Coconut Genetic Resources

Coconut Genetic
Resources
Pons Batugal, V. Ramanatha Rao and

Jeffrey Oliver, editors
i
COCONUT GENETIC RESOURCES
The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) is an independent international

scientific organization that seeks to improve the well-being of present and future generations
of people by enhancing conservation and the deployment of agricultural biodiversity on
farms and in forests. It is one of 15 Future Harvest Centres supported by the Consultative
Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), an association of public and private
members who support efforts to mobilize cutting-edge science to reduce hunger and
poverty, improve human nutrition and health, and protect the environment. IPGRI has its
headquarters in Maccarese, near Rome, Italy, with offices in more than 20 other countries
worldwide. The Institute operates through four programmes: Diversity for Livelihoods,
Understanding and Managing Biodiversity, Global Partnerships, and Improving Livelihoods
in Commodity-based Systems.
The international status of IPGRI is conferred under an Establishment Agreement which,
by January 2005, had been signed by the Governments of Algeria, Australia, Belgium,
Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chile, China, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte
d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Guinea, Hungary,
India, Indonesia, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Morocco, Norway,
Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Slovakia, Sudan,
Switzerland, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda and Ukraine.
Financial support for IPGRI’s research is provided by more than 150 donors, including
governments, private foundations and international organizations. For details of donors
and research activities please see IPGRI’s Annual Reports, which are available in printed
form on request from [email protected] or from IPGRI’s Web site
(www.ipgri.cgiar.org).
The geographical designations employed and the presentation of material in this
publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IPGRI or
the CGIAR concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or its authorities,
or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Similarly, the views expressed
are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations.
Mention of a proprietary name does not constitute endorsement of the product and is
given only for information.
Citation:
Batugal, P, V Ramanatha Rao and J Oliver, editors. 2005. Coconut Genetic Resources.
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute – Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific
and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor DE, Malaysia.
Cover pictures (clockwise from upper left corner):

Dr Pons Batugal, COGENT Coordinator, admiring the PNG Brown Dwarf x Renell Island
Tall hybrid produced by PNG’s Stewart Research Station; Vietnamese mother and child
proudly showing seedling of local coconut variety they raised for planting; Mr Tiara Mataora,
Senior Research Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Cook Islands, admiring the typhoon-
resistant local coconut cultivar; top view of the International Coconut Genebank for Africa
and the Indian Ocean hosted by Côte d’Ivoire; Mr Lolo Fili, Researcher of Tonga, showing
prized local coconut variety with high husk content. Pictures courtesy of Dr Roland Bourdeix.
ISBN 92-9043-629-8
IPGRI-APO
PO Box 236, UPM Post Office
Serdang 43400 Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
© International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, 2005
ii
Contents
Contents
Foreword x
Introduction xii
CHAPTER 1. An introduction to the coconut palm 1

M Foale
CHAPTER 2. Locating and collecting coconut germplasm
Locating coconut genetic diversity 13

V Ramanatha Rao, T Hodgkin and R Bourdeix
Mapping of coconut genetic diversity 32

R Bourdeix, L Guarino, PN Mathur and L Baudouin
Status, gaps and strategy in coconut germplasm 44

collecting
R Bourdeix, L Guarino, V Ramanatha Rao and L
Baudouin
In vitro collecting of coconut germplasm 65

F Engelmann
CHAPTER 3. Germplasm conservation
Complementary conservation of coconuts 75

ME Dulloo, V Ramanatha Rao, F Engelmann and J
Engels
Coconut field genebank 91

V Ramanatha Rao
COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut Genebank 106

P Batugal and K Jayashree
The International Coconut Genebank for the South 115

Pacific (Papua New Guinea)
M Faure
iii
The International Coconut Genebank for South Asia 117

(India)
V Rajagopal
The International Coconut Genebank for Southeast 119

and East Asia (Indonesia)
H Novarianto
The International Coconut Genebank for Africa and 121

the Indian Ocean (Côte d’Ivoire)
JL Konan
Proposal for the establishment of the International 123

Coconut Genebank for Latin America and the
Caribbean (Brazil)
EA Tupinamba
Status of cryopreservation research in coconut 142

F Engelmann, B Malaurie, O N’Nan and M Borges
In situ conservation of coconut diversity 149

B Sthapit, V Ramanatha Rao and D Davis
Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities: A 161

strategy for coconut in situ/on-farm conservation
P Batugal, J Oliver and K Jayashree
Global coconut conservation strategy 190

P Batugal and V Ramanatha Rao
CHAPTER 4. Characterizing diversity
Morphometric methods of determining diversity 209

L Baudouin and G Santos
Biochemical and molecular methods for characterizing 225

coconut diversity
P Lebrun, A Berger, T Hodgkin and L Baudouin
iv
Contents
CHAPTER 5. Germplasm use
Conventional coconut breeding 251

P Batugal and R Bourdeix
Use of molecular markers for coconut improvement: 268

Status and prospects
L Baudouin, P Lebrun, F Rognon and E Ritter
Breeding for drought tolerance in coconut: Status and 282

potentials
V Rajagopal, KV Kasturi Bai and N Kumar
Performance of coconut hybrids in some countries of 302

Asia, Africa and Latin America
P Batugal
Performance evaluation of coconut varieties and 309

farmers’ varietal preferences
P Rethinam, P Batugal and F Rognon
Multilocation coconut hybrid trials in three African and 326

three LAC countries
P Batugal, JL Konan, A Sanaoussi, AK Kullaya, E
Tupinamba, R Castillo and B Been
Coconut micropropagation 334

C Oropeza, E Rillo, V Hocher and JL Verdeil
CHAPTER 6. Major pests and safe movement of germplasm
Coconut lethal yellowing 349

C Oropeza, JA Escamilla, G Mora, D Zizumbo and NA
Harrison
Status of coconut lethal yellowing in Jamaica 364

B Been and W Myrie
Indexing and pathogen characterization 371

S J Eden-Green and AA Mpunami
Strategies for safe movement of coconut germplasm 390

M Diekmann
v
Pest risk assessment of the International Coconut 395

Genebank for Africa and Indian Ocean, and Latin
America and Caribbean
H de Franqueville
Pest risk analysis and guidelines for the safe movement 411
of germplasm in the International Coconut
Genebank of Asia and the Pacific
R Ikin
CHAPTER 7. Information, public awareness, institutional

support and partnerships
The International Coconut Genetic Resources Database 427

C Hamelin, R Bourdeix and L Baudouin
Public awareness initiatives in coconut 439

J Oliver and P Batugal
Standardized catalogues of coconut germplasm: 456

Catalogue of conserved germplasm and farmers’
varieties
R Bourdeix and P Batugal
Catalogue of high-value coconut products 463

K Jayashree
Catalogue of coconut food recipes 466

Zulyana MN
CGIAR’S support to coconut research 473

G Persley
The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network 482

(COGENT): Its history and achievements
P Batugal
The Coconut Research for Development Programme 500

(PROCORD)
P Batugal and J Oliver
vi
Contents
CHAPTER 8. COGENT’s regional network reports
Research on coconut genetic resources in the South 513

Pacific
T Osborne
Research on coconut genetic resources in South Asia 524

G Kalloo
Research on coconut genetic resources in Southeast and 533

East Asia
C Carpio, G Santos, E Emmanuel and H Novarianto
Research on coconut genetic resources in Africa and the 546

Indian Ocean
A Kullaya and JL Konan
Research on coconut genetic resources in Latin America 557

and the Caribbean
D Zizumbo, B Been, E Tupinamba, R Castillo and C
Oropeza
CHAPTER 9. Country reports on status of coconut genetic

resources research
South Asia
India 573
V Rajagopal, PM Kumaran, S Arulraj and V
Arunachalam
Sri Lanka 581

AD Samarajeewa, CK Bandaranayake, CS
Ranasinghe, JMDT Everard, LK Weerakoon, WMU
Fernando and S Senarathne
Bangladesh 596
SA Bhuiyan, A Rashid, Md Nazirul Islam and BC
Sarker
Pakistan 604
M Hashim Laghari and AH Solangi
vii
Southeast and East Asia

Indonesia 608
H Novarianto, RH Akuba, N Mashud, E Tenda and
J Kumaunang
Thailand 618
P Naka and K Jayashree
Vietnam
VV Long 625
Malaysia 634
AW Fong, N Kalitu and K Jayashree
Philippines 639
C Carpio, E Manohar, E Rillo, C Cueto, O Orense,
MB Areza-Ubaldo and AR Alfiler
China 648
L Tang and Z Ma
Africa and the Indian Ocean

Côte d’Ivoire 654
JL Konan
Ghana 661
SK Dery, J Owusu Nipah and F Ofori
Nigeria 667
CO Okwuagwu
Tanzania 670
AK Kullaya
Kenya 682
FK Muniu and PK Kibet
Mozambique 688
JS Cumbi
Seychelles 691
AM Moustache
viii
Contents
Latin America and the Caribbean

Brazil 695
EA Tupinambá, JF da Silva, Jr and WM Aragão
Mexico 704
R Gonzalez and C Oropeza
Guyana 709
O Homenauth
Jamaica 715
B Been
South Pacific
Cook Islands 720
W Wigmore and T Mataora
Fiji 725
V Kumar and T Kete
Kiribati 732
M Tenang
Papua New Guinea 737

M Faure
Samoa 744
A Peters and K Jayashree
Tonga 748
P Taufatofua and K Jayashree
Vanuatu 750
JP Labouisse and J Lahva
Index 762
ix
Foreword
Coconut is an important crop for poor people, supporting their livelihoods

and the sustainability of their environment. It is a source of materials for
food, drink and shelter. As a fundamental element in the food system it
provides essential nutrition to people in coconut-growing communities.
It stabilizes farming systems, especially in fragile environments such as
small island states, atolls, and in coastal zones. And coconut generates
much needed income for small growers as well as employment and foreign
currency earnings for their countries.
Despite the enormous potential of the crop, coconut farmers in the
past mostly scraped a living well below the poverty line. They were
marginalized. About 96% of the farmers, who collectively grow coconuts
on 12 million hectares worldwide, are smallholders tending less than
four hectares. Many do not own the land they work, lack the resources
to invest in technologies that would improve production, and are
considered non-bankable by the formal banking sector. Despite its
importance in the economies of many poor countries, the farmers who
grow coconut lack a voice to influence government policy or private sector
practices.
To address these problems, the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) decided to include coconut in its research
portfolio in 1991. Case studies had indicated that international research
on coconut would generate high pay-offs for resource-poor coconut
farmers. The International Board for Plant Genetic Resources (IBPGR),
now the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI),
organized the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network
(COGENT) to implement this decision. COGENT started with 15 coconut-
growing countries as members and subsequently expanded to 38 member
countries.
The substantive results of the work of the COGENT and its partner
institutions across the developing and the developed world, reported in
this book, are testimony to the correctness of the CGIAR’s vision and its
implementation by IPGRI. The work has seen a tremendous advance in
the scientific basis of coconut conservation and use. It has also generated
substantial institutional and funding support from member countries.
COGENT’s project on ‘Poverty reduction in coconut growing
communities,’ which makes use of coconut diversity to improve livelihoods
in 54 poor coconut-growing communities in 15 countries worldwide, is
also described in this book. It illustrates the impact that research on
coconut genetic resources generates for poor coconut farmers. It also
describes the coconut conservation strategy that provides the way forward
for this important area of work.
x
Foreword
At least in some communities, coconut farmers now have the resources

they need – genetic, social, legal, political and financial – to make better
use of coconut and hence improve life for themselves and their families.
The task now is to improve matters for all coconut growers, worldwide.
It is hoped that bringing together in this book the results of all
COGENT’s work to date will serve as a benchmark for planning new
initiatives to address the emerging challenges and opportunities that stem
from the continuing erosion of coconut genetic resources, and the constant
pressure on the research community to help resource-poor coconut
farmers.
Emile Frison
Director General
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
xi
Introduction
The coconut industry is at the crossroads. Coconut farmers are suffering

due to decreasing farm productivity and income and unstable markets
for copra, the traditional dried kernel product. This situation arisen in
part by the competition from other vegetable oils and further aggravated
by ageing and senile coconut palms, natural calamites such as drought,
typhoons, incidence of pests and diseases, lack of resources to invest in
innovations to improve yields and incomes and lack of availability of
affordable high-yielding and adapted coconut varieties. Important
coconut diversity, the basis for sustainable coconut production, is under
threat of genetic erosion due to decreasing hectarage caused by
urbanization, crop shifts, and natural and human-made calamities. Many
governments cannot afford to conserve their diversity. Unless farmers
earned more from their coconut, they could not afford to conserve their
important varieties. Many have lost interest to plant coconuts and have
shifted to other crops but have met the same fate due to lack of production
resources.
To help address the above problems, the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI) organized the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Network (COGENT) in 1992. This network which started with
15 coconut producing countries as members has expanded to 38 members
worldwide.
In the last 14 years, COGENT has been fully operational with 38
coconut producing member countries in five regions (South Asia;
Southeast and East Asia; South Pacific; Africa and the Indian Ocean,
and Latin America and the Caribbean). It has developed and promoted
the implementation of coconut collecting and conservation strategies. It
has successfully developed, in collaboration with the Centre de
Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le
développement (CIRAD), the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Database (CGRD), which has been disseminated to coconut breeders and
curators worldwide. The CGRD contains passport and characterization
data (morphometric and molecular marker) and some pictures of 1416
accessions which are conserved by national programmes in 28 sites in 23
countries. To further secure and provide access to conserved germplasm,
the establishment of a COGENT multi-site International Coconut
Genebank has been initiated to conserve 200 important accessions in each
region. The identification, characterization and promotion of coconut
varieties with multi-purpose uses have been initiated in farmers’ fields in
15 countries. The performances of high-yielding hybrids and farmers’
varietal preferences have been evaluated in nine countries and the results
xii
Introduction
will be used to help breeders in developing improved varieties. Further

testing of 34 high-yielding hybrids were evaluated in multi-location trials
involving three African and three Latin America/Caribbean countries
to identify suitable varieties and hybrids for resource-poor farmers has
been initiated. Diversity-linked income-generating activities are being used
as a strategy to promote in situ and on-farm conservation and germplasm
utilization in 15 countries. Protocols for in vitro embryo culture, germplasm
collecting, cryopreservation, morphometric and molecular marker-based
methods for locating and characterizing diversity; pest risk assessment
and germplasm health management are being developed, tested and
upgraded. Strategies and techniques for farmer participatory research,
collecting, characterization and ex situ and in situ conservation are being
refined.
To strengthen the coconut research capability of COGENT member
countries, COGENT/IPGRI has organized 43 country need assessment
missions and conducted 45 workshops and meetings involving 1090
coconut researchers to share information and technologies, discuss issues
and common problems and opportunities and how to address them;
conducted 42 training courses involving 775 participants from 41
countries; supported 288 research and training/capacity building
activities in 30 countries worth US$ 2.335 million. To promote the
deployment of coconut genetic resource in a wider range of coconut R&D,
COGENT led the establishment of the Global Coconut Research for
Development Programme (PROCORD) to an appropriate platform.
This publication describes the status of coconut genetic resources to
date by documenting the work of COGENT and it partner institutions
from both the developing and developed world. Chapter 1 provides an
introduction of the coconut palm and describing its evolution, taxonomy,
diversity and ethnobotany. Chapter 2 describes the strategies of locating
diversity, the gaps in collecting and the developments on in vitro technique
of collecting germplasm. Chapter 3 describes the strategies and initiatives
in ex situ and in situ conservation and the global coconut conservation
strategy. Chapter 3 describes the morphometric, biochemical and
molecular methods of characterizing diversity. Chapter 5 describes the
strategies and research on germplasm use, including the establishment
of the International Coconut Genetic Resources Database, the use of
conventional and molecular markers in coconut breeding, initiatives on
breeding for drought tolerance, and the evaluation of coconut hybrids
worldwide and the identification of farmers’ varietal preferences. Chapter
6 describes the status of the lethal yellowing disease and the search for
disease resistant varieties, the techniques for indexing and pathogen
characterization, the guidelines for safe germplasm movement and the
xiii
methods used in conducting pest risk assessment for COGENT’s multi-

site International Coconut Genebank. Chapter 7 describes the history of
the establishment of COGENT by the CGIAR, its achievements in the
last 14 years and its public awareness strategy to maximize its impact.
Chapter 8 describes the regional research and capacity building of
COGENT’s five regional sub-networks while Chapter 9 contains the
reports on the status of research on coconut genetic resources work in 28
COGENT member countries.
This publication is the most comprehensive report on the status of
coconut genetic resources to date. It is hoped that it will be useful to
researchers, policy makers and development organizations as a basis for
planning and implementing research and development initiatives to
promote the conservation and use of coconut genetic resources. Some of
the materials in this book will also be useful to students who choose to
work on coconut genetic resources and their use.
The editors
xiv
Chapter 1
An introduction to the
coconut palm
xv
xvi
CHAPTER 1: An introduction to the coconut palm
An introduction to the coconut palm

M Foale
Specialist in Coconut and Dryland Soils, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
Organization (CSIRO), Sustainable Ecosystems, Long Pocket Labs, 120 Meiers Road,
Indooroopilly, Queensland Australia
Evolution of the coconut palm

The evolutionary history of a species, which has been pressed since
antiquity into the human economy, surviving as wild fragment
populations in a minute number of locations, has to be necessarily highly
speculative. Nevertheless, the separation of the coconut from a cluster of
ancestral palms located on what later became the dispersing land
fragments of the super-continent of Gondwana, and the subsequent
development of a whole suite of unique and interesting features, excites
the scientific imagination to wonder how nature could generate such an
outcome (Foale 2004).
Through a process of natural selection, over a period of perhaps 80
million years, the coconut developed the means to disperse across vast
expanses of ocean and take hold firmly on the perilous boundary between
land and sea, adapting to fierce windstorms and periodic inundation,
thriving unassisted by any other fauna and flora, and delivering its fruit
in turn to the ocean vehicle for further dispersal.
The very components of the fruit that enabled this species to
successfully conquer the open ocean and take firm hold of the land on
arrival became for humans the source of nourishing food and drink, and
raw materials for fuel and tools of many kinds ranging from ropes to
cups and buttons. The sandy berm on the land edge of the strand (the
zone between high and low ocean tides), built of sand by raging storm
tides, retains little water or nutrients to support a seedling attempting to
become established. The coconut evolved to defeat these environmental
shortcomings by developing a huge endosperm, larger than found in
any other plant with the exception of the ‘double coconut’ of Seychelles.
There is sufficient energy and nutrients in the coconut seed to support
growth of the seedling for more than one year, providing the opportunity
for the roots to extend through the berm to the underlying soil layer that
is bathed by the fluctuating fresh water table, which responds to the
twice daily tidal rise and fall of the ocean. The coconut is most ‘at home’
in an environment where the roots are thus intermittently immersed in
ground water, which has accumulated the essential plant nutrients
released by the decay of plant residues. The endosperm or kernel of the
coconut, evolved to enable the palm to colonise new habitats, also proved
to be highly supportive of human colonisation of new habitats and a
1
subsequent major support for the prosperity of human communities (Foale

2003; Foale and Ashburner 2003).
The cohabitation of human and coconut populations ushered in a
new era for the evolution of the coconut. Selection, especially for enhanced
food and drink qualities, moved the coconut away from some of the critical
traits that had enabled it to successfully disperse over a vast portion of
the globe on a geological time scale. Before human arrival, the coconut
had undoubtedly reached thousands of islands and mainland shore
locations stretching over most of the tropical Pacific Ocean, throughout
the islands of Southeast Asia, and probably to some shores of the Indian
Ocean. It appears that the lack of an ocean current connection between
the Indian and the Atlantic Oceans was responsible for the absence of
the coconut on the west coast of Africa and the east coasts of South and
Central America prior to its introduction from East Africa and India by
the 16th century Portuguese navigators.
Taxonomy
The Cocos genus is mono-specific, showing recognition by taxonomists
that it has no close botanical ‘relatives’. The palm known as the ‘double
coconut’ or ‘coco de mer’ (coconut of the sea) produces a fruit that bears
some slight resemblance to the coconut, however, it is many times larger
and is very different for all other traits (morphology and phenology).
The coconut is placed in the Arecaceae family (formerly Palmaceae) and
the sub-family Cocoideae which has 27 genera and 600 species (Teulat et
al. 2000).
The coconut has 32 chromosomes (16 pairs) and may be divided into
two distinct groups - Tall and Dwarf, with a further division within the
Dwarf group between forms with either fragile or robust trunks. The
Tall, in general, is allogamous(out-breeding) because even though the
male and female flowers are located close together on each inflorescence,
the pollen is shed before the females are ready for it. The fragile Dwarf is
mostly autogamous because the male flowers shed pollen freely while
the female flowers are receptive. The Dwarf group that possesses a robust
trunk and is less precocious that the fragile Dwarf has flower behaviour
similar to the Tall. There are no reports of incompatibility between any
paired individuals or populations. Tall and fragile Dwarf palms cross
readily to produce vigorous and fertile hybrids.
Diversity
The confinement in nature of the coconut palm close to the strand
environment described in the evolution section has placed narrow limits
upon its many morphological and some phenological characters.
2
Successful dispersal depended upon a buoyant fruit that contained

adequate kernel in the seed to ensure successful establishment. A variant
that bore fruit possessing less husk might not survive lengthy immersion
in the ocean without becoming waterlogged. Another variant that
produced a smaller seed (nut) might contain insufficient water to last
through a sea voyage to retain the vital amount needed to stimulate
germination upon arrival. A thin-shelled variant might crack upon falling
from the palm and lose its water, and so on. Certainly, it has been reported
that some populations of putative wild coconut palms show remarkable
physical similarities in fruit characters even though there is molecular
evidence of wide evolutionary separation (Ashburner 1995).
The aspects of coconut phenology (development) that contribute to
the success of the coconut in its unique habitat include late germination
(early germination would risk the seedling emerging from the seed before
the fruit fell into the ocean) and late onset of flowering. Early flowering
risks diversion of growth resources from the development of a sturdy
trunk and adequate peripheral roots at the base of the trunk to withstand
destructive wind.
Besides these easily recognised morphological and phenological traits,
there are many others that are not readily observable and that have been
discovered only as a result of the movement of populations between
diverse habitats. This reference to diversity of habitat is not a contradiction
of the earlier assertion that the coconut is confined next to the strand.
There is wide scope for variation in the shore environment already
described with respect to climate – especially seasonality and quantity of
rainfall, and exposure to strong wind; soil type – ranging across sands
derived from coral, silica, volcanic ash or rocks and the effluent of streams
and various biotic pressures especially from insects and micro-pathogens
originating in adjacent vegetation systems.
It has become clear during almost one hundred years of coconut
research in different parts of the world that there is great diversity for
tolerance to water deficit, which is one of the most important adaptations
that could contribute to improved productivity. The factors mentioned
in the previous paragraph have generated diversity in the coconut
through natural selection but the genetic changes have not been
accompanied by the appearance of any morphological markers that could
assist the observer to know that a particular adaptation is present. In the
early days of coconut research, awareness of such genetic diversity came
about through the observation of exotic populations in new environments.
A few examples will serve to illustrate the existence of ‘invisible’
adaptation in coconut. Recognition of hidden tolerance or partial
avoidance of the Brontispa leaf beetle took place in Solomon Islands in
3
the 1920s, when an introduced coconut population from the Federated

Malay States was severely damaged in both nursery and early field stages
of growth on plantations alongside the almost untouched indigenous
population. In Vanuatu in the 1960s, exotic material succumbed fatally
to a virus whose presence in the local Tall population was not in any
way suspected, due to a lack of any observable symptoms. In Indonesia
in the 1980s, many hybrids between West African Tall and Malayan
Yellow Dwarf were attacked by a variant of the fungal pathogen
Phytophthora palmivora that apparently did not harm local palm
populations.
Thanks to molecular techniques, it is now possible to associate specific
important adaptations with molecular markers that can be accurately
identified in the laboratory. This aspect of research technology has the
potential to contribute very potently to the success of future breeding
endeavours based upon the screening of the assemblages of genetic
material that have been gathered under the auspices of International
Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT). Some useful definitions
to describe different groupings of genetic material, prepared by Bourdeix
et al., are presented in Annex 1.
There are many other examples of diversity in coconut for which
morphological markers are actually present, as it was those very markers
that were the traits being sought by human selection. Much of the diversity
generated by human intervention is within the distinctive Dwarf sub-
group of the coconut. With the exception of the robust Dwarf known as
Niu Leka, all Dwarfs are almost completely obligate self-pollinators,
leading to the emergence of traits transmitted by recessive genes,
particularly a number of orange and yellow colour variants. These colours
are particularly useful in eliminating the few hybrid seedlings that arise
from uncontrolled pollination of a Dwarf palm in the company of Tall
neighbours. Brown and green Dwarf seedlings can be recognised with
less accuracy relying on their growth rate as an indicator of dwarfness.
In traditional coconut cultures, where the Dwarf is valued for domestic
use because of the relative ease of harvesting fresh fruit and the
convenience of a small fruit as a source of juice, the Dwarf has been
assigned an important role in homes and home-gardens.
Another result of human-managed diversity is the so-called niu vai
or water coconut associated especially with Polynesian settlements.
Whereas, the small-fruited Dwarf is seen as the preferred source of fruit
for drinking in the settled environment of the village, the situation is
quite different when provisioning is required for a sea voyage.
Coastal peoples are invariably mariners, maintaining skills and boats
in order to trade along the coast as well as to harvest from the sea, and
being prepared for longer voyages in response to invasion or population
4
pressure. Selection of a coconut fruit suited to such contingencies would

have the objective of providing the best possible source of both food and
drink on the voyage. An immature fruit, such as the typical ‘juice nut’
has a shelf life of just a few days without refrigeration and is therefore
unsuitable for a long voyage. Both food and drink can be provided, with
least space required in the sea-going craft (and least weight of ‘cargo’
relative to the amount of vital components), by means of large mature
fruit possessing a thin husk. There is evidence of selection for large fruit
in many parts of Asia and the nearby island nations, and there are
remnants of isolated populations of large-fruited palms on scattered
islands across the Pacific Ocean. This association of diversity with specific
human needs will be dealt with in more detail in the ethnobotany section
below.
Ethnobotany
This section overlaps somewhat with that on genetic diversity, dealing
in more depth with the targeting of specific traits selected to serve for
human purposes at the local level, and also in developing or expanding
a promising wider market for a coconut product.
Whereas, Dwarf populations are distinctive and uniform at the local
level with respect to fruit morphology and colour, Tall populations
generally look pretty much the same all over the world. Extremes of fruit
size are noticeable but otherwise there is usually, within any group of
palms, a great diversity of colour, fruit shape and size, whilst palm crown
morphology is mostly a matter of age and nutritional status.
Ethnobotanical traits (those sought by humans) are elusive in Tall palms
because of the lack of markers already noted, and because of the
predominant outbreeding behaviour.
Unlike inbreeding species such as wheat, rice or sorghum for example,
where the selection of a distinctive individual plant offers the opportunity
for the traits of that plant to be preserved securely in its progeny, in the
Tall coconut a valuable trait identified in a single palm can prove difficult
to multiply because of the genetic diversity in which it is embedded.
Preservation of traits is much simpler in the Dwarf, suggesting that effort
might be made to assist in the transfer of particularly interesting traits
such a special aroma, or edibility of the immature husk, from Tall to
Dwarf.
In general, the coconut is not rich in distinct ethnobotanical traits
that are of great commercial value. The relative genetic uniformity of the
species compared to most crop plants that have emerged from regions
that encompass great biophysical diversity confines coconut to a narrow
range of variants. Little variation in the qualities of the fibre, shell, kernel
5
and water has been demonstrated. There is on the other hand great ethnic
diversity in the ways that the various coconut resources are produced
and used. It is ethno-industry more than ethno-botany that gives rise to
the great range of products derived especially from the fibre and shell
including exquisitely crafted works or art and many materials of great
commercial value.
Distribution
The natural dispersal of the coconut prior to the colonisation of the entire
planet by humans has been dealt with above, but the historic distribution
that was limited by the ‘reach’ of viable seeds floating on the ocean has
been enormously expanded in recent millennia. Expansion inland from
the natural coastal ‘foothold’ has been responsible for a great increase in
coconut populations as human populations grew, and there has also
been, quite recently, expansion to new lands previously not colonised by
the wild coconut.
An interesting aspect of coconut distribution arises from the evidence
of widespread ‘invasion’ of natural coconut habitats by human settlers.
Many coconut populations exhibit a degree of shift from the
characteristics of formerly wild coconut populations (attributed to
introgression between two populations of different origin – the wild one
and the introduced one) that would have taken many generations to
achieve.
Except for a small number of atolls, where human settlement
apparently never took place, or where it was very recent indeed (as for
example the Cocos (Keeling) Islands settled in 1827), coconut populations
from Asia to the eastern Pacific show signs of introgression between wild
and ‘domesticated’ variants. The degree of drift in fruit morphology away
from the classical wild traits varies greatly, being most marked in some
relatively isolated Polynesian islands such as Rennell in Solomon Islands
and Rotuma in Fiji Islands. It is likely that the wild population of coconut
palms before the arrival of the Polynesian colonisers (which is known to
have been at least 1000 years ago) was quite small, as the rocky coasts of
these two islands possess only a few sandy berms where wild palms
would have been growing. The genetic traits of the palms planted by the
colonisers therefore became dominant within a few generations through
a combination of relatively little dilution by the wild genotype and
purposeful selection by the people.
The final ‘coconut-free zone’ of the earth, being the tropical shores of
the Atlantic Ocean, was ‘invaded’ very early in the 16th century by the
introduction of seeds from the Indian Ocean shores, brought there by
Portuguese navigators returning from voyages in the Indian Ocean. From
a base in the Cape Verde Islands (close to the coast of Senegal), seeds
6
were distributed within a few decades to all the new colonies in the
tropical Americas. However, there was already a coconut population on
the Pacific coast of Central America with nut characters inconsistent
with dispersal from the ocean. One could speculate that the seeds which
founded that population had originally arrived by boat prior to the entry
of European navigators into the Pacific, from a source in Polynesia.
By the end of the 16th century, the coconut could be found throughout
the tropics with one notable exception. The tropical coast of Australia
was as yet unknown to European navigators, but even when it was
charted – mostly in the early 19th century - there was no sign of the coconut
palm. A tiny population was later found (in 1848) on an offshore island,
during intense local mapping of the northeast coast and the barrier reef.
The possible reasons for this strange absence could be attributed to a
combination of the consumption of drifted fruit for food by both native
people, and also by a particular species of native rat capable of opening
a mature fruit with ease (Foale 2003).
The coconut can now be found on practically every suitable tropical
and sub-tropical coastline worldwide, and has been transported far from
the coast in many regions, wherever rainfall is adequate and the altitude
does not exceed 1000 m. Although one would expect a species whose
native habitat is at the very edge of the ocean to be “ecologically
challenged” elsewhere, the coconut has shown a remarkable capacity to
thrive on soil textures that range from coarse sand, like that of the berm
on the coast, to heavy-textured clay. Certain essential nutrients constrain
success of the coconut by their absence, and particular mention should
be made of chlorine because its importance to the coconut is less well
known compared with the usual major nutrients. Whilst chlorine is
generally abundant near the coast, there are many sub-coastal and inland
areas where the leaching action of intense rainfall has reduced chlorine
availability to the point where it limits coconut growth.
In the era of great industrial use of the coconut, commencing in the
middle of the 19th century, coconut distribution became much broader as
plantations were successfully established on hundreds of thousands of
hectares of land previously occupied by rainforest. Provided that the
annual rainfall totalled at least 2000 mm, and the season of severe water
deficit did not exceed three months duration, the coconut prospered.
Many biotic and nutritional challenges were encountered away from
the coast but in general, these were overcome and the plantations were
productive and profitable for up to 100 years. It has been economic rather
than ecological factors that have placed constraints on the distribution
of the coconut in recent decades.
7
References
Ashburner, GR. 1995. Characterisation, collection and conservation of Cocos nucifera
L. in the South Pacific. PhD thesis, The University of Melbourne.
Foale, MA. 2003. The coconut odyssey: The bounteous possibilities of the Tree of
Life. ACIAR Monograph No. 101, 132 p.
Foale, MA. and RA Ashburner. 2003. The coconut palm. Pp. 35-40. In: Plantation
crops. In: Series on the impact of biotechnology on agricultural crops. Indian
Council for Agricultural Research, New Delhi and Howarth Press, New York.
Teulat, B, C Aldam, R Trehin, P Lebrun, JHA Barker, GM Arnold, A Karp, L Baudouin
and F Rognon. 2000. Analysis of genetic diversity in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)
populations from across the geographic range using sequence-tagged
microsatellites (SSRs) And RFLPs. Theoretical Applied Genetics. 100: 764-771
Foale, M. 2004. The coconut palm: Origin and evolutionary history (in press). In: VL
Chopra and KV Peter (eds). Handbook of industrial crops. Haworth Press,
Haworth, UK.
8
Annex 1. Useful definitions of terms and nomenclature

by R Bourdeix, G Santos, JP Labouisse and L Baudouin
Cultivar/Variety/Ecotype/Population/Variant
Definitions:
‘True’ variety: from a strict botanical point of view, there are only three
main varieties in coconut:
• Tall : high height increment, spaced leaf scars, predominantly
allogamous, late bearing.
• Dwarf: reduced height, narrow spacing between leaf scars, pre-
dominantly autogamous, precocious.
• A few intermediate and other types of coconut, such as Niu leka
Dwarf (Polynesia) and King Coconut of Sri Lanka.
Cultivar: ‘Cultivated variety’ is defined as a group of individuals or plants

having similar traits that can reproduce “true-to-type” in the natural
(sexual) way from generation to generation.
Ecotype: Individual plants or populations which survive as a distinct

group through environmental selection and isolation and that is compa-
rable with a taxonomic species.
Comments: The focus here is on the words: survival, environment, diverse.

In most cases, it seems to be difficult to qualify coconut cultivars as true
‘ecotype’. Some possible exceptions are cultivars found in atolls and other
environmentally very particular conditions. Vanuatu Tall, for instance,
the only cultivar resistant to the foliar decay virus, can be considered as
a true ecotype (this is a special case where a pathogen is given the status
of a major ecological influence, yet it is a factor that could be eliminated).
Population and variant: This can be considered as similar in connota-

tion and would refer to a group of individuals obtained from a cultivar.
Population refers to any subgroup located in a restricted location, such
as one island, atoll or continuous strip of coastline. Variant is narrower
than that in the sense that members of the group exhibit a specific trait
as stated below.
Variant could be preferred for special botanical types which may be found
in different cultivar: Makapuno/Kopyor/Coco Gras/Dikiri or Spicata.
9
Populations could denote minor geographical and/or phenotypic dif-

ferentiation within a cultivar. (Population could also refer to palms in a
location, whether they be highly heterozygous, as most Tall populations
are, or homozygous, as in the self-pollinating Dwarfs).
Unfortunately, experience shows that most non-scientific observers
and stakeholders do not know or do not appreciate the term “Cultivar”.
They frequently use the term ‘variety’ instead of ‘cultivar’. Even in many
scientific papers, ‘variety’ remains and used in place of ‘cultivar’. The
scientific community has to make an effort to be understood through
better communication with the rest of the world. So assuming that the
terms of ‘cultivar’ and ‘variety’ are mostly synonyms, the following
examples can be proposed:
“True” varieties:
• Tall : rapid height increment, widely spaced leaf scars, predominantly
allogamous, late flowering and bearing.
• Fragile Dwarf: reduced height, narrow spacing between leaf scars,
trunk diameter about 40% less that Tall, little of no basal bole, pre-
dominantly autogamous, precocious (early flowering and bearing).
• Robust Dwarf: Very low rate of trunk extension, trunk diameter and
flowering behaviour similar to Tall, crown more compact than that
of Tall or Fragile Dwarf
Cultivar or Variety : West African Tall, Catigan Green Dwarf, and

Vanuatu Tall which could also be considered an Ecotype.
Population: WAT06 (West African Tall Ouidah from Benin)
Variant: Makapuno (Philippines), Dikiri (Sri Lanka), Spicata (different

countries), Nawasi (Sri Lanka), Nim (Thailand)
Sub-population: Individual plant/palm
10
Chapter 2
Locating and collecting
germplasm
11
12
CHAPTER 2: Locating and collecting germplasm
Locating coconut genetic diversity

V Ramanatha Rao1, T Hodgkin2 and R Bourdeix3
1
Senior Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - Regional Office for Asia,
the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
2
Principal Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), Rome, Italy
3
Coconut Breeder, Centre de cooperation internationale en recherché agronomique pour le
developpement (CIRAD), Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
Introduction
Cocos is a genus in the family Arecaceae (Palmaceae), subfamily Cocoideae,
which includes 27 genera and 600 species. Distributed mainly in coastal
regions between 20° N and 20° S, from sea level to 1000 m asl, the coconut
– Cocos nucifera L. (2n = 2x = 32) – the only species in the genus, is an
important perennial tropical plantation crop with no known truly wild
forms.
The variability of local coconut types is reported to be highest in
Southeast Asia (Whitehead 1976). However, it has not been possible to
establish either a true centre of diversity or centre of origin for the species.
These simple but basic factors are of great importance for understanding
the extent and distribution of coconut genetic diversity and for locating
useful variation.
In 1992, the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI),
with the endorsement of the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and its donors, established the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) with the
aim of promoting an international collaborative programme on the
conservation and use of coconut genetic resources. Collecting, conserving,
evaluating and enhancing coconut germplasm of member countries, and
locating and characterizing genetic diversity using morphometric and
molecular biology techniques, have been some of COGENT’s major
concerns (http://www.ipgri.cgiar.org/networks/cogent). Under the
auspices of COGENT, the activities related to genetic resources collection
and genetic diversity in coconut have been streamlined and significant
progress in these areas has been made.
Genetic diversity
Genetic diversity is usually thought of as the amount of genetic variability
among individuals of a variety, or population of a species (Brown 1983).
It results from the many genetic differences between individuals and may
be manifest in differences in DNA sequence, in biochemical characteristics
(e.g. in protein structure or isoenzyme properties), in physiological
13
properties (e.g. abiotic stress resistance or growth rate) or in morphological

characters such as flower colour or plant form (Ramanatha Rao and
Hodgkin 2001). Four components of genetic diversity can be usefully
distinguished; the number of different forms (alleles) ultimately found in
different populations (sometimes referred to as ‘richness’), their
distribution (or ‘evenness’), the effect they have on performance (related
to population density) and the overall distinctness between different
populations. The variation that underpins genetic diversity arises from
mutation and recombination. Selection, genetic drift and gene flow act
on the alleles present in different populations to cause variation in them.
The selection can be natural or it can be artificial, as is the case with
much of the variation present in crop species (Suneson 1960; Frankel
1977; Nevo et al. 1984; Brown 1988; Hamrick et al. 1992). It allows species
and populations to adapt to changing conditions and provides the basis
for the observed differences between different ecotypes, populations or
cultivars of coconut.
It is generally accepted that the genetic variation in plant populations
is structured in space and time (Loveless and Hamrick 1984). The
description of the extent and distribution of the different aspects of genetic
diversity in a species, and of the way in which it is structured, is an
essential prerequisite to determining what to conserve, and where and
how to conserve it. To date, most conservation efforts, either in situ or ex
situ, have proceeded with little information on the genetic diversity that
was being conserved and on what part of the total genetic diversity of a
species this constituted. There is an urgent need to remedy this situation
by describing the variation observed and identifying the factors likely to
affect its distribution. Such factors often include climatic, edaphic and
biotic ones as well as those specific to the populations (e.g. population
size, selection) or to the species (e.g. ploidy, breeding system, linkage).
Where data is available at the genetic level, e.g. from DNA or isozyme
studies, direct measures of richness, evenness and distinctness may be
obtained (Nei 1973). However, when dealing with morphological data,
direct estimates of numbers and distributions of genes or alleles are hardly
obtained and analyses of diversity are based on statistical parameters
such as means, ranges, standard deviation and variance. Nonetheless,
descriptions of morphological characteristics and reactions to pests and
diseases of a population, local cultivar or accession remain the most useful
information for plant breeders, agronomists and other users. Although
these are often obtained in ways that make formal analyses of the extent
and distribution of genetic diversity difficult, the information can often
provide useful guidance on location of variation of particular
characteristics. It can also be combined with other more formal analyses
14
to provide an overall view of the ways in which different components of

diversity are distributed.
Coconut genetic diversity: General considerations

Coconut is one of the few major crop species that has no closely related
wild relatives. Coconut belongs to the palm family (Palmae or Arecaceae),
which has about 2800 species of 190 genera. The Cocoeae tribe with 27
genera and nearly 600 species includes several economically important
plants such as Cocos nucifera (coconut), Elaeis guineensis (African oil palm),
Attalea cohune (babacu) and Bactris gasipaes (peach palm). Palm species
most related to the coconut palm are found in Colombia (Cook 1901).
However, there appears to have been no possibility of mating or gene
exchange with any related species and all coconut cultivars constitute a
single potentially freely intermating genepool. Since coconut is an ancient
species and has been under cultivation for several thousand years, it is
reasonable to presume that early humans, while developing habitats in
coastal areas, must have slowly domesticated any wild form that was
present. Current theories mainly suggest that it must have originated in
the Indonesian Islands and later spread to become pantropical, although
the date of its spread to the Pacific has been under considerable debate
(Harries 1990; 1995). It is also reasonable to presume that the spread of
coconuts was based on small initial sample size, considering the bulk of
the seed material. If the theory about its spread by flotation is true, then
the sample size might be limited to one or two nuts and this is especially
so in coconut populations found on the mostly uninhabited small islands
and atolls. Thus, the bottleneck processes through which the coconut
must have undergone through its world-wide spread, either human-
assisted or otherwise, may well have resulted in considerable genetic drift
in the founding populations. These observations have a significant bearing
on the current genetic structure of the coconuts. In order to understand
the process of spread, further studies on the historical and pre-historical
knowledge of coconut are needed. Current knowledge appears to be weak
in many countries and there has been no attempt to carry out a thorough
check of the world literature relevant to this subject as suggested by
Bourdeix et al. (1999).
Although it has been generally agreed that humans must have
domesticated the coconut in pre-historical time, it is not clear what was
the domestication process involved and how the species evolved under
domestication, as there are no ‘wild’ coconuts for comparison. The nature
of selection pressure that farmers might have applied is difficult to
comprehend taking account of the perennial character of the species. In
many cases, there could be more than one human generation in the life
15
of a coconut palm. This leads to difficulties in trying to determine the

farmer practices and their effect on the constitution and characteristics
of local populations. This is further complicated by the fact that farmers
are unlikely to have replaced individual coconut trees in their prime, let
alone a whole orchard or population, with another crop or improved
genotype, unless such substitution brought enormous benefits or they
were forced to take such measures by external circumstances. This
suggests that complex evolution of the different types or genotypes of
coconut (with more and less desirable coconut types occurring together)
may have been a quite common feature of coconut populations. This
would lead to highly heterogeneous populations in which there could
have been substantial. Thus the genetic structure of coconut could be
fairly complex even if the frequent bottlenecks might result in populations
with reduced genetic diversity in individual populations than what occurs
in other perennial species that have undergone similar process of
evolution, with less stringent bottlenecks.
Guarino et al. (1998) suggested that the key features of coconut
evolution might be summarized as follows:
• Populations initially established by few individuals (founder effect,
genetic bottleneck), but often from a variety of sources.
• Low but continuing levels of gene migration among wild-type,
feral or semi cultivated populations.
• High levels of outcrossing within populations.
• Selection by local communities, and movement of domesticated
germplasm to Africa and the New World.
• Continuing introgression of selected local varieties with wild-type
populations and hybridization among domesticated varieties.
The result, as revealed by genetic diversity studies using a range of

morphological, physiological, agronomic, biochemical and DNA
characters (see below), is that every region or large island has more or
less distinctive populations, (commonly described as ecotypes). Tall
ecotypes are highly variable (about 60% of the total diversity is found
within Tall ecotypes in the Pacific), while Dwarfs are less variable,
probably reflecting the fact that they are autogamous. The distinction
between Tall and Dwarf types (which is really a difference in precocity)
is sometimes formalised into botanical varieties typica and nana, but the
taxonomic validity of this is not universally recognized. Although
variation among ecotypes is basically continuous, regional Afroindian,
Southeast Asian and Polynesian groupings can be recognized. Sub-
groupings are also recognized within the Polynesian germplasm, in
particular South Pacific, Northeast Pacific and Marquesas-Hawaii
groupings, with the Rennell Island population relatively isolated.
16
Morphometric studies of diversity

