications. Results indicated that the treatment comprising 2 kg CLVC, 200 g rock phosphate, and 100 g sulphate of potash recorded enhanced growth and yield parameters plant height (174.4 cm), length of leaf midrib (78.88 cm),total dry matter production (2.9 kg plant-1), fruit weight (1.33 kg), and productivity (20.42 fruits plant-1) .This treatment also recorded higher chlorophyll content (1.11 %) and reduced stomatal resistance (1.02 mmol m−2 s−1 ) suggesting improved photosynthetic efficiency. Elevated nitrogen and potassium levels in plant tissues further corroborated the superior performance of this nutrient regime. The study highlights the potential of organic nutrient management in optimizing papaya productivity within coconut-based intercropping systems.