A description of the morphological characteristics and reaction to pests,
diseases and stresses of an accession are the most useful information to
plant breeders and other users. Such data (in conjunction with locality
data) can be used in identifying especially diverse areas and those where
specific traits can be found, and in exploring the relationship among
accessions. However, using morphological characterization data for
locating diversity has a number of limitations. Differential heritabilities,
pleiotropic and epistatic effects, polygenic control and genotype x
environment (G x E) interactions that are often associated with
morphological characters can make estimation of genetic variation
difficult. In many cases, long-term crossing and inheritance studies will
be needed for precise estimation. There is also the problem that most
genetic variation is hidden and is not apparent at the phenotypic level,
so that morphologically similar material may in fact be genetically quite
different. Despite these drawbacks, morphometric methods have been
used to advantage in coconut as well as other crops (N’cho et al. 1993;
Akpan 1994; Sugimura et al. 1997; Ashburner et al. 1997).
The first publications comparing a large amount of data gathered
from coconut accessions came from Africa. The description of most of
the accessions from the collection at the Marc Delorme Station (Ivory
Coast) has been reported in numerous publications (Nuce de Lamothe
and Rognon 1977; Nuce de Lamothe and Wuidart 1979 and 1981; Le
saint et al. 1983; Sangare et al. 1984; N’Cho et al. 1988). However, each of
these publications produced in a series covered only a limited number of
accessions, generally four to six, always compared with West African
Tall (for Tall types) or Malayan Yellow Dwarf (for Dwarfs) used as
reference controls. Using the same data, 17 Tall coconut ecotypes were
assessed taking a biometric approach with the use of 24 major
morphological descriptors. A discriminant analysis revealed the relations
existing between ecotypes. The resulting dendrogram groups together
accessions to the extent of their similarity into nine groups of 1 to 3 (N’cho
et al. 1993).
Sugimura (1997) carried out a genetic diversity study using botanical
and agronomical traits on 39 cultivars of coconut palms which were
mainly collected in the Philippines, and statistically analyzed to clarify
the variation between and within cultivar groups (typica, nana and
javanica). Although there were broad variations in all the traits except
for several male flower characters, significant differences among the three
cultivar groups were found in a dozen of traits. The variation within a
cultivar group was higher in typica and javanica. Nana was noted as an
aggregate group, which was distantly far from typica. Javanica was
17
characterized as the intermediate group having overlapping boundaries

with other groups. As noted earlier, although these are not valid
taxonomic classes, they seem to be useful for morphological groupings of
cultivars.
Zizumbo-Villarreal (1998) studied the pattern of morphological
variation of coconut in Mexico. They analyzed 41 populations using 17
morphological fruit characters. Principal component and cluster analyses
indicated four main groups of coconut populations that showed high
similarity with four different genotypes recently imported into Mexico
from areas that could be the origin of Mexican coconut populations. These
four genotypes were evaluated with regard to lethal yellowing disease in
Jamaica and showed a differential susceptibility. Based on the difference
in susceptibility of the Mexican genotypes, the analysis of correlation
between morphological and geographical distances showed a high
positive correlation that supports: 1) historical evidence that indicates
early introductions of coconut from different regions of the world, and
2) that on both coasts of Mexico two different patterns of dispersal were
involved - continuous and in jumps. It was concluded that collectively
these results suggest that the impact of the lethal yellowing disease on
coconut populations will vary depending on the specific area and the
origin of its coconuts, although it is not very clear how this conclusion
could be drawn. This will require some level of follow up.
Vargas (2000) evaluated Tall coconut cultivars from the Pacific coast
of Costa Rica and the Philippines (San Ramón, Tagnanan and Laguna),
for fruit characteristics. Most of the introduced cultivars showed extremely
large heterogeneity. A cluster analysis, based on the Ward method (Ward
and Neel 1970), classified the palms into four groups with high internal
homogeneity. Some of the evaluated coconut palms from the Costa Rican
Pacific area had nut characteristics similar to San Ramon (Group 1: large
and elongated nuts) and Tagnanan palm (Group 4: heaviest fruits and
nuts) groups but not with the Laguna group (Group 3: rounded and
small-sized nuts). At the association level used (semipartial R2 = 0.10),
another group (Group 2: small size and mildly elongated nuts) that
included the remaining palms sampled from the Costa Rican Pacific Coast
(Group 2: small-sized mildly elongated nuts) was constituted, thus
showing that the Costa Rican types were different from the established
cultivars (for detailed treatment, see Baudouin and Santos, Chapter 4).
Use of Isozymes
This method of genetic variability evaluation is barely developed for
coconut. The initial study, undertaken with pollen involved nine enzyme
systems (Benoit and Ghesquiere 1984; 1989). After several technical
difficulties, only four systems were used to compare eight ecotypes:
18
Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD); Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD); Pumilla

Green Dwarf (PGD); Niu Leka Dwarf (NLA); West African Tall (WAT);
Malayan Tall (MLT); Tahiti Tall (TAT) and Vanuatu Tall (VTT). The eight
ecotypes showed a weak enzyme polymorphism, few polymorphic loci
per system, and never more than two alleles per locus. The intra-ecotype
variability was low for autogamous Dwarfs, higher for the Niu-Leka
Dwarf and the Talls, with the exception of the West African Tall, which
was monomorphic for the four enzyme systems tested. The low enzyme
polymorphism of coconut contrasts with the morphologic diversity within
the species and suggests that the marked phenotypic differences could
hide homologous genetic structures. The apparent absence of variability
in WAT is possibly due to successive bottlenecks in its spread that have
led to a high level of consanguinity. Other studies of patterns of isozyme
variation were also conducted in Sri Lanka (Fernando 1995) and
Indonesia (Asmono et al. 1993) with rather similar results.
Villareal et al. (2002) studied the diversity of 22 populations of
Mexican coconut and six imported populations using 15 enzymatic
systems and the allele frequencies in: peroxides, endopeptidase, glucose
6-phosphate dehydrogenase. They observed very low polymorphism, not
more than two alleles per locus. The Wright fixations indices, F(it)= 0.62,
F(is) = 0.40 and F(st) =.036, indicated low total heterozygosity and low
heterozygosity within populations suggesting inbreeding and genetic drift
and a high diversity among populations due to differentiation between
Pacific and Gulf of Mexico coastal populations. The phylogenetic tree
with values for genetic distance, indicated three groups on the Pacific
coast related to Rennell Tall and Polynesian Tall, and two groups on the
coast of the Gulf of Mexico, one related to the West African Tall and the
other to Mexican Pacific coast populations. This corroborated historical
antecedents and morphological and physiological patterns. The Dwarf
coconuts were related to the Pacific Tall populations, Rennell Tall and
Polynesian Tall. There was no difference between local and imported
Dwarf populations.
Cardeña et al. (1998) determined electrophoretic patterns of leaf
peroxidases, endopeptidases, and Coomassie blue stained proteins were
analyzed in four cultivars (West African Tall, Rennell Tall, Malayan
Yellow Dwarf, Cameroon Red Dwarf), and in the hybrids PB121 (MYD
x WAT) and PB111 (CRD x WAT). Polymorphisms were detected for the
expression of two alleles of a dimeric peroxidase, two alleles of monomeric
endopeptidase, and a pair of active null alleles of a dimeric peroxidase,
two alleles of Coomassie blue stained protein. Four distinctive genotypes
were identified, one for each of the Tall cultivars, another for both of the
Dwarf cultivars, and the last for both of the hybrids.
19
Use of polyphenols
The analysis of the polymorphism based on the analysis of leaf polyphenol
using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) provided an
original approach to the study of genetic diversity in numerous plant
species. The first analysis on coconut has involved the measurement of
16 sufficiently individualized peaks or major items of chromatographic
information, each corresponding to a molecule or a few molecules of
strong structural affinity (Jay et al. 1989). From 32 ecotypes, 171 palms
were sampled in the collection of the Marc Delorme Station in Côte
d’Ivoire. The data were subjected to multivariate analysis. The first
discriminant analysis showed a clear distinction between Dwarfs and
Talls. Only 19 out of 171 individual palms showed atypical behaviour.
Certain Tall trees of various ecotypes behaved like Dwarfs: AGT, MLT,
RGT, TAGT, RIT, TAT, WAT, PNTO1; while one NLAD tree behaved
like a Tall. Most Dwarfs presented common characteristics that clearly
distinguished them from Talls as shown in the morphologic and
polyphenol analyses.
The second analysis consisted of a canonical analysis per ecotype.
Data analysis favoured the differences between ecotypes at the expense
of intra-ecotype variability. Classification within this analysis was not
based on geographic groups; the image obtained, however, permits such
an interpretation. Five groups were recognized to classify the collection
of the Marc Delorme station: Pacific, Far East, Indian Ocean, Africa and
America, the last one being represented by only one ecotype. Among the
Tall ecotypes, the representation permitted the determination of three
distinct groups corresponding to the Pacific, the Far East and Africa.
The ecotypes of the Indian Ocean may be divided between the African
and the Far East groups. Certain points precisely strengthen the historical
hypothesis. The Ghana Yellow Dwarf (GYD) and Malayan Yellow Dwarf
(MYD) are very close, confirming the old hypothesis that the Yellow
Dwarf was introduced from Malaysia into Africa during the time of the
British colonial rule. Anyway, with the advent of DNA marker
technology, the characterization of genetic diversity in coconut germplasm
at the DNA level has recently begun to substitute other strategies like
isozyme or leaf polyphenol analysis.
Molecular studies of diversity

The use of molecular techniques in studying genetic diversity in recent
years has contributed to better understanding of the genetic diversity of
some species (Karp 2002; Hodgkin et al. 2001). The increase in the use of
molecular techniques in genetic diversity studies is based on the facts
that:
20
• Appropriate molecular markers can provide direct estimates of

gene and allele frequencies and can detect whether plants are
homozygous or heterozygous for given markers;
• Molecular techniques make it possible to analyze numerous and
independent characters, whereas morphological analysis provides
fewer characters, often of dubious homology;
• Morphology is prone to considerable convergence while most
DNA regions are less so and even if there is some convergence,
the genetic basis of convergence in molecules is better understood;
and
• Molecular markers are relatively independent of the environment
(Beckmann and Soller 1986).
It has been argued that molecular markers provide a particularly powerful

approach to understanding patterns of distribution of genetic diversity
that can be used to adjust collecting, evaluating and breeding strategies
so as to obtain maximum variation from any given wild population
(Morikawa and Leggett 1990). However, it has also been noted that
molecular methods should not be used on their own. Thus, Ashburner
(1994) emphasized that DNA analysis should not replace currently used
characterization methods, but should be used as adjunct when
formulating conservation and crossing strategies. Analysis of data can
distinguish similarities or differences between coconut populations and
thus can be used to prevent duplication in conservation blocks and
crossing programmes. However, if two populations appear similar, major
adaptive genes may still exist and these may not be picked up by molecular
studies. Therefore, collecting priorities should still take account of the
need to sample unique environments. Where differences are detected by
molecular techniques, there is a greater probability of the presence of
different genes resulting from genetic drift, and priority should also be
given to their collection.
The information from molecular marker studies can also help improve
utilization of diversity in coconuts. The data can assist in setting priorities
for crossing programmes allowing breeders to maximize genetic distance
and take advantage of any heterosis that may occur. Markers can also be
used to tag important genes and allow the use of marker-assisted selection.
For details on use of molecular markers, see Lebrun et al., Chapter 4.
Improving location of diversity
A molecular marker kit for COGENT partners

Sampling, collecting and maintaining coconuts have always raised
substantial logistical problems. The development of in vitro collecting
21
techniques helps deal with the physical problems of collecting large nuts
but the logistical requirements still remain labour intensive and expensive.
Currently, fruit component analysis coupled with observing a few other
characteristics at the time of collecting are used to get some idea on the
population variability at the time of collecting (see Bourdeix et al. in
Chapter 2). However, this approach does not really give a measure of
the genetic diversity that is being sampled.
It was argued that molecular methods based on field collected tissue
samples (Adams 1992) provided an efficient way of optimising the
diversity collected and minimizing the numbers of new samples that had
to be maintained in field gene banks. For this reason, over the last few
years, COGENT and a number of other donors have supported the
development of a molecular marker kit for coconut.
The Bureau for the Development of Research on Tropical Perennial
Oil Crops (BUROTROP) and IPGRI/COGENT supported the research
by Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Researche Agronomique
pour de Developpment (CIRAD) France, with participation from IACR
Long Ashton (UK), on developing a microsatellite marker kit and
dedicated software for developing countries. As a result, the kit, consisting
of 14 microsatellite loci, was developed and tested on 681 coconut palms
representing a large range of diversity. A statistical method was devised
to identify any small set of individual palms of the same, unknown origin.
The method allows the user to compare this sample with a set of reference
populations and to rank these populations in order of decreasing
probabilities of being the origin of the sample. It is a very efficient tool for
diversity studies and identification of germplasm accessions. The transfer
of this technology to the countries where the coconut germplasm
collections are located will improve efficiency and reduce the cost of
conserving, characterizing, managing and utilizing germplasm accessions
for breeding improved varieties (see also Chapter 4 by Lebrun et al.).
To downstream this technology to developing countries, 18 trainees
from Brazil, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Mexico, Côte d’Ivoire,
the Philippines, Portugal and Tanzania participated in a workshop on
“Coconut Genetic Resources Management Using a Microsatellite Kit and
Dedicated Software” held at CIRAD in Montpellier, France on 15-24
April 2002. Specialists from CIRAD managed the workshop while other
specialists from partner institutions, consisting of nine molecular biologists
and nine collection managers (representing a team of two participants
per country) participated in the activity. The workshop was supported
by IPGRI/COGENT, Common Fund for Commodities (CFC), the
European Union, BUROTROP and CIRAD.
Thus, there is now a tool kit available for estimating the genetic
diversity prior to collecting to facilitate the locating of germplasm and
22
make appropriate conservation decisions including the identification of

on-farm conservation sites.
Using GIS tools

A Geographic Information System (GIS) may be defined as a database
management system which can simultaneously handle spatial data in
graphics form - i.e., maps, or the ‘where’ - and related, logically-attached,
non-spatial, attribute data - i.e. the labels and descriptions of the different
areas within a map, or the ‘what’ (Guarino et al. 2001). It is a tool for
managing information of any kind according to where it is located
(Treweek 1999). The main elements of a GIS are as follows (Guarino
1995; Guarino et al. 1999):
• Data input, verification and editing
• Data storage, retrieval and management
• Data manipulation and analysis
• Output
If we have georeferenced information on some level of genetic diversity

of coconut based on the characterization and evaluation, including
molecular evaluation of the available genetic resources, it would be
possible to predict where additional genetic diversity could exist using
GIS tools. GIS tools will not be able to measure genetic diversity but will
be able to help locate new areas where coconut diversity might exist or
the areas for extension of coconut cultivation. This is somewhat a refined
way of using pre-existing information. To support this type of analysis,
IPGRI and the International Potato Centre (CIP) have collaborated in
the development of a software called DIVA-GIS, which calculates diversity
indices for all the cells in a user-defined grid given latitude, longitude
and characterization data for a set of accessions, and maps the results.
They have recently trained a number of plant genetic resources (PGR)
workers using this technology. It is expected that new areas of coconut
genetic diversity would be located using this technology in the near future.
Preliminary studies, using existing data in the Coconut Genetic Resources
Database (CGRD) and the specialized GIS tools (FloraMap and DIVA-
GIS), have been carried out to map the diversity collected, from different
COGENT member countries as well as for diversity analysis for certain
important morphological traits and for prediction of similar sites where
similar diversity may exist or the sites for coconut cultivation (Prem
Mathur 2003, pers. comm). Using these GIS tools, one can also generate
climatic database for individual collecting sites and the climatic grids for
temperature, precipitation and elevation. Some of the examples are
presented in Figures 1 and 2.
23
Figure 1. Mapping of major coconut cultivation areas, coconut collecting

sites and gaps identification in coconut collections in Vietnam
24
Figure 2. Mapping coconut diversity for nut weight in the Philippines
25
Figure 1 presents the mapping of major coconut growing areas and

the coconut collecting sites in Vietnam, from which one can easily visualize
where the gaps are in their coconut collections and can plan accordingly
for more collections from those areas, which have not been surveyed
earlier.
In Figure 2, using GIS tools to calculate trait location-specific diversity,
enabled the identification of sites with high diversity grids where
recollecting could be done.
Additional historical information on the movement of people,
especially ethnic minorities, could provide additional information on
genetic diversity as agricultural practices followed (including farmers’
selection) are closely linked to ethnic origins of a community. Quite often,
the ethnic composition of the population is a very important factor to be
taken in account for locating diversity. For instance, the islands of Rennell,
Bellonna and Rotuma are the only ‘Polynesian’ Islands of the ‘Melanesian’
archipelago (Solomon and Fiji) and these islands have provided very
important coconut varieties. Bourdeix et al. (1999) recommended that
the Farmer Participatory Method (FPM) be used by following a grid based
not only on the geographical aspect but also the ethnic aspect. For example,
People of Ko Samui Island in Thailand came long time ago from Hainan
(China) which is famous for its coconuts and it would be possible that
this community in Thailand could be maintaining coconut growing
tradition. Additional survey or FPM should be conducted also in Ko Samui
Island.
Conclusion
Locating, maintaining and using genetic diversity of coconut present
substantial challenges given the wide dispersal of the species, the limited
knowledge of the history of that dispersion and of the current extent and
distribution of diversity. The logistical problems conservers and users face
when dealing with a perennial species with large recalcitrant seeds added
to the complexity of managing coconut germplasm. However, in recent
years, substantial progress has been made, at least in part, through the
strong support of COGENT partners by establishing an effective
framework of knowledge on which to base their activities.
Certain general features of the species seem to be important in
understanding the picture that is emerging from recent studies. These
include the lack of a related wild genepool, small founding populations,
human involvement in the selection and spread of the species/cultivars,
outbreeding and intercrossing among populations of Talls and low but
continuing gene migration among wild type or distant populations. These
characteristics provide a general framework for analyzing the data that
26
are currently coming from molecular studies. Clear differences are

emerging between groups of ecotypes and populations from different
areas and expected patterns of migration and transfer are being better
described and understood.
Further, detailed studies are needed, particularly in high diversity
areas. These should focus on ecogeographic aspects of the distribution of
diversity and on the location of populations and ecotypes with unique
useful traits such as resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The use of
general, commonly agreed procedures that COGENT has developed and
made available will be important to maximize the value of this new
information for users and to safeguard the resources needed by poor
farmers who still depend for coconut for much of their livelihood.
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31
Mapping of coconut genetic diversity

R Bourdeix1, L Guarino2, PN Mathur3 and L Baudouin4
1
Coconut Breeder and 4Geneticist, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agro-
nomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
2
Plant Genetic Resources Advisor, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji
3
Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - South Asia Office, New Delhi,
India
Introduction
Mapping of coconut genetic diversity means representing any
characteristic of coconut populations on maps, be it their phenotypic or
molecular traits; and then studying the links between these traits and
any other useful spatial information. According to the needs, the cultivars
may be related to their site of origin or to the genebank where they are
conserved. This type of analysis can improve the effectiveness of collecting,
conservation, management and use of coconut genetic diversity.
The mapping studies conducted so far have used data on accessions
already collected and conserved in germplasm banks around the world.
The latitude and longitude of collection sites have been entered into
databases and checked. Then the localities of collection sites are mapped
to locate under-represented areas, i.e. areas in which the coconut palms
can potentially grow, but where collecting has been inadequate or has
not occurred at all. Subsequently, it is possible to identify hotspots of
diversity and investigate the geographic distribution of specific traits or
combinations of traits using information such as characterization and
evaluation, including molecular markers, of the available genetic
resources.
Georeferencing coconut accessions

From 1995 to 2002, coconut researchers of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia,
Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka,
Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam were trained (Bourdeix 1996; 1997a;
1997b; 1998; Bourdeix et al. 1999; Baudouin 2002) in gathering and
inputting data into the Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD)
(see Hamelin et al., Chapter 7). Most of the determination and recording
of the geographical location of the collecting sites were done in the
framework of this work (Bourdeix et al. 1999).
This preliminary work was conducted without any sophisticated
geographical information system (GIS). It consisted mainly in marking
sites of collection by hand on easily available commercial hard-copy maps,
preferably with the aid of the researchers who were in charge of the
collecting in each country.
32
The method of linear approximation was used to determine, as

precisely as possible, the longitude and latitude of each collection site on
the maps. Later, the Encarta electronic atlas was also used to obtain
geographic information more quickly. All the data were systematically
entered into the CGRD and then extracted for further geographical
analysis.
Table 1 presents the status of the geographical localization of coconut
accessions according to countries of conservation in the CGRD (version
5.0, December 2002).
Table 1. Georeferencing of coconut accessions in CGRD (version 5.0)

Number of Percentage of
Number of Total number of accessions with accessions with
Country
conservation sites coconut accessions geographical geographical
coordinates coordinates
Benin 1 4 4 100
Bangladesh 1 40 40 100
Brazil 1 16 16 100
China 1 17 17 100
Ivory Coast 1 99 99 100
Mexico 1 20 20 100
Philippines 3 224 224 100
Vietnam 1 31 31 100
Indonesia 4 156 151 97
Vanuatu 1 79 71 90
Papua New Guinea 2 57 51 89
Sri Lanka 1 78 65 83
Fiji 1 11 9 82
Thailand 2 124 97 78
India 1 212 115 54
Solomon Islands 1 21 11 52
Malaysia 2 89 18 20
Jamaica 1 60 4 7
Ghana 1 16 0 0
Pakistan 1 32 0 0
Tonga 1 7 0 0
Western Samoa 1 9 0 0
Total 30 1402 1043 Average 74
A total of 1043 accessions in the CGRD are localized by longitude and

latitude. Because of duplicates, these 1043 accessions refer to only 710
distinct cultivars or population names. Only 579 collecting sites have a
unique combination of latitude and longitude, to the level of minutes.
Currently, the CGRD database gives only the geographical localization
of the factual female parent, i.e. the location of the palms where the
seednuts of the accession have been collected. Many accessions have been
moved from one research institute to another; others are rejuvenations
of the original population within the same institute. In these two
situations, as the female parent is located in a research institute, the
geographic coordinates of the institute is given in the CGRD as the
‘collection site’. There is no direct information regarding the collecting
site of the original sample of each accession.
Let us take a practical example. A researcher wants to know the real
33
origin of the accession ‘NCDP-D9’. This accession is a Tacunan Green

Dwarf (originating from the Philippines) but planted in Tanzania in 1989:
1) Looking at the passport data entered in Tanzania, the researcher
will see that the accession ‘NCDP-D9’ came from ‘Station Marc
Delorme’, a research centre in Côte d’Ivoire. For the accession
‘NCDP-D9’ the latitude and longitude given as collection site in-
deed refers to the research station in Côte d’Ivoire, the place where
the seednuts were collected. Unfortunately, both fields ‘male par-
ent’ accession number and ‘female parent’ accession number have
yet to be entered in Tanzania’s collection record. Therefore, the
researcher would not know the parental accession of ‘NCDP-D9’.
2) However, looking at all the data from Côte d’Ivoire, a researcher
will see that there is only one accession of ‘Tacunan Green Dwarf’
in Côte d’Ivoire: it is the accession ‘SMD NVP3’ planted in 1982.
Therefore, she/he will conclude that ‘NCDP-D9’ is the progeny
of ‘SMD NVP3’. Looking further at the passport data of Côte
d’Ivoire germplasm collection, she/he will see that the accession
‘SMD NVP3’ came from the Davao Research Centre in the Phil-
ippines. However, no accession from the Davao Research Centre
is yet registered in the CGRD database.
3) Nevertheless, if the researcher is clever and persistent, she/he will
check all coconut accessions available in the Philippines. She/he
will finally find that the original accession of Tacunan Green
Dwarf is also available at the Zamboanga Research Centre, as
accession ‘ZRC PD1’ planted in 1977. Based on CGRD, the origi-
nal collection site of ‘ZRC PD1’, and therefore ‘NCDP-D9’ is the
village of Tacunan, Davao, 007°04’N, 125°36’E.
This search process will take a researcher at least 15 minutes, and it will
require some luck for complete success. Just one piece of information
missing in the whole line and, it becomes difficult to make the links.
Another option available in CGRD consists in searching directly all the
accessions of ‘Tacunan Green Dwarf’ registered worldwide, but even
this does not solve the problem. Both descriptors list and dedicated
software have been conceived for managing complete information, and
therefore become inefficient if information is incomplete. Data regarding
the collection site of the original sample should be recorded in the passport
data of each accession.
Nevertheless, the status of georeferencing of coconut accessions (Table
1) compares favourably with other crops. In the CGRD, 74% of the
accessions have latitude and longitude information. As there are 1402
accessions but only 710 distinct cultivars/population names, it can be
said that more than 80% of the coconut cultivars of the world’s germplasm
34
banks are geo-referenced. As comparison, only 9% of the accessions of

six major genebanks of the United State Department of Agriculture have
coordinates, although 50% have a locality description (Greene and Hart
1996). Therefore, in the case of the coconut palm, a large amount of
geographical information exists. The challenge is to improve its reliability,
to make it more easily available, and to use it to improve coconut genetic
resources conservation.
Mapping collection sites

Mapping of the locations where accessions were collected was done using
GIS tools. This may be defined as a database management system which
can simultaneously handle spatial data i.e., maps, or the ‘where’– and
related, logically-attached, non-spatial, attribute data, and the labels and
descriptions of the different areas within a map, or the ‘what’ (Guarino
et al. 2002). It is a tool for managing information of any kind according
to where it is located (Treweek 1999). The main elements of a GIS are as
follows (Guarino 1995; Guarino et al. 1999):
• Data input, verification and editing
• Data storage, retrieval and management
• Data manipulation and analysis
• Output
The first mapping was done using the Map module of the Corel Quattro-
Pro Software (Bourdeix et al. 1999). The data obtained were checked to
detect and correct abnormal localizations. As many island countries were
involved, a very convenient test was to detect errors such as accessions
which appear to have been collected in the open sea (‘sea coconuts’).
Sometimes the commercial maps were inaccurate and had to be changed.
Lists of errors and corrections were exchanged a number of times with
most of the countries in order to reach an acceptable level of precision.
This work has not yet been systematically conducted on the entire
database. The number of coconut accessions registered in the CGRD
database increased from 665 in 1994-1995 to more than 1400 as of 2003.
No checking of geographical coordinates was done after 1999 at the
database level. There is thus a need to continue this work more efficiently.
The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the
International Potato Center (CIP) collaborated and developed specialized
GIS software called DIVA-GIS that could be downloaded free from
Internet at http://diva-gis.org/. DIVA-GIS is dedicated to the analysis
of genebank and herbarium databases to elucidate genetic, ecological
and geographic patterns in the distribution of crops and wild species.
The maps in Figures 1, 2 and 3 have been made using the 579 locations
where coconut accessions have been collected. Climatic information from
35
various sources can be used in conjunction with these georeferenced

accessions to determine the zone of cultivation of the coconut palm. A
DIVA-GIS module uses the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)
Ecocrop database of crop climatic and other environmental requirements
together with world climatic surfaces to predict the level of crop
adaptation, particularly coconut, over geographic areas. By superimposing
the theoretical coconut growing area and the location of collecting sites,
it is possible to visualize covered geographical regions. Some areas remain
clearly under-represented in the national and international coconut
Theoretical coconut growing area

(the darker, the better)
Collection sites of the conserved accessions
Figure 1. Mapping of the locations where coconut accessions were collected in Asia and the
Pacific regions.

Figure 2. Mapping of the locations where coconut accessions were collected in Africa
and Indian Ocean regions.
36

Figure 3. Mapping of the locations where coconut accessions were collected in America.
germplasm centres. These are areas where coconut palm can grow, but
where there are no accession points recorded. For details of this analysis
see Chapter 2 on ‘Status, gaps and strategy in coconut germplasm
collecting’.
DIVA-GIS can also be used to check the coordinates of the collection

sites in relation to an administrative boundaries database. In effect, this
would automate the data-checking process (including locating ‘sea
coconuts’) which used to be done manually. It would therefore be useful
in the future to create an interface between CGRD and DIVA-GIS. This
would require a module allowing the export of data from the CGRD in a
format easily readable by DIVA-GIS.
Mapping morphometric characteristics

Further analytical functions implemented in DIVA-GIS include mapping
the distribution of specific traits and mapping of richness and diversity.
Genetic diversity mapping usually begins by dividing the target area (or
strata within the target area, e.g. climate zones) into a number of smaller
zones, for each of which a measure of diversity can be calculated (Guarino
et al. 2002). Different geometric, political or socioeconomic spatial units
have been used, but ideally, areas of equal shape and size (to reduce the
effect of the area on diversity measures) should be employed, for example
square grid cells (Nabhan 1991; Ferguson et al. 1998).
One of the important parameters describing the quality of the coconut
fruit is the Q factor. The Q factor can be defined as the weight of husk
37
divided by the weight of the fruit without free water (coconut water
inside the nut). The quantity of free water is quite variable according to
environmental factors (such as rainfall) and the degree of maturity of
the fruit. This is the reason why the Q factor is calculated without taking
into account the free water. The larger the Q factor, the higher the
proportion of husk in the fruit.
Normally, to get a good estimate of fruit composition, a sample of
two fruits is analyzed six times a year over four years on each palm, and
this must be done on 30 palms to characterize an accession. In CGRD
version 5.0, only 32% of the accessions have data for fruit component
analysis. But in practice, the data are even less complete. It can be
estimated that at least 20% of the fruit component data available in CGRD
5.0 were derived from the analysis of a single fruit sample harvested at
one point. This again reinforces the importance of having complete data
in order to carry out an analysis that can be really useful in germplasm
conservation, management and use. In any case, all the available
georeferenced accessions with fruit analysis data were used to carry out
some spatial analyses. The first results obtained were not convincing,
because they included both Tall and Dwarf cultivars, which have distinct
fruit characteristics.
Nevertheless, there was a clear geographical pattern, based on the
geographical distribution of mean values of Q factor, for Tall cultivars
(Figure 4). Accessions originating from India and Africa show a higher
Q value than accessions from Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.
0.35-0.40
0.40-0.45
0.45-0.50 Means of the Q fruit ratio
0.50-0.55
0.55-0.60
Figure 4. Geographical distribution of mean values of the Q factor for Tall cultivars
38
Mapping molecular markers

New functionality in version 2 of the DIVA-GIS software includes options
of mapping based on molecular markers (DNA) data that are illustrated
here by an example. Figure 5 presents the geographical repartition of
allele 128 of locus CnCir A3 in the Tall coconut varieties (see Lebrun et
al., Chapter 4). Allele 128 is one of the four alleles whose presence at a
significant frequency is characteristic of Indo-Atlantic coconuts. Similar
(but not identical) pictures could be obtained with any of these markers.
Allele 128 is found at a high frequency in an area extending from the
Indian sub-continent to the Atlantic coast of America. It is rare or absent
in the eastern part of Southeast Asia, in the South Pacific and on the
Pacific coasts of America.
Figure 5. Geographical distribution of the frequency range of the allele 128 of locus
cnCir A3 in the Tall coconut varieties.
The average frequency is based on the samples studied, which do not

necessarily reflect the relative abundance of the cultivars. Nevertheless,
if we consider the picture in more detail, the intermediate frequencies
observed in East Africa result most probably from the introduction of
coconuts from South Asia by Austronesian navigators, whose language
is still spoken in Madagascar. There is also a transition zone in the western
part of Southeast Asia, demonstrating some genetic exchange with South
Asia. This may have involved floating, but the activity of Arab merchants
who have crossed it for several centuries is probably the cause of most of
the exchanges across the Indian Ocean.
The apparently medium frequency of this allele in Sri Lanka is actually
an artefact in the Sri Lanka Tall, by far the most dominant cultivar of
39
this country. The allele 128 frequency is 0.82, but other cultivars, with a
round nut were also sampled, which could be the result of hybridization
of local coconuts with planting material imported at different periods
from Southeast Asia.
Finally, three cultivars with allele 128 frequencies between 0.10 and
0.16 are found in the Pacific Ocean. Considering the three other
characteristic (marker) alleles, they are probably not related to the Indo-
Atlantic group. The presence of allele 128 at a low frequency in this area
is probably a case of homoplasy (i.e., the fact that similar traits – here,
fragments with the same length – appear independently by mutation in
different genetic groups). Homoplasy is not infrequent in microsatellites.
Mapping for collecting genetic diversity

The genetic diversity mapping described in this Chapter concerns mainly
coconut palms that are already in genebanks and their characteristics,
such as fruit composition and molecular marker profiles. Another possible
field of investigation could be to study coconut populations in situ and to
map their diversity before the collecting of seednuts or embryos. According
to Pernes (1984), the best germplasm collecting programmes are carried
out in two stages, with a first exploration and preliminary survey used
as a basis for studies that will permit better planning of the second, more
systematic campaign. Such a two-step programme was done in Mexico
(Zizumbo Villarreal et al. 1993) where fruit analyses were made first at
47 localities along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and in the narrowest
part of the country (the States of Oaxaca and Veracruz). Collecting was
then carried out in only 19 localities, 90% on the Pacific coast, where the
greatest fruit variability was found.
However, most budget appropriations seldom permit such organized
programme. It is also necessary to underline the great sensitivity of the
coconut to environmental variations. The phenotype of a palm at a certain
moment is usually not representative of its genetic value. There is much
variation linked to heterogeneity of the field, for example in soil fertility
or water availability. The growth of the coconut palm is controlled by
various rhythms, depending on internal and external factors. Although
it may produce continuously, yields are often irregularly distributed over
the year. Biannual cycles are superimposed on this variation. These
phenomena are rather frequent in young palms or following droughts
(Bourdeix et al. 1994). For a proper evaluation, vegetative and yield
characteristics of a sufficient number of palms should be measured over
a period of several years. Nucé de Lamothe and Wuidart (1982) have
emphasized that it is difficult to conduct such a study outside a research
station. However, it will be possible to collect leaf samples from surveys,
to analyze their DNA and then to sample the field origin where genetic
40
diversity is greatest. Up to now, we have no example of such a strategy,

but it may happen in the near future (see related articles in Chapter 2).
Conclusion
Recent developments in GIS technology for mapping genetic diversity is
expected to contribute significantly to identify and fill the gaps in coconut
collections, enhance the effectiveness of collecting, better manage them
in field genebanks, effectively select parents from geographically distinct
regions and expand coconut production through site-genotype matching.
Figure 6 provides an analogous map of the number of accessions registered
in the germplasm banks of the COGENT member countries.
An additional effort is needed to make coconut descriptors list and
related software better adapted to management of incomplete data. The
new version of DIVA-GIS software (Version 4.0) can be downloaded
free from the internet (http://www.diva-gis.org), and is easy to learn
and use, and is tailor-made for genetic resources applications. Country-
level GIS databases can also be downloaded from this site and these
databases can be used together with the genetic resources databases that
are being mapped and analyzed. These are files with data on
administrative boundaries, country boundaries, and first and second level
administrative subdivisions for most countries. For all countries, grids
are available for altitude, land cover and population density. DIVA-GIS
can be used to check existing coordinates and carry out analyses of
characterization and evaluation data. Specific software devoted to the
management of genetic resources, such as CGRD for coconut, could be
improved by allowing easy exporting of data to DIVA-GIS.
Figure 6. Geographical distribution of the coconut accessions conserved in COGENT

germplasm banks
41
References
Baudouin, L. 2002. Study on genetic resources status in Hainan, China
(visit 12-18 December 2000). CIRAD Report (CP SIC no. 1505), France.
50p.
Bourdeix, R. 1996. Coconut germplasm in Jamaica, Mexico and Brazil.
Mission Report, March 1997. Doc CIRAD-CP no. 548, France. 53p.
Bourdeix, R. 1997a. Coconut germplasm in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and In-
dia. Mission Report, March 1997. Doc CIRAD-CP no. 739, France.
49p.
Bourdeix, R. 1997b. Actions de formation en Afrique et Amérique La-
tine/Caraïbes. Cours de formation des formateurs à l’utilisation du
manuel Stantech (Techniques Standardisées de Recherches pour
l’Amélioration du Cocotier). Mission Report, August 1997. Doc
CIRAD-CP no. 857, France. 49p.
Bourdeix, R. 1998. Coconut germplasm and breeding in Papua New
Guinea and Vanuatu. CIRAD 1997 Annual Review Report, March
1998. Doc CIRAD-CP no. 998, France. 52p.
Bourdeix, R., Y.P. N’Cho and A. Sangare. 1994. Rythmes de production
chez le cocotier Nain (Cocos nucifera L.): Etude de l’alternance
castration-production comme mode de gestion des champs
semenciers. Agronomie Africaine VI, 2:77-162.
report on coconut collecting strategies (submitted to COGENT/IPGRI).
IPGRI, Rome.
Ferguson, ME, BV Ford-Lloyd, LD Robertson, N Maxted and HJ Newbury.
1998. Mapping the geographical distribution of genetic variation in
the genus Lens for the enhanced conservation of plant genetic diver-
sity. Molecular Ecology 7:1743-1755.
Greene, SL and T Hart. 1996. Plant genetic resources collections: An op-
portunity for the evolution of global data set. Third International
Conference/Workshop of integrating GIS and Environmental
Modeling Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA.
Guarino, L, A Jarvis, RJ Hijmans and N Maxted. 2002. Geographical
Information Systems (GIS) and the conservation and use of plant
genetic resources. Pp. 387-404. In: JMM Engels, V Ramanatha Rao,
AHD Brown and MT Jackson (eds). Managing plant genetic diver-
sity. CAB International, Wallingford.
Guarino, L. 1995. Geographic information systems and remote sensing
for the plant germplasm collector. Pp 315-328. In: L Guarino, V
Ramanatha Rao and R Reid (eds). Collecting plant genetic Diversity.
Technical Guidelines. CAB International, Wallingford.
Guarino, L, N Maxted and M Sawkins. 1999. Analysis of geo-referenced
42
data and the conservation and use of plant genetic resources. Pp. 1-
24. In: SL Greene and L Guarino (eds). Linking genetic resources and
geography: Emerging strategies for conserving and using crop
biodiversity. CSSA Special Publication No. 27. ASA and CSSA, Madi-
son, U.S.A.
Nabhan, GP. 1991. Wild Phaseolus Ecogeography in the Sierra Madre
Occidental, Mexico. Systematic and ecogeographic studies of crop
genepools No. 5. IBPGR, Rome, Italy.
Nuce de Lamothe, MW de and F Wuidart.1982. L’observation des carac-
téristiques de développement végétatif, de floraison et de production
chez le cocotier. Oléagineux 37:290-296.
Pernès J. 1984. Gestion des ressources génétiques des plantes. Tome 2 :
Manuel. Agence de coopération culturelle et technique, Paris ISBN
92-9028-043-3, éditions Lavoisier, France.
Treweek, J. 1999. Ecological impact assessment. Blackwell Science, Ox-
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varieties in Mexico. Economic Botany 47(1): 65-78.
43
Status, gaps and strategy in coconut

germplasm collecting
R Bourdeix1, L Guarino2, V Ramanatha Rao3 and L Baudouin4
1
Coconut Breeder and 4Geneticist, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agro-
nomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
2
Plant Genetic Resources Advisor, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji
3
Introduction
The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT)
Steering Committee decided to promote germplasm collecting in areas at
risk of genetic erosion at its first meeting in Singapore in 1992. This was
expected to fill the gaps in national collections, developing (and refining)
both morphometric and molecular markers techniques for efficiently
locating diversity and transferring efficient and practical techniques for
collecting.
Phase 1 of the COGENT project ‘Coconut Genetic Resources Network
in Asia and the Pacific Region’ was completed in July 1997. A regional
network consisting of 13 countries was established to foster the
conservation and utilization of coconut genetic resources. In December
1998, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved Phase 2 of the
project. Its objective was to expand the network to 20 countries, to further
promote coconut collecting and sustainable conservation, and to
strengthen human resources. During 1997-2000, many coconut accessions
were collected and planted in field genebanks in all the network member
countries. The main objective of this chapter is to review and assess the
strategies used in collecting coconut germplasm and make suggestions
for future work.
Status of coconut germplasm collecting

As noted earlier, many coconut accessions have been collected and
conserved (see Chapter 5 for more details). Access to information about
this coconut germplasm is much better than it was ten years ago.
COGENT network members are regularly updating passport information
and characterization data of accessions in the Coconut Genetic Resources
Database (CGRD). If a new coconut accession is now collected somewhere,
there is a reasonably high probability that passport data will be available
to the whole network through the CGRD, within one or two years.
In the CGRD Version 5.1 (April 2002), the total number of accession
was 1416, of which 216 had no registered accession size (number of true-
44
to-type living palms in the field). This means either that all palms of these
accessions are dead or that data on them is missing. Information on dead
accessions is kept in the database because it remains essential to
researchers. Some general statistics on coconut collections are given
below:
• 1186 accessions have a size of one or more palms
• There are only 620 distinct names (of cultivars or populations)
• 74% of accessions are of the Tall type
• 25% are of the Dwarf type, and the remaining 1% are intermediate
forms
• 140 000 is the total number of ‘living’ palms
• The average number of palms per accession is 118 and per culti-
var, 225
• About 30% of accessions have already been duplicated in several
genebanks or rejuvenated
Another very important piece of information is the ‘Date of Last

Inventory/Counting’ of each accession. It is the most recent date on which
the number of living palms was checked. An examination of this field
shows the following disturbing trend for the 1193 accessions, which have
an accession size of at least one palm:
• For 36%, the Date of Last Inventory (DLI) remains unknown
• For 6%, DLI is during the past three years (2000-2002)
• For 47%, DLI is between 1996 and 1999
• For 11%, DLI is prior to 1995
During the period 1996-2001, visits were conducted to many countries

to train and assist researchers to input data into CGRD (Bourdeix 1996;
1997a; 1997b; 1998; Bourdeix et al. 1999; Baudouin 2001). Although this
improved data management, there is a strong need for continued efforts
in this regard. In particular, checking and entering DLI should be done
at least once a year. In addition, among the 1416 accessions, 120 (of
which 16 were from Jamaica, 32 from Pakistan and 29 for Bangladesh,
and 43 from various other countries) do not have any registered
‘acquisition date’.
The oldest accession registered in CGRD is a Samoan Tall planted in
1912 in the Solomon Islands. Levers Plantations began there around 1905.
Coconut research is said to have begun in India in 1916 and a varietal
collection was started there in 1921 (Harries 1978). Twenty-three
accessions were planted in India between 1934 and 1946 and are
registered in CGRD database. An accession from Mapanget, Indonesia
is dated 1927. The Coconut Research Scheme was established in Ceylon
45
– now Sri Lanka - in 1929. The depressed copra market of the 1930s
impeded research, and a varietal survey that began in 1939 was
terminated after only a few months (W.V.D. Pieris, personal
communication, cited by Harries 1978) and the oldest accessions are dated
1954. In Africa, the Marc Delorme Research Centre began its activities in
Côte d’Ivoire in the fifties (Nuce de Lamothe and Wuidart 1979).
Parham (1960) carried out one of the first scientific surveys intended
to collect coconut palms and breadfruit trees in the Pacific. As a result,
some coconut varieties with very large fruits, such as the Markham Valley
Tall, were introduced to various genebanks throughout the world.
Whitehead (1966) conducted a survey in the Pacific searching for varieties
tolerant to the Lethal Yellowing disease of Jamaica. An indirect result of
this work was to inspire Harries (1978) to develop his theory of evolution
and dissemination of the coconut palm. Vanuatu began its germplasm
planting in 1963 and the Philippines in 1976.
An examination of the CGRD also reveals that from 1912 to date,
there have been only 11 years during which 50 or more coconut accessions
were collected per year. Five of these 11 years were between 1992 and
1999, (i.e. during the early days of the COGENT). The other years in
which at least 50 accessions were collected, were 1981 and from 1983-
87. Around 30% of the registered accessions were planted after the
COGENT was established (1992 and later). However, no accession
acquired between 2000 and 2003 is registered in the CGRD database at
the time of writing this paper. This suggests a significant reduction in
collecting activities in the past three years.
Gaps in coconut germplasm collecting

The foregoing historical survey has established the fact that a substantial
number of coconut accessions are being conserved in genebanks around
the world. However, there may still be compelling reasons for further
collecting. Additional collecting may be justified if:
1. Diversity is still missing or has been lost from existing ex situ col-
lections;
2. Diversity is in imminent danger of disappearing from farmers’
fields; and
3. Diversity is needed for immediate use and is not available from
existing collections.
Related palm species

The palm family (Palmae or Arecaceae) counts about 2800 species
scattered among 190 genera. The Cocoeae tribe contains 27 genera and
nearly 600 species, including several economically important plants such
as Cocos nucifera L. (coconut), Elaeis guineensis (African oil palm), Attalea
46
cohune (babacu) and Bactris gasipaes (peach palm). Morphologically, the

Cocoeae tribe is characterized by having the synapomorphy of presence
of three or more pores or ‘eyes’ on the endocarp (Gunn 2002). It comprises
of six sub-tribes, among which the Butiinae includes the Cocos genus and
seven American genera (plus a recently discovered genus from
Madagascar, Voaniola). Since most of the related genera are American in
origin, in the past it was speculated that coconut also originated in
Americas (Cook 1901). In recent classifications, Cocos nucifera L. is
considered as the only species of the genus. It is generally considered
that it cannot be crossed with any other species. However, as far as we
know, no published report of such an attempt to date. There is thus an
opportunity for research in this field, checking for such possibilities, as
resistance to lethal yellowing in allied palms closest to coconut may be a
revealing exercise. If nothing else, it would establish that the coconut is
indeed a botanical and genetic ‘outlier’.
Geographical gap-filling
Most often, gap-filling collecting focuses on uncovered geographical
regions, which may be quite extensive, e.g. a whole country. Figures 1, 2
and 3 in the earlier article ‘Mapping of coconut genetic diversity’ can be
used to visualize inadequately covered geographical regions by
superimposing the theoretical coconut growing area and the location of
collection sites. The zones coloured in grey, which are climatically suitable
for coconut, do not seem to have coconut occurring in them, however,
this needs to be confirmed by ground truthing (i.e. checking in the field).
It must be noted, however, that some areas may be better represented
than they might look in these maps. For instance, India is probably better
surveyed than the map implies, but Indian researchers have not yet
inputted all the geographic coordinates of their national accessions. A
collecting mission was conducted in Madagascar in 1999 by Indian
researchers, but collecting information remains incomplete.
Some other areas are probably of low coconut diversity. For instance,
for historical reasons, there is probably a low probability of finding unique
diversity in African countries such as Congo, Democratic Republic of
Congo, Angola, Ethiopia and Sudan. The same could be true in South
America – in the central part of Brazil, and the parts of Peru and Bolivia
east of the Andes. Nevertheless, all these zones have never been surveyed
for coconut, and exploration would be justified.
Some areas remain clearly under-represented in national and
international genebanks, which are listed below, in a subjective ranking
of priority:
1. The west coast of South and Central America (except Mexico and
Panama, which have already been surveyed). Germplasm
47
collecting is presently being conducted in Guatemala. These studies

are essential, considering the problem of the Lethal Yellowing
Disease and the history of coconut in this region;
2. A large part of Micronesia, including the Caroline and Mariannas
Islands;
3. The eastern part of Polynesia, including the Tuamotu and the
Marquesas Islands and Hawaii;
4. Irian Jaya and the Moluccas archipelago;
5. The tropical coasts of Australia and the Cocos/Keelings Islands,
where putative wild coconut occurs (Williams 1990; Leach et al.
2003);
6. Madagascar. Seafarers from Southeast Asia reached this island
probably around the sixth century AD and settled there. Molecular
biology studies show that they probably introduced coconut
seednuts with them, and new diversity developed thereafter; and
7. Other more localized areas like Somalia, Myanmar, Laos and
Sarawak in Malaysia.
Some of the areas that are suggested here (such as Micronesia, eastern
Polynesia, and the Cocos/Keelings Islands) represent only a very small
part of the coconut world, in terms of cultivated area and economic value.
However, these areas could prove to be extremely important for coconut
diversity. Pacific Islanders, especially Polynesians, have been involved in
coconut cultivation and transportation for a very long time. Coconut
diversity is more endangered in these areas, precisely due to its
comparatively low economic importance and due to the possible effects
of global warming and other human activities.
It is interesting to note that the Arab traveller Ibn Batutta reported
the presence of coconut in Yemen in 14th century. Climate is considerably
drier at present than in antiquity (and probably than at the time of Ibn
Batutta), and Yemen is not reported as a producing country. However,
contact with local botanists could reveal the presence of a few remnants
of this historically interesting population.
Targeted surveys and under-represented phenotypes

The various existing ex situ collections are still not fully representative of
the germplasm available in farmers’ fields, especially with regard to the
diversity of climate under which coconut is grown. Occasionally, specific
environmental conditions may be targeted. For example, high-altitude
or cold-tolerant varieties remain under-represented in coconut collections.
Finally, missing genotypes are sometimes targeted, e.g. named varieties
of known appearance, which are not found in collections.
48
Most of the old surveys, such as those of Parham (1960) or Nuce de

Lamothe and Wuidart (1979), intentionally focused on varieties with
large, thin-husked fruits. Many farmers indeed prefer big round nuts.
However, the use of the coconut husk is making a comeback, and it seems
very important for the future to further safeguard and study the thick
husked varieties.
Coconut from India and Africa has, on average, higher husk content
than most of the coconut from Asia and the Pacific. In the Pacific, ‘Niu
Kafa’ types are an exception. However, there are references from
everywhere, including Southeast Asia, describing a few coconut varieties
with a high percentage of husk. In 1978, Harries developed a theory
about coconut evolution, dissemination and classification of the coconut.
He used the name Niu Kafa to describe a putative wild coconut palm
with a large husk. “First came the natural evolution and dissemination
by floating of a variety with large, long, angular, thick husked and slow
germinating fruits. From this thick-husk type, selection under cultivation
produced a spherical fruited variety, not necessarily larger but with
increased endosperm, reduced husk thickness, earlier germination and
disease resistance” (Harries 1978). However, according to Foale (1987),
islanders also selected other palms bearing fruits that contained long fibres
to make strong twine and ropes for use in the construction of both
buildings and boats. Consequently, the huge fruits presently known as
Niu Afa in Samoa, Niu Kafa in Tonga and Magi Magi in Fiji are no longer
wild coconuts; they are varieties highly selected by the Polynesians for
the utilization of husk. This is particularly clear in Samoa, where the
variety seems to occur in its purest form, and where the palms are located
near houses and are all of a homogeneous green colour.
An important theoretical question that arises is whether there is a
link between the Indo-African Coconut group and the Pacific and Asiatic
cultivars with high husk content. Molecular techniques may help to resolve
such a question. However, so far only a very few samples of the Niu
Kafa type have reached laboratories in good order. Only one typical
sample could be analyzed, and it appears that it is not closely related to
the Indo-Atlantic coconuts. At least 20 to 30 more samples of thick-husked
varieties originating from different parts in Asia, the Pacific and Oceania
should be collected and DNA-analyzed. These varieties could be of Niu
Kafa types, but they may also give smaller fruits of quite different shapes.
Some varieties from the Tuvalu archipelago have high husk content but
with a shape that, although elongated, is very different from those of
Niu Kafa (Labouisse and Bourdeix 2003). It is important to collect different
putative ‘wild’ coconut types and analyze them using molecular markers.
Such a study may enhance our knowledge about dissemination and help
49
in refining collecting strategies and even the design of coconut breeding

programmes.
Another endangered special phenotype is a class of coconut varieties
described as ‘Sweet Husk’. The husk of young fruits of this type is soft
and sweet and can be chewed like sugarcane. When over-mature, the
fruits can be husked easily. Fruits of these varieties are generally eaten by
children, flying foxes and rats before nuts mature. It is almost impossible
to collect them in a classical survey, as no seed is usually available. Local
people are no longer interested in them as in the past as consuming them
due to changes in social norms. For example, Tiara Mataora, from the
Cook Islands said “I like it but do not want somebody to see me chewing
sweet husk, because these people will think I am a poor man”. A special
effort to collect and study these types must be made. Such special variants
could be useful for making high value products for the tender nut market.
Two important collecting programmes were known to focus on
particular traits: drought adaptation in Sri Lanka (Liyanage et al. 1988),
and selection for Lethal Yellowing Disease (LYD) tolerance in Tanzania
(Schuiling et al. 1992). It seems that these two programmes have not
really been successful. The accessions from areas in Tanzania with high
LYD pressure continue to die from the disease during the next generation.
Accessions collected in Sri Lanka from both dry and wet zones were
compared under dry conditions, but no significantly different reactions
were noted.
Other interesting types will probably emerge from the results of the
farmer participatory approach (see related section below).
Losses from existing ex situ collections

The life span of coconut accessions is sometimes shorter in germplasm
conservation centres than in farmers’ fields. Some example will illustrate
this. Indonesian accessions registered in the CGRD are conserved at four
different sites: Mapanget (Manado City), Pakuwon, Bone-Bone and
Sikijang, Selakau (West Kalimantan), Makariki (Molluccas) and Marihat
(North Sumatra) (Rognon and Batugal 1998). However, Indonesian
researchers in Manado informed us that these conservation sites are no
longer in use. The remaining accessions in Marihat are said to be original
populations and to date, these have not been duplicated anywhere else
and thus become important for future rejuvenation and planting in current
genebanks.
In CGRD Version 5 (2002), 55 Indonesian accessions out of 156 do
not have any data for the accession size field (number of living palms)
and the date of the last inventory/counting. Some of these accessions,
such as the 1995 planting in Manado and those conserved at the Bone-
50
Bone Station, appeared to have been destroyed and later was no longer
considered as a coconut germplasm centre. According to Indonesian
researchers, the 41 accessions (1682 palms planted between 1984 and
1988) are considered lost. At Sikijang, at least 25 accessions, with 100
palms each, were planted in 1998 and 1999. Because of various factors,
including fire, in January 2001 (i.e. only 3 years later) 77% of these palms
were either dead or in a poor condition. Due to the change of status of
Sikijang station, it is assumed that the 30 accessions at that station were
mostly lost. However, as some palms remained, they have not been
removed from the inventory. Indonesian germplasm now stands at 170
accessions (including some new ones), of which 61 can be considered as
lost. Therefore, the real number of living accessions for Indonesia cannot
be more than 109, with 4976 palms (on average, only 46 palms per
accession). At least 65 accessions from Indonesia are now lost and should
be re-collected (after having found a way to safely conserve them for the
future).
In Papua New Guinea, demonstration plots of various cultivars were
planted during the early 1930s at the Bubia Lowland Agricultural
Experimental Station. In 1964, it was decided to plant a new trial at
Kapogere Agricultural Station in the Central District, Papua. The scope
of the trial was broadened to include at least nine foreign introductions:
New Hebrides, Solomon Islands, Malaysia, Rennell Island, Singapore,
Ceylon-Random, Ceylon-Selected, Maldives and Fiji Talls. The status of
these accessions remains unknown. They are not registered in CGRD
and they were not transferred to the international collection in Madang.
The accessions collected in the past and planted in old, possibly now
neglected, field genebanks should be safeguarded.
In Thailand, it seems that some old accessions were cut without being
rejuvenated in order to plant oil palm experiments. The sustainability of
germplasm banks seems better in Côte d’Ivoire, India, the Philippines
and Sri Lanka.
Targeted exchanges between germplasm conservation centres can
help in duplicating accessions in different genebanks for safety and in
promoting the sustainability of coconut genetic resources conservation.
Exchange of germplasm immediately after a collecting mission is also
advantageous as many freshly collected embryos would be available and
could be exchanged safely. The exchange of coconut germplasm among
coconut-producing countries remains very limited. For example, from
1995 to 1999, only one coconut variety was exchanged between the
Philippines and Vietnam. In contrast, more than 80% of the foreign
cultivars existing in Brazil, Indonesia, Philippines, Tanzania, Thailand,
Sri Lanka and Vietnam came from the Marc Delorme Research Centre
in Africa in the past.
51
India is an exception, with a strong collecting programme abroad.

But only a few palms remain from the survey conducted by Indian
researchers in Madagascar. Five accessions were collected in 1997 from
a single location in Sambava province. Many plantlets died before reaching
the field planting stage. These may have to be re-collected to have a
representative population of these accessions.
More than 3000 coconut embryos were collected from Tuvalu, Cook
Islands, Marshall Islands and Kiribati and sent to the Secretariat of the
Pacific Community’s (SPC) Regional Germplasm Centre (RGC) in Suva,
Fiji. Unfortunately, almost all these embryos died during the in vitro
culture and/or the transfer to the International Coconut Genebank (ICG)
in Papua New Guinea. The reasons for these losses were the high rate of
contamination and low rate of rooting. Some of these accessions need to
be collected again.
An FAO report by Pieris (1966) indicated that the concern for
collecting exotic germplasm was high in the early 60s, as about 30
countries reported seed or pollen exchange. This period contributed indeed
to the richness of present genebanks. However, many of the cultivars are
no longer reported in the receiving country. For example, the Philippines
received planting material from 14 countries primarily for resistance trials
against Cadang-Cadang. Apparently, nothing is left from this
introduction and some of these cultivars had to be re-sampled about 20
years later.
Genetic erosion
To understand on a smaller scale the mechanisms that build diversity
and the factors that influence the evolution of coconut types, a study
was undertaken in Vanuatu, a remote archipelago in the South Pacific
(Caillon 2003). There were 60 variants named based on a particular aspect
describing distinct character from the rest of the population (Labouisse
and Caillon 2001). Of these 60 variants, 45% may not be selected but are
still recognized, 20% are chosen for their social importance (e.g. a coconut
brought by a local mythical hero), 15% to make copra, 13.3% for their
nutritional qualities and 6.7% for non-food uses (e.g. containers, ropes).
In a remote village of a northern island (Vanua Lava), where 30 variants
are found, only 5% of all the coconuts planted by 25 farmers are named
(Caillon, pers. com.). Coconuts selected for their domestic and social
interest are the least numerous (7.4% and 8.5% of the planted variants,
respectively) whereas 46.9% are planted for food purposes. The most
striking example concerns the variant with a large proportion of husk
traditionally used to make ropes. These specific coconut types are currently
ignored as other types of ropes have become more prominent. At the
52
same time, the importance of copra for cash has increased. As a result,
truly ‘high husked’ variant can only be found on old plantations dating
from the time when farmers still used coconut ropes. This exemplifies
genetic erosion due to changes in farmers’ preferences.
The number of named variants in a field depends on a farmer’s
willingness to select and plant variants with characteristics other than
high copra, in order to respond to other uses for food, shelter or social
needs. Generally, planting material for new plantation comes from
farmer’s own garden or from a nearby plantation. However, the most
remarkable variants come from other plantations, sometimes distant,
where the farmers might have seen while helping other villagers/farmers
making copra and brought a few seednuts back. However, that level of
diversity also varies greatly depending on the degree of knowledge of a
farmer about his/her own coconuts. Thus, young plantations planted
by the current generation owner in which immature fruits are accessible
and where copra is frequently made will be the richest ones in terms of
genetic diversity. Consequently, the reduction of named variants at a
village scale is due to the combination of cultural erosion through the
loss of traditional uses and through the younger generations’ loss of ability
to identify variants. Such loss caused by social process could further be
demonstrated more clearly by molecular techniques to assess real genetic
erosion even if variants are not readily identified but are still growing
around and are able to exchange genes through allogamy. Such an
approach is currently underway.
Changes in land use patterns, urban migration, industrialization and
replacement with other species (such as oil palm) or with introduced
and/or improved varieties (hybrids) are contributing greatly to the loss
of coconut diversity. Natural calamities (cyclones, drought, diseases such
as cadang-cadang and lethal yellowing) as well as human induced ones
(pollution, war, etc.) are also agents of genetic erosion.
Strategy in coconut germplasm collecting: Towards a diversity

of approaches
No single approach is likely to be effective to collect and conserve the full
range of variation within a target gene pool and making it available to
breeders and other users, and coconut is no exception. Collecting
germplasm for ex situ conservation should thus be regarded as simply
one of the components in a comprehensive strategy for conservation of
the target gene pool.
Until recently, coconut surveys were faced with two constraints linked
to the biology of the plant. The first is the large size of the fruits; a sample
of a hundred fruits often weighs more than 150 kg. The volume of the
53
fruits considerably restricts the number of samples that can be transported,

or leads to a reduction of the effectiveness of the samples. Another
constraint is the nature of the seed. The coconut, with recalcitrant seeds
(Roberts et al. 1984), looses germination capacity rapidly. Most cultivars
have no dormancy period; the seeds start to sprout 1-3 months after
reaching maturity. Moreover, the coconut seed is relatively sensitive to
cold. Due to these characteristics, numerous samples of coconut varieties
have been lost partly or totally for various reasons: survey conditions did
not allow for sufficient sampling or ships transporting the fruits passed
through zones that were too cold, or duration of transport and customs
clearance exceeded the survival time of the seeds. For these reasons, in
all research stations some coconut accessions can be found that are
represented by numbers that are too low to constitute a good population
for conservation, though originally large number of nuts might have been
sampled. The application of new technologies makes it possible to get
around some of these problems (see Engelmann, Chapter 2). However,
much care needs to be exercised to avoid what happened recently in the
Pacific.
Bourdeix et al. (1999) described case studies that were conducted in
14 countries involved in coconut germplasm surveys during the 1994-
1999. These detailed studies cannot be reproduced in extenso here but
some of the most general conclusions and thoughts are discussed in the
next section.
The Coarse Grid Strategy

In 1997, a manual on coconut breeding research techniques (STANTECH)
was published and distributed to coconut-producing countries (Santos
et al. 1996). This manual describes the bases of the recommended collecting
method in its Chapter 3 on ‘Germplasm exploration and collecting’ and
Chapter 10 ‘Generalized sampling strategy’. The Coarse Grid Sampling
strategy described here has been applied systematically to cover the
coconut areas in the Philippines (Santos 1987) and Malaysia (Jamadon
1987). The basic elements of this process is described below by Guarino
et al. (1998).
As noted earlier, the COGENT member countries have collected
significant amount of coconut genetic diversity during 1993-2000, with
support from ADB. A research team from the French Agricultural
Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) was mandated
to review and assess the effectiveness of the collecting strategies followed
in the first phase of this project. This study noted that only one country,
the Philippines, made use of grid sampling technique. No country used
‘coconut importance value’ suggested in the collecting strategy. It must
54
The Coarse Grid Strategy
How can a national, regional or international coconut research programme

assess the relative importance of the different reasons for collecting? It will
clearly need some basic information on its mandate region:
• Where is the crop growing, in relation to agro ecological zones of the
region?
• How much genetic variation is already present in genebanks?
• What are the main agents of genetic erosion and where are they
most threatening?
• Who are the principal users and what are their needs?
The sources of this information will include agricultural censuses and atlases,
the databases of genebanks, local extension agents and their records and
coconut breeders. Based on this information, it should be possible to identify
(and prioritise among) areas of the following types within the mandate region:
1. Under-represented areas. These can be identified by mapping passport
data of existing collections, and include areas where collecting has
been inadequate or has not occurred at all.
2. Complementary areas. These are areas, which are genetically, or
environmentally different from areas from which collecting has already
taken place, based on passport and characterization data.
3. Environmentally or genetically diverse areas. In previously uncollected
or under-collected areas, it is advantageous to collect over wide range
of agroecological conditions because genetic diversity is partially
correlated with environmental diversity. Preliminary characterization
and evaluation (including genetic diversity studies) of conserved
material may have identified areas, which are particularly diverse
genetically.
4. Areas with target genetic material. This may be inferred from
environmental conditions, known from previous characterization and
evaluation work and/or revealed by local knowledge.
5. Threatened areas. These may be identified by local people, repeat
visits, etc.
Based on the points derived from the brief survey of patterns of genetic diversity
in coconut, the following basic elements of a coconut collecting strategy are
proposed:
Choosing the sites

1. Divide the coconut-growing region in 40x40 km grids. This should be done
separately and independently for each sub-regional grouping (stratified
sampling). In general, collecting in the SE Asian region should be more
intensive, so smaller grid sizes could be used.
2. Superimpose the location of the different types of areas listed above on
55
the grid. This can be done using a GIS. Calculate a ‘coconut collecting
importance value’ (CCIV) for each grid square based on the presence and
priority value of each type of area in the grid area.
3. If possible, carry out a preliminary exploratory visit to 2-3 sites per grid
square and collect morphological information to complement
characterization information from germplasm already conserved. Use this
information to further refine the CCIV.
4. Collect germplasm systematically at a minimum of two sites in all grid
squares. If the material is of the same ecotype and/or environmental con-
ditions are similar, leave a minimum of 15 km between sites.
5. Collect more intensively (up to six sites) in grid squares that have a higher
CCIV.
however be noted that much of the collecting in Phase I was over in

1997, while the strategy was developed in 1998. Most of the surveys
were conducted by following, more or less precisely, administrative
divisions such as regions, subregion and districts. Major constraints noted
for the implementation of the collecting strategy were the time and
capacity to build geographical grids that need well documented
information such as climate, soil and population data. CIRAD team then
recommended that the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
(IPGRI) should prepare, for national researchers, computerized maps
with standardized geographical grids already documented with general
information and national researchers to focus on gathering plant-specific
information. However, it is not possible for IPGRI to undertake such
country specific activity and training national partners to develop their
capacity to make the grids, etc., will be more appropriate. This is also
appropriate in the light of other developments in the area of climate and
other data that are now available on the web (see below).
Independent of the report by the CIRAD team, CIP (International
Potato Center) and the IPGRI have collaborated since 1999 in developing
the software DIVA-GIS. This software is a Geographical Information
System tailor-made for genetic resources applications. The DIVA-GIS may
be downloaded free from the Internet at http://diva-gis.org/. The
question of availability of collecting grids remains open and is currently
being discussed with the DIVA-GIS developers. In the future, it will be
useful to standardize the use of these grids at global level - not only for
the coconut palm, but also for all crops. It is suggested here to use a grid
of 20’ of latitude x 20’ of longitude instead of 40 km x 40 km squares.
Such a grid is easier to draw using a GIS or even a commercial map, by
interpolating available parallels and meridians. At the equator, the side
56
of cell is about 1852 km x 20= 37 km. As latitude increases, the N-S sides
remain constant, while the E-W sides decrease progressively. However,
it is still close to 35 km at latitude of 20°. Thus, at least at subtropical
latitudes, it is almost equivalent to using grids measured in km or in
minutes. Discussion on this proposal is in progress.
Germplasm collecting programmes are best carried out in two stages.
The first phase consist of exploration and preliminary survey to collect
information on sites and material that occurs in those sites which will
permit better planning of the second phase. The second phase is the more
systematic collecting mission. Following the geographic grid approach,
the first step will be to gather considerable data in situ (such as fruit
component analysis, evidence of erosion, etc.) and samples for DNA
testing. The data gathered during the exploration phase will then be
analyzed, including using GIS tools. The next step will consist of returning
to a limited number of specific sites that are expected to have high, unique,
new, useful or threatened coconut genetic diversity, based on the
information gathered in phase I, in order to harvest seednuts and bring
them back to the genebank(s). The information from areas where no
collecting takes place will have value for ground-truthing the theoretical
distribution of coconut cultivation (see section on geographical gaps in
this article), as well as for determining future on-farm conservation sites
and monitoring genetic erosion. Up to now, there is no example of such
a strategy using both in situ field characterization and DNA analysis as a
decision-making process. However, with the microsatellite tool kit ready
for use, this is expected to occur in the near future.
Although the two-phase collecting as described above would be ideal,
for practical reasons including financial and time constraints, it may be
impossible to visit the same place twice as suggested. An alternative
method would be to collect directly seednuts and/or the embryos, and
leaflet samples, at the same time, along with in situ characterization data
such as fruit components. Back at the germplasm centre, DNA from the
leaflets or from nuts germinated in the nursery should be analyzed to
decide on which samples to include in the genebank as ‘accessions’ i.e.,
all the populations sampled may not be planted in the genebank. The
objective is to use the diversity and other observation data to enable
planting only the accessions representing particularly high, unique, new,
useful or threatened genetic diversity. This is important as the
maintenance of large number accessions in field genebanks by national
organizations is very difficult and very expensive. Therefore, genebanks
with a minimum number of accessions that capture maximum useful
genetic diversity are needed.
It must be noted, however, that although some samples may not be
57
included in the genebank, the data (including the collecting data) on all
samples would be very useful to maintain for mapping purposes.
The farmer participatory approach

There is a growing recognition that the effective conservation of
biodiversity will depend on the long-term participation and
understanding of local communities. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
comprises a set of techniques aimed at shared learning between local
people and outsiders (Baker 2000). Collectors require training in
specialized participatory methodologies such as PRA, in particular the
use of visual methods (sketches, ranking, diagramming, and cognitive
mapping). Important considerations include how to choose informants,
the best time for consultations, whether individual interviews should be
complemented with group discussions, and ethical issues such as informed
consent and anonymity (Ramanatha Rao et al. 1998; Eyzaguirre and
Batugal 1999).
An example from India may reveal a quite surprising aspect of the
PRA method, however. This example was found in a research report
distributed during the 1998 COGENT Steering Committee meeting held
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The report states that in India, farmer’s
participatory survey was conducted in eight sites representing the three
major agro-climatic regions of Kerala. At each site, the interaction was
based on a semi-structured questionnaire and lasted some 6-8 hours. The
popularity of various coconut varieties was evaluated, including: Tall
types, Dwarf x Tall hybrids such as COD x WCT (Chowgat Orange
Dwarf x West Coast Tall), and the ‘Natural Cross Progeny of the Chowgat
Orange Dwarf’ (NCD). According to participants, many farmers
produced NCDs by sowing their own Dwarfs nuts and selecting off-
types based on their brown petiole colour for their own use as well as for
sale within the locality.
In all the eight study sites, the participants favoured off-types of COD
(NCDs) in place of TxD and DxT hybrids for cultivation. However, these
NCDs are nothing more than natural DxT hybrids! The brown colour of
NCDs petiole indicates that the Red Dwarf, as mother palm, is naturally
crossed with Green or Brown Coconut palms, i.e. the West Coast Tall
coconut available all around in farmers’ fields as male parents. So, the
two cultivars compared – Hybrids and NCDs – are in fact the same genetic
material. This point was not underlined by the researchers in charge of
the PRA survey and analysis. Anyway, it demonstrates that the farmers
indeed practice a certain amount of crop improvement and are able to
generate their own hybrid seednuts. But the only difference between NCDs
and Dwarf x Tall hybrids is that research centres release ‘hybrids’, while
58
NCDs are selected by farmers in their own gardens. That may explain
the farmers’ preference.
Application of PRA methods to obtaining crucial information on the
origin and extent of the genetic diversity that is being collected would be
most useful in areas where people maintain the closest relationship with
their coconut palms. Surveys conducted in archipelagos such as Cook
Islands and Tuvalu indicate that germplasm diversity and knowledge
seem to be higher in the most isolated islands (Labouisse and Bourdeix
2003; Caillon 2003). This type of information helps in the collecting
process, in particular:
Locating and accessing target areas and material. Locating target

germplasm means being in the right place at the right time. Specialist
local knowledge is often the best guide not only to where a particular
variety may be found, but also to the optimal timing of collecting.
Deciding what to collect and how. When material with particular

characteristics is being sought, indigenous knowledge can provide crucial
clues.
Assessing the completeness of collecting. Local men and women know

which varieties are grown in their village or district or are being sold in
the local markets. A checklist compiled on the basis of such information
can act as a guide to collecting in a given area, providing a benchmark
for comprehensive sampling of the available diversity.
Understanding the origin and distribution of diversity. Landraces are

at least partly shaped by what may be referred to as the informal plant
breeding and seed production and supply systems. Thus, understanding
the diversity within a crop in an area (which is crucial to developing a
conservation strategy) means understanding the practices of the people
who grow it.
Assessing the reasons for, extent and danger of genetic erosion. Oral
testimony is often the only source of information on change in the extent
of cultivation of a crop, and in the cultural practices being used. Older
farmers will sometimes remember the names and attributes of landraces,
which they no longer grow, and which may have entirely disappeared
from their area.
Documenting and using the collection. Local knowledge should form

an important part of the documentation of germplasm samples. Farmers
are aware of the many characteristics and properties of varieties.
59
Documenting such local knowledge of the appearance, properties and

adaptations of germplasm should be seen as an integral part of the
characterization and evaluation process, and as such as an important
way of facilitating and accelerating the use of conserved germplasm.
Conclusion
Though it is now well recognized that a significant amount of coconut
diversity has been collected and conserved in several coconut research
organizations, especially since the establishment of COGENT, their
representation and availability of associated data are still incomplete.
There is still substantial uncollected indigenous germplasm, and some of
it is under threat of genetic erosion. The most important reason for the
continued occurrence of coconut diversity is that farmers have interest
in and possess knowledge about their coconut varieties. However, along
with the diversity, such knowledge is rapidly eroding in some areas as
so-called modernization and globalisation reach into even the most
remote parts of the world. Researchers will have to focus on breeding
and germplasm utilization to benefit from the investment made in
collecting and conserving.
Emphasis should be placed on the use of molecular techniques and
morphological characterization to rationalize large collections in order
to reduce the actual number of cultivars in the germplasm centres from
around 350 to 150-200, so that the genebanks are more manageable,
both in terms of financial and human resources and scientific
backstopping. Then additional collecting, using these new screening
techniques, should allow adding 150-200 more priority accessions. The
use of Geographical Information Systems tools will facilitate the task of
the collectors.
Some elements were discussed regarding the effectiveness of targeted
collecting, as compared to comprehensive grid sampling and farmer
participatory methods. Use of the concept of CCIV could further help in
identifying the priority accessions to be included in genebank collections
and training to implement collecting strategy and the use of GIS tools is
considered important to enhance the efficiency of collecting. Thick-husked
varieties from Asia/Pacific and sweet husk varieties are two endangered
phenotypes that should be targeted. Surveys that are more systematic
should be conducted in areas that have not been covered during previous
collecting programmes. Some important accessions that have been lost
in collections should also be re-collected. Farmer’s participatory methods
should be applied in communities where people know a great deal about
every coconut palm in their gardens (such as very isolated islands) to
document the knowledge and practices farmers use to maintain coconut
diversity in their fields.
60
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Parham, RW. 1960. Coconut and breadfruit surveys of the South Pacific
region. Technical Information Bulletin No 1, South Pacific Commis-
sion, Suva, Fiji.
Ramanatha Rao, V, L Guarino and G Jackson. 1998. Collecting taro
genetic diversity: Elements of a strategy. Paper presented at the
Collecting Workshop Report, 7-11 December 1998, Lae, Papua New
Guinea. SPC, Suva, Fiji.
Ramanatha Rao, V, KW Riley, JMM Engels, F Engelmann and M
Diekmann. 1998. Towards a coconut conservation strategy. Pp. 4-
20. In V Ramanatha Rao and P Batugal (eds). Proceedings of the
COGENT Regional Coconut Genebank Planning Workshop, 26-28
February 1996, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Rognon, F and P Batugal. 1998. Evaluation of Indonesia as a regional
coconut genebank host country. Pp. 41-47. In: V Ramanatha Rao
and P Batugal (eds). Proceedings of the COGENT regional coconut
genebank planning workshop held at Pekanbaru, Indonesia, 26-28
February 1996. IPGRI/COGENT, Rome. Pp 41-47.
Santos, GA, PA Batugal, A Othman, L Baudouin and JP Labouisse. 1996.
Manual on standardized research techniques in coconut breeding.
IPGRI-COGENT, Singapore. 46pp.
Schuiling, M, DA Kaiza and HC Harries. 1992. Lethal disease of coconut
palm in Tanzania. III. Low resistance of imported germplasm. Oléa-
gineux 47(12): 693-697.
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Williams, DG. 1990. An annotated bibliography of the natural history of

the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Indian Ocean. Atoll Research Bulletin
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varieties in Mexico. Economic Botany 47:65-78.
64
In vitro collecting of coconut germplasm

F Engelmann1, 2
1
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501,
34394 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
2
Honorary Research Fellow, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), Via
dei Tre Denari 472/a, 00057 Maccarese (Fiumicino), Rome, Italy
Introduction
In vitro collecting (i.e., the utilization of in vitro culture techniques for
collecting plant germplasm) offers the plant collector an additional option
for solving various problems which can be encountered during collecting
expeditions. The application of in vitro collecting is particularly useful
for the two main categories of problem crops (i.e., vegetatively propagated
species and species with recalcitrant seeds) (Withers 2002). In vitro
collecting protocols have now been developed for a number of different
species (Pence et al. 2002).
In the case of coconut, seeds are bulky and heavy, making them costly
to transport. They are also highly recalcitrant (Chin and Roberts 1980).
These characteristics limit the amount of material that can be collected
and restrict the geographic range of collecting missions. These limitations
may have serious consequences for genetic resources conservation, since
it is recognized that a large amount of the untapped genetic diversity in
coconut is located in remote areas, such as atoll islands. The key to solving
these problems, however, lies in recognizing that only the embryo is
needed to propagate a coconut palm. Various efficient in vitro culture
protocols are available which allow the production of whole plantlets
from coconut zygotic embryos inoculated in vitro (Batugal and Engelmann
1998; Engelmann et al. 2002).
Status of work
Research on the adaptation of in vitro culture techniques to collecting
coconut embryos was initiated 15 years ago under the aegis of the IBPGR
(International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, the predecessor of
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute -IPGRI), with the aim of
facilitating not only the collecting but also the international exchange of
coconut germplasm. In addition to the advantages offered by this
technique for collecting genetic resources, in vitro collecting would also
avoid the transmission of important coconut diseases, which do not pass
through the embryo. This is particularly important with the expected
increase in international exchange of coconut germplasm linked with
the establishment of the multi-site International Coconut Genebank
65
(Ramanatha Rao and Batugal 1998). Various in vitro collecting techniques

have been developed by different teams, thereby demonstrating not only
the feasibility of collecting isolated embryos, but also the great flexibility
that can be exercised within the basic concept (Engelmann 2002).
The in vitro culture of coconut embryos has been adapted by several
researchers in collecting coconut germplasm from the field. The techniques
basically include the following sequence of operations:
• Dehusking and cracking open the nut;
• Extracting a plug of endosperm containing the embryo by using
a cork borer;
• Dissecting the embryo from the endosperm; and
• Inoculating the embryo into culture.
The methods developed differ in the degree to which attempts are made
to reproduce laboratory conditions in the field, the amount of in vitro
work actually performed in the field, and, therefore, the point at which
sterilization is carried out. Their utilization requires varying levels of
technical expertise, and the method selected will depend on the
circumstances of the collecting mission and on the tissue culture expertise
available among the collecting team.
The simplest methods, which do not require specific expertise at the
collecting site, are one of the two methods developed in Côte d’Ivoire
(Assy-Bah et al. 1987) and that established in the Philippines (Rillo and
Paloma 1991; Rillo 1995). In the first protocol developed by Assy-Bah et
al. (1987), after disinfection, the plugs of endosperm containing the
embryos are placed in a solution of KCl (16.2 g l-1), then brought back to
the laboratory where they are redisinfected and inoculated in vitro under
the laminar flow (see Protocol 1 below). In the protocol developed in the
Philippines, plugs of endosperm containing the embryos are extracted in
the field, brought to a simple isolation room close to the collecting site,
disinfected with alcohol and commercial bleach, placed in sterile plastic
bags with sterile, moist cotton and transported in cold storage. Upon
arrival in the laboratory, subsequent manipulations are carried out
aseptically, under the laminar flow hood. The cylinders of endosperm
are resterilized with commercial bleach, and the embryos are extracted
and inoculated in vitro for germination and growth. This protocol is used
routinely in the Philippines in the framework of programmes for mass
production of Makapuno embryos (Rillo 1999).
Another protocol, which has been established by Australian
researchers, requires some tissue culture expertise because embryos have
to be extracted from the albumen immediately after their collection, but
allows transport time of up to six weeks (Ashburner et al. 1995, 1996;
66
Samosir et al. 1999). Plugs of endosperm are collected in the field and
transported to an improvised laboratory close to the collecting site, where
the embryos are extracted from the albumen, sterilized with commercial
bleach, and inoculated into 2 ml sterile plastic cryotubes containing sterile
water. Manipulations after arrival in the laboratory are performed
aseptically under the laminar flow hood. The embryos are resterilized
and inoculated in vitro for germination and growth
In the other protocols (i.e. the second protocol developed in Côte
d’Ivoire, see below) (Assy-Bah et al. 1987) and those established by Sossou
et al. (1987) and Karun et al. (1993), in vitro inoculation of the embryos is
performed directly at the collecting site, thus requiring the relevant
expertise to be available within the collecting team. The field equipment
requirements are greater than in the protocols described above, but even
these methods range in complexity. The technique of Sossou et al. (1987)
attempts to simulate laboratory facilities and methods in the field using
an inflatable glove box. The protocols established by Assy-Bah et al. (1987)
and Karun et al. (1993), however, accept the limitations of working in
the field and present a lower-technology approach. Endosperm plugs
are extracted from the nuts and disinfected with commercial bleach. The
embryos are then dissected and inoculated inside a wooden or plexiglass
box (to protect from airborne contaminants) and transferred into sterile
culture tubes. With the protocol developed by the research team from
India, embryos are either directly inoculated on growth medium or kept
for 2-4 months in sterile water (Karun et al. 1996). This protocol has
been used successfully by Indian researchers to collect several thousand
embryos from remote Indian Ocean islands (Karun et al. 1998; 2002).
All these protocols give good results, with contamination percentages
below 10% of the inoculated embryos.
Detailed description of the in vitro collecting protocols devel-

oped by Assy-Bah et al. (1987)
Assy-Bah et al. (1987) developed two coconut embryo in vitro collecting
protocols - one consisting of storing the disinfected embryos in a KCl
solution until they are brought back to the laboratory, where they are
redisinfected and inoculated in vitro under sterile conditions, and the
other including in vitro inoculation of the embryos in the field. Details of
the protocols are as follows:
Protocol 1 (inoculation of embryos in the laboratory)

Preliminary operations are performed in the open air, on a folding table
that has been washed and disinfected with a bleaching solution.
1. Select and dehusk mature nuts.
2. Break nuts open with a clean hammer.
67
3. Use a cork borer to remove a cylinder of solid endosperm

containing the embryo, and use forceps to transfer the cylinder to
a jar containing 500 ml of commercial bleach. Disinfect all
instruments with commercial bleach and sterilize in the flame of
the gas burner.
4. Immerse batches of 25 cylinders in commercial bleach for 20
minutes.
5. Immediately after disinfecting, transfer endosperm cylinders
without rinsing in individual 30 ml containers containing 15 ml
KCl solution (16.2 g/l).
The following steps are performed in the laboratory, under the laminar
airflow cabinet.
1. Remove endosperm cylinders from the KCl solution and immerse
in batches of 25 cylinders in commercial bleach for 20 minutes.
2. Place one cylinder in a sterile Petri dish and dissect out the embryo
using forceps and a scalpel. Flame dissecting tools before
manipulating a new embryo to reduce the risk of cross-
contamination.
3. Rinse the embryo once in sterile water (using one flask per embryo
to reduce the risk of cross-contamination) and transfer it to solid
medium in a culture tube.
4. Seal the tube with cling film and place it on a rack for culture in
the growth room.
Protocol 2 (inoculation of embryos in the field)

Steps 1-5 are the same as in Protocol 1 above.
The following steps are performed inside a wooden box, which provides
some protection from external contaminants. The inside walls of the box
are disinfected with bleach.
1. Place one cylinder in a sterile Petri dish and dissect out the embryo
using forceps and a scalpel. Flame dissecting tools before
manipulating a new embryo to reduce the risk of cross-
contamination.
2. Rinse the embryo once in sterile water (using one flask per embryo
to reduce the risk of cross-contamination) and transfer it to solid
medium in a culture tube.
3. Seal the tube with cling film and place it on a rack for transport
to the laboratory.
Using Protocol 2, contamination was around 10%, while it was only

around 5% with Protocol 1. No differences were noted in germination
68
and development between embryos treated following Protocols 1 and 2.

Embryos could be stored for up to 14 days in the KCl solution without
any effect on their further development. After direct inoculation in the
field (following Protocol 2), embryos could be kept in semi-solid medium
under non-controlled environmental conditions for two months before
being grown in the culture room of a laboratory (Engelmann and Assy-
Bah 1992). These results were confirmed recently by N’Nan (personal
communication) following a series of in vitro collecting experiments
performed in Côte d’Ivoire in 2001. In vitro collecting has been used
routinely to collect and send over 20000 embryos from Côte d’Ivoire to
France over the last two years.
In vitro culture of embryos

After inoculation in vitro, embryos have to be germinated and grown
into weanable (acclimatized and hardened) plantlets. Research towards
the development of in vitro culture protocols has been performed over
the last 30 years by various research teams worldwide. An assessment of
the available protocols, carried out during the IPGRI/COGENT-funded
International Coconut Embryo Culture and Acclimatization Workshop
held in the Philippines in 1997, revealed a large discrepancy in the
performance of these in vitro culture protocols, with 14 to 55% of the
inoculated embryos giving rise to plantlets growing in vivo (Engelmann
1998). The main bottleneck was the low efficiency of in vitro embryo
germination and plantlet development. The protocols developed also
differed in the culture conditions, composition and sequence of media
employed and the stage of plantlets selected for weaning. Also, these
protocols had been tested with a limited number of coconut varieties. In
this workshop, which was participated by seven countries, the embryo
culture techniques of country participants were compared and good
features were adopted to develop an upgraded protocol to be further
tested. The results of this workshop were published to guide embryo
culture researchers (Batugal and Engelmann 1998). Another IPGRI/
COGENT-coordinated international project, funded by the UK
Department for International Development (DFID), was thus
implemented to address two main objectives: (1) to improve the
maturation and germination of embryos, and their development into
plantlets; and (2) to determine and select the most efficient in vitro culture
protocol and to test it with a large number of varieties (Batugal and
Engelmann 1998). At the end of this project, the success of coconut embryo
in vitro culture was significantly improved, with 31 to 81% of inoculated
embryos developing into plantlets in vivo (Engelmann and Batugal 2002).
A large diversity of coconut germplasm was employed since the tissue
69
culture protocols have been tested with over 20 varieties. These

experiments also revealed a very strong genotypic effect in response to in
vitro culture. No optimal protocol was identified due to the high variability
of the responses obtained in the different laboratories involved in the
project. However, the ‘hybrid protocol’ proposed by one laboratory,
which combines the most efficient steps of the four protocols tested, seems
to hold good promises for further improving the performances of coconut
embryo in vitro culture.
Zygotic embryos have also been employed as starting material for
large-scale propagation of coconut genotypes through somatic
embryogenesis (Verdeil et al. 1999). However, the reactivity of coconut
tissues to in vitro manipulation is very low, and only few plantlets have
been obtained from a limited number of coconut accessions. Additional
research is therefore required before large-scale propagation of coconut
through somatic embryogenesis can be undertaken.
Conclusion and prospects

The various examples of in vitro collecting protocols developed for coconut
embryos range from extreme simplicity to a relatively high level of
sophistication and illustrate the flexibility and adaptability of the basic
concepts of the procedure. It is with coconut that the largest amount of
research has been directed towards the establishment of in vitro collecting
protocols because of the particular difficulties encountered with
germplasm collecting and exchange for this species. In vitro collecting is
currently used on a routine basis for coconut more than with any other
species. The utilization of this technique is expected to increase with the
establishment of COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut Genebank,
thus making coconut one of the best models for the application of in vitro
collecting.
References
Ashburner, GR, MG Faure, DR Tomlinson and WK Thompson. 1995. A
guide to the zygotic embryo culture of coconut palms (Cocos nucifera
L.). ACIAR Technical Report No 36, Canberra, Australia.
Ashburner, GR, MG Faure, DR Tomlinson and WK Thompson. 1996.
Collection of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) embryos from remote
locations. Seed Science Technology 24:159-169.
Assy-Bah, B, T Durand-Gasselin and C Pannetier. 1987. Use of zygotic
embryo culture to collect germplasm of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.).
Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter 71:4-10.
Batugal, PA and F Engelmann (eds). 1998. Coconut embryo in vitro
culture. Proceedings of the first workshop on embryo culture, Banao,
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Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines, 27-31 October 1997. IPGRI-APO,

Serdang, Malaysia.
Chin, HF and EH Roberts (eds). 1980. Recalcitrant crop seeds. Tropical
Press Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Engelmann, F. 1998. Current state of the art and problems in in vitro
culture of coconut embryos. Pp. 6-11. In: PA Batugal and F Engelmann
(eds). Coconut embryo in vitro culture. Proceedings of the first
workshop on embryo culture, Banao, Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines,
27-31 October 1997. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia.
Engelmann, F. 2002. Coconut. Pp. 68-71. In: VC Pence, JA Sandoval,
VM Villalobos and F Engelmann (eds). In vitro collecting techniques
for germplasm conservation. IPGRI Technical Bulletin N°7. IPGRI,
Rome, Italy.
Engelmann, F and B Assy-Bah. 1992. Maintenance of coconut genetic
resources: In vitro techniques for medium and long-term conservation.
Pp. 63-69. In: Papers of the IBPGR Workshop on coconut genetic
resources, Cipanas, Indonesia, 8-11 Oct. 1991. International Crop
Network Series No. 8. IBPGR, Rome.
Engelmann, F and P Batugal. 2002. Background on the development and
implementation of the coconut embryo in vitro culture project. Pp. 1-
4. In: F Engelmann, P Batugal and JT Oliver (eds) Coconut embryo in
vitro culture: Part II. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia.
Engelmann, F, P Batugal and JT Oliver (eds). 2002. Coconut embryo in
vitro culture: Part II. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia.
resources: In vitro techniques for medium and long-term conservation.
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resources, Cipanas, Indonesia, 8-11 Oct. 1991. International Crop
Network Series No. 8. IBPGR, Rome, Italy.
Karun, A, KK Sajini and RD Iyer. 1996. In vitro active conservation of
coconut zygotic embryos. Journal of Plantation Crops 24 (Suppl.):
586-593.
Karun, A, KK Sajini and VA Parthasarathy. 2002. Increasing the
efficiency of embryo culture to promote germplasm collecting in India.
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embryo in vitro culture: Part II. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia.
Karun, A, A Upadhyay and VA Parthasarathy. 1998. Status of research
on coconut embryo culture and acclimatization techniques in India.
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in vitro culture. Proceedings of the first workshop on embryo culture,
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Karun, A, S Shivashankar, KK Sajini and KV Saji. 1993. Field collection

and in vitro germination of coconut embryos. Journal of Plantation
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vitro collecting techniques for germplasm conservation. IPGRI
Technical Bulletin N°7. IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
Ramanatha Rao, V and P Batugal (eds). 1998. Proceedings of the
COGENT regional coconut genebank planning workshop, Pekanbaru,
Riau, Indonesia, 26-29 February 1996. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Rillo, EP and MB Paloma. 1991. Storage and transport of zygotic embryos
of Cocos nucifera L. for in vitro culture. Plant Genetic Resources
Newsletter 86: 1-4.
Rillo, EP. 1995. Embryo culture of coconut: A laboratory manual.
Philippine-German Coconut Tissue Culture Project, PCA Albay
Research Center, Banao, Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines.
Rillo, EP. 1999. Coconut embryo culture. Pp. 279-288. In: C Oropeza, JL
Verdeil, GR Ashburner, R Cardeña and JM Santamaria (eds). Current
advances in coconut biotechnology Kluwer Academic Publishers,
Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
Samosir, YMS, ID Godwin and SW Adkins. 1999. A new technique for
coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Germplasm collection from remote sites:
Culturability of embryos following low-temperature incubation.
Australian Journal of Botany 47:69-75.
Sossou, J, S Karunaratne and A Kovoor. 1987. Collecting palm: In vitro
explanting in the field. Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter 69:7-18.
Verdeil, JL, R Hornung, HJ Jacobsen, E Rillo, C Oropeza, R Bourdeix, YP
N’Cho, V Hocher, S Hamon and A Sangaré. 1999. Recent progress
on coconut micropropagation through a joined effort involving
different countries. Pp. 391-405. In: C Oropeza, JL Verdeil, GR
Ashburner, R Cardeña and JM Santamaria (eds). Current advances
in coconut biotechnology. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht,
The Netherlands.
Withers, LA. 2002. In vitro collecting: Concept and background. Pp. 16-
25. In: VC Pence, JA Sandoval, VM Villalobos A and F Engelmann
(eds). In vitro collecting techniques for germplasm conservation. IPGRI
Technical Bulletin N°7. IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
72
CHAPTER 3: Germplasm conservation
Chapter 3
Germplasm
conservation
73
74
Complementary conservation of coconuts

ME Dulloo1, V Ramanatha Rao2, F Engelmann3 and JMM Engels5
1
Scientist, 3Honorary Research Fellow and 5Genetic Resources Management Advisor, Inter-
national Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), via dei Tre Denari, Maccarese, Rome,
Italy
2
4
Institut de recherche pour le Developpement (IRD), BP 64501, Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
Introduction
The main objective in any plant genetic resources (PGR) conservation
programme is to maintain the highest possible level of genetic variability
present across the genepool of a given species or crop both in its natural
range and in a germplasm collection. The importance of conserving
genetic variability or diversity is well recognized and such defense
mechanisms need to be introduced into modern cultivars to make them
sustainable (Martin et al. 1991; Chang 1994; Kannenberg and Falk 1995).
Countries that are signatories to the Convention of Biological Diversity
endowed with significant amount of genetic and species diversity have a
responsibility to the world at large to conserve them and make them
available for use (Ramanatha Rao 1999). It is generally recognized that
the two approaches of conservation, ex situ and in situ, are both important
in the conservation and use of genetic diversity and should be regarded
as complementary to each other (Maxted et al. 1997; Dulloo et al. 1998;
Ramanatha Rao 1998; Engels and Wood 1999). The ultimate purpose of
germplasm conservation is use and, consequently, any conservation
strategy should include mechanisms that will ensure access to the
germplasm by relevant stakeholders. Other important issues that must
be addressed in a conservation strategy include issues related to policy
and legal frameworks, documentation, socioeconomic aspects,
infrastructure and networks. Since needs of users and technologies may
change over time influencing the ways in which genetic resources are
conserved and used in future and hence, should be taken into
consideration when designing a conservation strategy. At an in house
meeting organized by IPGRI in 2002, a complementary conservation
strategy was defined as “the combination of different conservation actions,
which together lead to an optimum sustainable use of genetic diversity
existing in a target genepool, in the present and future.”
A conservation strategy for coconut has been discussed in the past
(Ramanatha Rao and Engelmann 2000; Ramanatha Rao et al. 1998) and
the current status of the various conservation methods available for
coconuts are described in this chapter. This paper discusses the constraints
75
and advantages of these methods, the elements for a complementary

conservation strategy and attempts to provide a framework from which
a working strategy for conservation and use of coconut germplasm could
be taken forward.
Methods for conserving coconut germplasm

As noted earlier, PGR are commonly conserved using ex situ or in situ
approaches. Ex situ refers to their conservation outside their natural
habitat in facilities such as in seed banks, field genebanks, in vitro
collections, botanic gardens, with germplasm conserved in the form of
plants, seeds, pollen, tissues, cells or DNA. In contrast, in situ conservation
is conserving germplasm in the natural habitat where the target species
is found, and in habitats such as farms and home gardens, where the
species have developed their distinctive properties as a result of long-
term selection by humans. The latter applies particularly to cultivated
plants and their cultivars, landraces and weedy forms. Generally, there
are three categories of in situ reserves: namely, those which maintain
optimum conditions such as national parks and nature reserves, those
which allow a range of economic activities by indigenous people as in
extractive reserves national forests and Biosphere reserves, and a third
category where local people act as custodians for the traditional varieties
and selections contained in home gardens and farms (Damania 1996).
Furthermore, IUCN (1994) classifies protected areas into six categories
according to broad management objectives.
The previous chapters have described in detail the current status of
conservation techniques coconut germplasm, an analysis of which could
help in developing a complementary conservation strategy for coconuts.
Table 1 examines the feasibility of different techniques, while Table 2
summarizes the constraints and advantages with regard to each of these
methods. These two tables provide a comparative framework on which
a complementary conservation strategy for coconuts could be based. It is
important to emphasize that the information in Table 1 is based on our
current knowledge, which could rapidly change in the near future, due
to progress made in the development of the conservation methodologies.
The biological characteristics of coconut and their compatibility with
different options available are briefly discussed below. It is important to
underline a fact at this point that when several options are combined to
bring about a complementary strategy, we also bring along their
advantages and disadvantages with the expectation that a synergistic
effect is achieved.
The options for conserving coconuts are dependent on the biological
characteristics of the whole plant and its component organs and tissues,
76
as well as on the state of the technology as applied to coconuts. Coconut,

a perennial palm, with exception of most of the Dwarfs, is an outbreeding
species. It bears large size seeds that exhibit recalcitrant storage behaviour,
rendering seed conservation not possible. Being a perennial crop, coconuts
can be conserved ex situ as live plants in field genebanks or botanic gardens
or in situ either on farm or in home gardens or on remote islands and
atolls. Botanic gardens have limited capacity to conserve a broad range
of genetic diversity due to the low number of plants that they can
maintain. Field genebanks (attached to a coconut improvement
organization) have been the preferred mode of coconut conservation to
date, as they can be integrated into institutions and do not require highly
technically skilled workers (Ramanatha Rao et al. 1998). However, field
collections have some major disadvantages (Table 2). Coconuts are
generally outbreeding, especially the Tall types, and requires wither
spatial isolation or assisted-pollination. There are still some important
research questions to be addressed in regard to collection management
such as minimum number of trees needed to maintain representative
genetic diversity, field plot techniques for characterization and evaluation
and economics of collection maintenance. For details on field genebanks
and the ICG, see related articles in this chapter.
On-farm conservation, where traditional crop cultivars or landraces
and/or farming systems by farmers within traditional agricultural systems
are maintained (Hodgkin et al. 1993; Jarvis 1999), has been gaining
importance over the last decade. For coconuts, this method is particularly
advantageous since most of the stands in South and Southeast Asia are
in more or less intensively managed areas. For effective on-farm
conservation, knowledge on the effects of farmers’ practices on the extent
and distribution of genetic diversity information on history of coconut
cultivation and indigenous knowledge and actual genetic diversity
measurements may be required. It is now possible to monitor and estimate
genetic diversity using molecular markers for coconuts (Foale 1992;
Ashburner and Rhode 1994; Lebrun et al. 1998; Mpunami et al. 1998;
Perera et al. 1999). People’s participation and cooperation among local
people, researchers and conservationists and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), are essential ingredients of success for the
sustainability of on-farm conservation efforts. Furthermore, any in situ
conservation programme must benefit the local communities.
Establishment of areas of intensive management or high yielding
plantations would assist long-term sustainability of in situ conservation
programmes. This is not to replace, but to bring a balance between high-
yielding types for purely commercial purpose and landraces to satisfy all
the personal and social needs of farmers. Such a balance is essential to
77
promote conservation of landraces in the absence of any specific additional

benefits to growers. This can attract commercial and private agencies to
be partners in on-farm conservation efforts and can lead to much wanted
linkages between public, community and private sectors in PGR
conservation. For naturally occurring coconuts palms other forms of in
situ conservation such as island reserves, biosphere reserves may have
very important complementary value in conserving unique diversity as
for example populations isolated on small uninhabited islands and atolls
(Ramanatha Rao et al. 2000). For more detailed description of on-farm
conservation, see related articles in this chapter.
Progress achieved in recent years in in vitro culture and
cryopreservation as potential methods for conserving coconut germplasm
augurs well for the future. Research on the development of such
techniques has been performed with zygotic embryos, somatic embryos,
pollen, apices and DNA material (Assy-Bah and Engelmann 1993). In
vitro culture of zygotic embryos has been significantly improved and is
now operational in an increasing number of laboratories (Engelmann et
al. 2002). An efficient cryopreservation protocol has been developed for
zygotic embryos (Assy-Bah and Engelmann 1992), which needs to be
refined and tested on a range of ecotypes before becoming fully
operational. Somatic embryos cannot be used for germplasm conservation
since in vitro propagation of coconut using somatic embryogenesis is not
yet functional. Cryopreservation of apices (‘plumules’) sampled from
zygotic embryos is also possible (Hornung et al. 2001; Malaurie et al. 2002)
but regeneration of whole plants from such explants is difficult. At the
moment, plumules are of no use for germplasm conservation except
possibly in case it would be proven that diseases (MLOs) can be transmitted
through the embryo. DNA material can be cryopreserved easily and can
be of great value in genetic diversity studies. However, regeneration into
whole plants is problematic, if at all possible. For more details, see related
articles in this chapter.
Conservation of coconut pollen is an additional option. Pollen can be
dried and stored under vacuum for a short period of time (2-6 months)
in a domestic deep freezer (Rognon and de Nucé de Lamothe 1978).
Freeze-drying experiments showed no viability loss after 3 and 6 months
(Whitehead 1966; Benard 1973) of storage at room temperature. Coconut
pollen is highly tolerant to desiccation and preliminary experiments have
demonstrated that coconut pollen could be successfully cryopreserved
(Dr. Assy-Bah, unpublished results). Long-term storage of coconut pollen
under cryopreservation would represent an important additional
technique for genetic resources conservation, by allowing conservation
of genes. However, additional research is still needed to further develop
and refine a cryopreservation protocol.
78
Considerations for complementary conservation strategy

The knowledge of the biological characteristics of coconuts and how they
can be conserved, as discussed above, is just one of the many elements
for developing a sustainable complementary conservation strategy. This
section discusses some other important elements, which need to be taken
in to consideration.
Conservation objective
The most central element for developing a strategy is to define precisely
what the objectives are. In this case, the general objective is to conserve
and utilize maximum coconut genetic diversity. However, there would
be other minor objectives for the establishment of a coconut genebank
such as for immediate utilization, conservation for the long term, focusing
on characterization and evaluation, etc. Strategy applied will also depend
on what one would want to conserve, i.e. genes or genotypes. The strategy
will be very different if the objective is to completely stop the evolutionary
processes (e.g. cryopreservation) or in case the evolutionary processes
need to be maintained (as in in situ conservation). Thus, if the promotion
of conservation of landraces becomes the main objective, conservation
on farm becomes the choice strategy for coconut, which also provides an
opportunity for coconut to evolve under natural and farmer-imposed
conditions. However, there is a need to accumulate more evidence on
the role of farmer selection in a perennial crop like coconut. At the same
time, with many farmers interested in increasing the productivity of
coconut and income generation, breeding for higher yields and multiple
uses becomes priority and hence ex situ conservation in field genebanks,
which enhance the access to diversity by the coconut improvement
scientists, becomes the choice for conserving and using maximum genetic
diversity.
Genetic diversity
The major objective of any conservation effort, especially the one for long-
term, is the conservation of maximum genetic diversity in a crop gene
pool and this is true for coconut as well. Hence, the factors that contribute
to the maximization of genetic diversity in a coconut collection (only
infraspecific diversity in the case of coconut) have significant bearing on
the balance of options chosen for inclusion in a conservation strategy.
Coconut belongs to a monotypic genus and hence all its genetic diversity
is in one species, i.e. Cocos nucifera. The diversity in coconut is mainly in
the different ecotypes/landraces, i.e. conservation of genotypes and,
consequently, using the field genebank allows conservation of most genetic
diversity in the gene pool. Since very little information is available on the
extent and distribution of coconut genetic diversity within and between
79
populations and the genetics of useful traits, probability theory and

random sampling (at times modified to include some level of bias for elite
material, which is generally the norm for horticultural and perennial
species) and larger populations are used to locate and conserve the desired
level of genetic diversity. Under the ADB-funded project of COGENT,
28 countries have collected and conserved coconut germplasm in national
field genebanks and a multi-site International Coconut Genebank (ICG)
has been established, which makes the access to genetic diversity easy
(see Batugal and Kanniah in this chapter). At the same time, COGENT
also recognizes the limitations of the field genebanks. By using on-farm
conservation, it is possible to conserve more diversity, especially that
diversity which is directly useful to farmers. To do proper on-farm
conservation, essential information on the extent and distribution of
genetic diversity on farms is being generated. The limited observations to
date have shown that very few farmers seem to pay any special attention
to phenotypic and other differences in coconut types that they grow.
Most often coconuts are just planted and little attention is paid later on.
Hence, the so called indigenous knowledge on coconuts seems to be
limited. Nevertheless, there are some who recognize this well, and hence
should be targets for on-farm conservation efforts. Field genebanks
require a substantial number of individual genotypes to be an effective
conservation measure. Thus, extensive network of farm sites will be able
to complement conservation of genetic diversity in coconut.
Stakeholders
Conservation of any genepool is not just a responsibility of an organization
or individual. Several interested organizations and individuals are
involved, including those who were responsible for the generation of the
variability in the first place. Thus, in the case of coconut, the interests of
small coconut farmers, organizations interested in their welfare and
coconut research organizations/scientists and at the end the consumers,
etc., need to be considered. For example, coconut farmers for whom
coconut growing is a way of life and in some instances, growing the
specific landraces or ecotypes, on-farm conservation takes precedence
over the other approaches. This needs to be strengthened and
complemented by other stakeholders who can play an important role in
conserving that part of coconut diversity that might not be conserved
on-farm due to reasons such as genetic erosion and utilization, using
other complementary approaches such as conservation in field genebanks.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure needed and their availability determine the option to
be chosen. Hence, the infrastructure needs for each of the option and
80
their availability and resources required needs to be documented and

analyzed. For example, the establishment of a field genebank for coconut
genetic resources requires land, labour, good agronomy, facilities for
exchange of germplasm, well-trained staff, etc. In vitro culture and
cryopreservation would also require specific infrastructure and highly
trained skilled staff. For on-farm conservation, identification of sites with
high levels of genetic diversity, committed community-based
organizations, staff skilled in working along with partners and farmers,
access to conservation sites, monitoring mechanisms etc, have to be in
place. Once such baseline information is available, then it should be
possible to determine which approach will be used to particular part of
coconut genetic diversity.
Socioeconomic aspects
The social considerations probably are more important in implementing
on-farm conservation and less so while establishing ex situ conservation
facilities. However, the economic aspect would be a key determinant in
what methods are utilized. While planning for the former, several issues
related to socioeconomics of coconut farming, indigenous knowledge,
community participation, etc. have to be considered that make the on-
farm conservation sustainable. Such considerations also make germplasm
conserved on farm accessible for use by the farmers and communities as
well as national agricultural research systems. Generally speaking, in
the countries that are interested in conservation and use of coconut, the
cultivation of coconut is not greatly threatened and will continue in the
end. This consideration is important as establishing either ex situ or in
situ conservation programmes are expensive and must be compatible with
national objectives. Therefore, it is important to allow the increase of
genetic diversity that is actually being planted by farmers to the extent
possible. In this respect, a close cooperation between in situ and ex situ
efforts is critically important.
Network
Any complementary conservation efforts for coconut at the national level
have to be multidisciplinary and multi-stakeholder driven in order to
conserve maximum diversity. Thus, an in-country network consisting of
interested individuals, organizations (both public and non-governmental)
and farmers is required. Similarly, developing a complementary
conservation strategy at an international level requires coordination and
collaboration among interested countries, as demonstrated by the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), as the
genetic diversity that needs to be conserved is spread across borders.
81
COGENT has been able to complement the establishment of ICGs with

efforts at community level that lead to on-farm conservation of coconut
genetic resources. For example, the efforts to promote the cultivation of
identified elite germplasm (landraces) from the genebank at sites where
poverty reduction work are underway in Bangladesh, India, the
Philippines, etc. This will ensure sustained conservation of landraces and
at the same time benefit the poor coconut farmers.
Costs and risks

The options in any complementary conservation strategy need to be
weighed against each other keeping in mind the relative costs, benefits
and risks. With currently available methods, it has been generally agreed
that the establishment of ex situ genebanks is relatively cost-effective and
less risky (Pardey et al. 1999). However, using this one method, it would
not be possible to conserve all the coconut genetic diversity that might be
required in the future, especially when the number of accessions that
could be maintained and managed in a field genebank is finite. Hence, a
complementation by on-farm conservation of the material that would be
difficult to bring to genebank becomes economical. In situ conservation
option needs to be incorporated into the strategy. Such efforts also promote
conservation through use. In addition, the analysis of the genetic diversity
of coconut has shown that significant genetic diversity might exist in
remote areas and atolls, collecting of which could be very expensive.
One could argue that the germplasm located at these sites are relatively
safe except for unfavourable climatic changes (e.g. sea level rise) which
may be a risk and has to be considered. If resources are available, efforts
should be made to collect and secure them in ex situ collections.
Policy/Legal issues
Without any doubt, for any conservation approach to be in place, much
depends on the type of legal arrangements that can be put in place for
transfer and access to genetic material and for sharing of benefits arising
out of their use. In many countries, there may not be specific laws that
prevent or promote the conservation of coconut genetic resources, but
policies in a country could influence the importance accorded to such an
effort. Thus, before venturing to establish a conservation strategy for
coconut, it is important to check on the priority accorded to coconut at
national level. For example, in most countries in the Asia Pacific, high
priority is accorded to this crop and hence the efforts on its conservation
and use are generally in line with the national policies. As noted earlier,
conservation is mainly to make and keep the genetic resources accessible
for use by users (researchers, farmers etc.). Hence the policies that promote
82
the accessibility and transfer of material and ‘information’ are important

for successful implementation of the different types of conservation. For
example, if the national laws are very strict about collecting and using
the material from farmers (as in the case of Philippines), conservation
on farm may be the better option, especially for the new diversity. To
establish a regional or international genebank, it is important that the
partner countries policies do not hinder the exchange of coconut genetic
resources, as exemplified by the agreement of participating countries in
the establishment of the ICG (Ramanatha Rao and Batugal 1998).
Framework for complementary conservation strategy of coco-

nut germplasm
It is evident from the above discussions that the options for conserving
coconuts germplasm are rather limited (Table 1). The current practice,
as already noted, is the use of field genebanks. On-farm conservation
appears to have a great potential for such a perennial species as coconut.
The perenniality, however, is also a constraint, as the information required
for scientifically sound on-farm conservation would be limited. This is
mainly because the information on farmers’ practices in terms of selection
and genetic diversity is limited since the crop’s life might span over a
couple of lifetimes of its growers. At present, in vitro collecting and in
vitro culture of zygotic embryos that also facilitate movement of
germplasm (phytosanitary aspects and cost) are fully operational.
Cryopreservation, which ensures safe and cost-effective long-term storage,
is expected to be operational soon after minor improvements to the
existing protocol. The establishment of cryopreserved collections could
be envisaged on a regional basis (e.g. one cryopreserved collection linked
with each ICG site) or even on a global basis (one or two cryopreserved
collections at sites agreed by COGENT partners) as a measure of long-
term backup.
The balance between the different methods employed for coconuts
would depend on many factors such as the intended use of the conserved
germplasm, the method of maximizing the diversity of coconuts, the
available infrastructure and human resources, space availability,
accessibility and so on. Based on these elements and on the state of
knowledge and the options available to date, a framework for
complementary conservation strategy can now be developed. It is not
envisaged here to develop a full strategy for coconut, but rather to propose
a framework and the elements as how such a strategy could be developed
at different levels: national, regional or international.
The framework can be seen as a series of steps (Figure 1). At each
step information is gathered, specific actions taken and/or decision made.
83
The first step would be to organize the stakeholders into a network, as

has happened in COGENT. This should be facilitated by a lead agency to
enable its creation and be established with a steering committee composed
of representatives of the various stakeholders. This would then be the
decision making body to develop the strategy and take the decision on its
content and implementation. The stakeholders would then be responsible
to define objectives and sub-objectives according to its mandate. This
would for example in the case of coconuts be to conserve and utilize the
maximum genetic diversity in Cocos nucifera. A number of sub-objectives
could also be elaborated such as the long-term conservation of coconut
germplasm, conservation of specific ecotypes or characterization of
germplasm, as mentioned earlier.
For each specific objective, the conservation options available should
then be analyzed in terms of their feasibility and requirement in
infrastructure, human resources, land, costs, accessibility and the risks
involved. In relation to coconuts, we have seen that field genebanks and
on farm conservation represent the best conservation methods but have
certain limitations in the long term (Table 2). Other options like in vitro
techniques and cryopreservation of zygotic embryos, for example, should
be pursued in the future. The advantages and disadvantages of each of
the possible options (Table 2) must be weighed against each other. This
kind of analysis would provide the basis for taking decisions on which
conservation options to be followed for given specific objectives.
The next important step in the process would be setting up the enabling
environment to allow the conservation options to be implemented. This
would involve, as discussed earlier, the policy issues in terms of legislation,
germplasm exchange, benefit sharing and also most importantly the
sources of funding. Once these are agreed upon and put into place, a
strategic action plan can be developed and implemented (steps 6 and 7).
For each step, the steering committee would examine the issues and take
the relevant decisions and assign responsibilities to the various relevant
players.
In conclusion, a complementary conservation strategy for coconuts
requires a lot of efforts and commitment from many different stakeholders,
who must work together with a common objective. A proper enabling
environment, including inter alia policy, finances, incentives and good
collaborative spirit, is crucial for its success.
84
Table 1. Comparison of conservation options for coconuts

Botanic
In situ ‘Conventional’
Gardens Slow growth Cryopreservation
on farm /Home Genebanks
(Living plants in conditions - liquid N
Gardens/natural (seed banks, field
gardens/ (short-term) (long-term)
habitats genebanks)
greenhouses)
Mature plants Coconuts Occurs in Field genebank ⌧Not ⌧Not applicable
conserved on botanic gardens most widely used applicable
farm widely and but limited scope conservation
in home gardens for conserving method so far.
and natural genetic diversity National and
stands exist on international
small isolated coconut field
islands and atolls genebanks exist
Seeds and ⌧ Not feasible- ⌧Not feasible ⌧ Seeds are Field Cryo-
zygotic seeds are recalcitrant and too collecting preservation
embryos recalcitrant, no large; seed protocol protocol has been
natural soil seed conservation not established for established for
banks feasible zygotic zygotic embryos;
embryos; In suitable for long
vitro culture term conservation
functional
Somatic ⌧ Not ⌧ Not applicable ⌧ Not applicable ⌧ Mass ⌧ not applicable

embryos applicable propagation
problematic;
Not applicable
Pollen ⌧ Not ⌧ Not applicable Possible, for ⌧Not Coconut pollen

applicable short term applicable can be
conservation (2-6 cryopreserved and
months) could be suitable
for long term
conservation
Apices ⌧ Not ⌧ Not applicable ⌧ Not applicable ⌧ Not

applicable applicable cryopreservation
protocol
established;
relatively low
survival and
regeneration of
plants very difficult
DNA ⌧ Not ⌧ Not applicable Storage as DNA ⌧Not Long-term
applicable libraries exists – applicable storage possible
value not known (LN or –80°C
freezer). Use of
stored DNA
questionable.
85
Table 2. Relative advantages and disadvantages of conservation methods for coconut

Method Advantages Disadvantages Research needed
Field genebank • Easy access for • Space limitation compounded • Minimum number of palms
characterization, by need to maintain safe needed to maintain
evaluation and use isolation distance between representative genetic
• Simple infrastructure trees, especially for the Tall diversity
needs types that out cross frequently • Filed plot techniques for
• Does not require highly • Labour intensive; High risk in proper characterization and
skilled manpower mislabelling evaluation
• Vulnerability to biotic and • Economics of coconut field
abiotic factors genebank maintenance
• Exchange of germplasm
• Participation with end users
difficult
• Legal issues as related to
land ownership
In vitro collecting • Well established • Only short-term storage • Testing of optimized in vitro
and culture of protocols • Relatively high infrastructure culture protocol
zygotic embryos • Facilitates germplasm needs
exchange • High maintenance cost
• Less accessible to users
Cryopreservation • Feasible for long term • Requires skilled labour • More work required to
secure storage • High initial investment cost for refine cryopreservation
• Easy to maintain, low Infrastructure protocol
costs
• Protocol for coconut
embryos has been
developed
• Not labour intensive
Pollen • Large number of • Not yet feasible for long term • Refinement on
conservation samples can be • Only conserve part of cryopreservation protocol
maintained in small diversity • Desiccation tolerance
space • Cannot be used to conserve
• Easy to handle specific genotypes
• Useful for crosses
• Can be cryopreserved
allowing long term
storage
On-farm • Dynamic conservation • Vulnerable to natural and • Little information on status

in relation to man-directed disasters, e.g. of genetic diversity across
environmental changes fire, cyclones, vandalism, coconut stands.
• Participation of local change in land use, • Systematic documentation
communities and deforestation etc. of farmers knowledge is
stakeholders made • Materials not easily available needed
easier for utilisation • Several issues related to
• Conserve a much • Appropriate management socioeconomics of coconut
larger genetic diversity regimes poorly understood farming, indigenous
overall • Require active supervision knowledge, community
• Highly suitable for and monitoring participation in relation to
coconuts • Genetic diversity scattered on-farm conservation
• Difficult to exchange • On farm conservation
germplasm methodologies need further
work
• Ways and means to
enhance benefits for
promoting conservation on
farm
• Piloting in situ methods for
locating, measuring and
monitoring genetic diversity
86
Figure 1. Framework for developing a complementary conservation strategy
Step 1 Networking of stakeholders at national, regional or international, as the

case may be
Step 2 Definition of objectives and sub-objectives
Step 3 Analysis of the feasibility of each option for each sub-objective in terms of
infrastructure needs, costs, risks involved, etc.
Step 4 Decision on conservation options for each objective/sub-objective
Step 5 Setting up enabling environment – policy/legal issues, funding, etc
Step 6 Elaboration of Strategic Action Plan by stakeholder/s
Step 7 Implementation process
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90
Coconut field genebank

V Ramanatha Rao
Introduction
The two basic approaches to conservation of plant genetic resources (PGR)
are termed ex situ and in situ. Ex situ approach involves conserving the
genetic resources outside their original habitat in the form of seed,
embryos, tissues or plants. Methods of ex situ conservation can include
cold storage, in vitro storage or field genebanks, depending on the
propagules used. In contrast, in situ conservation involves the
maintenance of genetic diversity of a species or genepool in the habitat
in which the diversity evolved. In the definition of the Convention on
Biological Diversity (CBD), it includes the maintenance of diversity in
farmers’ fields and orchards, thus it includes the so-called on-farm
conservation. It is now well recognised that for any given genepool, a
number of different approaches and methods will be necessary for
efficient and cost-effective conservation. Such a strategy is termed as
complementary conservation strategy (Ehsan et al. 2003). However, with
the current level of conservation options for coconut, field genebanks
still play the major role in their conservation and use. It is presently the
most feasible ex situ conservation method that can be used for coconut.
This chapter attempts to look at the general nature of conservation of
PGR in field genebank and looks specifically on how coconut fits into
this context.
Field genebanks
Many important varieties of field and horticultural crops including
coconuts are either difficult or impossible to conserve as seeds (i.e. no
seeds are formed or if formed, the seeds are recalcitrant) or the species
are vegetatively propagated. Conservation in field genebanks (FGBs) is
necessary because some species have short-lived seeds (recalcitrant) such
as cocoa, coconut, oil palm, rubber and many tropical fruits like mango,
mangosteen, jackfruit, durian and rambutan. Seeds of some recalcitrant
species can only be stored without desiccation for a few days, weeks or
months (Roberts et al. 1984). Even if technology for conserving recalcitrant
seeds is developed, there is still the problem with long regeneration cycle
and which constraint utilization (Hawkes 1982). Hence, they are
conserved in FGBs. FGBs may run a greater risk of being damaged by
natural calamities, infection, neglect or abuse. Ex situ conservation of
91
tree species using FGBs requires a substantial number of individual

genotypes to be an effective conservation measure. Thus, FGBs require
more space, especially for large plants such as coconut and they may be
relatively expensive to maintain, depending upon the location and the
complexity of alternative techniques available. However, FGBs provide
easy and ready access to conserved material for research as well as for
use. The advantages and drawbacks of FGBs are well debated (Engelmann
1999; Epperson et al. 1997; Saad and Ramanatha Rao 2001; Dulloo et al.
in this chapter). However, it must be noted that, for a number of plant
species, the alternative methods have not been developed to the stage
where they can be effectively used (Ramanatha Rao et al. 1998;
Engelmann and Engels 2002). Thus, the establishment of FGBs will play
a major role in any conservation strategy for PGR.
Considerations for conservation of coconut germplasm in field

genebanks
There are many field collections of coconuts in various countries, usually
connected with coconut research institutes. According to the International
Coconut Genetic Resources Network’s (COGENT) Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD), over 1416 accessions are collected and
conserved in different genebanks around the world and all of these are
maintained and managed in FGBs. At this stage, it must be noted that
many of the plantings in these genebanks are often quite old and may
originally have developed in a somewhat haphazard manner. Although
they represent a commendable effort, there is a need to update the
collections in a scientific manner, with due regard to thorough
documentation of populations, and correct and foolproof labelling.
It is clear from the above discussion that the establishment of FGBs is
the immediate option for the conservation and utilization of coconut
genetic resources. In most annual crops like cereals and legumes, seed
storage, multiplication and regeneration methods have been agreed upon
(FAO/IPGRI 1994), but for crops like coconut, there are no such agreed
methods. Hence, there is a need to look closely at scientific and practical
criteria to be considered in establishing and managing a coconut field
genebank. In the following sections, some of the issues involved in
developing a successful field genebanking technique for coconut
germplasm are discussed, much of which are based on Ramanatha Rao
et al. (1998).
Genetic considerations
To effectively collect and conserve PGR, there is a need to have a sufficient
understanding of some of the conservation genetic principles, especially
those related to the structure and distribution of the genetic diversity of
92
species to be conserved as well as the genetic diversity of the materials

that are being conserved (for general principles, see Mohd Shukor Nordin
and Mohd Said Saad 2001).
Ensuring genetic integrity and maintenance of genetic diversity
Breeding system. Generally speaking, populations of inbreeding species

have a simple genetic structure, consisting of a number of inbred lines,
genetically homozygous, several individuals representing each line in the
population, some variations between lines, and very little heterozygosity.
This makes conservation of mostly genetic resources self-pollinated species
(in the case of coconut, the Dwarfs) much simpler, compared to
outbreeding species (as Talls) in which, the population in general has
higher within population variability. Maintaining this variation within a
cross-pollinating species will be complex in terms of both germplasm
collecting and regeneration and sampling for utilization.
Isolation. To be able to maintain the genetic integrity in an outbreeding

species like coconut, especially the Talls, growing of accessions or
populations in isolation should be considered. However, for practical
reasons different accessions of coconut have to be planted together.
Available information indicates that coconut pollen under natural
conditions could travel over 300 metres (Mantriratne 1965; de Nucé de
Lamothe and Rognon 1975) or assisted pollination (without bagging)
results in pollen contamination, unless vary large plot sizes are used (de
Nucé de Lamothe and Rognon 1975). Such large plot sizes may be
impractical for a genebank.
Sampling and selecting entries. To establish a coconut collection,

accessions displaying a range of diversity need to be planted. For this
reason and from the point of population genetics, the principle of random
sampling of genotypes from a given source population should be followed.
However, in practice, both elite materials and genetic stocks are planted.
Therefore, it is essential to sample a range of diversity to be represented
in the FGB, including that of elite material. Thus, a coconut FGB can
include populations/genotypes representing a range of diversity, elite
materials, genetic stocks and some unique materials.
Sample and plot size. The size of the plot depends mainly on the breeding
system and diversity in the sample and on the number of palms planted.
It will be most appropriate if the material planted in a field genebank
can be representative of the source population. For raising seedlings and
93
transplanting, the best methods should be used to ensure maximum

survival and vigour, any loss at seedling stage represents genetic drift
(see below). Large plot sizes with high number of plants are appropriate
for outcrossing species like coconuts, but for practical reasons, smaller
plots are acceptable. However, if characterization and evaluation activities
are combined with conservation then larger plot sizes, as dictated by
statistical principles, should be used to avoid biases due to competition
and xenia.
It is well established that square plots will be better than row planting
for reducing pollen contamination (Breese 1989). The minimum number
of palms per accession is determined by the number needed to represent
the genetic diversity of the population while the resources available
determine the maximum. Assuming that the material will be conserved
for the next 200 years (with a frequency of re-planting in a FGB being 30
years for Dwarfs and 40 years for Talls), this gives about 4-6 regenerations
(re-plantings). If the decision is to have a 90% probability of maintaining
the alleles with a frequency of >5%, a population of about 40-60 will be
needed per accession, and for an accurate characterization, about 90
palms are preferred. This is also based on the assumption that the
seedlings for exchange or re-planting will be produced by (hand)
pollinating the female parents with the mixed pollen of the accession/
population in question or by using methods such as chain crossing or
pair crossing (For more information see Breese 1989; Crossa and
Vencovsky 1994; Gale and Lawrence 1984; Gregorius 1991).
Production of seednuts through randomly chosen parents ensures a
balanced representation of male parents thus increasing the effective
population size (lowering the effect of drift) and provides pedigree
information for subsequent breeding. This number needs to be
supplemented with a few additional palms to compensate for any losses
that may occur. From a conservation point of view, it may be better to
plant and maintain equal number of plants for each accession, keeping
in mind the need for representation of genetic variation. However, from
the practical point of view, the number of palms of certain highly
productive accessions may have to be increased to make the FGB
commercially viable. Additional numbers of these accessions may best
be planted in a separate area in the FGB.
Drift. Another consideration is avoidance of genetic drift or loss of rare

but important genes or alleles from the population or accessions. For
coconut, a minimum of 40 to 60 individuals are required to maintain
alleles with 0.05 frequency with reasonable degree of confidence, to
reduce the effects of genetic drift (again depending on the original sample
94
size) and maintain genetic integrity. Assuming pollination is not

controlled, there may be a need for some buffering or isolation to minimize
random mating among the individuals of an accession. However, isolation
between plots is hardly practised, hence, only a small number of plants
in the middle of the plot may represent the gene frequencies of original
populations. This would imply, especially if the original population size
is large, that the total number planted in one block should be high enough
to give sufficient number of plants to get an effective population size of
at least 30, so as to sample/maintain alleles with frequency greater than
0.05. This would translate into a minimum of 100 palms in two blocks or
replications of 50 each per accession, when no isolation or hand pollination
is practised for the production of offspring generation (see below). It will
be possible to have 60 palms in two replications of 30 each per accession,
if isolation and/or hand pollination is practised.
Layout and plot management. Although as a general principle, it is best

not to mix conservation and evaluation, planting equal numbers of palms
per plot assists in evaluation and characterization of the material as well.
Evaluation for important traits which are affected by environmental
variation can only be carried out using replicated plots and also it must
be kept in mind that the FGB needs to be protected from biotic and abiotic
stresses, as far as possible, and this might result in poor quality of
characterization and evaluation data. If evaluation is to be carried out in
the FGB, it will be a good idea to plant each accession in at least two and
ideally four replications depending on the total number of plants per
accession. The accessions within each replication must be randomized.
It is important to realize that, for purposes of conservation, planting
sufficient number of plants (40-60) in a square block with a few metres
border will be appropriate to reduce the chances of pollen contamination.
Additionally, if these are planted in at least two replications, then
evaluation of differences between populations, as well as selection of
superior palms within populations may be combined with conservation.
Since characterization and evaluation is involved, one has to consider
soil heterogeneity as well. In controlling the soil heterogeneity, normally,
allocating genotypes in a block is very effective if the number of genotypes
involved is small. The effectiveness of controlling soil heterogeneity will
be very much reduced if the number of genotypes is more than 20,
especially for perennial crops that required a big plot size such as coconut.
Under this situation, incomplete block designs could be used (Yap and
Saad 2001).
95
Supply material from the FGB

From germplasm conservation and use point of view, it is important to
supply a sample that represents the population conserved. If the progeny
from an accession in the FGB is required, then it will be desirable to carry
out hand pollination among the identified parent materials of an accession
to produce the required offspring. Otherwise, from the standing
population one will only get offspring resulting from open pollination,
which may be contaminated from another accession. As described above,
pollen of coconut can travel to significant distances resulting in
considerable pollen adulteration. Coconuts are also known to be
pollinated by insects such as bees, wasps and ants. However, it was
observed that the insects tend to return to the same plant or to
neighbouring plant, effecting mostly selfing or sibling, if the neighbouring
plants belonged to the same population (Child 1964). Theoretically, if
the plot size is very large, and the plots are separated by about 500 m, it
may be possible to obtain less contaminated (by foreign pollen) nuts from
the middle of the plot. However, such large plot sizes and growing in
isolation are not practical. Thus, the most practical is hand pollination
and bagging. From the point of genetic principles underlying regeneration,
promoting random mating (i.e. using a mixture of pollen from different
plants in the population, in this case, the plot) is recommended to increase
the effective population size which can reduce the effects of genetic drift,
while using pollen from single parent may be useful from the breeding
point of view (Dr L Baudouin 1996, personal communication). It must
also be noted that, in making controlled pollinations and comparing the
offspring with its parents, one is not only able to preserve the genetic
information of each individual but one may be able to keep the genetic
information of the population as a whole.
One of the first to consider the genetic factors in maintaining living plant
collections was Esser (1976). He concluded that true genetic conservation is not
possible but one should know the boundaries and be able to channel plant
conservation based on the knowledge and application of genetic parameters.
Agronomic considerations
Security from natural disasters and safety duplication

Despite many problems discussed, FGB is the current method for medium
to long-term conservation and use. So the security of the site must be
assured. Whenever possible, it may be appropriate to replicate the
collections in more than one location. It is important to establish adequate
safety duplicate collection(s) of the material maintained in FGB. Along
with abiotic stresses like hurricanes, cyclones, drought, fire, etc., the biotic
stresses such as pests and diseases can be continuous and serious threats
96
to the germplasm being conserved. Therefore, the establishment of safety

duplicate collections should be regarded as routine and budgeted for
accordingly. The site should not be located in an area known for natural
calamities or other disasters. This will help not only for effective monitoring
and management of the FGB but also for the long-term safety of the
material conserved.
Ecological adaptation
Close relationship between some characters in a population and its habitat
in which the characters or traits have evolved and expressed has been
reported many times in the literatures. Collections made from separate
geographical areas can differ substantially. For instance, some characters
are common in accessions collected from certain regions but not in the
other region. Adaptability of the species or the accession to the location
may be an important point to consider when long-term conservation is
involved, especially in the case of regional genebanks. However, this may
not be always possible as FGB may contain introduced or unadapted
material. For efficient maintenance as well as from the point of view of
use of the material conserved, it is important that the plants in the FGB
be able to produce flower, fruit and set viable seed. If the site for the
genebank is located in an area with (a potential for) commercial orchard
plantation, then the value of the genebank would be even greater, in
terms of use of the conserved material. The genebank can act as the
nucleus and provide planting material for commercial plantations.
Minimal pest occurrence

It is essential to establish FGBs in areas that are relatively free from pests
and diseases, especially those that are transmitted through propagules.
This aspect will be discussed further under the section on germplasm
health issues. Also, the site should be protected from animal pests such
as wild pigs, porcupines, elephants etc.
Access to the FGB

To facilitate protection and management of the population stands,
continued access to them must be assured. Therefore, the site chosen for
FGB should be accessible and be near to the research station so that the
material available can be effectively used. Also the material in the FGB
can be monitored frequently. It should be possible for the genebank staff
and other researchers to reach the site easily. From a practical point of
view, this probably has an overriding importance.
97
Choice of material
Entries in regional genebanks

The major factors that control the choice of material into any genebank
is determined firstly, by the needs of the users of that particular genebank
and secondly, to have as much representation of genetic diversity and
ecotypes that are available in the region. This requires giving emphasis
to regionally recognized accessions. Therefore, there may be a tendency
to acquire/assemble mostly the well-known elite accessions. However, it
is important to have a balance between elite lines and accessions that
represent a broader range of genetic variation from within the country
as well as from the region. Giving due regard to the points mentioned
earlier, it is important at the time of FGB establishment to plan for the
materials to be included and lay out sufficient space. Care must be taken
to insure that each accession included is unique and is not a duplicate.
Need for a national collection

Decisions will have to be taken on which accessions are to be maintained
at the regional and national level. Some nationally important accessions
or accessions representing national or narrow diversity may not be
accommodated in the regional genebank for lack of space and resources.
Such accessions must continue to be maintained in the national collection.
In addition, it is essential to make sure that each accession is duplicated
in another FGB for safety reasons, while other methods of conservation
are being considered. The situation in any genebank is dynamic as new
materials are collected for conservation. Therefore, it is essential to
maintain space in the FGB for new accessions.
Policy and management issues
National, regional and international collections

Conservation of genetic resources is a long-term responsibility and requires
long-term commitment of institutions and governments. It is for this reason
that any conservation effort should be conducted within the framework
of a national programme, that clear institutional responsibilities are
assigned as part of a national mandate and that a reliable budget-line is
established for continuous funding. At the regional and international
level, the situation is different since it is not easy to assign clear mandates
and responsibilities for the conservation of worldwide genetic resources
of a specific genepool. The international germplasm collections held by
the International Agricultural Research Centres are an exception as they
have been placed under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture
98
Organization (FAO) as part of the International Network of Ex Situ

Collections. Individual centres have accepted responsibility of conserving
global genetic diversity for one or more specified genepools as part of
their broader mandate to deal with the improvement of the so-called
mandate crops.
Sustained commitment
It is important to critically examine the existing arrangements with regard
to mandate and responsibilities at both the national and regional level
for coconut genetic resource conservation. For example, the multi-site
International Coconut Genebank (ICG) has been established in respective
countries after an assessment of the level of governmental and institutional
commitment to the maintenance of the collections. Only when an effective
governmental commitment exists should the establishment or extension
of a collection be considered. This is especially important for crops like
coconut which needs a relatively large area in order to plant sufficient
number of plants/trees necessary to represent the genetic diversity. Initial
establishment costs, which in some cases can be very high, and recurring
costs for maintenance of the collection should be considered at the
planning stage and should be provided for. In many cases, the latter is
ignored and the collections can run into problems within a few years of
their establishment. Given this background, the establishment and
maintenance of FGBs, appears to be more easily organized at national
level, as part of national PGR programmes, rather than at regional or
international level. In the case of regional or international efforts, it is
essential to obtain the full support and commitment of the government
of the host country in which the FGB is to be set up and to obtain
commitments from the individual member states of the network to
financially support the effort. For any emergency situation, provisions
have to be made as to how and where the collection can be duplicated, if
so decided. The role of the cooperating international institutions needs
to be defined as well.
Legal issues
Since the CBD has come into force, countries now have the sovereign
rights over the biological diversity present within their borders. In view
of this, a clear consensus must be reached by all the member countries of
a given crop genetic resources network with regard to sharing the benefits
derived from the germplasm conserved, as well as, on access conditions
to the conserved germplasm and information related to it as was done in
the case of ICGs. The necessary agreements and mechanisms on access
to and provision of accessions should be in place before the establishment
99
of a regional or international genebank. Within these mechanisms, there

might be a need to develop some form of material transfer agreement to
accompany germplasm accessions being sent to researchers/breeders
within and outside the network.
Considering the current legal situation with regard to genetic
resources, one of the options for regional or global PGR networks is to
consider the possibility of placing their germplasm collections under the
auspices of FAO, thus becoming part of the FAO International Network
of Ex Situ Collections. In doing so, the host country which acts as trustee
of the germplasm on behalf of all the member countries, agrees not to
claim ownership over the germplasm and not to claim any form of
intellectual property protection to the material or on any information
related to it. The host country will also ensure that any further recipients
of the germplasm are bound to the same conditions as mentioned above
(FAO 1995). The ICGs are managed under the auspices of FAO.
Germplasm health issues

There are two reasons for establishing FGBs in areas free from important
pests and diseases. One is the risk of the entire collection, or part thereof,
being destroyed by pests or diseases. The other is the risk of spreading
pests and pathogens to new areas, which may easily happen with
germplasm (Hewitt and Chiarappa 1977). An effective quarantine system
should act as a filter, and should not be a barrier to germplasm exchange.
However, as some countries have stronger controls than others, breeders
and the germplasm community have a certain responsibility to give due
attention to pathogens. For example, FGB managers should apply
restrictions to the international (or even national in the case of large
countries and where there are clear regional differences in the occurrence
of a particular pest) movement of seednuts and choose instead the
movement of embryo cultures even if local quarantine authorities do not
impose such restrictions.
Obviously, before establishing a field genebank, a critical evaluation
of the disease situation in the location concerned will be required. Often
parts of countries are free from a reported pathogen (e.g. Cadang-cadang)
is not reported in Mindanao and the northern part of Luzon in the
Philippines (Hanold and Randles 1991a) or Kerala wilt is only reported
to occur in parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu (Frison et al. 1993). A list of
coconut diseases of uncertain etiology is given by Frison et al. (1993) and
special care needs to be taken with regard to these diseases. An inverse
case exists with the reports of viroid-like sequences in coconuts, which
could not yet be linked with clear disease symptoms (Hanold and Randles
1991b; Fassil and Diekmann 1995). In the case of lethal yellowing and
100
related diseases, it appears that a group of at least three closely related

strains of phytoplasmas can be considered the causal agents (Jones et al.
1995). The general recommendation is to move embryo cultures or pollen,
and not seednuts. Based on this, establishing embryo culture facilities in
connection with FGB and providing the necessary training becomes very
important.
Germplasm health aspects need to be considered not only at the point
of exchange, but also at any stage of germplasm management. During
collecting, care must be taken that germplasm is collected only from
healthy palms. In the regeneration and multiplication process, plant
protection measures including pesticide application may be required. If
an evaluation of traits like resistance to pathogens is done under
conditions of high disease pressure (e.g. with artificial inoculation), a
careful evaluation of the material with regard to its use in regeneration
or exchange is essential.
Summary and conclusion

In the discussion presented here, it has been assumed that the collecting
has been effectively carried out; keeping the sampling of genetic diversity
in mind, and that all quarantine requirements have been completed. To
establish, maintain and manage a FGB for coconut (national or regional
collection), the following critical steps (checklist) are suggested
(Ramanatha Rao et al. 1998):
A. Agreement on precise functions of the collection:

1. Selection of site, based on the criteria established;
2. Agreement on obligations and responsibilities of organizations
and/or countries involved;
3. Establishment of infrastructure and facilities; and
4. Legal aspects and exchange protocols (ownership, conditions of
release, IPR issues, benefit sharing, use of MTA and other
mechanisms) as agreed by all partners;
B. Establishment of a coconut FGB:

5. Assure comprehensiveness of collection by including as much
genetic diversity as appropriate;
6. Consider carefully the sampling techniques (random vs. non-
random, and the need for deviation);
7. Assure that there is no duplication of accessions as this directly
increases cost of FGB;
8. Determine the need for having replications, the number etc., based
on the objectives of FGB;
101
9. Determine through discussions and by actual visitations the

accessions and the number of accessions to be included in FGB,
and number of plants per plot;
10. Establish nursery of vigorous and healthy seedlings raised from
nuts produced through hand pollination, determine planting
conditions, etc. depending on the location of FGB;
11. Lay out square blocks of equal size;
12. Plan space for present and future accessions (as much as possible)
to be randomized in the FGB;
13. Follow all protocols for safe movement of germplasm;
14. Ensure that embryo culture/tissue culture facilities can be put in
place for exchange of material; and
15. Accept more material into FGB as they become available by going
through all the steps discussed;
C. Maintenance of a coconut FGB:

16. Take all the necessary agronomic and plant protection measures
to maintain a healthy stand of coconut palms;
17. Take all the measures feasible to protect FGB from adverse
environmental conditions, physical stresses, etc;
18. Make sure that a safety duplication is established and all the needs
of health care are fulfilled;
19. Document all accessions as well as activities carried out in FGB
by establishing and running an appropriate information
management system; and
20. Provide linkages to other methods of conservation, if any, such as
in vitro conservation of zygotic embryos, pollen preservation, etc;
D. Access to material in FGB:
21. Ensure physical availability of the material;
22. Keep the plants in healthy condition;
23. Facilitate nut/seedling production through hand pollination for
distributing germplasm as agreed at the time of the establishment
of the genebank;
24. Characterize/evaluate the material in FGB according to agreed
principles;
25. Provide for production of nuts through hand pollination, rather
than harvesting from the centre of plot to be certain of purity of
the material;
26. Make available the information on the material conserved in the
FGB to all users; and
27. Exchange material using embryo culture rather than seednuts.
102
This is by no means an exhaustive list of steps to be taken but only the

important considerations that determine the effectiveness and
sustainability of the FGB. It was also assumed that the issues considered
in the earlier discussion were taken into account, decisions have been
made and the consequences noted. Some of the principles of agronomy,
nursery management, etc. can be found in Santos et al. (1996).
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COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut

Genebank
P Batugal1 and K Jayashree2
1
Coordinator and 2Scientific Assistant, International Coconut Genetic Resources Network
(COGENT), International Plant Genetic Resources Institute – Regional Office for Asia,
Background of COGENT
In 1992, the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR) decided to include coconut in its research portfolio after studies
indicated that international support and global coordination of research
in coconut is essential to make coconut more productive and beneficial
to small-scale coconut farmers. The CGIAR and its Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) recognized that international support to coconut
research was needed as many coconut-producing countries lacked both
the human and material resources to conduct expensive and time-
consuming research. Thus, it tasked the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI) to undertake research on coconut genetic
resources, which the CGIAR identified as one of the five priority research
areas that deserved international support. Accordingly, IPGRI included
coconut genetic resources in its plant genetic resources research
programme and organized the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (COGENT) to implement this mandate. Starting with 15
countries, COGENT has rapidly developed into an active global network
currently involving 38 coconut-producing countries (Table 1).
Table 1. COGENT member countries

Southeast and Latin America/
South Asia South Pacific Africa/Indian Ocean
East Asia Caribbean
1. China 1. Bangladesh 1. Cooke Islands 1. Benin 1. Brazil

2. Indonesia 2. India 2. Fiji 2.Cote d’Ivoire 2. Colombia
3. Malaysia 3. Pakistan 3. Kiribati 3. Ghana 3. Costa Rica
4. Myanmar 4. Sri Lanka 4. Papua New 4. Kenya 4. Cuba
5. Philippines Guinea 5. Madagascar 5. Guyana
6. Thailand 5.Solomon Islands 6. Mozambique 6. Haiti
7. Vietnam 6. Tonga 7. Nigeria 7. Honduras
7. Vanuatu 8. Seychelles 8. Jamaica
8. Samoa 9. Tanzania 9. Mexico
10.Trinidad-
Tobago
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COGENT’s goal is to improve coconut production on a sustainable basis

and increase income of coconut farmers and growers in developing
countries through improved cultivation of the crop and efficient utilization
of its products. The objectives of COGENT are:
1) To establish and maintain an international database on existing
and future collections;
2) To encourage the protection and use of existing germplasm col-
lections;
3) To identify and secure additional threatened diversity by
developing and adopting suitable technologies and conservations
strategies;
4) To promote greater collaboration among research groups in
producer countries and advance technology sources in the
exchange of germplasm and the development of new techniques;
5) To conduct appropriate training and information dissemination;
and
6) To secure necessary funding for network activities.
In the last 12 years, COGENT has generated modest but significant

achievements. The network has been successfully established with a
Steering Committee serving as its supervisory and policy making body
and is fully operational with 38 coconut producing countries as members.
The International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD) has been
established that currently contains passport and characterization data
of 1416 accessions conserved in 25 sites in 23 countries. In addition, 278
ecotypes from the Asia Pacific region have been collected and conserved.
To further secure conserved germplasm, a multi-site International
Coconut Genebank (ICG) is being established to conserve 200 important
accessions in the regions in which COGENT operates, which is hosted
by India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire and Brazil
(under negotiation). An additional 212 farmers’ varieties have been
identified and are currently being characterized. Multipurpose uses of
coconut varieties are also being documented and promoted. The
performance of 34 high-yielding hybrids are being evaluated in
multilocation hybrid trials in four African and three Latin America/
Caribbean countries to select varieties and hybrids that are suited to
particular agroecological conditions and to determine germplasm x
environment interaction. Farmers’ varietal preferences in 15 countries
are being evaluated. Diversity-linked income-generating activities have
been initiated in 15 countries as part of a strategy to promote in situ and
on-farm conservation, and germplasm utilization. Protocols for embryo
culture, cryopreservation, morphometric and molecular marker-based
methods for locating and characterizing diversity, assessing pest risks
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and managing germplasm health are being developed, tested and

upgraded. Strategies and techniques for farmer participatory research,
collecting, characterization, and ex situ and in situ conservation are being
refined.
To strengthen coconut research capability of COGENT member
countries, IPGRI and COGENT have, as of 2003: organized 39 country
missions involving 28 experts to help COGENT member countries conduct
research needs assessment and to identify priority research and training
activities; conducted 41 workshops and meetings involving 994 coconut
researchers to share information and technologies, discuss issues and
common problems and opportunities and how to address them;
conducted 40 training courses involving 765 participants from 41
countries; supported 180 research projects in 30 member countries; and
led in establishing the Global Coconut Research for Development
Programme (PROCORD), a global coconut research alliance with the
Bureau for the Development of Research on Perennial Tropical Oil Crops
(BUROTROP) and the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC).
COGENT’s current priority involves the further promotion of more
effective conservation and use of coconut genetic resources, both
regionally and globally. This includes the establishment and operation
of COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut Genebank (ICG).
Integrated approach to coconut conservation

COGENT’s conservation strategy is anchored on promoting the
sustainable protection of diversity as well as maximizing germplasm use.
In developing its conservation strategy, COGENT recognized that no one
method or approach of conservation can meet all conservation needs
and that there is a need to employ a combination of methods to ensure
the sustainable conservation of as much genetic diversity as possible. It
actively encourages the participation of its member country governments,
partner organizations in both developing and developed countries, non-
government organizations (NGOs) and coconut farmers themselves in
conserving germplasm. The components of COGENT’s conservation
strategy consist of:
1. Conservation in national collections;
2. Conservation in the multi-site ICG;
3. In vitro embryo culture and cryopreservation;
4. In situ and on-farm conservation; and
5. Promoting conservation through use by developing and
implementing a globally-coordinated coconut breeding pro-
gramme, establishing farmer community-managed coconut
seedling nurseries in at least 25 countries, linking germplasm con-
servation and use with the broader areas of research and
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development assigned to BUROTROP (agro-physiology and crop

protection) and APCC (processing and marketing), developing
and disseminating catalogues of conserved germplasm and
farmers’ varieties, and upgrading and widely disseminating the
CGRD.
Conservation in the multi-site International Coconut Genebank
Rationale
World coconut production is declining due to ageing palms, natural
calamities, inadequate replanting programme, lack of suitable planting
materials, poor crop management, population pressures causing crop
shifts, and lack of capital for farmers to invest in coconut production.
The development and use of improved coconut cultivars can markedly
help solve these problems and promote increased coconut production.
However, the landraces of coconut (ecotypes), which contain important
genetic characters for yield, disease and pest resistance and adaptation,
are under treat to genetic erosion and need to be collected, conserved,
evaluated and shared more widely to develop improved varieties.
Conservation and use of a wide range of coconut diversity is faced
with several constraints. First, while national coconut field genebanks
are important sources of germplasm for exchange among COGENT
member countries, many countries still lack the necessary economic and
technical capacities to maintain their conserved germplasm. Second, many
countries do not have the capacity to evaluate the performance of their
germplasm while the data obtained are often not comparable. Third,
multi-country negotiations for obtaining germplasm are often difficult
for national breeding programmes needing to import germplasm that
belong to several countries. Fourth, many researchers, who may want to
share their germplasm, do not have the needed policy cover and their
countries generally lack the needed facilities for ensuring the safe
movement of coconut accessions. Fifth, COGENT does not have a concrete
mechanism that would facilitate access and safe movement of germplasm
to its member countries.
To address these constraints, the COGENT Steering Committee
decided to establish a multi-site ICG in 1995. Subsequently, site assessment
surveys were conducted to evaluate the suitability of proposed regional
genebank sites in the five host countries of Indonesia, India, Papua New
Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire and Brazil. During the International Coconut
Genebank workshop held from 26 to 28 February 1996 at Pekanbaru,
Riau, Indonesia, representatives of IPGRI, the Centre de Cooperation
Internationale en Researche Agronomique pour le Development (CIRAD)
and the World Bank worked with representatives of COGENT member
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countries in developing a series of legal agreements, initial work plans

and proposed budgets, using national funds for each of the initial four
genebanks to be hosted by Indonesia for Southeast and East Asia, Papua
New Guinea for the South Pacific, India for South Asia and Côte d’Ivoire
for Africa and the Indian Ocean.
Objectives and initial activities

The objectives of the ICG are: 1) to conserve nationally- and regionally-
identified diversity; 2) to conserve internationally identified diversity; 3)
to further assess the diversity, evaluate the performance of the conserved
germplasm and disseminate related information to coconut-producing
countries; 4) to make germplasm materials available to interested coconut-
producing countries in accordance with existing protocols; and 5) to
conduct research and training in relation to the above.
Memoranda of Agreements (MOAs) for hosting of the ICGs for
Southeast and East Asia (Indonesia), South Asia (India), South Pacific
(PNG) and Africa and the Indian Ocean (Côte d’Ivoire) were developed
and signed by the host countries and IPGRI on behalf of COGENT, with
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations
serving as trustee. All MOAs were worded similarly (see MOA for ICG-
SP in Annex 1.1). Negotiations are underway for Brazil to host the ICG
for Latin America and the Caribbean. The host countries agreed to commit
resources for their establishment maintenance and data gathering. The
existing national field collections of Côte d’Ivoire and Papua New Guinea
were donated to the ICG. However, COGENT is also exerting efforts to
source additional funds for the maintenance of collections. COGENT has
developed a sustainability strategy for the ICGs consisting of the following:
1) MOA committing host countries to maintain the field genebanks;
2) Negotiations for income from the ICG to be used for maintenance;
3) Superimpose research and training onto the ICG to share the cost
of administration and maintenance;
4) Charge requesting countries for the cost of preparation, shipment
and maintenance of germplasm, the latter on a pro-rata basis;
5) Undertake income generating activities in ICG plantations such
as the production and marketing of high-value products from all
parts of the coconut and integrate with intercropping and livestock
raising as appropriate;
6) Generate external donor support; and
7) Generate national and provincial/state funding and institutional
support.
The sites for ICG were chosen based on surveys conducted by coconut
experts who considered and evaluated several important selection criteria.
110
Thus, the basic needs of field genebanks such as safety, security,

accessibility, environment, etc. have been established. Among several
items that were considered, two principles were highlighted. First, the
choice of material in the ICG was determined by the needs of the users
and by the need for as much representation of genetic diversity and
ecotypes as possible. The importance of having a balance between elite
lines and accessions that represent a broad range of genetic diversity
from within the country as well as from the region was recognized from
the beginning. Care has been taken to ensure that each ICG accession is
unique and is not a duplicate. Thus, current accessions are being further
validated using molecular marker studies to eliminate duplicates. Second,
decisions were made as to which accessions would be maintained
regionally and nationally. It was agreed that the nationally important
accessions that cannot be accommodated in the regional genebanks would
be maintained in the collections of strong national programmes. Thus,
from the beginning it was apparent that national collections and the
ICG would complement each other to accommodate as much coconut
genetic diversity as possible.
It is envisioned that the ICG at each regional site will conserve in
field genebanks about 200 accessions which are important to the region.
The ICG field genebanks are part of the ex situ collection under the
International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources. The designated
germplasm are conserved in the field genebanks and shared with coconut
growing countries based on material transfer agreements. The field
genebanks are established and managed by national programmes under
the oversight of COGENT and IPGRI. Laboratories and facilities will
also be developed to further locate diversity, identify and eliminate
duplicates, conduct disease indexing, process pollen and embryos for
export, conduct cryopreservation and train coconut researchers from
member countries in evaluating, conserving and using germplasm. Thus,
each site of the ICG will be developed as Centres of Excellence in
concurrence to IPGRI’s initiatives of building and upgrading the capacity
of partner institutions.
Germplasm conservation and sharing

In the next seven years (2004-2010), the ICG host countries aim to conserve
in respective regional field genebanks a maximum of 200 accessions each,
which will be contributed by coconut-producing countries in each region.
Accessions will be imported in the form of excised embryos, grown in
vitro in the embryo culture laboratory, transferred into pots in the
greenhouse and eventually transplanted in the field. These accessions,
which will be planted in the field genebank of about 200 hectares, will be
characterized and evaluated using agronomic and molecular data to
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determine their diversity, performance and potential for improvement

work. Four types of coconut accessions will be conserved in the ICG: 1)
major varieties (parents of existing hybrids and advanced generations of
selected cultivars); 2) varieties/cultivars threatened with genetic erosion
or total loss; 3) varieties/cultivars with special traits/genetic markers;
and 4) genotypes being used for current genetic diversity studies using
molecular markers.
Member countries of each region can access germplasm belonging to
different countries by negotiating with each ICG host country. The
requested accessions will be sent in the form of embryos or pollen to
interested countries after disease indexing to ensure safe movement.
Requesting countries will be charged the cost of producing the seednuts
and for preparing the embryos as well as the pro-rata cost of maintenance,
disease indexing and shipping. These germplasm transfers will be covered
by Material Transfer Agreements (MTA).
Initial achievements
Under COGENT, ICG sites in four host countries have been strengthened
to some extent [i.e., ICG-South Asia (India), ICG-Southeast and East
Asia (Indonesia), ICG-South Pacific (Papua New Guinea), and ICG-
Africa and the Indian Ocean (Côte d’Ivoire)]. IPGRI has supported the
ICGs in capacity building for embryo culture technology, in terms of
materials, skills and laboratory upgrading to prepare them for importing
and maintaining germplasm from network member countries in their
respective regions. They have also been trained on germplasm collecting,
morphometric and molecular marker (microsatellite kits) methods of
germplasm characterization, genebank management and on
cryopreservation. Since COGENT is currently an open network, it was
proposed to further strengthen germplasm conservation by executing a
formal Memoranda of Agreement with COGENT member countries, at
the highest government level, to formalize their membership in COGENT
and to formally commit access to their coconut germplasm.
Despite meager resources, the ICGs have made some significant
achievements. Table 2 shows the date of signing of the hosting agreements
and the status of conserved germplasm in each of the host countries.
Plan of action for the International Coconut Genebank

As part of the above-described conservation strategy for coconut, IPGRI
and COGENT would like to undertake the following plan of action for
the upgrading of the ICG in the next seven years:
1. Regeneration of old palms of 50 accessions in the ICG for Africa
and the Indian Ocean;
2. Additional morphometric and molecular marker characterization
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Table 2. Germplasm conserved in the multi-site ICG

Initial number in Designated
Date of MOA list of germplasm
Name of Genebank
signed designated currently
germplasm conserved
International Coconut Genebank for the South 30 September 55 50
Pacific (Papua New Guinea) 1998
International Coconut Genebank for South Asia 30 October 1998 49 46
(India)
International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and 26 May 1999 52 29
East Asia (Indonesia)
International Coconut Genebank for Africa and The 14 October 1999 49 99*
Indian Ocean (Côte d'Ivoire)
* Includes additional accessions entered into the ICG after the signing of the MOA
of the 1416 accessions conserved in the national collections of 23

countries to select other entries for the ICG and to upgrade the
CGRD; and of the 224 accessions in the ICG to identify duplicates;
3. Integration of the CGRD with the System-wide Information
Network for Genetic Resources (SINGER), the CGIAR-supported
system-wide genetic resources programme;
4. Importation and establishment of additional accessions into the
ICG sites to complete the 200 accessions per site;
5. Upgrading of pollen processing and embryo culture laboratories,
net houses and coconut seedling nurseries in each ICG site;
6. Establishment of the needed facilities in the ICG host countries
(i.e., molecular marker laboratories, except for ICG-Africa and
Indian Ocean; disease indexing laboratories; training and
dormitory facilities);
7. Research and training support for the following strategic activities:
somatic embryogenesis, embryo culture, molecular marker/
microsatellite research, pest risk assessment and germplasm health
management, germplasm x environment interaction and genetic
distance analysis of conserved germplasm, and globally-
coordinated coconut breeding; and
8. International Coconut Genebank evaluation and meeting of
stakeholders.
Conclusion
Two of the major priorities of IPGRI and COGENT are: (1) saving
threatened diversity and (2) promoting the use of conserved materials
for developing improved varieties for national programmes and small-
scale farmers. Thus, accelerated effort is being placed on the movement
of germplasm from COGENT’s member countries to their regional ICG
and the provision of breeding materials from the older ICG (i.e., Côte
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d’Ivoire and Papua New Guinea) to member countries and soon, from
the other ICG host countries where some of the new conserved materials
are now starting to bear fruits.
While IPGRI/COGENT desires to implement a progressive germplasm
movement initiative, at the same time, it would like to ensure that this is
done in a safe manner to protect the coconut industry of receiving
countries. Thus, IPGRI approached the Australian Centre for
International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to fund the development
and publication of a manual on Germplasm Health Management for
COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut Genebank. ACIAR has
agreed to support this very important and strategic initiative. This manual
will be useful as a guide to genebank managers and plant quarantine
officers worldwide in making informed decisions on the safe movement
of coconut genetic resources.
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The International Coconut Genebank for the

South Pacific (Papua New Guinea)
M Faure
Coconut Breeder, Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI), Madang, Papua New Guinea
In August 1995, the COGENT Genebank Task Force visited PNG to

evaluate the suitability of the proposed site and the commitment of the
PNG government. The proposed genebank site is the Murunas plantation
currently named Stewart Research Station of the PNG Cocoa and
Coconut Institute (CCRI) in Madang, which has a total area of 450 ha,
200 ha of which was made available for the ICG. The CCRI staff and
laboratories in Rabaul will provide support to the field genebank in
Madang. The larger vegetation was cleared in 1993 and the secondary
growth will be cleared as needed. Drainage canals will also be constructed
as needed.
The annual rainfall is 3500 mm, evenly distributed, and the soil is
mostly silty clay loam. Following the successful site suitability evaluation
and COGENT’s acceptance, the PNG Stewart Station’s coconut genebank
has been transformed into the International Coconut Genebank for the
South Pacific (ICG-SP), which to date conserves a total of 50 designated
germplasm.
The Memorandum of Agreement to establish the ICG-SP was signed
in November 1998 between the Government of PNG, IPGRI on behalf of
COGENT and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United
Nations serving as trustee. The list of initial designated germplasm as
stipulated in the signed MOA is shown in Annex 1.2.
Since 1994 to 2004, 10 specialists visited PNG on eight technical
assistance missions including assessing the country’s coconut R&D
capability and assist the national programme in identifying common
problems and opportunities for network collaboration, identifying a
suitable site for ICG-SP, evaluating embryo culture laboratories and
training their staff, evaluating COGENT’s germplasm collecting and
conservation strategies, assessing the pest risk for the ICG-SP, assisting
in the installation of machineries and training in the production of coconut
virgin oil, fiber-based products and coconut candies.
To date, IPGRI/COGENT has helped the ICG-SP established an
embryo culture laboratory which is currently fully operational with
additional stocks of glassware and chemicals purchased and a seedling
nursery for ex vitro seedling production established in June 2001. It has
also supported the training of ICG staff on embryo culture, genebank
management, germplasm characterization using morphometric methods
115
and molecular marker (microsatellite kits) methods. In addition, six local

coconut researchers have undergone staff development training
sponsored by COGENT on topics such as the standardized research
techniques in coconut breeding (STANTECH); coconut collecting and
conservation; coconut data analysis; computer use, documentation, data
analysis, dedicated statistical software; and coconut cryopreservation.
The ICG-SP contains important germplasm from the fragile ecosystem
of the South Pacific. These include typhoon-resistant accessions with big
trunks and fruits, which are suitable for the Pacific islands. In the last
two years, through COGENT-CIRAD collaboration, precious coconut
populations from Cooke Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and
Tuvalu have been collected, which were not previously available. A total
of 13 accessions from four atoll countries (Tuvalu, Kiribati, Cook Islands
and Marshall Islands) were collected by the CIRAD/COGENT team,
embryo cultured and initially grown in vitro at the laboratories of the
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) in Suva, Fiji and subsequently
sent to the ICG–SP in 2000/2001. These accessions, which were collected
to prevent losing them from the threat of global warming and possible
water rise, were grown in the embryo culture laboratory and nursery
and planted in the field. Other germplasm from other Pacific countries
will also be imported when funds become available. A total of 62 embryos
from one accession (Fiji Tall) were provided by Fiji in March 2002. The
imported germplasm are currently being maintained in the laboratory
using the upgraded coconut embryo culture protocol. Most of the
evaluation work on the performance of the germplasm is being carried
out in the field.
Recently, a report was received from ICG-SP Papua New Guinea
stating that frequent power outages, have been posing a serious threat to
the operations of the embryo culture laboratory and causing damage to
the embryo-derived plantlets. The PNG Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI)
and the Secretariat of the South Pacific Commission requested the
assistance of COGENT and IPGRI to enable the institute to purchase a
standby generator. In response to this request, IPGRI/COGENT co-
financed with CCI the purchase and installation of a standby generator.
The generator is currently being used to support the air conditioners and
other equipment of the embryo culture laboratories in case of power
interruptions.
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The International Coconut Genebank for South

Asia (India)
V Rajagopal
Director, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala, India
The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) hosts the

International Coconut Genebank for South Asia (ICG-SA). The field
genebank in Kidu Farm, Karnataka, which is the ICG-SA field genebank,
is supported technically by the laboratory facilities at CPCRI, Kasaragod.
CPCRI maintains the world’s largest assemblage of germplasm by
undertaking the planting and maintenance of the field genebank and
activities on embryo culture, assessment of diversity using molecular
markers and disease indexing. The National Bureau of Plant Genetic
Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, collaborates with CPCRI on
cryopreservation activities.
In July 1995, the COGENT Task Force evaluated the forested area
adjacent to the CPCRI Seed Farm in Kidu, the genebank site proposed
by the government of India, and found it suitable. The Kidu field
genebank is situated in Dakshina Kannada District of Karnataka about
90 km east of Mangalore and about 100 km east of Kasaragod. The farm
lies between 12.30°N and 75.20°E at an elevation of 291 msl. The summer
temperature range between 33 and 40°C and the winter temperature is
between 22 and 18°C. The soil is mostly red lateritic, changing to alluvial
laterite towards the riverbank. The average annual rainfall is 2900 mm
with a river on the southern farm boundary as perennial source of
irrigation water. Irrigation is essential as the site has a distinct dry period.
Since the proposed site is within a forest without any coconut plantation
nearby, the risk of disease spread from neighboring plantations is minimal.
The nearest root wilt affected area is 650 km from the site and the disease
is said to have moved only 100 km during the last 120 years.
The Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of the ICG-
South Asia was signed by the Government of India, IPGRI on behalf of
COGENT and FAO as trustee in October 1998. The list of initial designated
germplasm during the signing of the MOA is shown in Annex 1.3. To
date, India has conserved a total of 46 of designated germplasm in the
ICG-SA. Nearly 30 ha of forestland have been cleared and surrounded
with electric fencing for planting. Furthermore, drip irrigation has been
provided to 2700 seedlings that have been planted there.
IPGRI/COGENT has helped the ICG-SA in collecting germplasm from
the Indian Ocean Islands of Maldives, Comoros, Madagascar, Reunion
and Seychelles. A total of 746 embryos were collected from Sri Lanka as
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of February 2001. Out of these, a total of 396 embryos were damaged. A

total of 401 embryos were collected from Bangladesh during November
to December 2001, of which 157 embryos survived. The embryos were
collected from the following varieties: Chinasukanya, Chinasukanya
Dwarf Orange, Pubail Tall, Kayemkola Tall, Bagharpara Tall, Rupdia
Tall, Khairtala Tall and BARI Narikel-I, BARI Narikel-II, Uzirpur Tall
and Agailjhara.
In 2003, 34 collections were added to the existing collection. These
included five collections from Goa, six from Maharastra, eight from
Assam, four from Sri Lanka and 11 from Bangladesh. The collections
from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh were in the form of zygotic embryos.
These embryos cultured in vitro were rooted and later planted in pots.
Conservation of coconut germplasm in the form of in vitro culture is being
attempted at CPCRI, Kasaragod. Furthermore, a total of 4962 inter-
crossed nuts from 31 accessions were also sown to generate planting
materials at the ICG-SA. To produce additional seednuts, a total of 3004
female flowers were pollinated from eight accessions for regeneration.
From 1995 to the present, seven coconut specialists visited India to
help identify a suitable site for the ICG-SA; evaluate COGENT’s collecting
strategies; and conduct a pest-risk assessment for the genebank. In 2000,
a regional training course on In Vitro Conservation and Cryopreservation
on PGR was conducted by NBPGR with seven participants from five
COGENT member countries. Another eight local staff from various
collaborating institutions and NARS were trained on various topics
including the use of the manual on standardized research techniques in
coconut breeding (STANTECH), in vitro embryo culture and
cryopreservation techniques as well as the use of the microsatellite kit
and dedicated statistical software.
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The International Coconut Genebank for

Southeast and East Asia (Indonesia)
H Novarianto
Director, Indonesian Coconut and Palm Research Institute (ICOPRI), Manado, Indonesia
The International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia (ICG-
SEEA) is hosted by the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research
and Development (AARD) using the field genebank in Pekanbaru, Riau
Province; experimental gardens in Manado, North Sulawesi; and AARD
laboratory facilities in Bogor, West Java and in Manado, North Sulawesi.
In July 1995, the COGENT Task Force evaluated the proposed site at
Sikijang Mati, Pekanbaru, Riau Province in Central Sumatra and found
it to be generally suitable and made some suggestions for improvement.
The site is located 20 km from the city of Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau.
Pekanbaru has regular flights from Jakarta (1.5 hours) and Singapore
(30 minutes), as well as other cities in Sumatra. The annual rainfall is
about 2000 mm, well distributed over the year. The topography of the
area is undulating and most of the land is covered by secondary forest,
with small rivers. The soils are yellow to yellow-red podzolic, low in
organic matter and with pH of around 5.0. The soils are generally very
poor and unsaturated but they make a good substratum for the crop to
grow and respond well to the application of fertilizers, which are readily
absorbed by the crop. Since the area was not very uniform, the Task
Force recommended that a detailed survey be undertaken to select only
those areas where soils are generally good and more than one meter
deep to avoid the hard pan. About 1000 ha of secondary forest has been
offered by the Government of Indonesia which could be used for the ICG
(200 ha) and the rest for production area to generate income for the
maintenance cost of the ICG.
The Memorandum of Agreement for the establishment of the ICG-
Southeast and East Asia was signed by the Government of Indonesia,
IPGRI on behalf of COGENT and FAO as trustee in May 1999. The
function of the coconut collection at Sikijang was not only for germplasm
conservation, but also for genetic evaluation and utilization. To date,
Indonesia has conserved a total of 29 of the designated germplasm in the
International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia at Sikijang.
The list of initial designated germplasm during the signing of the MOA is
shown in Annex 1.4.
Due to the financial crisis in 1997 and the resulting lack of government
budget, there was slow development of the Sikijang area, resulting in the
squatting of the remaining areas by surrounding inhabitants and
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migrants. Two extension ICG areas have therefore been identified: the
Paniki Experimental Garden (100 ha) located beside the Indonesian
Coconut and Other Palmae Research Institute (ICOPRI) in Manado, and
the Pandu Experimental Garden (80 ha) which is about 18 km from the
ICOPRI office and belonging to the Balai Pengkajian Teknologi Pertanian
(BPTP). The soil and climate there are very suitable for coconut growing.
Therefore, it was recommended that the main part of the ICG-SEEA be
moved from Sikjiang to North Sulawesi. However, the 29 accessions
which have been collected will remain in Sikijang and maintained by the
Indonesian Government.
To date, a total of four accessions have been received from Malaysia,
six from China and 10 each from the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam,
respectively. A total of at least 100 accessions have been conserved from
Indonesia from 1996 to 2001. Twenty-nine of these 100 accessions have
been planted at Sikijang, Pekanbaru, Riau, which was the initial identified
site for the ICG-SEEA. In addition, a total of 460 embryos of Malayan
Tall and 469 embryos of Malayan Green Dwarfs were received from
Malaysia and successfully cultured in vitro.
IPGRI/COGENT has supported the ICG-SEEA in collecting
germplasm from the Moluccas Island, East Timor, West Nusa Tenggara,
Sangir Talaud Islands, Salibabu Island, Buol District, Central Sulawesi,
Sangir Talaud district and North Sulawesi.
From 1995 to 2000, 11 specialists have visited Indonesia to help the
country in its coconut PGR activities. These include identifying a suitable
site for the ICG-SEEA, collecting leaf samples for electron microscopy
detection of mycoplasma, identifying marketable alternative products
for coconut as well as suitable varieties for these products, evaluating
COGENT’s collecting and conservation strategies, assessing pest risk and
evaluating the progress of the ICG, and assisting in the installation of
equipment for feasibility studies.
Four training courses were held in the country, whereby 52 researchers
from nine countries attended. The training courses, which were funded
by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), were hosted by ICOPRI (formerly
the Research Institute for Coconut and Palmae or RICP). IPGRI/COGENT
has also sponsored 20 local researchers and specialists for staff
development training in coconut data analysis, coconut collecting and
conservation, embryo culture, technical writing/seminar presentation
and proposal writing, the use of the microsatellite kit and others which
are related to the COGENT’s poverty reduction project.
120
The International Coconut Genebank for Africa

and Indian Ocean (Côte d’Ivoire)
JL Konan
Head, Coconut Research Programme, Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA),
Marc Delorme Station, Côte d’Ivoire
The ICG-AIO is hosted by the Marc Delorme Coconut Research Station

in Côte d’Ivoire which has a total area of 1200 ha. The soil of the station
is composed of alluvial deposits of tertiary sands with 8-10% clay, poor
in organic matter and minerals. The climate is characterized by two dry
seasons of different lengths, one from December to April and the other
in August to September which alternate with two rainy seasons. The
mean annual rainfall is 1800 mm.
The MOA for the establishment of the ICG-AIO was signed in October
1999 by the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, IPGRI on behalf of COGENT
and FAO as trustee. At the time of the signing of the MOA, the coconut
genebank of the Marc Delorme Coconut Research Station was converted
into the ICG-AIO. The list of initial designated germplasm during the
signing of the MOA is shown in Annex 1.5.
To date, ICG-AIO has a total of 99 accessions. Furthermore, five Tall
varieties from Sri Lanka, Tonga, Vanuatu, Tagnanan and Rotuma were
received and planted on eight hectares for their renewal. A total of 3400
embryos were provided to CIRAD/IRD Montpellier for in vitro culture
technique development. Seednuts were also provided to participating
countries in the CFC-funded multilocation hybrid trials of IPGRI/
COGENT. A researcher from the Centre National Agronomique (CNRA)
has visited the five other participating countries (Benin, Tanzania, Brazil,
Mexico and Jamaica) to help in the project trial implementation.
Two researchers from Marc DELORME visited the western region of
Ghana as part of its collaborative research activity on lethal yellowing
disease. Twelve kilograms of VTT (Vanuatu Tall) pollen were also
provided to the Ghana coconut programme per year to produce lethal
yellowing-tolerant hybrids. For 2004, nine Dwarf varieties from the ICG-
AIO were selected to be tested also against the disease. Marc Delorme
Station also received two research teams, from Senegal and Mayotte
Island to help them in coconut development. A total of 70 800 seednuts
of improved varieties were produced for smallholder farmers and the
industrial sectors in the country. For Nicaragua (Coconut Research
Institute or CRI), 1200 grams of Panama Tall Monagre pollen have been
provided per year to allow appropriate hybrids production. About 9500
121
seedlings of improved Mawa (PB121) hybrids were provided to Guinea

in 2000 and 2001 for commercial planting.
In 1999, one COGENT-commissioned expert visited Côte d’Ivoire to
conduct a pest risk analysis of the ICG-AIO. Two training courses were
hosted by the Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) in
the Côte d’Ivoire up to 2002. Researchers representing 11 countries
participated in the training courses. Furthermore, another two local staff
underwent IPGRI/COGENT-sponsored staff development training at
CIRAD in Montpellier, France on the use of molecular markers
(microsatellite kit and associated statistical software), and on
cryopreservation. Currently, the application of microsatellite analysis is
ongoing at the central biotechnology laboratory of the Centre National
de Recherche Agronomique. Leaf samples of important varieties from
Ghana will also be collected and analyzed. These activities are funded
by IPGRI/COGENT.
Leaf samples of Cameroon Red Dwarf x Rennell Island Tall were
provided to CIRAD in France and Max Planck Institute in Germany for
coconut map construction, in collaboration with the Mikocheni
Agricultural Research Institute in Tanzania (MARI), Philippine Coconut
Authority (PCA) and NEIKER in Spain. For this hybrid, agronomic
evaluation is being undertaken in Marc Delorme.
About 7200 seednuts of Talls (seven varieties), Dwarf s(nine varieties)
and hybrids (seven crossings) were produced by assisted and controlled
pollination for Mozambique for coconut seedgarden establishment. For
germplasm exchanging, the Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka is
sending a research team to Marc Delorme Station in August 2004 to
bring embryos of three varieties (Nawasi Tall, King coconut and Ran
Thambili) to the ICG-AIO. In return, embryos of seven varieties will be
collected from ICG-AIO and brought to Sri Lanka for conservation.
122
Proposal for the establishment of the

International Coconut Genebank for Latin
America and the Caribbean (Brazil)
EA Tupinamba
Coconut Researcher, Centro de Pesquisa Agropecuaria dos Tabuleiros Costreiros - Empresa
Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
During the COGENT Steering Committee meeting in November 1998,

the representative of Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria
(EMPRAPA) presented Brazil’s proposal to host the International Coconut
Genebank for Latin America and the Caribbean (ICG-LAC).
Subsequently, a site suitability and pest risk assessment survey was
undertaken in April 1999 to evaluate the suitability and pest risk of the
ICG if situated in Itaporanga, west of Aracaju; the Neopolis plateau,
northeast of Aracaju; and Betume, located between Neopolis and Ilha
das Flores. Due to ownership problems, the Neopolis Plateau was
dropped as a prospective site. Likewise, due to distance problem, the
Betume Station was also not found suitable. Thus, the Itaporanga station
was subsequently identified as the proposed site for the ICG- LAC.
Itaporanga is 20 km from the city of Aracaju, located 10o 55’ South
Latitude and 37o 03’ West longitude, with an elevation of only one meter
above sea level. Its predominant soil is ferric with good drainage. The
climate is generally warm with the temperatureof the coldest month
higher than 15oC. The average annual rainfall is 1643 mm. The area is
flat and about 100 ha is available for establishing Tall accessions.
Additional areas to plant additional accessions should be identified.
In 1999, COGENT commissioned one expert to go to Brazil to conduct
a pest risk analysis of the proposed site of the ICG-LAC. Two local staff
were sponsored by COGENT to attend staff development training course
on the use of the standardized techniques in coconut breeding
(STANTECH), microsatellite kit (molecular marker), dedicated statistical
software, technical writing/ seminar presentation and proposal writing.
Several meetings and communications were conducted between
EMBRAPA and COGENT to discuss issues related to the hosting of the
ICG-LAC which includes the issues of derivatives, compliance to Brazil’s
legislation on intellectual property rights and funding. Embrapa has
finally agreed to host the ICG-LAC and the Memorandum of Agreement
will be signed soon.
123
Annex 1.1. MOA for the establishment of the International

Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA,

THE INTERNATIONAL PLANT GENETIC RESOURCES INSTITUTE
(IPGRI) AND THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF
THE UNITED NATIONS (FAO) PLACING COCONUT GERMPLASM
COLLECTIONS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF FAO
PREAMBLE
The Government of Papua New Guinea (hereinafter referred to as ‘Host Country’),
hosting the International Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific, the International
Plant Genetic Resource Institute (hereinafter referred to as ‘IPGRI’, one of the Cen-
tres of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research), acting on
behalf of the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), as
described in the attachment ‘Background to the Agreements’) and the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (hereinafter referred to as ‘FAO’);
Considering the importance to humanity of protecting and conserving coconut

germplasm for future generations;
Considering the International Undertaking on Genetic Resources adopted by the

FAO Conference at its 22nd Session in 1983 (Resolution 8/83) and in particular
Article 7 thereof; and the Annexes of the Undertaking adopted by the FAO Conference
in 1989 and 1991;
Considering that the FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agricul-
ture (hereinafter referred to as the “Commission”), as the relevant intergovernmental
body in this field, has the responsibility for monitoring the implementation of Arti-
cle 7 of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources;
Considering the Memorandum of Understanding Between the Food and Agricul-

ture Organization of the United Nations and the International Board for Plant Genetic
Resources (IBPGR) legally succeeded by IPGRI, dated September 21, 1990, on the
respective roles of the two organizations in establishing, maintaining and managing
germplasm collections and setting standards for these collections;
Considering the importance of the International Coconut Genebank held by the

Government of Papua New Guinea within COGENT and supported by IPGRI, as
part of a global strategy for germplasm conservation;
Considering that the Coconut germplasm accessions have been donated to the In-
ternational Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific on the understanding that these
accessions will remain freely available;
Considering that any country that so desires may participate in COGENT;
124
Considering that the Government of Papua New Guinea has expressed the wish
that the designated coconut germplasm accessions, kept in the International Coconut
Genebank for the South Pacific, be recognized as part of the International Network
of Ex Situ Collections (as per the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic
Resources) under the Auspices of FAO;
- Taking note of the provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity,

particularly those pertaining to affirmation of sovereign rights of nations over
their biological resources and access and benefit sharing mechanisms.
- Also taking note of the ongoing process of harmonisation of the International
Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources with the CBD, and the request of the
Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diveristy to the
governments to speed up this process.
Have agreed as follows:
Article 1
APPLICATION OF THIS AGREEMENT
This Agreement shall be construed and applied in a manner consistent with the
provisions of the Convention on Biological Diversity and the International
Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources.
Article 2
BASIC UNDERTAKING
The Government of Papua New Guinea hereby places under the auspices of FAO,
as part of the International Network of Ex Situ Collections provided for in Article 7
of the International Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources, the accessions of
coconut genetic resources listed in the Appendix hereto (hereinafter referred to as
the “designated germplasm”), in accordance with the terms and conditions set
forth in this Agreement. The List of designated germplasm will be updated every
two years as new accessions are added to the collection.
Article 3
STATUS OF DESIGNATED GERMPLASM
a) The Government of Papua New Guinea shall hold the designated germplasm in
trust for the benefit of all countries in accordance with the International
Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources and the terms and conditions set out
in this Agreement.
b) The Government of Papua New Guinea shall not claim legal ownership over
the designated germplasm, nor shall it seek any intellectual property rights
over that germplasm or related information.
125
Article 4
PREMISES
a) The premises, i.e., land and/or laboratories, in which the designated germplasm
is conserved, shall remain in the charge of the Government of Papua New Guinea.
b) FAO shall have a right of access to the premises at any time and the right to
inspect all activities performed therein directly related to the conservation and
exchange of the designated germplasm.
Article 5
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
a) The Government of Papua New Guinea undertakes to manage and administer
the designated germplasm in accordance with Internationally Accepted
Standards, including standards as agreed upon by COGENT, and the Interna-
tional Genebank Standards, endorsed by the Commission, where these are
applicable to coconut, and ensuring that all the designated germplasm is
duplicated in order to ensure its safety.
b) FAO may recommend action, if it considers such action to be desirable, to
ensure the proper conservation of the designated germplasm.
c) If the orderly maintenance of the designated germplasm is impeded or threatened
by an event, including force majeure, and the Government of Papua New Guinea
does not have the capacity to take appropriate preventive or curative action,
FAO and IPGRI shall seek the necessary resources from the international
community for action to ensure the safety of the designated germplasm, including
if necessary by its evacuation and transfer.
Article 6
POLICIES
The Government of Papua New Guinea and IPGRI recognize the intergovernmental
authority of FAO and its Commission in setting policies for the International Network
of Ex Situ Collections referred to in Article 7 of the International Undertaking and
undertake to consult with FAO and its Commission on proposed policy changes
related to the conservation of, or accessibility to, the designated germplasm, subject,
always to the provisions of Article 9 hereinafter. The Government of Papua New
Guinea and IPGRI shall give full consideration to any policy changes proposed by
the Commission.
Article 7
STAFF
a) Staff responsible to manage and administer the designated germplasm shall be
employed and remunerated by the Government of Papua New Guinea.
b) As and when deemed appropriate, FAO and IPGRI shall furnish technical
backstopping on request by the Government of Papua New Guinea and
COGENT.
126
Article 8
FINANCES
The Government of Papua New Guinea shall remain responsible for financing the
maintenance of the designated germplasm.
Article 9
AVAILABILITY OF DESIGNATED GERMPLASM AND RELATED INFOR-

MATION
Subject to the provisions of Article 10 below, the Government of Papua New Guinea
undertakes to make samples of the designated germplasm and related information
available directly to all countries participating in COGENT, for the purpose of
scientific research, plant breeding or genetic resource conservation, without restric-
tion.
Article 10
TRANSFER OF DESIGNATED GERMPLASM AND RELATED INFORMA-

TION
Where samples of the designated germplasm and/ or related information are
transferred to any other person or institution the Government of Papua New Guinea
shall ensure that such other person or institution, and any further entity receiving
samples of the designated germplasm from such person or institution, is bound by
the conditions set out in Article 3 (b) and, in the case of samples duplicated for safety
purposes, to the provisions of Article 5 (a).
This provision shall not apply to the repatriation of germplasm to the country that
provided such germplasm.
Article 11
DURATION
a) This Agreement is concluded for a period of 4 years and shall be automatically
renewed for further periods of 4 years unless notice of non-renewal is given in
writing by either party not less than 2 years before the end of any 4-year period.
b) This Agreement shall be revised, if necessary, in accordance with the provisions

of the revised International Undertaking.
Article 12
TERMINATION
a) Either FAO or the Government of Papua New Guinea may terminate this Agree-
ment at any time by giving notice to the other, two years in advance of the
termination date.
b) FAO, the Government of Papua New Guinea and IPGRI, shall, in such case, take
all necessary measures to wind up joint activities in an appropriate manner and,
within the limits of their respective competencies, to ensure the continued con-
servation of and access to the designated germplasm.
127
Article 13
SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES
a) Any dispute concerning the implementation of this Agreement shall be settled
by mutual consent.
b) Failing mutual consent, such dispute may be submitted, at the request of either
FAO, or the Government of Papua New Guinea or IPGRI, to an arbitral tribunal
composed of four members. Each party shall appoint one arbitrator. The three
arbitrators thus appointed shall designate by mutual consent the fourth arbitrator,
who will act as the presiding arbitrator of the tribunal. In case of equal division
of votes the presiding arbitrator will have a second vote.
c) If within two months after the receipt of a party’s notification of the appointment
of an arbitrator one or both of the other parties has/have not notified the first
party of the arbitrators they have appointed, the first party may request the
Secretary-General of the United Nations to appoint arbitrators to represent par-
ties that have not appointed an arbitrator.
d) If within two months after the appointment of the three arbitrators they have not
agreed on the choice of the presiding arbitrator, such presiding arbitrator shall
be designated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations at the request of
either party.
e) Unless the parties to the dispute decide otherwise, the tribunal shall determine
its own procedure.
f) A majority vote of the arbitrators shall be sufficient to reach a decision which
shall be final and binding for the parties to the dispute.
Article 14
AMENDMENT
a) FAO, the Government of Papua New Guinea or IPGRI may propose that the
Agreement be amended by so informing the other parties
b) If there is mutual agreement in respect of a proposed amendment, the amendment
shall enter into force on whatever date is set, and be reported to the next session
of the Commission.
Article 15
DEPOSITARY
The Director-General of FAO shall be the Depositary of this Agreement. The
Depository shall:
a) Send certified copies of this Agreement to the Member Nations of FAO and to
any other Government which so requests;
b) Arrange for the registration of this Agreement, upon its entry into force, with the
Secretariat of the United Nations in accordance with Article 102 of the Charter
of the United Nations;
c) Inform FAO Member Nations of:
i) The signature of this Agreement in accordance with Article 16; and
ii) The adoption of amendments to this Agreement in accordance with Article
14.
128
Article 16
COMING INTO FORCE
This Agreement shall come into force upon signature by the authorized representative
of FAO, the Government of Papua New Guinea and IPGRI.
The Food and Agtriculture The Government of Papua New Guinea

Organization of the United Nations
Hon. Tukape Masane, M.P.
Minister of Agriculture and Livestock
By: DAVID A. HARCHARIK
(Signature)
By:
Date:
Date:
The International Plant Genetic

Resources Institute (IPGRI)
By: GEOFFREY HAWTIN

(Signature)
Date:
129
Appendix 1
List of germplasm accessions covered by this Agreement

Accessions Source Accessions Source
East New Britain 31. Saiho Oro

1. Pellavarua - Gazelle Peninsula 32. Ajoa
2. Raulawat 33. Kikibator
3. Natava 34. Siagara Milne Bay
4. New Massava 35. Bubuleta
5. Natava Many 36. Baibara Central
6. Fruited 37. Hisihu
7. Gaungo West New Britain 38. Poligolo
8. Naviro 39. Miha Kavava Gulf -Vailala
9. Talasea Red 40. Keakea
New Ireland 41. Iokea - Iokea
10. Karu village - Namatanai
11. Kenapit 42. Severimabu Western (Kiwai Tall)
12. Sohu 43. Boze
13. Etalat - Mussau Is. Exotic Talls
14. Lawes Manus 44. Rennell - Rennell Tall
15. Lako
16. Baluan 45. PNG Yellow Local Dwarfs
17. Wutung Sandaun 46. PNG Red 1
18. Hawain East Sepik 47. PNG Red 2
19. Yangoru 48. Rabaul Red
20. Vokio 49. PNG Brown
21. Marineberg 50. Iokea Red
22. Guanaga Madang (Karkar Tall) 51. Malayan Yellow Exotic Dwarfs
23. Kinim 52. Malayan Red
24. Ulatava 53. Nias Green
Morobe 54. Nias Yellow
25. Markham Farm - Markham Tall 55. Nias Red
26. Liara village
East New Britain
27. Raulawat Yellow - Gazelle Peninsula
28. Raulawat Red
29. Natava Yellow
30. Natava Red
130
Additional list of international germplasm to be established

Ecotype Source
56. Rotuma Tall Fiji
57. Tonga Tall Tonga
58. Kiribati Tall Kiribati
59. Rangiroa Tall Tahiti
60. Vanuatu Tall Ivory Coast, PNG
61. Western Samoan Tall Western Samoa
62. Samoan Yellow Dwarf Western Samoa
63. Nui Leka Green Dwarf Fiji
64. Fiji Tall Fiji
65. Niu Vai Western Samoa
66. Niu Afa Western Samoa
67. Christmas Is. Tall Kiribati
68. Kiribati Green Dwarf Kiribati
69. New Caledonia Tall New Caledonia
70. Vanikoro Tall Solomon Island
71. Solomon Tall Solomon Island
72. Niu-bubu, or Pine or Mami Kokonas PNG & Solomon Islands
Other Ecotypes
73. Cameroon Red Dwarf Ivory Coast
74. Salak Green Dwarf Indonesia
75. Pilipog Green Dwarf Philippines
76. Tacunan Green Dwarf Philippines
77. Aromatic Green Dwarf Thailand
78. Catigan Green Dwarf Philippines
79. Brizilian Green Dwarf Ivory Coast
80. West African Tall Ivory Coast
81. Sri Lankan Tall Sri Lanka
82. Panama Tall Jamaica
Locations where materials are held:

• 1 – 55 Stewart Research Station; Papua New Guinea Cocoa & Coconut Re-
search Institute Madang, Madang Province
• 56 – 82 To be established at Stewart Research Station, Madang, PNG
131
Appendix 2
Background to the agreements

The Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) was established in
1992 to improve coconut production on a substantial basis and to increase
incomes in developing countries through improved cultivation of the
coconut and efficient utilization of its products. COGENT is actively
undertaking an international collaborative programme with member
countries to improve the conservation and use of coconut genetic
resources in the following areas:
1) Establishing and maintaining an International Database on existing
and future collections;
2) Encouraging the protection and utilization of existing germplasm
collections;
3) Identifying and securing additional threatened diversity through
the development and adoption of suitable technologies and con-
servation strategies;
4) Promotion of greater collaboration among research groups in
producer countries and advanced technology sources in the
exchange of germplasm and the development of new techniques;
and
5) Appropriate training, information dissemination and securing the
necessary funding.
COGENT operates through a steering committee comprised of two

members from each of the five sub-networks namely Southeast Asia,
South Asia, Pacific, Africa and Latin America/Caribbean, and a full time
coordinator based in the Asia, Pacific and Oceania Regional Office of
the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI-APO) in
Serdang, Malaysia.
COGENT’s membership has now grown to 38 coconut-producing
countries, with each country having to agree to provide access to its
coconut germplasm and data as one of the conditions for membership.
The member countries are shown in the table below.
Southeast and Latin America/
South Asia South Pacific Africa/Indian Ocean
East Asia Caribbean
1. China 1. Bangladesh 1. Cooke Islands 1. Benin 1. Brazil

2. Indonesia 2. India 2. Fiji 2.Cote d’Ivoire 2. Colombia
6. Thailand 5.Solomon Islands 6. Mozambique 6. Haiti
10.Trinidad-
Tobago
132
Under the mandate of the CGIAR, the IPGRI established COGENT with
the endorsement of the Technical Advisory Committee. IPGRI functions
as the executing institution for COGENT and provides administration
and technical support and advice.
An essential component for sustainable production and improvement
in coconut is the availability of a wide diversity of germplasm from around
the world for use as introductions or in coconut breeding programmes to
develop improved coconut varieties and hybrids for coconut producing
countries.
To further ensure the security of germplasm in national collections
which are important to each region and to provide member countries
with germplasm for developing better varieties and hybrids, COGENT
will establish an international multi-site genebank consisting of a
regional genebank in each of the five COGENT regions. The host country
will benefit from the use of the entire germplasm collection, and duplicates
supplied from the other regional genebanks, in its breeding programme
to develop high-yielding and adapted coconut varieties. The host
countries have agreed to a 10-point criterion which includes, among
others, access of member countries to the held germplasm and
commitment to gather and submit data and to maintain the collection.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a legally binding
international agreement that sets out the sovereign rights of countries
over their genetic resources as well as the responsibilities of states to
conserve and to share these resources and benefits arising from their use.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is in the process of
establishing Global Network of Ex Situ Collections. In December 1994,
close to half a million germplasm accessions of food crops held by 12
International Agricultural Research Centres under the CGIAR were
placed under FAO trusteeship through a series of agreements signed by
FAO and the chairman of the CGIAR acting on behalf of each of the 12
Centres. These agreements were developed in accordance with the CBD.
During a COGENT workshop held on 26-28 February 1996 at
Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia, representatives of IPGRI, CIRAD and World
Bank participated with COGENT members in developing a series of legal
agreements, seven-year workplans and proposed budgets for each of the
initial four genebanks to be hosted by India for South Asia, Indonesia for
Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea for the Pacific and Côte d’Ivoire for
Africa.
The following three agreements, which are considered consistent with
the CBD and necessary to facilitate access to coconut genetic resources
of which individual countries agree to designate to the international
genebanks, are enclosed. These agreements follow closely those agreed
133
to by FAO and the CGIAR centres, with two important changes. First,
each host country holding the designated accessions is to be a party in
signing the tripartite agreement, and IPGRI is the second party, acting
on behalf of COGENT.
(a) The tripartite agreement [Agreement between {Name of Host
Country}, the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
(IPGRI) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Uni-
ted Nations (FAO) Placing Coconut Germplasm Collections under
the Auspices of FAO], provides a list of designated accessions for
each genebank, and spells out the rights and obligations of the
parties to the agreement.
(b) The Germplasm Acquisition Agreement sets out the terms and
conditions of movement of coconut germplasm accessions from
the providing country to each of the international genebanks.
(c) A standard Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) specifies that
the recipient agrees not to claim legal ownership over the
designated germplasm or take out any intellectual property rights
over that germplasm or related information. Furthermore, the
recipient also undertakes to pass the same obligations to all fu-
ture recipients of designated germplasm. The MTA will be used
for designated germplasm.
134
Annex 1.2 List of designated germplasm for the International

Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific
Accessions Source Accessions Source
East New Britain 31. Saiho Oro

1. Pellavarua - Gazelle Peninsula 32. Ajoa
2. Raulawat 33. Kikibator
3. Natava 34. Siagara Milne Bay
4. New Massava 35. Bubuleta
5. Natava Many 36. Baibara Central
6. Fruited 37. Hisihu
7. Gaungo West New Britain 38. Poligolo
8. Naviro 39. Miha Kavava Gulf -Vailala
9. Talasea Red 40. Keakea
New Ireland 41. Iokea - Iokea
10. Karu village - Namatanai
11. Kenapit 42. Severimabu Western (Kiwai Tall)
12. Sohu 43. Boze
13. Etalat - Mussau Is. Exotic Talls
14. Lawes Manus 44. Rennell - Rennell Tall
15. Lako
16. Baluan 45. PNG Yellow Local Dwarfs
17. Wutung Sandaun 46. PNG Red 1
18. Hawain East Sepik 47. PNG Red 2
19. Yangoru 48. Rabaul Red
20. Vokio 49. PNG Brown
21. Marineberg 50. Iokea Red
22. Guanaga Madang (Karkar Tall) 51. Malayan Yellow Exotic Dwarfs
23. Kinim 52. Malayan Red
24. Ulatava 53. Nias Green
Morobe 54. Nias Yellow
25. Markham Farm - Markham Tall 55. Nias Red
26. Liara village
East New Britain
27. Raulawat Yellow - Gazelle Peninsula
28. Raulawat Red
29. Natava Yellow
30. Natava Red
135
Additional list of international germplasm to be established

Ecotype Source Other Ecotypes Source
56. Rotuma Tall Fiji 73. Cameroon Red Ivory Coast
Dwarf
57. Tonga Tall Tonga 74. Salak Green Dwarf Indonesia
58. Kiribati Tall Kiribati 75. Pilipog Green Philippines
Dwarf
59. Rangiroa Tall Tahiti 76. Tacunan Green Philippines
Dwarf
60. Vanuatu Tall Ivory Coast, PNG 77. Aromatic Green Thailand
Dwarf
61. Western Samoan Western Samoa 78. Catigan Green Philippines
Tall Dwarf
62. Samoan Yellow Western Samoa 79. Brizilian Green Ivory Coast
Dwarf Dwarf
63. Nui Leka Green Fiji 80. West African Tall Ivory Coast
Dwarf
64. Fiji Tall Fiji 81. Sri Lankan Tall Sri Lanka
65. Niu Vai Western Samoa 82. Panama Tall Jamaica
66. Niu Afa Western Samoa
67. Christmas Is. Tall Kiribati
68. Kiribati Green Kiribati
Dwarf
69. New Caledonia Tall New Caledonia
70. Vanikoro Tall Solomon Island
71. Solomon Tall Solomon Island
72. Niu-bubu, or Pine PNG & Solomon
or Mami Kokonas Islands
Note:
Locations where materials are held:
• 1 – 55 Stewart Research Station; Papua New Guinea Cocoa & Coconut Research Institute
Madang, Madang Province
• 56 – 82 To be established at Stewart Research Station, Madang, PNG
136

Coconut Genebank for South Asia
KASARAGOD KIDU
1. Borneo 1. West Coast Tall
2. Standard Kudat 2. Andaman Ordinary
3. Java 3. Benaulim
4. Malayan Orange Dwarf 4. Tiptur Tall
5. Malayan Green Dwarf 5. East Coast Tall
6. F.M.S. 6. Chowghat Green Dwarf
7. S.S. Green 7. Malayan Yellow Dwarf
8. S.S . Apricot 8. Philippines Ordinary
9. Philippines Lono
10. San Ramon
11. Cochin China
12. Lifou Tall
13. British Solomon Islands
14. Jamaica Sanblas
15. St. Vincent
16. Blanchissuse
17. Kenya Tall
18. Camaroon Dwarf
19. West African Tall
20. Mawa Hybrid (PB 121
21. Zanzibar Tall
22. Ceylon Tall
23. King Coconut
24. Kappadam
25. Spicata
26. Ayiramkachi
27. Kulasekharam Green Dwarf
28. Kulasekharam Yellow Dwarf
29. Kulasekharam Orange Dwarf
30. Calangute
31. Nadora Tall
32. Andaman Giant
33. Andaman Ranguchan
33. Car Nicobar
34. Auck Chung
35. Tamaloo
36. Kimos
37. Kimmai
38. Katchal
39. Campbell Bay
40. Lakshdweep Micro
137

Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia
Cultivars Code Source

1 Malayan Tall MLT Malaysia
2 Malayan Yellow Dwarf MYD Malaysia
3 Malayan Red Dwarf MRD Malaysia
4 Malayan Green Dwarf MGD Malaysia
5 Eo Brown Dwarf EOD Vietnam
6 Xiem Green Dwarf XGD Vietnam
7 Tam Quan Yellow Dwarf TYD Vietnam
8 Ta Tall TAAT Vietnam
9 Dau Tall DAUT Vietnam
10 Bung Tall (Bi Tall) BIT Vietnam
11 Giay Tall GIT Vietnam
12 Pluak Wan (Edible husk) PKWT Thailand
13 Pak Chok Tall PCKT Thailand
14 Maphrao So Tall SOXT Thailand
15 Kalok Thailand Tall KLKT Thailand
16 Thalai Roi Thailand Tall TLRT Thailand
17 Nalike Dwarf NKED Thailand
18 Maphrao Fai FAID Thailand
19 Bali Tall BAT Indonesia
20 Tenga Tall TAT Indonesia
21 Palu Tall PUT Indonesia
22 Sawarna Tall SAT Indonesia
23 Riau Tall RUT Indonesia
24 Mapanget Tall MTT Indonesia
25 Takome Tall TET Indonesia
26 Nias Yellow Dwarf NYD Indonesia
27 Bali Yellow Dwarf BYD Indonesia
28 Bali Green Dwarf BYD Indonesia
29 Jombang Green Dwarf JGD Indonesia
30 Sagerat Orange Dwarf SOD Indonesia
31 Salak Green Dwarf SGD Indonesia
32 Raja Brown Dwarf RBD Indonesia
33 Tagnanan Tall TAGT Philippines
34 Macapuno Tall MACT Philippines
35 Laguna Tall LAGT Philippines
36 Baybay Tall BAYT Philippines
37 Bago-Oshiro Tall BAOT Philippines
38 San Ramon Tall SNRT Philippines
39 Catigan Green Dwarf CATD Philippines
40 Pilipog Green Dwarf PILD Philippines
41 Aromatic Dwarf AROD Thailand
42 Hainan Tall HAT China
138
43 Cambodia tall KAT Côte d’Ivoire

44 West African Tall W AT Indonesia
45 Rennel Island Tall RIT Indonesia
46 Cameroon Red Dwarf CRD Indonesia
47 Tahiti Tall TAT Indonesia
48 Panama TaII PNT Côte d’Ivoire
49 Niu Leka Dwarf NLAD Côte d’Ivoire
50 Vanuatu Tall VTT Côte d’Ivoire
51 Indian West Coast Tall WCT India
52 Sri Lanka Tall SLT Sri Lanka
139

Coconut Genebank for Africa and Indian Ocean
Cultivars Code Source

1. Andaman Giant Tall AGT India
2. Andaman Ordinary Tall ADOT India
3. Baybay Tall BAYT Philippines
4. Cambodia Battambang Tall KAT09 Cambodia
5. Cambodia Koh Rong Tall KAT10 Cambodia
6. Cambodia Ream Tall KAT07 Cambodia
7. Cambodia Sre Cham Tall KAT08 Cambodia
8. Cambodia Tuk Sap Tall KAT02 Cameroon
9. Cameroon Kribi Tall CKT Cameroon
10. Cameroon Red Dwarf CRD Cameroon
11. Catigan Green Dwarf CATD Philippines
12. Comoro Moheli Tall CMT Comoro
13. Equatorial Guinea Green Dwarf EGD Equatorial Guinea
14. Gazelle Peninsula Tall GPT Papua New Guinea
15. Kappadam Tall KPDT India
16. Karkar Tall KKT Papua New Guinea
17. Kinabalan Green Dwarf KIND Philippines
18. Laccadive Micro Tall LMT India
19. Laccadive Ordinary Tall LCT India
20. Madang Brown Dwarf MBD Papua New Guinea
21. Malayan Green Dwarf MGD Malaysia
22. Malayan Red Dwarf MRD Malaysia
23. Malayan Tall MLT Malaysia
24. Malayan Yellow Dwarf MYD Malaysia
25. Markham Valley Tall MVT Papua New Guinea
26. Mozambique Tall MZT Mozambique
27. Niu Leka Dwarf NLAD Fiji
28. Palu Tall PUT Indonesia
29. Pilipog Green Dwarf PILD Philippines
30. Rangiroa Tall RGT French Polynesia
31. Rennell Island Tall RIT Solomon Islands
32. Rotuman Tall RTMT Fiji
33. Solomon Island Tall SIT Solomon
34. Sri Lanka Green Dwarf PGD Sri Lanka
35. Sri Lanka Tall Ambakelle SLT02 Sri Lanka
36. Tacunan Green Dwarf TACD Philippines
37. Tagnanan Tall TAGT Philippines
38. Tahitian Red Dwarf TRD French Polynesia
39. Tahitian Tall TAT French Polynesia
40. Takome Tall TKT Indonesia
41. Tenga Tall TGT Indonesia
42. Ternate Brown Dwarf TBD Indonesia
140
43. Thailand Green Dwarf THD Thailand

44. Thailand Tall Ko Samui THT04 Thailand
45. Thailand Tall Sawi THT01 Thailand
46. Tonga Tall TONT Tonga
47. West African Tall Akabo WAT03 Côte d’Ivoire
48. West African Tall Mensah WAT04 Côte d’Ivoire
49. West African Tall Quidah WAT06 Benin
141
Status of cryopreservation research in

coconut
F Engelmann1, 2, B Malaurie3, O N’Nan4 and M Borges5
1
Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 911 Avenue Agropolis, BP 64501,
Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
2
Honorary Research Fellow, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), Via
dei Tre Denari 472/a, Maccarese, Rome, Italy
3
Senior Scientist, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), 911 Avenue
Agropolis, BP 64501, Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
4
Researcher, Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA), Station de Recherche
Marc Delorme, Port Bouët - 07 BP 13 Abidjan 07, Côte d’Ivoire
5
Senior Research Officer, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias “Jorge Dimitrov”
(IIA-JD), Bayamo, Granma, Cuba
Introduction
Seeds cannot be used for coconut germplasm conservation owing to their
large size and their highly recalcitrant storage behaviour (Chin and
Roberts 1980), which renders their storage under conventional dry and
low-temperature conditions impossible. Genetic resources of coconut are
thus traditionally maintained in field genebanks. There are many field
collections of coconuts in various countries, usually connected with
coconut research institutes, which conserve a total of 1416 accessions.
This number is projected to increase over the next few years, with the
establishment of the multi-site International Coconut Genebank or ICG
(see preceding article) under the coordination of the International Coconut
Genetic Resources Network (COGENT).
In some ways, field genebanks offer a satisfactory approach to
conservation. The genetic resources under conservation can be readily
accessed and observed, permitting detailed evaluation. However, there
are certain drawbacks that limit their efficiency and threaten their security
(Withers and Engels 1990). The genetic resources are exposed to pests,
diseases and other natural hazards such as drought, weather damage,
human error and vandalism. Nor are they in a condition that is readily
conducive to germplasm exchange. Field genebanks are costly to maintain
and, as a consequence, are prone to economic decisions that may limit
the level of replication of accessions, the quality of maintenance and even
their very survival in times of economic stringency. Even under the best
circumstances, field genebanks require considerable inputs in the form
of land, labour, management and materials (see article on ‘Coconut field
genebank’ in this chapter).
It is now well recognized that the efficient and cost-effective
conservation of any given genepool can be achieved only through the
142
implementation of a complementary conservation strategy integrating

in situ and ex situ approaches and utilizing relevant storage methods
(Maxted et al. 1997). In this context, in vitro culture techniques have great
potential for the collecting, exchange and conservation of plant
germplasm, especially for problem plant species, i.e. those with recalcitrant
seeds and those that are propagated vegetatively (Engelmann 1997; 2000).
Tissue culture systems allow propagation of plants with high
multiplication rates in an aseptic environment. Virus-free plants can be
obtained through meristem culture and thermotherapy, thus ensuring
the production of disease-free stocks and simplifying quarantine
procedures for the international exchange of germplasm. The
miniaturization of explants allows genebank managers to reduce space
requirements and consequently, the labour costs for the maintenance of
germplasm collections. For long-term conservation, cryopreservation, i.e.
conservation at ultra-low temperature, usually immersion in liquid
nitrogen (-196oC), is the only method currently available for problem
species. Cryopreservation protocols have been developed for a wide range
of plant species, an increasing number of which are from the tropics
(Engelmann and Takagi 2000).
In the case of coconut, in vitro culture of zygotic embryos is now
routinely applied in numerous laboratories in the framework of
germplasm collecting and exchange activities (Batugal and Engelmann
1998; Engelmann et al. 2002). This paper summarizes the present status
of coconut cryopreservation research.
Status of cryopreservation research

In the case of coconut, only a limited amount of research has been
conducted towards the development of cryopreservation protocols,
involving research teams in Malaysia, Côte d’Ivoire, France and the UK.
Cryopreservation experiments have been performed with zygotic embryos,
plumules and pollen. Chin et al. (1989) first reported the survival of one
single coconut embryo 15 months after freezing using a classical protocol
(cryoprotection with DMSO + slow freezing). Assy-Bah et al. (1992a,b)
reported high recovery of frozen embryos using the pregrowth/
desiccation technique. In the UK, Hornung et al. (2001) obtained callus
growth from plumules of one coconut variety after cryopreservation using
an encapsulation/dehydration protocol, including preculture of
encapsulated plumules for 72-96 h in medium with 0.75 M sucrose
followed by desiccation with silica gel to around 30% moisture content
and rapid freezing. Research on cryopreservation of plumules using the
encapsulation-dehydration and vitrification techniques has also been
initiated in France (Malaurie et al. 2002b). Finally, preliminary
143
unpublished experiments performed in Côte d’Ivoire by the late Béatrice

Assy-Bah showed that coconut pollen is amenable to cryopreservation
after partial desiccation.
Immature embryos
Experiments were performed with immature embryos sampled from
seednuts of the hybrid PB121 (Malaysian Yellow Dwarf x West African
Tall) 7 to 8 months after pollination (Assy-Bah and Engelmann 1992a).
It was decided to start working with immature embryos, on the
assumption that they would be more likely to withstand cryopreservation
than mature ones, owing to their smaller size and lower degree of
differentiation (Engelmann 1992).
For cryopreservation, embryos were placed for 4 h on pretreatment
medium containing 600 g L -1 glucose and glycerol, sorbitol or
polyethyleneglycol (PEG) 6000 at various concentrations and then
immersed directly in liquid nitrogen. After rapid thawing in a water-
bath at 40°C, embryos were cultured on standard medium (Assy-Bah et
al. 1989) for recovery.
After one month, the survival of non-cryopreserved embryos was
high for all preculture conditions tested, ranging from 73 to 100%. In the
case of cryopreserved embryos, lower survival, ranging between 10 and
43%, was obtained when glycerol at 5 or 10% or sorbitol at 10% was
used in the preculture medium. However, numerous abnormalities were
observed in the further development of non-cryopserved and
cryopreserved embryos, and only few fully developed, normal plantlets
could be obtained. This was because conditions for their in vitro culture
were not mastered (Engelmann and Assy-Bah 1992).
Mature embryos
Experiments were performed with mature embryos sampled from the
seednuts of the hybrid PB121; Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD); Rennell Tall
(RT); and Indian Tall (IT), 10 to 12 months after pollination (Assy-Bah
and Engelmann 1992b).
For cryopreservation, embryos were placed in open Petri dishes
without culture medium and dehydrated for 4 h in the air current of the
laminar flow cabinet at room temperature. They were then transferred
to open Petri dishes with the medium employed for pretreatment of
immature embryos containing 600 g L-1 glucose and 15% glycerol (Assy-
Bah and Engelmann 1992a), and dehydrated for an additional period of
11 to 20 h. Hence, the total duration of the pretreatment ranged from 15
to 24 h. Embryos were then placed in 2 ml cryotubes and immersed directly
in liquid nitrogen. After rapid thawing in a 40°C water-bath, embryos
144
were cultured on standard medium (Assy-Bah et al. 1989) for recovery.

The initial moisture content of embryos, which was very similar in all
four varieties, averaged 78.4%. It decreased rapidly during the first 15 h
of pretreatment to an average of 11.4% and then more slowly, reaching
6.4 % after 24 h. Larger embryos (RT and IT) dehydrated more slowly
than smaller ones (PB 121 and CRD).
Survival of non-frozen embryos remained very high (>70 %) after
pretreatment. By contrast, no survival was noted after cryopreservation
without pretreatment. For varieties with relatively larger embryos (RT,
IT and PB 121), survival after cryopreservation increased in line with
increasing pretreatment durations, whereas it reached an optimum after
17 h for the variety CRD, which has the smallest embryos. Under optimal
pretreatment conditions, survival ranged between 76-100 % with non-
frozen embryos and between 73-93 % with cryopreserved ones. Most
embryos considered alive after one month germinated and the same
proportion of non-cryopreserved and cryopreserved embryos developed
into whole plantlets. The main differences between control and
cryopreserved embryos were the non-development of the haustorium
and a delay of 1 to 2 months in the development of cryopreserved ones.
These results were validated by N’Nan (1997) with embryos of two
ecotypes, West African Tall and Malayan Yellow Dwarf, and recently
confirmed (N’Nan et al. 2003) on a total of 10 ecotypes, including 5 Talls
and 5 Dwarfs, originating from Africa, Latin America-Caribbean, South
Asia, Southeast Asia and the South Pacific, with 44-100% of cryopreserved
embryos giving rise to whole in vitro plantlets.
Plumules
Plumules represent a potentially interesting material for cryopreservation
because they are of small size (< 1mm3), they are mostly composed of
meristematic cells and it is possible to regenerate whole plantlets from in
vitro cultured plumules (Malaurie et al. 2002b). Cryopreservation
experiments were performed using the encapsulation-dehydration and
encapsulation-vitrification techniques.
With the encapsulation-dehydration technique, excised plumules were
encapsulated in alginate beads, pregrown for 2-3 days in medium
containing 0.5 to 1.0 M sucrose, desiccated to 0.5-0.2 % moisture content
and cryopreserved. Depending on the experiments, survival after
cryopreservation could reach up to 67%, but only a limited number of
frozen plumules could give rise to whole in vitro plantlets (Malaurie and
Borges 2001; N’Nan et al. 2002). Preliminary experiments performed with
the encapsulation-vitrification technique (Sakai et al. 2000) showed that
up to 20% of cryopreserved plumules could survive after freezing
145
(Malaurie et al. 2002a).
Conclusion and prospects

These preliminary results demonstrate the great potential of
cryopreservation for the long-term conservation of coconut genetic
resources. Additional research has to be performed to further refine and
standardize the protocols developed for embryos and plumules, to test
the improved protocols with additional genotypes before their large-scale
application in the genebank context can be envisaged. Long-term storage
of coconut pollen under cryopreservation would represent an important
additional technique for allowing conservation of genes. Research is
needed to further develop and refine an appropriate technique.
In view of the very positive results described above, it is clear that, in
a not too distant future, cryopreservation will play a greater role in the
overall approach in the conservation of coconut genetic resources.
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148
In situ conservation of coconut diversity

B Sthapit1, V Ramanatha Rao1 and D Jarvis2
1
Senior Scientists, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - Regional Office for
Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
2
Senior Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), Maccarese,
Rome, Italy
Introduction
Coconut genetic diversity present in farming systems has been maintained
through the combined action of natural and human selection and
management. Food culture of specific communities also affects selection
of preferred culinary traits. In the process of planting, managing,
selecting seednuts, harvesting and marketing- farmers, in turn, make
decisions on their crops that affect the genetic diversity of the crop
populations. Over time, a farmer may alter the genetic structure of a
crop population by selecting for plants with preferred agro-morphological
or quality characteristics (Jarvis and Hodgkin 2000). Thus, coconut
landraces may be a product of farmer selection as well as farmer breeding
(Riley 1996).
Coconut varieties are grown by resource poor farmers around the
world for a diversity of uses. Home consumption, local markets, for
industrial processing, and medicinal use are only a few. Farmers search
for locally adapted coconut cultivars for diverse environmental niches.
Many varieties are adapted to particular micro-niches including climatic
and edaphic stressed environments. Farmer preferences for specific size,
aroma, nut water quality, colour, taste and type also demand diverse
coconut varieties. The continued use of landraces contributes to stable
food production and income especially in marginal environments where
impacts of modern varieties are limited or less effective. The Convention
on Biological Diversity (CBD) has recognized the continued maintenance
of traditional varieties in situ as an essential component of sustainable
agricultural development. Diversity of local coconut varieties is the
foundation upon which coconut breeding depends for the creation of
new varieties and is therefore, a critical aspect of food security for coconut-
based economies.
To develop successful conservation approach, knowledge of plant
biology is essential. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is essentially a tree crop of
the humid tropics. It is able to adapt to a wide range of soil and climatic
conditions. The natural habitat of coconut is the coastal belt of the tropics
where it flourishes in sea-washed littoral sand with constant motion of
underground current of water in a saline atmosphere (Khan et al. 1994).
149
It is monoecious with numerous male and female flowers in each spadix.

Tall and Dwarf are distinct natural population of the coconut gene pool;
Tall coconut trees are usually cross-pollinated and consequently, are
usually heterogeneous (Nair and Ratnambal 1994; Iyer and Dhamodran
1994; Batugal and Ramanatha Rao 1998). The inflorescence, 1-2m long,
consists of a central rachis, with up to 40 lateral branches, which bear
200-300 male flowers above, opening from the tip of branches
downwards, and one or more female flowers at the base which are
receptive after the pollen has been shed. Flowering starts at 6-12 years of
age for Tall types (Purseglove 1975) and 3-4 years for Dwarf types (Nair
and Ratnambal 1994). The male flowers are the first to open, beginning
at the top of each branch and proceeding towards the base. After the
pollen has been shed in the bud, the female flowers open and remain
receptive for 24 hours. The flowers are nectiferous and sweet-scented
and visited by a range of pollinators, particularly bees, flies and ants, so
that a fair amount of insect pollination is possible. The pollen of coconut
is dry and therefore, some wind pollination may also occur. Coconut
must be propagated by seednuts and cannot be vegetatively propagated.
The first European explorers in Asia and the Pacific found coconuts well
established in almost all tropical coastal areas and it is believed that ocean
currents carry coconuts, and they become established on open coasts
without the aid of human beings. Edmonson (1941) reported that
coconuts are capable of germinating after floating in the sea for periods
of up to 110 days, during which time they could have travelled 3000
miles in favourable currents. Furthermore, coconut can tolerate saline
conditions because of their root structure and is also adapted to high
humidity and constant supply of water.
What is in situ conservation?

In situ conservation is defined by the CBD (Article 2) as “…the
conservation of ecosystems and natural habitats and the maintenance
and recovery of viable populations of species in their natural surroundings
and, in the case of domesticates or cultivated species, in the surroundings
where they have developed their distinctive properties” (UNCED 1992).
The definition of in situ conservation used in the CBD encompasses two
processes: the conservation of wild species in natural ecosystems or
reserves, and the maintenance of crops genetic diversity on-farm. On-
farm conservation is generally used to describe the processes by which
farmers maintain their traditional crop varieties that they have developed
and which they continue to manage and improve. These processes have
led to the evolution and adaptation of crops to changing environments
and socio economic conditions. For coconut genetic diversity, the
150
maintenance of local coconut cultivars within the traditional farming

systems is still little studied and understood.
Why in situ conservation?

For the last decades, agricultural scientists have responded to the threat
of genetic erosion by developing a worldwide network of genebanks,
field genebanks and botanical gardens for conserving the available useful
genetic resources ex situ (Bommer 1991). Since the establishment of the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) by IPGRI
in 1992, a total of 14 coconut field genebanks have been established (IPGRI
2001). COGENT (2000) coordinated the establishment of a multi-site
International Coconut Genebank (ICG), an international Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD) and the studies of diversity in coconut traits
including drought tolerance, suitability for high-value products and
compatibility for intercropping. COGENT has 38 member countries and
these countries have agreed to share and exchange germplasm by putting
selected national accessions in the multi-site ICGs for Southeast Asia
(located in Sikijang, Indonesia), South Asia (Karnataka, India), the South
Pacific (Madang, PNG) and Africa (Abidjan, Côte d’lvoire). In India,
coconut-breeding programme has been utilizing farmer’s varieties to
develop hybrids from Dwarf x Tall genotype (Ratnambal and Nair 1998).
Understanding of coconut genetic resources and its value in traditional
farming systems of Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand,
Fiji, Vanuatu, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Ghana, Tanzania, Mexico, Nigeria
and Jamaica has improved significantly over time and mother palm
selection of preferred coconut genetic resources is a common feature
(Batugal and Ramanatha Rao 1998).
While this form of conservation remains no doubt an important
method, it does not conserve the evolutionary process of local adaptation
of crops to their environments. In situ conservation has the potential to:
(1) conserve the evolutionary processes of local adaptation of crops to
their environments, (2) conserve diversity at all levels – the ecosystem,
the species, and the genetic diversity within species, (3) conserve ecosystem
services critical to the functioning of the earth’s life-support system, (4)
improve the livelihoods for resource-poor farmers through economic and
social development, (5) maintain or increase farmers’ control over and
access to crop genetic resources, (6) ensure farmers’ efforts are an integral
part of national genetic resources systems and involve farmers directly
in developing options for adding benefits of local crop diversity, and (7)
link farming community to field genebank for conservation and utilization
(Jarvis et al. 2000).
151
Basic information needed to implement in situ conservation

programme
To implement a coconut in situ conservation programme, it is necessary
to understand where, when and how in situ conservation of the coconut
crop will be effective, who will maintain the material, and how the
maintained material will benefit the stakeholders. Four types of
information are needed to design an effective programme:
• The extent and distribution of the coconut genetic diversity
maintained by farmers over space and over time;
• The processes used to maintain the coconut genetic diversity on
farm;
• The persons who maintains coconut genetic diversity (custodians
of genetic diversity) within the farming communities; and
• The factors (market, non-market, social, environmental) that in-
fluence farmer decisions on maintaining traditional coconut
varieties.
Information on these topics is needed to develop methods for

mainstreaming the use of local crop genetic resources into the agricultural
development arena.
Building and implementing on-farm conservation programme

On-farm conservation involves partnerships among individuals and
institutions. A project dominated by conservationist may fail to emphasize
farmers’ livelihoods, while a project dominated by development workers
may fail to emphasize conservation. A project without ecologists may
neglect the importance of ecosystem services that the crop might be
providing (Jarvis et al. 2000). Once understanding among institutions,
collaborators and farming communities has been reached, existing data,
such as descriptor lists, databases of ex situ germplasm collections,
herbarium collections, published literature in the natural and social
sciences should be reviewed, together with unpublished information,
including the personal knowledge of local extension and NGOs. Site
selection criteria and farmer selection criteria should then be defined
followed by the training of local research teams in participatory methods
for information collection from the local communities. After site selection,
communities need to be sensitized to the aims and objectives of on-farm
conservation programme; and sampling scheme for data collection should
be formulated. Broadly speaking, the criteria for site selection should be
based on the extent of genetic diversity, accessibility and interest of the
farmers to continue to grow coconut varieties. Jarvis and colleagues (2000)
spelt this out below in more detail.
152
Ecosystems. It will be important to select sites in diverse agroecosystems

preferably with different ecotypes. Traditional coastal home gardens are
important ecosystem for on-farm management of farmer-preferred
coconut diversity in situ. This will increase the chances of conserving
genetic diversity, as this may be associated with agroecosystem diversity.
Intra-specific diversity within target species. It is important that the

areas selected are grown to different coconut landraces.
Specific adaptations. Efforts should be made while selecting different

agroecosystems to select sites with extreme environmental conditions
(high soil salinity, cold temperatures, etc) and variation in pests. This
will help to include types with specific adaptations.
Genetic erosion. It is better to select sites with less threat of genetic erosion
to increase the life of conservation efforts.
Diverse use values. It is possible to ensure conservation of hidden genetic

diversity by selecting sites with diverse use values of crops for food and
other uses. It is important to note that for many farming communities, a
crop is not just a matter of food production but also of investing and
maintaining social relations and religious rituals.
Farmers and communities. Farmers’ interest and willingness to

participate are keys in site selection. This may require preliminary work
in community sensitisation on the benefits to farmers of conserving crop
varieties. Site selection should also include areas with: socio-cultural and
economic diversity; diversity of livelihoods, and importance of target crops
for various ways of life; farmers’ knowledge and skills in seed selection
and exchange; and market opportunities.
Partners. Partners with interest in community empowerment, capacity

building and development agenda, and experience in conservation
interventions will be beneficial to the programme. Partners with distinct
community participation expertise will have comparative advantage in
dealing with community. The concept of commodity chain, which allows
farmers to use multiple parts of coconut trees, increases the chance of
conserving in situ. This concept of value addition requires the involvement
of a full range of partners from different disciplines, who are not usually
involved in agricultural biodiversity research.
Logistics. These would include mainly the accessibility of the site

throughout the year and availability of resources. The former is very
153
important for a successful in situ conservation programme and is essential

in monitoring and sharing of information back to the community.
The existing data should be combined with an exploratory survey using

Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
approaches. The community needs to be sensitized to issues on hand
and for this purpose, the use of participatory approach is recommended
(Friis-Hansen and Sthapit 2000). The following broad steps are essential
for the effective implementation of on-farm conservation programme
(Sthapit et al. 2000) and may need refinement according to local context:
• Locating coconut diversity, ecosystem and community (e.g.
ecogeographic survey);
• Creating (or using existing) institutional framework and
participatory planning process;
• Site selection (low cost in situ conservation site having both high
public as well as farmers’ utility value of crop genetic resources);
• Community sensitization and strengthening local capacity;
• Locating coconut diversity and custodians of unique and rare types
(e.g. diversity fair);
• Measuring and assessing local coconut diversity in terms of
richness, evenness and uniqueness (e.g. consistency on farmer’s
unit of diversity, molecular markers, genetic indices);
• Understanding the perceived value of coconut diversity (e.g. four
square method);
• Monitoring diversity (e.g. community biodiversity register) and
sharing information;
• Developing strategy for options of on-farm conservation actions;
• Diversity utilization and monitoring of intervention impacts; and
• Mainstreaming information for development and policy reforms.
A number of participatory tools are developed to implement on-farm

conservation activities at local level by the farming community themselves,
namely:
• Local knowledge base: Understanding of local crop diversity and
social networks of germplasm and knowledge flow and storage
methods; identify technical gaps and strengthen local seed system;
• Diversity fair: Local community can organize this fair for locating
diversity and custodians, sensitizing community and policy
makers and promoting access of information and materials; and
• Community biodiversity register (CBR): Recording inventory of lo-
cal crop diversity and associated local knowledge, and monito-
ring the increase and decrease of number of landraces and mo-
154
dern varieties and their distribution pattern within households

(by area) or between households within community.
The above activities will raise awareness on local crop diversity and help
to understand the value of local crop diversity. Diversity fair and CBR
are a few participatory methods, which can strengthen the local capacity
to document taxonomic data and traditional knowledge on crop genetic
resources (CGR) with the following specific objectives of:
• Creating awareness and developing sense of community
ownership on biodiversity;
• Locating unique, rare and culturally significant cultivars and their
custodians;
• Enhancing access of genetic materials and information on local
crop diversity;
• Developing options of adding benefits and support biodiversity-
based livelihoods;
• Building local capacity for monitoring diversity in situ and
promoting on-farm management of local crop diversity;
• Making aware on and protecting economically important
biowealth against biopiracy.
The successful implementation of CBR will depend upon how the

approach could provide direct benefits to farming community. One of
the direct benefits is that it may help to establish a network of key
households, which maintain rare, unique and rich local crop diversity
resulting into a network of planting material to form a decentralized
community seed bank.
It is important to focus not only in scientific understanding of the
project but also to develop institutional capacity to run internally driven
on-farm conservation programmes. The value of such decentralized CBR
will be clearer when activities such as diversity kits, Participatory Variety
Selection (PVS) and Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) (Sthapit et al.
1996; Sthapit et al. 2000; Witcombe et al. 1996) are integrated into
community-based informal seed management and exchange programme.
The PPB and the deployment of diversity kits will strengthen the capacity
of the farmers to search, select, maintain and exchange genetic resources
for obtaining both genetic and socioeconomic benefits for themselves and
for the society.
In situ conservation and its benefits to the community

The effective management and conservation of genetic resources on farm
takes place where the resources are valued and used to meet the needs of
155
local communities (Jarvis et al. 2000). In order for local coconut farming
systems to be maintained by farmers, the genetic resources must have
some value and/or be competitive to other options a farmer might have.
Understanding the contribution of coconut cultivars to livelihoods,
nutrition and food culture is needed to formulate plans that will: (i)
support local germplasm supply systems, (ii) improve PVS and PPB, (iii)
develop new markets for coconut cultivars and plant parts, (iv) promote
appropriate conservation value and education, (v) create methodologies
for integrating locally adapted coconut cultivars and farmer preferences
into development and extension projects, and (vi) advise on appropriate
policies that support the management and use of crop diversity in
agroecosystems (IPGRI 2001).
Two options were used in adding benefits: the first, on adding benefits
through participatory variety selection and plant breeding, seednuts
networks and grassroots strengthening; and the second, on adding
benefits through public awareness, better processing, marketing, policy
incentives, and education in the formal sector (Jarvis et al. 1998).
The first option is to seek improved quality, disease resistance, high
yield, better taste, ease in harvesting and other preferred traits through
breeding; seed networks and modified farming systems. In modern
agricultural production systems, Smale and her colleagues (2001) argued
that crop genetic resistance to disease can be enhanced by policies that
encourage: (1) cultivation of a mosaic of varieties with different genetic
mechanisms for combating a pest, (2) cultivation of specific varieties that
contain multiple genetic mechanisms for resistance, or (3) continual
replacement of varieties in farmers’ fields by more recent releases or
exchange of farmers’ cultivars that carry new genetic sources of resistance.
The second option includes adding value to coconut resources so that
the demand for the material or some derived product may be increased.
These diverse options will emerge when the community, researchers and
developmental institutions are directly involved in monitoring local crop
diversity using CBR and link with crop improvement, seed and market
networks for adding benefits on local resources. If diversity can be more
highly valued in the marketplace through the creation of consumer
demand for certain products, and farmers can access those markets, their
incentives to maintain diversity may be increased.
The concept of commodity chain applies with coconut as the approach
is not restricted to increase in productivity alone but rather that crop is
considered ‘as a whole’ in all aspects of a chain (or a system), from its
production through its consumption. This concept of value addition adds
new dimensions to the traditional agricultural research agenda and it
implies the involvement of a full range of new partners, who are not
156
usually involved in agricultural biodiversity research.

Measures to conserve coconut diversity in situ include:
• Creation of economic incentives mechanisms (such as identifica-
tion of new products and markets, increase competitiveness of
local cultivars, introduction of supportive policies) and other
measures to promote cultivation of diverse local coconut culti-
vars. IPGRI (2000) has documented at least 12 marketable high-
value products and market locations for coconut. They include:
tender nuts, palm sugar, desiccated coconut, milk/cream, milk
powder, fresh coconut, makapuno coconut dessert, coconut water,
nata de coco, coir fibre, fibre dust, shell charcoal and activated
carbon. Hence, the goal of in situ conservation is to encourage
farmers to select and maintain local crop diversity to benefit
themselves as well as the community at large. Understanding of
local food culture reveals the need for a range of coconut culti-
vars in home gardens.
• Increase profile of non-monetary benefits, which include increased
access to information and technologies arising from the use of
exchanged information, enhanced research and development
capacity of local institutions, low food cost and materials, public
recognition, an improved quality of life through access of natural
chemical free foods, public awareness, environmental benefits such
as the protection of habitats and ecosystems (Raymond and Flower
2001).
• Strengthening local capacity to document, manage and share in-
formation of local diversity for the benefits of the community and
individual so that the community has the capacity to develop
options for on-farm conservation actions.
All this requires greater collaboration between formal and informal sectors
with more benefit-oriented activities. Promising results are emerging from
all countries and many methods and approaches have been developed
which are compiled now to publish guidelines for on-farm conservation
of agrobiodiversity (Jarvis et al. 2000). These outputs must be evaluated
and monitored in terms of effectiveness and sustainability of coconut
genetic resources conservation and utilization.
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160
Poverty reduction in coconut growing

communities: A strategy for coconut in situ /
on-farm conservation
P Batugal1, J Oliver2 and K Jayashree3
Coordinator, 2Communications Assistant and 3Scientific Assistant, International
1
Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), International Plant Genetic Re-

sources Institute - Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO),
Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
About 96% of coconuts are grown by smallholders tending four hectares
or less of land which many of them do not own. About 85% of the 12
million hectares of coconuts are grown in the Asia Pacific region. Coconut
farmers are marginalized: they grow coconut and associated crops in
rainfed and often environmentally fragile areas; most live below the
poverty line; are resource-poor; considered non-bankable by the credit
sector; and they do not have political clout to influence public and private
sector policy. Even in many of the large coconut producing countries,
research support to this sector is inadequate if not nil.
IPGRI believes that if resource-poor farmers are empowered, they
could improve their lives and lift their socioeconomic status over the
poverty line. To address the urgent need of empowering poor coconut
farmers and helping the long neglected coconut sector, IPGRI requested
- and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) awarded - a Regional Technical
Assistance (RETA) grant to IPGRI (RETA 6005 for 2000-2004) entitled,
‘Developing sustainable coconut-based income-generating technologies
in poor rural communities’. IPGRI coordinated the project involving eight
national coconut research agencies, three non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) and 25 community-based organizations (CBOs)
in eight Asia Pacific countries (Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia,
the Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji and Papua New Guinea) as shown in Annex
1.
Objective
The project objective is to develop efficient village-level, income-generating
technologies and strategies that are technically feasible, financially viable,
socially acceptable and environmentally safe, using COGENT’s three-
pronged strategy: 1) production and marketing of high-value coconut
products from all parts of the coconut – the kernel, husk, shell, wood,
water and leaves); 2) intercropping cash and food security crops with
161
coconut and integrating livestock/fodder production; and 3) establishing

community-managed nurseries to propagate and sell quality planting
materials of farmer-selected local and introduced high-value varieties
and conserve them on farm. The project also identified, enhanced and
provided access to the five essential capitals (physical, natural, financial,
social and human) needed to convert these income generating
interventions into sustainable livelihoods. For details about the project
framework, see COGENT publication entitled, ‘Poverty Reduction in
Coconut Growing Communities, Volume I: The Framework and Project
Plan’.
Activities
Prior to the release of project funds to IPGRI in May 2002, the UK’s
Department for International Development (DFID) supported the
identification and socioeconomic profiling of 89 coconut growing
communities from which 24 communities were chosen as project sites.
IPGRI and its partner organizations also organized the project team and
technical support groups in each country using IPGRI’s and national
counterpart funds.
Upon release of the ADB funds, the following activities were conducted:
1. Establishment and strengthening of 25 CBOs to manage the
project at the community level. Special emphasis was made on
the design of the CBOs to ensure broad access and participation
of several categories of stakeholders, including women;
2. Establishment of a microcredit system and provision of initial
revolving fund for each of the 25 CBOs;
3. Market surveys to identify marketable products and development
of market channels to make such markets sustainable;
4. Development and implementation of farmers’ and women’s action
plans for income-generating activities;
5. Development of training manuals on income-generating
technologies and the development of instruments for analysis and
promotion of viable technologies;
6. Development of community-managed income-generating coconut
seedling nurseries and the documentation, enhancement and
conservation of selected and promising local and introduced
coconut varieties;
7. Training of coconut farmers, women and village-level
entrepreneurs on income-generating technologies;
8. Evaluation of inexpensive village-level oil mills and equipment
for producing high-value coconut products;
9. Development and viability testing of the production and marketing
162
of identified marketable high-value coconut products from the

kernel, husk, shell, water, wood and leaves; and promotion of
varieties suitable for such high-value coconut products;
10. Pilot production and marketing of high-value products from the
coconut’s kernel, husk, shell, wood, water and leaves;
11. Development and viability testing of: (a) coconut-based
intercropping technologies for enhancing incomes and food
security; and (b) livestock and fodder production to boost total
farm productivity and nutrition; and
12. Promoting the use of research results through field days and the
replication and adoption of resulting viable development
interventions by national governments, development organizations
and NGOs.
The project inception and stakeholders’ meeting was held on 25 February

– 1 March 2002 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, hosted by the Oil Plants
Institute (OPI); the second project meeting on 20 – 24 August 2003 in
Davao City, Philippines, hosted by the Philippine Coconut Authority;
and the final project meeting on 27–30 September 2004 in Ho Chi Minh
City, Vietnam, and hosted by OPI once more. For details of the project
activities and target outputs, please refer to Annex 2 and the COGENT
publication entitled, ‘Poverty Reduction in Coconut Growing
Communities, Volume II: Mobilizing for Action’.
Project outputs
The results of the project proved that poor coconut farmers’ and
socioeconomically disadvantaged women’s lives could be improved if
they were properly trained, empowered and given access to opportunities
and resources, in this case the coconut-based village-level income
generating activities, technologies and related support systems. In a
period of only three years, 25 farmer CBOs in eight countries with a total
of 5715 members were established and strengthened; 17 392 farmers and
women trained on various income-generating activities; 43 community-
managed coconut and 14 multi-purpose seedling nurseries established;
65 501 coconut seednuts of local varieties sown in community-managed
nurseries; 64 521 coconut seedlings of farmers’ and introduced high-value
varieties planted and conserved on-farm; 1593 farmers and women
involved in coconut-based livestock production trials, 4039 in
intercropping trials and 2005 in production of high-value coconut
products; and about 140 public awareness materials developed and
disseminated. For details of these achievements, please see Annex 3.
In the production of high-value coconut products, more than 2000
163
CBO members, 74% of whom are women, participated. There were 210
participants in Bangladesh, 17 in Fiji, 615 in India, 100 in Indonesia, 89
in Papua New Guinea, 378 in the Philippines, 168 in Sri Lanka and 428
in Vietnam. CBO members, trained and working as individuals or in
groups, produced cooking oil, virgin coconut oil for body and hair lotion,
kernel-based detergent and bath soaps, fibre-based ropes, doormats and
geotextile, shell- and wood-based cooking utensils and exportable
handicrafts, coconut water- and sap-based vinegar and sugar, and
coconut leaf-based decorative baskets, hats and other handicrafts.
Depending on how many capable members of the participating families
were involved, they increased their income by 3-5 times compared to
their previous income from copra, securing for them a steady source of
additional income and helping them rise above the poverty line. Equally
important, this project intervention has provided employment
opportunities to formerly unemployed and underemployed rural women
resulting in enhanced self-esteem, and economic and social
empowerment.
For intercropping, 4039 farmers and their households participated
in intercropping trials consisting of 115 in Bangladesh, 454 in Fiji, 759 in
India, 748 in Indonesia, 418 in Papua New Guinea, 473 in the Philippines,
328 in Sri Lanka, and 744 in Vietnam. Net incomes from planting cash
crops in small plots of land between coconuts have significantly increased.
Not only were income and total farm productivity enhanced, but also
food security and nutrition since families planted, grew and ate their
own produce.
For animal production, a total of 1593 CBO members, 58% of whom
are women, raised a variety of livestock like quails, poultry, ducks, rabbits,
goats, swine and cattle. There were 185 participants in Bangladesh, 32
in Fiji, 370 in India, 82 in Indonesia, 126 in Papua New Guinea, 334 in
the Philippines, 197 in Sri Lanka and 267 in Vietnam. The integration of
livestock production in coconut farming is still in its early stages, but
many CBO members have already adopted the animal production
technologies introduced by the project as components of their sustainable
livelihood activities. The initial results showed tremendous potential not
only in generating income but more so in improving nutrition.
To support the conservation and promotion of coconut diversity, 43
community-managed coconut and 14 multi-purpose seedling nurseries
were established; 65 501 coconut seednuts of local varieties sown in these
nurseries; and 64 521 coconut seedlings of farmers’ and introduced high-
value varieties planted and conserved on farm. The 24 communities
(excluding the Maitum site in the Philippines) also identified and
characterized 89 important local varieties through farmers’ diversity fairs.
164
Through this participatory intervention, the farmers themselves

characterized and identified suitable, high-yielding and high-value local
varieties. The source palms of the selected varieties were paint-marked
and the seednuts harvested from these palms were propagated in the
nurseries. These community-managed nurseries are envisioned to provide
a steady supply of high-quality planting materials for the communities.
Project benefits
To determine the benefits and the initial impact of the project, a two-
stage assessment was carried out: (1) rapid assessment survey involving
project leaders and heads of implementing research agencies, NGOs and
CBOs; and (2) more detailed survey involving farmers and other members
of the participating communities in the project. Based on these surveys,
the following project benefits were identified:
1. The project provided an effective IARC-NARS-CBO mechanism
for promoting income generating activities in previously resource-
poor coconut growing communities in their countries; and in
providing the five needed capitals for sustainable livelihoods (i.e.,
physical, natural, financial, social and human capitals) to make
these income generating activities sustainable. Most of these
technologies and resources were not available to the 25 project
participating communities in eight countries before the project;
2. The project provided farmers access to efficient but affordable
village-level coconut processing equipment, machinery and
technologies for producing high-value coconut products which
were sourced from several COGENT member countries. In some
communities, the local government provided the needed
infrastructure and other facilities such as roads, training centres
and electrical power connections to support the project;
3. The project enriched the communities’ natural capital in the form
of important local coconut varieties which farmers identified and
characterized with the help of researchers and breeders and
propagated them in community-managed nurseries. The project
also facilitated the introduction of high-value coconut varieties in
the community thereby enhancing the diversity of their coconut
germplasm;
4. The project enhanced the communities’ social capital by
organizing the farmers into CBOs and strengthening and enabling
these organizations to effectively plan, manage and implement
income generating activities for its constituents;
5. The project provided the needed financial capital in the form of
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collateral-free revolving funds for the 25 CBOs to establish their

own microcredit systems, enabling poor farmers and women
without land or assets to engage in income generating activities;
and
6. The project enhanced the human capital of the communities,
empowering them through training to effectively and efficiently
carry out coconut-based sustainable livelihood activities. The
project trained over 17 000 community members on establishing
and managing CBOs and microcredit system, producing high-
value coconut products, intercropping cash and food security
intercrops, raising livestock in a coconut-based farming system
and producing feed/ fodder, and establishing and managing
seedling nurseries.
Project impact
The same surveys indicated how the benefits generated by the project
affected the lives of coconut farmers, particularly their socioeconomic
status. The identified initial impacts of the project include:
Impact on farm households

At the farm household level, income generating skills have been enhanced,
providing capable members of the family the opportunity to earn in each
of the four stages of the commodity chain - production, processing,
marketing and consumption– thereby increasing farm incomes by three
to five-fold compared to pre-project earnings. And because of additional
incomes and savings, more families were able to send their children to
school. Intercropping cooking banana, cassava, sweet potato, taro, yams,
maize, etc has enhanced food security, while raising vegetables and
livestock (native chicken for meat and eggs, goat and cattle for meat and
milk, ducks, etc) has improved nutrition. Engaging in collective work
has also promoted family cohesiveness.
Impact on communities
At the community level, the impact on women has been particularly
tremendous. The project enabled previously destitute and unemployed
or underemployed women to earn money, shed inhibitions and
empowered them to make informed decisions affecting their lives and,
in the process, raising their self-esteem. Unemployment rate in the
communities was significantly reduced as formerly idle labour was put
into productive use in various coconut-based income generating activities.
The project also encouraged community members to work in groups as
agricultural entrepreneurs, developing their business and group problem
solving skills.
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The project also increased farmers’ capabilities in optimally and

profitably managing their coconut farms, with many adopting the
modern, integrated coconut farming systems technique introduced by
the project and discarding their traditional methods which mainly
revolved around coconut monoculture. Due to the actual socioeconomic
benefits experienced by project participants in a period of three years,
the project has enhanced the attractiveness of coconut as a commercial
crop and has convinced farmers to plant and invest more in coconuts.
The project also increased the awareness of community members on
the importance and the need to conserve and promote diversity which is
imperative for sustained farm productivity. Because of its unique
combination of poverty reduction interventions, the project attracted the
attention and, therefore, the support of government, donors and other
stakeholders which benefited the participating communities. Its strategic
public awareness strategy made popular the participating communities,
so much so that others are looking up to them as models of how farmers,
working in unison towards a common goal, would be able to make a
significant difference in their own lives. Because of the participatory
approaches adopted by the project, the farmers’ sense of ownership and
community belonging were enhanced. The project not only improved
the quality of life of resource-poor farmers in coconut growing
communities but also prepared them socially, psychologically and
emotionally for longer-term socioeconomic development.
Impact on NARS
The survey respondents agreed that the project was able to enhance the
service capacity of the research implementing agencies in each of the
eight countries. The project improved the ‘bridging’ or facilitating role of
the implementing research institute by providing their scientists,
researchers and extension workers with the opportunity to test and
disseminate to resource-poor coconut growing communities
recommended technologies produced by their research programmes. This
has given the implementing agencies’ staff the needed exposure to actual
grassroots work and boost their confidence about their research. Some
project leaders also said that because of the various training and other
capacity-building activities conducted under the project, many of their
staff acquired new knowledge and skills, thereby “making them better
scientists and researchers”.
The establishment of community-managed nurseries enabled the
research institutes to conserve important local and introduced high-value
coconut varieties and promote their in situ and on-farm conservation
efforts. Also, the establishment and effective management of village-level
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seedling nurseries, as demonstrated by the communities, could lessen

the burden on the part of the NARS and the government in establishing
and maintaining a formal seed and seedling distribution system. If
replicated and scaled-up, this activity could help provide the framework
for establishing a community-managed informal seed distribution system
which is self-sustaining – a system in which the communities themselves
raise and propagate high-value and suitable varieties, providing the
necessary inputs, manpower and land while gaining income from them
as well. This could free up the NARS and the government from providing
the needed staff and other resources for this purpose and instead realign
them into other research areas that would benefit the poor coconut
farmers.
Strong linkages between government research institutions and poor
coconut growing communities have been established, effectively
mobilizing the former to help the latter. This has motivated government
researchers to deploy more research results, enhance and expand their
coconut-based farming systems research, and link with other relevant
research and development organizations.
As a result of the three years of research at the village level, CBO
members are now more cooperative with and trusting of government
organizations to help them. For the government coconut research
institutions, this project has given them an important experience and
impetus for developing a research agenda to refine and scale up similarly
designed poverty reduction research in coconut growing communities
in the future.
Impact on the coconut industry

As the project was implemented in only three to four communities per
country, the impact on the industry would not really be obvious at this
stage. However, potential impacts have been recognized.
The project demonstrated that diverse high-value products can be
made from all parts of the coconut (kernel, husk, shell, wood, water,
leaves) and that these could be marketed, thereby expanding the value
of coconut as a commodity crop and enhancing the competitiveness of
its value-added products in the global market. This could expand existing
local and international markets and create demand for new products.
This diversity of products that can be profitably produced by farmers at
the village level serves as an attractive incentive for them to plant more
coconuts, thereby making coconut production and marketing more
equitable and sustainable.
In conclusion, this farmer participatory poverty reduction project has

shown that poor coconut farmers could effectively manage their coconut
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and associated production systems to improve their lives. The project

has also shown in eight participating countries and other member
countries of COGENT that the coconut could be conserved and at the
same time optimally utilized to help improve the socioeconomic and
environmental conditions of poor rural coconut-growing communities
and countries. Based on the results of this project, IPGRI and COGENT
will convince and help these countries institutionalize and scale-up this
poverty reduction research intervention to maximize its benefits and
expand its impact.
Sustainability
Sustaining impact when a project phases out is a major concern especially
of those dealing with action research for development, in this case,
reducing poverty through the introduction and testing of various coconut-
based income-generating technologies. Under the project, this concern
was consciously addressed by adopting and integrating into its design
the sustainable livelihoods framework, which essentially calls for
identifying and implementing interventions to enhance the five capitals
(i.e., human, natural, social, physical and financial) as well as formulating
sustainability indicators for each intervention.
Human capital
In the project, human capital was enhanced through the conduct of
various training and capacity-building activities aimed at two essential
objectives: (1) to organize farmers into formal CBOs and strengthen these
organizations so that they would be able to effectively manage their own
affairs without the help of ‘outsiders’ even after the project terminates;
and (2) to build the capacity and skills of individual farmers to undertake
various income-generating activities to enable them to fully and profitably
engage in coconut-based enterprises in the future. Of course, building-
up the capacity of CBOs and its members through training is just one
aspect of enhancing human capital to ensure the sustainability of project
impact. Another equally important aspect is giving farmers a sense of
self-confidence, self-realization and fulfillment, which goes hand-in-hand
with training to tap into their potentials and develop their skills, which
the project helped achieve. Once these values are ingrained in them,
they would have the motivation and the spirit to continue to further
develop themselves and thereby contribute to the development of the
community in general.
169
Natural capital
It is an accepted fact that in order for the benefits and impact of this
project to endure long after it has terminated, the component central to
its strategy (i.e., coconut diversity) will have to be continuously enhanced.
Thus, the project has established a mechanism through community-
managed seedling nurseries that would assure the continuous on-farm
propagation of high-value and suitable coconut varieties. Catering to
both coconuts and various other intercrops, these integrated nurseries
would form the platform on which a self-sustaining, non-government
dependent, informal and village-level seed and seedling distribution
system could be built on. Such a system, which would benefit both the
farmers – as they would also earn from them – and the government –
they would free scarce resources needed to maintain such nurseries –
would ensure that coconut diversity, as well as the diversity of various
cash, food security and feed crops, in the communities would continue
to improve and flourish.
Social capital
The whole gamut of people, tradition and culture comprise what we call
a community’s ‘social fabric’. In the implementation of the project, the
enhancement of the social capital was taken into account by introducing
activities and technologies that are socially acceptable – those that do
not run counter to the existing norms of the people and the community.
This ensures that no friction is created between the project interventions
and the people who were supposed to adopt them. In Huntu, for example,
a predominantly Muslim project site in Indonesia, swine was not
introduced as livestock despite market surveys showing that pork has a
high demand in the neighbouring villages as this is in conflict with the
dominant religion in the area. Efforts like this would ensure that
interventions introduced would continue to be supported by the
community.
Under the project, individual farmers were encouraged to form
common-interest groups in undertaking similar income-generating
activities, which promoted social cohesiveness and group unity. In the
coconut fibre processing community of Tam Quan Nam in Vietnam, for
example, CBO members established a common area for dehusking,
decorticating and collecting fibre. Each member of the group takes turns
in operating and maintaining the machinery and the work area itself,
and as ‘payment’ they get processed coconut fibre which they then bring
home to use in producing ropes, mats, geotextile and other fibre-based
products. These are then collected and sold by the CBO on behalf of its
members, with part of the proceeds going to the further upkeep of the
170
machinery and equipment. Such a practice ensures that that machinery

and the processing area are well-kept, which would have been very
difficult if only the CBO did the job itself. This has proven to be so
successful that they are now constructing another building (shed) to house
one more set of fibre processing machinery, even after the project has
phased out in December 2004.
Additionally, there was conscious effort that technologies introduced
by the project would be simple enough that all the members of the family
would be able to take part in them. In raising poultry under coconut for
example, young children could feed the chickens before going to school
and after classes. In making single-ply fibre ropes, the technology is so
uncomplicated that even the grandparents could learn how to spin
coconut fibre, and the machine is very simple and inexpensive that a
family could own two or more units. In all, the project interventions and
activities promoted unified family work and bound the family closer
together with the common objective of contributing to the upliftment of
their plight. Social cohesiveness is vital if continuous community
development is to be achieved.
Physical capital
It goes without saying that infrastructure, machinery, equipment and
other physical facilities are important in a technology-based poverty
reduction project such as this. Under the project, the physical capital of
the communities was enhanced by introducing simple, inexpensive,
village-level machinery and equipment to process coconuts into high-
value, marketable products. This was a strategy adopted by the project
to ensure that successful technologies would easily be replicated, adapted
and expanded by the communities themselves at minimal cost but with
maximum benefit to its constituents, even when the project ended.
The project also promoted the interchange of technologies between
and among countries. The Vietnam model of the simple single-ply rope
making machine could now be seen in other countries which participated
in the project and who did not have this machine before. Another
example is the simple coconut virgin oil extracting machine of Sri Lanka,
which has been disseminated to other countries as well. Some of these
technologies and machines, shared in good faith by countries, have been
modified and adapted to suit the local conditions of the communities,
usually through the initiative of the CBOs themselves and with some
support from the national implementing agencies. These simple but highly
efficient and effective technologies, machinery and equipment would
provide the motivation for the communities and the farmers to continue
to adopt them since they provide additional income at minimum cost –
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an almost no lose situation for them. To protect the interest of the

inventors or developers of these village-level machineries and equipment,
a Material Transfer Agreement which binds recipients not to patent these
resources has been developed by IPGRI-COGENT.
Also, because of the project’s achievements, the local government
units have taken notice of the project sites that some of them provided
the needed infrastructure to support their development. Some have given
diesel-powered generators to run the dehusking and decorticating
machinery provided by the project, while others have improved the farm
to market roads going in and out of the project sites to help farmers
transport their products. Others have also promised to install transformers
to provide three-phase electrical line to a project site so that the CBO
members could cheaply operate coconut processing machinery which
presently runs on a diesel generator. These physical and infrastructure
improvements would go a long way in making sure that the project’s
interventions and impact would continue.
Financial capital
One of the main reasons why small-scale coconut farmers remain poor
is because they have very limited access to financial resources to diversify
and invest in higher-return, high-value income generating activities or
enterprises. As mentioned, most coconut farmers are marginalized –
with no land and collateral to obtain loans and are considered non-
bankable by formal lending institutions. This is also the reason why most
‘relief’ or dole-out projects fail – farmers have a very simple concept of
money - when you have it, you spend it, without consideration of paying
it back since it was ‘given’. Although the project provided funds to the
communities, these were mostly in the form of revolving funds for
microcredit that the CBO used to loan-out to members which were repaid
at nominal interest. At the onset of the project, the CBOs were told that
“nothing is free in this project”, that everything would have to be paid
back, except training and capacity building. With this principle in mind,
the CBOs were encouraged to develop their own microcredit lending
system, which would make their revolving fund grow. The establishment
of these microcredit systems provided the ‘non-bankable’ farmers access
to capital which they used to finance their various coconut-based income-
generating activities. This initiative proved successful that some CBOs
have doubled or almost tripled the original seed money given to them by
the project. Moreover, the microcredit system inculcated in the farmers
a sense of ‘pay back’ – meaning they have to work to repay what they
owe and not merely spend their money at whim. Such a system would
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ensure that farmers have continuous access to needed financial resources

to further expand their activities and at the same time catalyze the fiscal
growth of the CBO to serve more poor members.
Lessons learned
The lessons learned from the Poverty Reduction project were consolidated
from the various communications, correspondences and meetings with
the Country Project Leaders, Community Coordinators and project
participants; and from the reports submitted, and discussions with other
project staff and stakeholders, including partners and collaborators in
the project sites. Some of the lessons are not entirely new, and many cut
across various topics. There are 33 lesson points, which are listed below
and classified under eight major headings:
On implementing the project

1. A special arrangement to expedite the transmittal and release of funds
from the Implementing Agencies (IA) to the CBOs was necessary for
more efficient project implementation;
2. Staff assigned to the project should have been freed of some of their
regular institutional workload so that they could have focused more
on implementing and monitoring the activities of the project;
3. Formalizing the assignment of staff to the project (i.e., Programme
Leader, the Project Leader, Community Coordinators and members
of the Technical Support Team), indicating terms of reference, duties,
responsibilities and obligations, would have helped mitigate the delays
and difficulties caused by unexpected staff movement;
4. Having a senior staff of the IA as head of the Project Management
Team (i.e., Programme Leader) was advantageous in terms of project
implementation and team coordination; and
5. A comprehensive and exhaustive orientation and levelling off to get
a clear grasp of the nature, concept, rationale, strategy, objectives
and overall goal of the project could have prevented the confusion as
to the true nature of the project that was evident among some project
implementers and participants.
On transferring coconut-based income-generating technologies

through on farm and off farm trials
6. Different people had different but equally valid reasons and
motivations for choosing to be involved or not to be involved in certain
project-related activities; therefore, not all people tried all the
technologies being tested or introduced or, conversely, not all
technologies introduced suited all project participants. The reasons
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and motivations of farmers for testing and adopting or not adopting

project interventions need to be further identified and studied;
7. Testing and introduction of improved livestock breeds, specifically of
poultry, did not always translate to immediate adoption of the
technology by farmers as the latter have a different set of criteria
than researchers or scientists in selecting the poultry type they would
adopt;
8. Exchange visits were effective mechanisms in promoting and
disseminating various coconut-based income generating technologies
and in catalyzing in-country and international partnerships and
collaboration;
9. Making people fully understand the purpose and advantages of
forming focused groups and letting them do so at their own choice
and pace was better than ‘forcing’ them to establish or join a group
just for the sake of meeting the project’s requirements but not really
understanding why; and
10. A ‘blue print’ project design was not always suitable or applicable to
different communities in different countries with highly-diverse
peoples and distinct cultures.
On managing community-based organizations

11. The success of the CBO, as with any other organization, hinged much
on the leadership qualities and dedication of its officers;
12. Since the project both strengthened CBOs in areas where one already
existed and established new CBOs in communities where there was
none before, it was recognized that the former was more
advantageous in terms of producing more results given the activities
and time frame of the project; and
13. The CBO, to continue to effectively function as a social organization,
also needed to earn income to sustain itself.
On monitoring and evaluating the project

14. Designing a project Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) system and
its tools without the inputs or participation of those who were
supposed to regularly implement them, especially Project Leaders and
Community Coordinators, was ill-advised as monitoring and
reporting became unfocused;
15. Limited, and oftentimes difficult, accessibility to some of the project
sites posed some challenges to project implementation, monitoring
and evaluation;
16. The country project leader and project support/ technical team should
be physically located as near as possible to each other and the project
sites;
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17. The project Community Coordinators should be located in the same

community where the project is being implemented;
18. Project IA staff (other than the Community Coordinators) should be
extensively immersed in the field to get the “feel” of the community
and to earn the trust and respect of its members; and
19. Documenting project success stories and lessons are effective
approaches in highlighting critical changes in the participants’ lives,
in rallying support for the communities and in learning from past
mistakes and successes to make the future, and ourselves, better.
On building the capacity of CBO members

20. Purposeful hands-on training is the most effective method to maximize
farmer learning;
21. Men and women have different reasons and considerations in joining
project activities. Therefore, training requires gender-specific
approaches which take into account such differences;
22. Participation in training activities is not always possible for those who
live far from the project community proper;
23. Transfer of technologies within the CBO – members training other
members – was a long and often arduous process which largely
depended on the kind of the technologies to be transferred;
24. Building the organizational management capacity of both IA staff
and CBO officers to implement and manage project interventions
should have been given top priority; and
25. Linking the project with providers of training and capacity building
support services could make capacity building activities sustainable.
On marketing
26. Encouraging and helping farmers diversify into more than one income-
generating activity or enterprise was better than persuading them to
pursue just one. This not only provides them with more earning
options but more importantly, it spreads out the risks in case one
activity fails or if the market becomes saturated with one of the
products;
27. Poor transport infrastructure (farm-to-market roads) and facilities
negate the benefits realized from increased farm productivity; and
28. Linking with specialized associations or organizations dealing with
product and market development was a good approach in developing
and promoting the products of the CBOs.
On establishing and managing a village-level microcredit system

29. The community microcredit systems that were generally successful
usually shared common characteristics, which are: (a) provision of
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small, non-collateralized loans in cash or in-kind; (b) flexible

repayment in cash or in-kind; and (c) with technical backstopping
and training support;
30. Employing people who are well-respected and highly-regarded in
the community increased the recovery rate of loans; and
31. An elaborate yet simple screening process for borrowers and applying
social pressure to collect payments helped in recovering loans.
On promoting coconut diversity (planting of coconut seedlings)

32. Involving the landowners in communities where most farmers are
tenants proved to be beneficial in promoting the diversity of coconuts
and other crops; and
33. Land tenure, farm size and perceived benefits were major determining
factors in encouraging or discouraging farmers to plant coconut
seedlings.
Constraints and recommendations
Constraints
1. The delayed release of donor funds to IPGRI and consequently to the
implementing agencies which delayed the overall implementation of
the project. This was alleviated by initiating the project using the
counterpart funds of IPGRI and the eight participating national
research organizations;
2. The replacement of the project leader of the Philippines in the middle
of the project and of Fiji close to the end of the project. This was
remedied by the accelerated support to the project through the effort
of consultants and the Project Coordinator;
3. Reservation of some countries in sharing their coconut processing
equipment, machineries and technologies. This was remedied through
the development of a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA) binding
recipient countries not to acquire patents to transferred equipment
and machineries. Interest to share technologies was increased by
convincing more countries to also share their processing technologies
on a reciprocal basis; and
4. Lack of technical staff from national coconut research organizations
to provide adequate technical support to the project. This will be
remedied in the future projects by negotiating with the implementing
agency to provide this much needed technical support.
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Recommendations
1. IPGRI and its partner implementing agencies should regularly monitor
the status of project assets which were transferred to the 25 CBOs
including their use of the project machineries and revolving funds
for income generating activities.
2. The activities in the 25 communities as indicated in item 1 above
should be complemented by additional project activities under the
newly approved IFAD-funded Technical Assistance Grant to IPGRI
entitled ‘Overcoming poverty reduction in coconut growing
communities’ which will involve 15 countries including four of the
previous ADB-funded RETA.
3. IPGRI should institutionalize and enhance sustainability elements by
linking the communities and research organizations with support
groups in the public and private sector.
4. IPGRI should scale up the project by helping countries develop their
research agenda on poverty reduction in coconut growing
communities and loan-based project proposals in order to develop a
critical mass of research to help the neglected coconut sector.
Acknowledgment
IPGRI and COGENT would like to thank the eight NARs organizations,
the three NGOs and the 25 CBOs which collaborated with IPGRI to
implement the project; IFAD in funding the first initiative which identified
initial high-value coconut products and production systems for increasing
farmers’ incomes; DFID in supporting the identification and
socioeconomic profiling of the 25 project sites; and ADB in supporting
the large-scale testing of technologies and strategies, empowerment and
capacity building and overall management of the project. Last but not
least, IPGRI-COGENT would like to thank the over 17 000 poor coconut
farmers and socioeconomically disadvantaged women who organized
themselves and collaborated with each other to improve their lives.
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Annex 1. List of participating national coconut research agen-

cies, non-governmental organizations and community-based
organizations in the Poverty Reduction in Coconut Growing
Communities Project
National Research Institutes:

1. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Bangladesh
2. Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), India
3. Coconut Research Institute (CRI), Sri Lanka
4. Indonesian Center for Estate Crops Research & Development
(ICECRD), Indonesia
5. Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippines
6. Oil Plant Institute of Vietnam (OPI), Vietnam
7. Ministry of Agriculture, Sugar and Land Resettlement (MASLR), Fiji
8. Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI), Papua New Guinea
Non-governmental Organizations:
1. Banchte Shekha Foundation, Sri Lanka
2. Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation, Vayalar, India
3. Siyath Foundation, Sri Lanka
Community-based Organizations:
Bangladesh
1. Bandabila Coconut Community, Bandabila, Jessore District
2. Chandrapara Coconut Community, Chandrapara, Barisal District
3. Banchte Shekha (BS) Coconut Community, Jamira, Khulna District
India
4. Ariyankuppam Community Coconut Farmers’ Association,
Ariyankuppam
5. Pallikkara Community Coconut Development Centre, Pallikkara
6. Vayalar Community Development Centre, Vayalar, Kerala
Sri Lanka
7. Thuthipiritigama Entrepreneurship Development Society,
Thuthipiritigama, Hettipola, Kurunugala, Northwestern Province
8. Womens Savings Effort, Wilpotha, Puttalam, Western Province
9. Dodanduwa Womens Collective, Dodanduwa, Galle, Southern Prov-
ince
178
Indonesia
10. Kelompok Tani Kelapa Harapan Wori, Wori, Wori District, Minahasa
Regent, North Sulawesi
11. Kelompok Tani Kelapa Momosad Nonapan I, Nonapan, Poigor Dis-
trict, Bolaang Mongondow Regent, North Sulawesi
12. Kelompok Tani Kelapa Huyula Huntu, Huntu-Batudaa, Bongomeme
District, Donggala Regent, Gorontalo Province
Philippines
13. Malapad Integrated Livelihood Cooperative, Malapad, Real, Quezon
14. Bahay Patol Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Coopera-
tive, Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental
15. Linabu Coconut Planters’ Association, Linabu, Misamis Oriental
16. Fleischer Estate Integrated Marketing Cooperative, Old Poblacion,
Maitum, Saranggani (associated CBO)
Vietnam
17. Hung Phong/Phong Nam Coconut Communes, Hung Phong and
Phong Nam, Giong Trom District, Ben Tre Province
18. Xuan Dong Coconut Community, Xuan Dong, Tien Giang Province
19. Tam Quan Nam Coconut Community, Tam Quan Nam, Binh Dinh
Province
Fiji
20. Tukavesi Development Association, Tukavesi, Savusavu
21. Belego Multiracial Farmers Association, Belego, Wailevo, Savusavu
22. Cicia Women’s Group, Cicia Island
Papua New Guinea

23. Murukanam Community Association, Murukanam, Madang Prov-
ince
24. Transgogol Community Association, Transgogol, Madang Province
25. Last Karkar Community Association, Last Karkar, Madang Province
179
Annex 2. Summary of activities and target outputs of the eight countries participating in COGENT’s
Poverty Reduction Project (January 2002 to December 2004)
180
Target Outputs
Project Activities India
Papua Ne
Sri Lanka c/o CPCRI c/o Peekay Bangladesh Indonesia Philippines Fiji
Guinea
(2 sites) Tree (1 site)
I. Capacity Building
A. Establishment &
strengthening of
Community-Based
Organizations (CBOs)
(CBO incorporated and 3 CBOs 2 CBOs 1 CBO 3 CBOs 3 CBOs 3 CBOs 3 CBOs 3 CBOs
registered with
appropriate government
agency)
B. Training of Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project
officers/leaders and site: site: site: site: site: site: site: site:
members on : 10 officers/ 10 officers/ 10 officers/ 10 officers/ 10 officers/ 10 officers/ 10 officers/ 10 officers/
(1) CBO management leaders leaders leaders leaders leaders leaders leaders leaders
and responsibilities; at least 100 at least 100 at least 100 at least 100 at least 100 at least 100 at least 100 at least 100
and members members members members members members members members
(2) Microcredit system
and management
C. Identification of Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project
marketable products site: site: site: site: site: site: site: site:
At least: At least: At least: At least: At least: At least: At least: At least:
3 high value 3 high value 3 high value 3 high value 3 high value 3 high value 3 high value 3 high valu
coconut coconut coconut coconut coconut coconut coconut coconut
products products products products products products products products
3 crop 3 crop 3 crop 3 crop 3 crop 3 crop 3 crop 3 crop
3 livestock 3 livestock 3 livestock 3 livestock 3 livestock 3 livestock 3 livestock 3 livestock
D. Evaluation of oil Per country: Per country: - Per country: Per country: Per country: Per country: Per country:
extraction machines 2 machines 2 machines 2 machines 2 machines 2 machines 2 machines 2 machines
E. Evaluation of other Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project Per project
processing machines site: site: site: site: site: site: site: site:
(Each country should At least 1 At least 1 At least 1 At least 1 At least 1 At least 1 At least 1 At least 1
evaluate at least 3 of 5 machinery for machinery for machinery for machinery for machinery for machinery for machinery for machinery fo
machines for meat, fibre, meat, fibre, meat, fibre, meat, fibre, meat, fibre, meat, fibre, meat, fibre, meat, fibre, meat, fibre,
shell, leaf & wood shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or
products) wood product wood product wood product wood product wood product wood product wood product wood produc
Project Activities
F. Development of action
plans for income-
Sri Lanka
generating activities
1. Farmers’ action plan 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project
2. Women’s action plan 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project site 1 per project
G. Fabrication of selected Per country: Per project site: Per project site: Per country: Per country: Per country: Per country: Per country:
inexpensive processing 1-3 machines 1-3 machines 1-3 machines 1-3 machines 1-3 machines 1-3 machines 1-3 machines 1-3 machine
machines from (E) above
(2 sites)
c/o CPCRI
II. Training of Farmers and Women
India
A. High-value coconut Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
products 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
participants participants participants participants participants participants participants participants
with at least with at least with at least with at least with at least with at least with at least with at leas
20% women 20% women 20% women 20% women 20% women 20% women 20% women 20% wome
c/o Peekay
Tree (1 site)
at least 2 at least 2 at least 2 at least 2 at least 2 at least 2 at least 2 at least 2
researchers researchers researchers researchers researchers researchers researchers researchers
and 4 and 4 and 4 and 4 and 4 and 4 and 4 and 4
extension extension extension extension extension extension extension extension
workers workers workers workers workers workers workers workers
B. Intercropping Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
Bangladesh
researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers
4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension
Indonesia
C. Livestock production
Target Outputs
Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100
researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers & researchers
Philippines
4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension 4 extension

181
Fiji
Guinea
Papua Ne
Target Outputs
Papua Ne
182
Guinea
D. Feed formulation Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
At least 5 At least 5 At least 5 At least 5 At least 5 At least 5 At least 5 At least 5
farmers trained farmers trained farmers trained farmers trained farmers trained farmers trained farmers trained farmers train
in item (C) in item (C) in item (C) in item (C) in item (C) in item (C) in item (C) in item (C)
above above above above above above above above
III. Production and Marketing

A. Identification, Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
production and
At least 3 At least 3 At least 3 At least 3 At least 3 At least 3 At least 3 At least 3
marketing of high-value
different high- different high- different high- different high- different high- different high- different high- different high
coconut products
value coconut value coconut value coconut value coconut value coconut value coconut value coconut value coconu
products (one products (one products (one products (one products (one products (one products (one products (on
from meat, fibre, from meat, fibre, from meat, fibre, from meat, fibre, from meat, fibre, from meat, fibre, from meat, fibre, from meat, fi
shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or shell, leaf or
wood) wood) wood) wood) wood) wood) wood) wood)
IV. Intercropping Trials

A. Cash crops Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
3 types of 3 types of 3 types of 3 types of 3 types of 3 types of 3 types of 3 types of
annuals annuals annuals annuals annuals annuals annuals annuals
perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial perennial
crop crop crop crop crop crop crop crop
farmers farmers farmers farmers farmers farmers farmers farmers
involved involved involved involved involved involved involved involved
B. Food security crops Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
crops crops crops crops crops crops crops crops
involved involved involved involved involved involved involved involved
C. Sourcing and CRISL (for CPCRI Coconut BARI Agricultural PCA Wainigata PNGCCRI
propagation of quality coconut Kerala Agri. Development BADC University Research NARI
plant materials for seednuts) University Board DAE and State Station DAL
intercrops identified in Agrarian (KAU) CPCRI Hort Centre Government local
(A) and (B) above services Tamil Nadu Agricultural extension
centers Agri. University services
University Department compound
(TNAU)
State Gov’t
Centers
Target Outputs
Papua Ne
Guinea
V. Livestock
A. Livestock production Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock
involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at
least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50
B. Pasture, fodder and Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
legumes At least 1 type At least 1 type At least 1 type At least 1 type At least 1 type At least 1 type At least 1 type At least 1 typ
each of each of each of each of each of each of each of each of
pasture, pasture, pasture, pasture, pasture, pasture, pasture, pasture,
legume & legume & legume & legume & legume & legume & legume & legume &
fodder, fodder, fodder, fodder, fodder, fodder, fodder, fodder,
involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at involving at
least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50 least 50
C. Local feed formulation Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
by each CBO At least 1 feed At least 1 feed At least 1 feed At least 1 feed At least 1 feed At least 1 feed At least 1 feed At least 1 fee
formulation per formulation per formulation per formulation per formulation per formulation per formulation per formulation p
type of type of type of type of type of type of type of type of
livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock livestock
D. Sourcing and CRISL KAU KAU Livestock Livestock DAR cattle Animal Health Dept. of Ag
multiplication of quality VRISL TNAU Animal Research State dispersal & Production & Livestock
livestock for loan or Local State Husbandry Institute Government programme Division research
distribution livestock Government Department Center
distribution Centers National
Suggestion: CBOs should programmes banks’ loan
explore the possibility of programmes
linking with appropriate Nabard
NGOs for this activity
183
Target Outputs
Papua Ne
184
Guinea
VI. Conservation and Enhancement of Coconut Diversity
A. Characterization of CRISL CPCRI Survey to be BARI scientists RICP and PCA-ZRC to Taveuni Survey to be
existing coconut scientists to scientists to conducted to characterize CRIEC conduct Coconut Center conducted
varieties in each characterize characterize coconut scientists to varietal & Wainigata
project site using: coconut coconut varieties in characterize surveys in Research
1. Farmers’ protocol (to varieties in varieties in each each site using coconut each site Station
be provided by each site site the varieties in each scientists to
COGENT) STANTECH site characterize
2. STANTECH protocol Manual coconut
3. Molecular markers - varieties in each
COGENT to provide site
additional budget
(except those with
asterisk*) *
B. Identification of high- Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
yielding (HY) and 3 HY 3 HY 3 HY 3 HY 3 HY 3 HY 3 HY 3 HY

high-value (HV) 2 HV 2 HV 2 HV 2 HV 2 HV 2 HV 2 HV 2 HV
coconut varieties
C. Establishment of Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
community-managed 2 coconut 2 coconut 2 coconut 2 coconut 2 coconut 2 coconut 2 coconut 2 coconut
nurseries for nurseries nurseries nurseries nurseries nurseries nurseries nurseries nurseries
propagation & sale of: 1 integrated 1 integrated 1 integrated 1 integrated 1 integrated 1 integrated 1 integrated 1 integrated
1 Coconuts nursery for nursery for nursery for nursery for nursery for nursery for nursery for nursery for
2. Intercrops intercrops intercrops intercrops intercrops intercrops intercrops intercrops intercrops
3. Pasture/Fodder/ and pasture/ and pasture/ and pasture/ and pasture/ and pasture/ and and pasture/ and pasture
Legumes fodder/ fodder/ fodder/ fodder/ fodder/ pasture/fodde fodder/ fodder/
legumes legumes legumes legumes legumes r/ legumes legumes legumes
D. Planting of 5 coconut Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project s
seedlings per year per year: per year: per year: per year: per year: per year: per year: per year:
5 seedlings per 5 seedlings per 5 seedlings per 5 seedlings per 5 seedlings per 5 seedlings per 5 seedlings per 5 seedlings p
100 farmer/ 100 farmer/ 100 farmer/ 100 farmer/ 100 farmer/ 100 farmer 100 farmer/ 100 farmer/
women women women women women /women women women
VII. Dissemination and Promotion of Research Results

A. Development of Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project site Per project s
Techno guides (TGs) / per year: per year: per year: per year: per year: per year: per year: per year:
Extension Bulletins 3 TGs (in 6 TGs/EBs 3 EBs (local 2 TGs (local 2 TGs/ EBs 15 TGs (local 2 TGs/EBs at least 3
(EBs) English & relevant language) dialects) (relevant dialects) (relevant TGs/EBs
national languages 2 EBs languages/ languages/
language) dialects) dialects)
1 brochure on
HVP
Target Outputs
Papua Ne
Guinea
B. Seminar/presentation At least once a At least once a 2 seminars per 4 seminars per At least once a At least once a At least once a At least once
about project year year year year year year year year
C. Publication of scientific At least 1 At least 1 At least 1 At least 1 3 scientific 2 scientific 3 scientific 3 scientific
paper scientific paper scientific paper scientific paper scientific paper papers per papers per papers per papers per
per year per year per year per year year year year year
D. Publication of public At least 2 per 6 in the local & 3 in the local & At least 2 per 6 in the local & 6 in the local & 3 in the 3 in the local
awareness materials in year national dailies national dailies year national dailies national dailies national dailies national daili
the national dailies per year per year per year per year per year per year
E. Field days At least twice At least twice At least twice At least twice At least twice At least twice At least twice At least twice
per year per per year per per year per site per year per site per year per site per year per per year per per year per
site site site site site
VIII. Project Meetings and Site Visits
A. Meeting of CBO Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
officers/ leaders Once a month Once a month Once a month Once a month Once a month Once a month Once a month Once a mont
with report with report with report with report with report with report with report with report
submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted
B. Meeting of CBO Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
members Once per year Once per year Once per year Once per year Once per year Once per year Once per year Once per ye
with report with report with report with report with report with report with report with report
submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted submitted
C. Site visits by project Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project site: Per project si
leader At least once At least once At least once At least once At least once At least once At least once At least once
every 2 months every 2 months every 2 months every 2 months every 2 months every 2 months every 2 months every 2 mon
D. Group meetings of Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year
country project leader (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual
and three community
coordinators
E. Meetings of project Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year Twice a year
leader with project (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual) (semiannual
technical support
team
185
Target Outputs
186
Papua Ne
Guinea
IX. Reporting
th th th th th th th th
A. Report of community 30 of every 30 of every 30 of every 30 of every 30 of every 30 of every 30 of every 30 of every
coordinator to project month month month month month month month month
leader
B. Technical and Every year: Every year: Every year: Every year: Every year: Every year: Every year: Every year:
financial report of 15 June and 15 15 June and 15 15 June and 15 15 June and 15 15 June and 15 15 June and 15 15 June and 15 15 June and
project leader to IPGRI Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec
C. Integrated donor report

30th June and 30th December of every project year
of IPGRI to ADB
X. Provision of equipment
1
A. Computer 1 unit - 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit 1 unit
B. Motorcycles 2 3 units 2 units - 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units 3 units
1
The computer and colour printer are for the exclusive use of the project leaders for official communications/e-mail, report preparations, design and printing of Technoguides/
Extension Bulletins (with coloured cover pages), production of training materials and other public awareness materials and/or for other purposes related to the implementation
of the project. If the project leader is changed or replaced, the said equipment must be turned over to his/her replacement.
2
The motorcycles are intended for the exclusive use of the community coordinators for organizing, monitoring and implementing project activities in their respective project
sites. The country coordinators are expected to maintain and use the motorcycle for purposes related to the project only. In case the community coordinator is changed or
replaced, the motorcycle should be turned over to his/her replacement.
Annex 3. Summary of achievements of COGENT’s Poverty Reduction project (January 2002 - De-
cember 2004)
P
Farmers Farmers
Nurseries Farmers awa
No. of Seedlings involved involved
Country and name No. of established Seednuts involved in activ
Name of CBO training planted in in high-
of community members (coconut/ propagated intercropping mat
participants* on farm livestock value
integrated) trials pub
trials products
disse
Bangladesh 325 4980 9 5100 3473 185 115 210
• Bandabila, Bandabila Coconut 100 1660 3 1700 1152 42 43 60
Bagharpara, Community
Jessore
• Chandrapara, Chandrapara 100 1660 3 1700 571 61 39 50
Babugonj, Coconut Community
Barisal
• Jamira, Banchte Shekha 125 1660 3 1700 1750 82 33 100
Phultalam, (BS) Coconut
Khulna Community
Fiji 453 1919 2 1000 1257 32 454 17
• Tukavesi, Tukavesi 128 553 1 500 461 5 128 -

Cakaudrove Development
Association
• Belego Wailevu Belego Multiracial 105 456 1 500 596 27 106 12
Farmers Association
• Cicia Island Cicia Women’s 220 910 0 0 200 - 220 5
Group
India 1692 3269 15 5600 8800 370 759 615
• Vayalar, Kerala Vayalar Community 900 1615 9 2000 7000 230 227 315
Development
Project
• Ariyankuppam, Ariyankuppam 320 925 3 1800 1800 120 60 300
Pondicherry Commune Coconut
Farmers Association
• Pallikara, Pallikere Community 472 729 3 1800 - 20 472
Kasaragod Coconut Dev.
Centre
Indonesia 748 1009 9 6727 6975 82 748 100
• Wori, Wori Kelompok Tani 257 328 3 2227 1496 20 257 36
District, Kelapa Harapan
Minahasa Wori
Regent
187
• Nonapan, Poigor Kelompok Tani 355 357 3 2500 4289 50 355 23

District, Bolaang Kelapa Momosad
Mongondow Nonapan I
Regent
P
Farmers Farmers
188
trials products
disse
• Huntu, Kelompok Tani 136 324 3 2000 1190 12 136 41

Bongomeme Kelapa Huyula
District, Huntu
Donggala
Regent
Papua New Guinea 524 358 3 3000 9937 126 418 89
• Murukanam, Barem Community 226 171 1 1000 7757 13 120 38

Madang Association
• Transgogol, Transgogol 198 109 1 1000 1180 113 198 30
Madang Community
Association
Last Karkar 100 78 1 1000 1000 - 100 21
• Last Karkar,
Madang Community
Association
Philippines 740 1609 5/2 27 674 22 728 334 473 378
• Malapad, Real, Malapad Integrated 145 583 2/0 6589 1610 101 290 123
Quezon Livelihood
Cooperative
• Caliling, Bahay Patol ARB 129 380 1/1 1535 2446 125 71 49
Cauayan, (Agrarian Reform
Negros Beneficiaries)
Occidental Multipurpose
Cooperative
• Linabu, Linabu Coconut 109 386 1/1 16 000 18 672 45 53 125
Balingasag, Planters Association
Misamis Oriental
• Old Poblacion, Fleischer Estate 357 260 1/0 3550 - 63 59 81
Maitum, Integrated Marketing
Saranggani Cooperative
Sri Lanka 780 1287 0/6 9900 8041 197 328 168
• Dodanduwa, Dodanduwa 420 410 0/1 3290 910 62 214 62

Galle District Women’s Collective
• Thuttiripitigama, Thuttiripitigama 160 430 0/2 3305 3481 77 63 53
Hettipola Entrepreurship
Development
Society
P
Farmers Farmers
trials products
disse
• Wilpotha, Women’s Savings 200 447 0/3 3305 3650 58 51 53

Puttalam District Effort
Vietnam 453 2961 0/6 6500 3310 267 744 428
• Hung Phong & Hung Phong/Phong 103 730 0/3 5000 2000 102 319 88
Phong Nam, Nam Coconut 100 513 0/2 500 400 56 238 175
Giong Trom, Community
Ben Tre
• Xuan Dong, Tien Xuan Dong Coconut 100 321 0 410 72 24
Giang Community
• Tam Quan Nam, Tam Quan Nam 150 1397 0/1 1000 500 37 163 165
Binh Dinh Coconut Community
TOTAL for eight 25 CBOs/ farmers’

5715 17 392 43/14 65 501 64 521 1593 4039 2005
countries associations
*Some farmers attended multiple training activities

**Additional project fact sheets for each community have been disseminated during the field days in February-March 2003 (India - 3, Sri Lanka - 3, Vietnam – 3, Indonesia
- 3); also includes media (TV and radio) coverage
189
Global coconut conservation strategy

P Batugal1,2 and V Ramanatha Rao2
COGENT Coordinator and 2Senior Scientists, International Plant Genetic Resources
1
Institute – Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
In 1992, at the request of the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research, the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (COGENT) was launched by the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI). Starting with 15 countries, COGENT rapidly
developed into an active global Network currently involving 38 coconut
producing countries (Table 1). The establishment of COGENT paved the
way for the global and regional coordination of coconut conservation
efforts.. However, with the increasing threat of genetic erosion and the
increasing poverty in coconut growing communities, there is a need to
further support these initial initiatives of coconut growing countries to
upgrade the collections and to enhance and accelerate the documentation,
evaluation, conservation and use of coconut genetic resources.

Southeast and East Africa/Indian Latin America/
South Asia South Pacific
Asia Ocean Caribbean
1. China 1. Bangladesh 1. Cooke Is. 1. Benin 1. Brazil

2. Indonesia 2. India 2. Fiji 2. Cote d’Ivoire 2. Colombia
6. Thailand 5. Solomon Is. 6. Mozambique 6. Haiti
10. Trinidad-
Tobago
Over the past three years, COGENT has conducted several consultations
on the conservation and use of coconut diversity to assist coconut growing
member countries to develop a progressive conservation strategy. Such a
strategy aims to optimize the conservation of as much representative
diversity as possible in the most cost-effective manner for the short,
medium and long term. These consultations led to a draft Global Coconut
Conservation Strategy. In November 2004, the Global Crop Diversity
Trust supported a meeting with of the major coconut producing countries
to review and update the strategy and identify priority conservation
activities.
190
The updated strategy was referred to the COGENT Steering

Committee, to coconut growing countries and COGENT partner research
organizations and, based on the feedbacks received, this revised draft
was produced. The strategy will be finalized at the next COGENT Steering
Committee meeting in India in November 2006. The resulting Global
Coconut Conservation Strategy defines the framework for promoting
the effective conservation and use of coconut genetic resources over the
next 10 years to guide coconut producing countries in developing their
own conservation strategies. This strategy and the identified priority
activities are described below.
Integrated approach to coconut conservation

The coconut conservation strategy is anchored in promoting the
sustainable protection of diversity and maximizing its use. In developing
the conservation strategy, coconut growing countries recognized that
no one method of conservation can meet all conservation needs and that
there is a need to employ a combination of methods to ensure the
sustainable conservation of as much diversity as possible. The strategy
encourages the participation of governments, partner organizations in
both developing and developed countries, NGOs and coconut farmers
themselves.
The components of the conservation strategy are: 1) conservation in
national field collections; 2) conservation in the multi-site International
Coconut Genebank; 3) in vitro embryo culture and cryopreservation; 4)
In situ and on-farm conservation; 5) Promoting conservation through
use by : a) developing and implementing a globally coordinated coconut
breeding programme, b) establishing farmer community-managed
coconut seedling nurseries in at least 25 countries, c) linking germplasm
conservation and use with the broader areas of research and development
assigned to CIRAD (agro-physiology and crop protection) and APCC
(processing and marketing) by PROCORD; d) developing and
disseminating catalogues of conserved germplasm and farmers’ varieties;
and e) upgrading and wider use of the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD).
Scope and status of coconut conservation
Conservation in national field collections

National governments, through their coconut research institutes or their
equivalents hold important coconut germplasm collections in their
research stations. To date, 22 countries have conserved, characterized
and registered their data on a total of 1416 accessions in the International
191
Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD, Table 2). Gaps in collections

in the South Pacific Island countries, especially in the atolls, have been
identified in a CIRAD survey, and in the Indian Ocean countries through
a CPCRI-India survey. There is a need to enhance collecting and
conservation from these climate change-vulnerable island countries to
address the threat of genetic erosion due to global warming. There is also
a need to identify, collect and conserve germplasm with resistance/
tolerance to the dreaded lethal yellowing disease in Africa and in the
LAC region; to the foliar decay disease in Vanuatu; and the cadang-
cadang disease in the Philippines. Due to climate change, there is a need
to identify, collect and conserve drought-tolerant germplasm, noting that
almost all coconuts are grown in rainfed conditions. Finally, there is a
need to collect and conserve materials with specific characteristics for
coconut product value addition that could produce high-value products
for poor coconut farmers.
Conservation in COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut

Genebank
While national coconut field genebanks are important sources of
germplasm for exchange, germplasm exchange among countries has been
limited due to political and technical constraints.
To address these constraints, and to foster an efficient and effective
system of germplasm exchange and conservation, the COGENT Steering
Committee decided to establish a multi-site International Coconut
Genebank (ICG) in 1995. The ICG today comprises 4 regional genebanks
hosted by Indonesia for Southeast and East Asia, Papua New Guinea for
the South Pacific, India for South Asia and Côte d’Ivoire for Africa and
the Indian Ocean. Negotiations are underway to establish a 5th regional
genebank in Brazil.
The ICG field genebank collections are held in trust under the auspices
of FAO. The designated germplasm is shared under the terms of material
transfer agreements agreed with FAO. The ICG field genebanks are
established, maintained and managed by national programmes with
guidance from COGENT and IPGRI. The conservation strategy envisions
that the ICG laboratories and facilities will be further developed and
upgraded the enable them to further locate representative diversity,
identify and eliminate duplicates, conduct disease indexing, process pollen
and embryos for export, conduct cryopreservation and train coconut
researchers from member countries in evaluating, conserving and using
germplasm.
The mandates of the International Coconut Genebank are: 1) to
conserve nationally and regionally identified priority diversity; 2) to
192
Table 2. Documented data on national collections in the CGRD with percentage of

passport descriptors (P) and evaluation descriptors (E) and the number
with photographs and molecular data)
Number of
Site E=0 0<E≤25 25<E≤50 50<E≤75 75≤E≤100
accessions
CNRA Marc Delorme Research Station,
Côte d'Ivoire 99 0 28 28 43 0
Coconut Programme, OPRI, Ghana 16 12 0 4 0 0
CRC Sémé Podji, LOCATION Benin 4 0 0 4 0 0
National Coconut Development
Programme, Tanzania 72 0 3 69 0 0
AFRICAN REGION 191 12 31 105 43 0
Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de
Yucatan, Mexico 20 0 19 1 0 0
Coconut Industry Board, Jamaica 60 0 2 58 0 0
EMBRAPA, Brazil 16 0 0 16 0 0
LATIN AMERICA-CARIBBEAN
REGION 96 0 21 75 0 0
BARI, Bangladesh 40 0 3 3 34 0
Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka 78 0 14 51 13 0
CPCRI, India 212 0 1 138 73 0
RS, Pakistan 32 0 32 0 0 0
SOUTH ASIAN REGION 362 0 50 192 120 0
Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute,
PNG 3 0 0 3 0 0
Ministry of Agriculture, Tonga 7 0 6 1 0 0
Saraoutou Research Station, Vanuatu 79 0 6 10 1 62
Stewart Research Station, PNG 54 0 0 54 0 0
Taveuni Coconut Centre, Fiji 11 0 4 3 4 0
RS, Western Samoa 9 0 0 9 0 0
RS Yandina, Solomon Islands 21 0 0 21 0 0
SOUTH PACIFIC REGION 184 0 16 101 5 62
RS, China 17 0 0 17 0 0
Department of Agriculture, Sabah
Malaysia 45 0 15 30 0 0
MARDI Hilir Perak, Malaysia 44 0 5 2 37 0
Bone Bone Experimental Garden, S.
Sulawesi, Indonesia 41 0 0 41 0 0
Mapanget Experimental Garden, N.
Pakuwon Experimental Garden, W.
Java, Indonesia 25 0 0 25 0 0
Sikijang Experimental Garden,
Indonesia 30 0 0 30 0 0
Philippine Coconut Authority,
Philippines 224 0 5 138 81 0
Chumphon Hort. Research Centre,
Thailand 52 0 0 52 0 0
Dong Go Experimental Center,
/Vietnam 31 0 15 12 4 0
SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION 583 0 69 392 122 0
TOTAL FOR ALL REGIONS 1416 12 187 865 290 62
193
conserve internationally identified priority diversity; 3) to further assess

the diversity, evaluate the performance of the conserved germplasm and
disseminate related information to coconut-producing countries; 4) to
make germplasm available to interested coconut-producing countries in
accordance with agreed protocols; and 5) to conduct research and training
in relation to the above.
By 2010, each ICG plans to conserve a maximum of 200 accessions in
the regional field genebanks. The material will be contributed by coconut-
producing countries in each region. This number is an estimate of the
optimum representation of regional diversity that can be maintained by
each host country using its national resources. Care has been taken to
ensure that each accession included is unique and is not a duplicate and
this is currently being further validated using molecular marker studies
Accessions are imported in the form of excised embryos, grown in vitro
in the embryo culture laboratory, transplanted into the greenhouse and
eventually into the field. These accessions, which are planted in the field
genebank of about 200 hectares, are characterized and evaluated using
morphometric and molecular marker protocols to determine their
diversity, performance, and potential for improvement work.
Four types of coconut accessions will be conserved in the ICG: 1)
major varieties (parents of existing hybrids and advanced generations of
selected cultivars); 2) varieties/cultivars threatened with genetic erosion
or total loss; 3) varieties/cultivars with special traits/genetic markers;
and 4) genotypes being used for current genetic diversity studies using
molecular markers.
Member countries of each region can access germplasm from any of
the regional genebanks. The requested accessions will be sent in the form
of embryos or pollen after disease indexing to ensure safe movement. To
make the ICG hosting sustainable, requesting countries will be charged
the cost of producing the seednuts and for preparing the embryos, disease
indexing and shipping and a pro-rata cost of maintenance. These
germplasm transfers are covered by Material Transfer Agreements which
is a provision in all ICG hosting agreements.
Host countries agree to commit resources for the establishment,
maintenance, germplasm evaluation and data gathering required for the
effective management of the regional genebank. Operational support
comes from national and international donors and income generation
activities such as the production and marketing of high-value products
from all parts of the coconut; intercropping and livestock raising as
appropriate
The sites for ICG were chosen based on surveys conducted by coconut
experts, who considered and evaluated several important criteria. Thus,
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the basic needs of field genebanks such as safety and security, accessibility,
environment etc. have been considered. Among several items that were
considered, two principles were highlighted:
1. First, the importance of having a balance between elite lines and
accessions that represent a broad range of genetic diversity from
the region as a whole was recognized from the beginning.
2. Second, it was agreed that the nationally important accessions
that cannot be accommodated in the regional genebanks, i.e. those
which are only important to one or few countries, would be main-
tained in the national collections of strong national programmes.
Thus, from the beginning it was apparent that national collections and
the ICG would complement each other to accommodate as much coconut
genetic diversity as possible.
Despite its meagre resources, the ICGs have made some significant
achievements. Table 3 shows the date of signing of the hosting agreements
and the status of conserved germplasm in each of the host countries.
There is a need to accelerate the full establishment and upgrading of
the ICGs to make them more useful to protect germplasm from genetic
erosion and to promote wider use of coconut diversity in coconut
producing countries. This will require increasing the number of conserved
material up to a maximum of 200 accessions in each ICG host country,
upgrading and expansion of current embryo culture laboratories,
germplasm importation from ICG regional member countries, growing
embryos in vitro, transplanting resulting seedlings and maintenance in
the FGBs. There is also the need to establish the ICG for LAC region in
Brazil and to establish the field genebank expansion area for the ICG-
SEEA in Indonesia.
Table 3. Germplasm conserved in the multi-site ICG

Initial number in Designated
Date of MOA list of germplasm
Name of Genebank
germplasm conserved
International Coconut Genebank for the South 30 September 55 50
Pacific (Papua New Guinea) 1998
International Coconut Genebank for South Asia 30 October 1998 49 46
(India)
International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and 26 May 1999 52 29
East Asia (Indonesia)
International Coconut Genebank for Africa and The 14 October 1999 49 99*
Indian Ocean (Côte d'Ivoire)
* Includes additional accessions entered into the ICG after the signing of the MOA
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In vitro embryo culture and cryopreservation

Although conservation in field genebanks is the most popular and
practical method of coconut conservation, the field genebank has several
disadvantages: 1) it occupies a large land area; 2) it is labour- and time-
intensive; 3) extreme care in labelling and managing fields is necessary;
4) many biotic and abiotic factors impact on the safe conservation of
germplasm; 5) as the volume of the planting material is quite large (as
either seednuts or seedlings in polybags), it is inconvenient for
transportation; 6) exchanging the germplasm internationally is strictly
restricted by quarantine and reliable tissue/embryo culture techniques
are required for the safe movement of germplasm. Thus, it is necessary to
complement field genebanks with other conservation methods and
COGENT is developing other methods such as in vitro conservation and
cryopreservation.
The use of in vitro culture techniques, including slow growth and
cryopreservation, represents an important additional option for the
medium and long-term conservation of species like coconut. Coconut is
a species with large seeds with no dormancy. Germination of mature
seed (fruit) starts within 2-3 weeks after it drops to the ground or
harvested. These two characteristics drastically limit the amount of
material which can be gathered during collecting missions. A simple and
efficient in vitro field collecting technique has been developed which
involves extracting the embryos from the nuts and inoculating them
directly onto culture medium. Embryos can be kept for two months before
transfer to culture in a controlled laboratory environment.
Conventional slow growth protocols are not currently available for
coconut due to the difficulties encountered with propagation techniques
for this crop. However, short-term conservation of zygotic embryos has
been achieved by using culture conditions which delay germination for
twelve months. Additional experiments are currently underway to assess
the applicability of this technique to a wide range of varieties. Currently,
the in vitro embryo culture process itself, i.e. from the inoculation of
embryos in vitro to the production of whole plants ready for transfer in
vivo, has been refined through a collaborative effort involving 11 partner
countries. This has significantly improved the in vitro culture step of the
whole process, especially recovery rates. However this method still needs
further refinement of techniques for collecting in the field and transfer to
the lab protocol, and in acclimatization of the resulting plants both in
vitro and in vivo. Finally, additional data are being collected on the
development and growth in the field of plants coming from in vitro
culture.
In vitro techniques have been used extensively for exchanging coconut
germplasm in the form of excised embryos inoculated in vitro. The FAO/
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IBPGR Technical Guidelines for the Safe Movement of Coconut

Germplasm recommend that coconut germplasm be distributed in this
form to reduce chances of introducing diseased material into disease-
free areas and COGENT has been following these guidelines. IPGRI/
COGENT has published a Manual on Germplasm Health Management
for the International Coconut Genebank which will serve as a guide for
ICG and national genebank managers and the quarantine service.
Pollen conservation is another option for coconut germplasm
conservation. Pollen can be easily collected and cryopreserved in large
quantities, occupying very little space. In addition, exchange of germplasm
through pollen poses fewer problems of quarantine than is the case for
seed or other propagules. Additional research is needed to further develop
and refine an appropriate technique. Once this technique is refined, it
can be used as an adjunct to in vitro conservation so that the pollen of in
vitro conserved material could be used for coconut improvement
purposes, instead of waiting for the regenerants to grow and flower.
The potential of somatic embryogenesis as a tool to promote coconut
germplasm conservation and accelerated use has been explored. If
successful, it could be used to rapidly multiply identified parent materials
to provide adequate numbers of plants for breeding or replanting.. During
the last COGENT Steering Committee meeting, it was strongly
recommended that more focused research on establishing appropriate
protocols for somatic embryogenesis be pursued. Such a technique can
aid greatly in coconut germplasm management as well as help in rapid
multiplication and mass propagation both for breeding and replanting
programmes.
For long-term conservation, preliminary experiments have led to the
development of a cryopreservation protocol, which has been successfully
applied to zygotic embryos of four different genotypes. Additional work
is required to refine the cryopreservation technique and to carry out
experiments with additional genotypes. It is envisioned that the ICGs
will serve as the repository of cryopreserved germplasm when these are
fully capable. However, interim repository arrangements with capable
partner institutions such as the Secretariat of the Pacific Commission
may be explored.
To ensure efficient safe movement of germplasm, there is a need to
improve the coconut embryo culture protocols, in order to increase the
recovery of embryo-cultured plants, particularly in the stages of plant
acclimatization in vitro and in vivo. There is also the need to undertake
additional research on crypopreservation using different representative
varieties to identify suitable plant tissues to be conserved across different
accessions.
197
Two major constraints related to cryopreservation as a long term

strategy for coconut conservation are the lack of an efficient regeneration
protocol for coconut and the unverified fidelity of genetic materials
regenerated from cryopreserved tissues. The future of long term
conservation of coconut through cryopreservation would depend on the
results these studies. Therefore, there is a need to develop an efficient
regeneration protocol using somatic embryogenesis. To further test the
efficiency of cryopreservation, there is a need to conduct molecular
marker-based analysis of regenerated materials to test their genetic fidelity.
In situ and on-farm conservation

About 85% of coconuts are grown in South and Southeast Asia and the
effects of farmers’ practices in this region on the extent and distribution
of genetic diversity are of great importance. It is thus likely that the major
part of coconut diversity will remain in situ, in the yards or gardens of
small farmers, undisturbed tropical sea coasts and uninhabited islands.
Today, many farmers’ varieties are in danger of being lost, resulting
in genetic erosion of some of the most adapted and needed germplasm
for sustainable coconut production. Initial results indicate that the threats
to genetic erosion caused by urbanization, shifts to other more profitable
crops, calamities such as drought, typhoons, pests and diseases are real
and need to be addressed
Sustainable in situ conservation will require community participation,
control of land rights in local communities, the systematic documentation
of farmers’ knowledge of coconut diversity, education, extension and
development of environmental awareness. Of equal importance is the
principle that any in situ conservation programme must also benefit local
communities. Management by local communities can often develop
effective links to national efforts on documentation, conservation and
use. This can attract commercial and private agencies to be partners in
on-farm conservation efforts and can lead to much wanted linkages
between public, community and private sectors in plant genetic resources
conservation.
In almost all coconut growing communities, there is presently little
information available on the status of the genetic diversity maintained
by coconut growing communities. In the past, the measurement of genetic
diversity in coconut depended largely on morphometric traits. The use
of morphometric, farmers’ knowledge and molecular markers to
characterize farmers’ varieties will assist in better understanding of the
structure of genetic diversity both at a specific site and across regions.
In situ conservation has the distinct advantage of conserving already
adapted germplasm that has naturally evolved in particular
198
environments. However, there is no sustainable mechanism to effectively

monitor and document the effect of in situ conservation without a specific
conservation project and allocated budget in national programmes. A
COGENT project is testing the viability of four coconut-based income
generating technologies in 24 communities in eight Asia Pacific countries
(Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji
and Papua New Guinea): 1) production and marketing of high-value
products from all parts of the coconut- the kernel, husk, shell, water,
wood, leaves and roots; 2) intercropping cash and food security crops, 3)
livestock/fodder production; and 4) production and planting of high-
quality coconut seedlings which are raised in community-managed
nurseries. The community-managed nurseries propagate seednuts for on-
farm conservation from identified local varieties, which are selected by
farmers in farmer participatory rapid appraisal of community genetic
resources and coconut diversity fairs; and from introduced high-value
varieties from other locations. Selected local varieties are paint-marked
to identify suitable varieties both for in situ conservation and for
propagation. The community-managed nurseries are informal seed
systems not dependent on government resources, and because of this,
they are envisioned to be a sustainable tools for promoting in situ and on-
farm conservation. The project has identified and characterized 89
important farmers’ varieties and total of over 62,000 seedlings from these
farmers’ varieties were conserved in situ and on-farm. An IFAD-funded
follow up project to be implemented in 2005 to 2007 will increase the
participants to 54 communities in 15 countries. Proposals are also being
prepared to undertake a similar project in four African and four LAC
countries for the support of the Common Fund for Commodities.
Discussions are also underway to seek the support of the Global
Environment Facility for a project on coconut in situ conservation.
On-farm conservation will not only conserve the original materials
that have been sampled for ex situ conservation (through FGB, pollen or
in vitro methods) but also those that have not been collected so far.
Together with ex situ, on-farm conservation helps to conserve and use
much larger genetic diversity of coconut.
Promoting conservation through use

The value of conserved germplasm is not maximized until it is used to
benefit poor people. Accordingly, the coconut conservation strategy seeks
to promote conservation though use. Mechanisms include the following
initiatives: a) developing a globally-coordinated coconut breeding
programme; b) community-managed coconut seedling nurseries; c) linking
conservation with broader areas of research and development; d)
199
development of catalogues of conserved germplasm and farmers’ varieties;

e) upgrading of the CGRD; and f) developing a catalogues and other
public awareness materials on coconut high-value products and uses for
food, nutrition and health.
Globally-coordinated coconut breeding programme

A proposed globally coordinated breeding programme would facilitate
the use of available germplasm worldwide and expedite work on
developing improved varieties.
Specifically, the programme aims to:

1. Further characterize conserved germplasm and farmers’ varie-
ties using morphometric and molecular marker techniques;
2. Screen and identify ecotypes tolerant or resistant to lethal yel-
lowing disease and drought;
3. Improve yields for specific uses and adaptation;
4. Develop varieties which are suitable for the production of high-
value products from husk, fibre, shell, meat, water, wood and
leaves;
5. Develop technical support systems for national breeding pro-
grammes (i.e. information, pollen and embryo provision, etc.); and
6. Provide a platform to promote the dissemination and use of the
results of the above-mentioned coconut breeding projects to
achieve socioeconomic and environmental impact.
Ultimately, the programme should be able to significantly increase the

choice of varieties and hybrid cultivars among coconut growing countries,
by maximizing the use of available genetic resources for breeding
purposes, and improve the quality of the planting materials for distribution
to users or farmers.
Community-managed coconut seedling nurseries

In the past, many coconut farmers relied on planting materials produced
by government agencies, which were generally inadequate and incapable
of serving large numbers of farmers. Because they earned marginal
incomes from coconut, there was not much strong conscious effort to
select planting materials from their best varieties and palms.
Consequently, the planting of important local and introduced varieties
was limited and the full potential of this diversity was not maximized.
Through its “Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities” project
(described in the section on in situ and on farm conservation), COGENT
has developed a mechanism to address this constraint through the
establishment of a non-Government dependent community-managed
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coconut seedling nursery in three pilot communities per country in initial

eight Asia Pacific countries. This project which was initially implemented
in eight Asia Pacific countries has convinced Indonesia, the Philippines
and Vietnam to expand the number of communities using national
budgets. In addition, to the IFAD-funded follow up project in 15 countries,
proposals are being prepared to expand this project in 24 countries
worldwide.
Under the project, farmers’ preferred varieties will be conserved in
situ and on-farm and, based on morphometric and molecular marker
characterization, some will be selected for ex situ conservation either in
national genebanks or in the ICG. This will enhance the value of these ex
situ collections as they will address framers’ varietal preferences.
Conversely, some high-value varieties already conserved in the national
genebanks and ICGs which will be identified for introducing in the
participating poverty reduction project communities would provide
further links between conservation and use.
Linking conservation with broader areas of research and development

In 2002, the coconut community launched a global Coconut Research
for Development Programme (PROCORD), which provides a platform
for the use of the genetic resources conserved by member countries. Under
PROCORD, COGENT has been assigned to coordinate research on genetic
resources improvement and socioeconomics and policy support; CIRAD
on agronomy and farming systems and crop protection; and APCC on
processing and marketing. COGENT is collaborating with CIRAD to
identify germplasm that could be used for testing different coconut-based
farming systems and for evaluating drought tolerance as well as
germplasm for the lethal yellowing disease studies and with APCC to
identify farmers’ varietal preferences and processors’ preferences both
for processing and consumption. These research activities are at their
initial stages but could provide strategic advantages in linking
conservation of diversity and use.
Developing catalogues and other public awareness materials on coco-

nut varieties, coconut high-value products and uses for food, nutrition
and health
To fully appreciate the value of both ex situ and in situ conserved
germplasm, there is a need to document their origin, vegetative and fruit
characters and their adaptation to biotic and abiotic stresses. As many
researchers, students and farmers do not have the opportunity to travel
and see these varieties in the countries where they are located, the
publication and dissemination of catalogue containing such information
201
will popularize these genetic resources and promote their further study
and possible use.
Upgrading the International Coconut Genetic Resources Database

(CGRD)
The CGRD contains passport and morphometric characterization data
of 1416 conserved accessions in 22 countries worldwide. Molecular
marker data (using microsatellite kits) from these collections are also
registered in the CGRD. The CGRD is used by coconut breeders
worldwide to identify accessions they would like to use in their breeding.
The CGRD is also distributed to major libraries in coconut growing
countries. Together with the catalogues of conserved germplasm and
farmers’ varieties, which will also be distributed similarly, researchers,
teachers and students could use them to further study and understand
the nature and value of coconut genetic resources. These initiatives, no
doubt, will promote greater use and consequent conservation of these
genetic resources.
To enhance the value of the CGRD, there is a need to upgrade the
data. At present, it contains passport and some characterization data
for 1416 accessions in 28 conservation sites in 22 countries. However,
out of the 1416 accessions, only 1155 have 25-75% of the needed
characterization data; only 503 have molecular data and only 628 have
pictures. Upgrading the database would involve collecting more morpho-
agronomic characterization and molecular marker characterization data
and pictures for the initial 22 countries and additional coconut growing
countries in the near future.
Priority activities under the Global Coconut Conservation

Strategy
The global coconut growing community advocates a progressive
conservation and use strategy with the ultimate goal of providing
sustainable benefits to poverty-mired coconut farmers and coconut
growing countries worldwide in the short, medium and long term. The
previous sections of this strategy paper summarized the scope and status
of coconut conservation to date and the gaps that need to be addressed.
This section recommends priority activities that need to be implemented
in the next 10 years, if resources become available.
The role of COGENT in developing and implementing the strategy is
important for two major reasons: 1) the network is owned and managed
by 38 coconut producing countries, with membership currently increasing
– national genebanks are owned by national programmes; the
international genebanks are hosted and maintained by strong national
202
programmes; and 2) the COGENT Steering Committee, which represents

major coconut producing countries, decides on research priorities and
provides oversight to the implementation of agreed programmes
Additional collecting and conservation of germplasm in national

genebanks
1. Collecting in the South Pacific island countries for germplasm under
threat from global warming, drought and typhoons for conservation
in national and international genebanks.
2. Conservation of 8-10 accessions which have known resistance/tol-
erance to the dreaded lethal yellowing disease in ICG-AIO and ICG-
LAC and screening of additional germplasm through molecular mar-
ket techniques.
3. Conservation of Vanuatu coconut germplasm to protect them against
the foliar decay disease in Vanuatu; and of Philippine coconut
germplasm to protect them against the cadang-cadang disease.
4. Identification, collecting and conserving drought-tolerant germplasm.
5. Collecting and conserving materials with specific characteristics for
coconut product value addition that could produce high-value prod-
ucts for poor coconut farmers.
Accelerate the full establishment and upgrading of the ICGs to make

them more effective and better able to promote the use of coconut
diversity in coconut producing countries.
1. Regeneration of old palms of 50 accessions in the International Coco-
nut Genebank for Africa and the Indian Ocean. The old palms (more
than 40 years old) at the Marc Delorme Station will be regenerated
from 2005 to 2007 using controlled pollination. The Trust has pro-
vided a research grant for this purpose.
2. Establishing the ICG-LAC in Brazil to conserve important germplasm
for the LAC region
3. Developing an expansion area for the ICG-SEEA in Manado, Indo-
nesia
4. Increasing the number of conserved material up to a maximum of
200 accessions in each ICG host country - germplasm importation
from ICG regional member countries, growing embryos in vitro, trans-
planting resulting seedlings and maintenance in the FGBs.
5. Development of the ICGs as ‘Centers of Excellence” through upgrading
and capacity building:
Expansion of current embryo culture laboratories in Indonesia,
and Papua New Guinea to accommodate the importation and
propagation and field conservation of 148 and 145 accessions,
203
respectively
Research and training to increase recovery rates from embryo
culture by improving acclimatization techniques at the in vitro
and in vivo stages
Research and training to further refine the cryopreservation tech-
niques using a range of varieties for long tem conservation of
coconut
Research and training to increase the efficiency of rapid regen-
eration of conserved materials through somatic embryogenesis
Research and training to evaluate the genetic fidelity of
cryopreserved materials through molecular marker techniques
Research and training to conduct molecular marker based char-
acterization and genetic diversity analysis of conserved germplasm
in national and international coconut genebanks to eliminate
unnecessary duplicates and in farmers’ fields and to identify ac-
cessions to be conserved the national and international coconut
genebanks.
In situ and on-farm conservation of important farmers’ varieties

The ADB-funded project in 2002-2004 conserved 89 farmers’ varieties in
situ and on farm in 24 communities in 8 countries. An IFAD-funded
follow up project to be implemented in 2005 to 2007 will increase the
participants to 54 communities in 15 countries. Proposals are also being
prepared to undertake a similar project in four African and four LAC
countries for the support of the Common Fund for Commodities.
Discussions are also underway to seek the support of the Global
Environment Facility for a project on coconut in situ conservation. It is
envisioned that during the 10-year duration of the strategy, a total of 30
countries would have effectively conserved representative farmers’
varieties in situ and on farm.

To enhance the value of the CGRD, there is a need to upgrade the data.
At present, it contains passport and some characterization data for 1416
accessions in 28 conservation sites in 22 countries. However, out of the
1416 accessions, only 1155 have 25-75% of the needed characterization
data; only 503 have molecular data and only 628 have pictures.
Upgrading would involve collecting more morpho-agronomic
characterization and molecular marker characterization data and
pictures for the initial 22 countries and additional participating countries.
204
Development of national coconut germplasm conservation strategy

Using the Global Coconut Conservation Strategy as a framework, each
coconut producing country will develop a national conservation strategy.
These strategies will flesh out the priority projects identified in the global
conservation strategy and identify additional priority projects that are
important to each country and to the region.
Development of Regional Coconut Conservation Strategies

Using the national and global conservation strategies, regional
conservation strategies will be developed for South Asia, Southeast and
East Asia, South Pacific, Africa and the Indian Ocean, and Latin America
and the Caribbean.
205
206
CHAPTER 4: Characterizing diversity
Chapter 4
Characterizing diversity
207
208
Morphometric methods of determining

diversity in coconut
L Baudouin1 and G Santos2
1
Geneticist, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le
Développement (CIRAD), Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
2
Department Manager III, Philippine Coconut Authority - Zamboanga Research Centre
(PCA-ZRC), San Ramon, Zamboanga City, Philippines
Introduction
Coconut is cultivated all around the intertropical belt, mainly in coastal
areas. Its large genetic diversity has long been recognised. Attempts to
account for this diversity have resulted in various classification systems
like those proposed by Miquel in 1855, Narayana and John in 1949 or by
Lyanage in 1958 (see the discussion of these systems in Child 1974).
Despite the efforts of these authors, it was not always easy to obtain a
completely consistent system, because some of the traits used in these
classifications represented variation between populations, while others
were polymorph within a given population. Describing the morphological
and agricultural aspects of coconut genetic variation appears to be a
complex task and requires the observation of a fairly large number of
quantitative traits. It is necessary to take into account intra-, as well as,
inter-population variation. It remains that some features of genetic
variation have a great practical and theoretical significance.
A consideration of growth habit - precocity and flowering biology
(Rognon 1976) - leads us to the usual distinction between the
predominantly cross-pollinating Tall and the usually self-pollinated
Dwarfs. Such a distinction is obviously of great significance in field
management and for seed production. For the sake of completeness, two
other categories should be added. The semi-Talls, which are self-
pollinating like Dwarfs, but grow faster and have a bole, like the Talls;
the Compact coconut which is represented by a single cultivar - the Niu
Leka. In spite of its short stature, it has all the characteristics of a Tall
and is cross-pollinated.
Whitehead (1966) proposed protocols for the study of fruit
composition. Harries (1978; 1991) refined them and proposed a theory
of coconut evolution. According to him, coconuts growing in the wild
need to present some adaptive traits including the capacity to float on
sea to allow natural dissemination and to grow in coastal areas. These
adaptive traits result (among other traits) in elongated and triangular
nuts, having a high percentage of husk. Slow germination increases the
possibility of reaching long distances by floatation. In contrast,
209
domestication of coconut mainly for drinkable water - according to this

theory – favoured genotypes with round nuts and high water content at
the cost of husk thickness. Fast germination and a strong rooting system
would also be advantageous. In latter stages, fruits of either type (i.e. the
‘wild’ type also called Niu Vai and the ‘domesticated’ type, called Niu
Kafa) would have been transported by humans during their travels, as
part of their supply of food and drink or with the purpose of planting
them at the arrival site. Finally, the copra industry would have made use
of either type of coconuts without distinguishing their differences to
establish large plantations. The present diversity of morphological traits
in coconut is considered as the result of these events and of subsequent
gene exchanges between these two ecotypes. Harries (1981) proposed
methods for identifying coconut varieties.
Using molecular markers, it is now possible to assess the genetic
relationships between the coconut cultivars collected across the entire
geographic range of the plant (see following articles on biochemical and
molecular methods) and reveal other aspects of coconut genetic diversity.
In fact, morphological and molecular traits are affected differently by
evolutionary forces and thus, reveal different aspects of genetic diversity.
At least some of the morphological traits are likely to be subject to strong
(natural or artificial) selection pressure. In contrast, molecular markers
are considered as selectively neutral. This is especially true of
microsatellites, which are located in non-coding sequences. On the other
hand, mutation, migration and genetic drift affect both types of markers
in a more or less similar manner.
Another important difference between molecular and morphometric
diversity is that the latter is strongly affected by environment and hence,
shows significant level of genotype x environment interaction. This may
be a serious hindrance to study genetic relationships of coconuts,
particularly if we intend to compare results obtained from different places.
The lack of such GxE interaction explains largely the success of molecular
methods. On the other hand, it must be recognized that they would be
useless without a good knowledge of the measurable – and often
agriculturally meaningful – variation of phenotypic traits. Actually,
considering such traits is essential from the beginning (sample constitution)
to the end (interpretation) of a molecular study.
From the above, it is clear that studying morphometric variation of
coconut can generate two kinds of results. The first is an evaluation of
the agricultural potential of the cultivars tested; the second is a better
understanding of the genetic diversity, in relation to results obtained with
molecular markers. Both of these outcomes are important for plant
breeding. While the first directly provides the value of selection criteria,
210
the second serves as a guide to choose the cultivars to be introduced in a

breeding programme, to maximize selectable diversity and/or heterosis.
Morphological characterization/evaluation of coconut can take place
in a research station or on farm. The advantages of a research site are
obvious. The populations under study are planted in controlled condition,
preferably using appropriate experimental design involving replicated
blocks and a control treatment. A workforce that is permanently on the
spot allows observations over a long period. Even though such conditions
seem to be ideal for accurately comparing coconut varieties, they represent
a complex organization and results are available only many years after
planting. They are obviously not adapted for assessing germplasm
diversity in the framework of genetic surveys. In this case, on-farm studies
are unavoidable and must rely on a reduced set of observations.
A list of the traits that may be included in such a study and a brief
review of the statistical techniques commonly used to measure and
interpret the results are presented. A review of the results of some
morphometric studies realized in many parts of the world and the
comparison of the resulting observations with the information obtained
with molecular markers are also discussed.
Observations
Studying morphological diversity in coconut involves comparing traits
that are measured on different parts of the plant. It is often useful to
compare the results of different studies and this comparison is easier if
standardized techniques are used. For details about which traits to
measure and how to measure them, the reader can consult the
standardized research techniques in coconut breeding (STANTECH)
manual (Santos et al. 1996). In this paper, only the summary of the
principles of such measurements is presented.
As stated above, morphometric observations can be performed in two
very different contexts: in situ (generally in a farmer’s field) and ex situ
(i.e. in a research station). Obviously, there are observations that can be
done in the second case and not in the first case. An overview of the
possible observations is given in Table 1.
Some comments may be made on this list:

• General information: refers to data that are not directly used in the
statistical analysis, but may be needed for its interpretation and for
the subsequent use of germplasm. These data should be as compre-
hensive as possible.
• Speed of germination: may be added to in situ observation if nuts
were sampled for transfer into a genebank.
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Table 1. Summary of morphometric observations

In situ Ex situ
(STANTECH Chapter 2) (STANTECH Chapter 7)
General information Sampling site location, purpose of Passport data
cultivation, available information on origin,
etc.
Speed of germination n.a. (see below) Number of days to 25%, 50%, 75%
and maximum germination, final
germination rate
Vegetative data n.a From nursery to flowering: leaf

before flowering emission, length and girth
Stem morphology Diameter at 20 cm and 150 cm above soil; Same

Spacing between leaf scars Annual height increment (from
measurement made at 6 and 10
years)
Leaf morphology Rachis, petiole and leaflet measurements (At approx. 8 years)
Leaf production n.a. (At approx. 8 years)
Inflorescence Stalk, central axis and spikelet Same (at approx. 8 years)
morphology measurements, length of branches
Flowering n.a. Date of emergence of first flower,

Flowering phases (2 years after first
flower)
Fruit component Weight of components and endosperm Same (measured 2-3 years after
analysis (FCA) thickness production starts)
Fruit appearance Record shape of fruit, measurement of Same, (measured 3 years after
whole fruit, and nut length and diameter production starts)
Fruit set Gives an approximation of 7 to 8 months n.a.

harvest
Copra per nut n.a. Same period as FCA
Fruit and bunch n.a. Two periods:

return • Juvenile (measured 1-2 years
after production starts)
• Mature (measured 3-6 or 3-8
years after production starts)
• Vegetative data before flowering: values recorded after planting and

just before initiation of flowering may be considered.
• Stem morphology: Do not use stem height unless ages are the same –
prefer height increment.
• Leaf morphology: May be used for in situ studies if palms are ap-
proximately of the same age. If not, ratios between different parts of
the leaf should be preferred.
• Fruit component analysis (FCA) - Two contrasting advice are given
about the exact stages of maturation for performing analysis. Ac-
cording to Harries (1978), it should be done when the fruit is begin-
212
ning to ripen (when colour of the fruit changes from immature col-
our to brown). At this stage, part of the epidermis is turning brown-
ish, due to drying. Other researchers prefer storing fruits in a shaded
area (and – in rainy season – under a shelter) for a period varying
from 15 days to 1 month (Meunier et al. 1977). This method is prefer-
able if the main purpose of the FCA is to estimate the copra contents
while the former is the only choice for in situ analyses. It is also prob-
ably better suited when one wishes to evaluate the liquid endosperm
contents. In any case, the method adopted should be mentioned in
the protocol.
Some of the measurements are made repeatedly, like fruit and bunch
returns but it is not necessary to include all observations in the statistical
analysis. Instead, the average of the observations from a set of samples
(for fruit and bunch return) or the evolution during the period of
observation (for vegetative measurements before flowering) may be
considered. Introducing too many variables that are strongly correlated
in multivariate analysis is not likely to improve the precision of
calculations.
Determining a sample size always involves a compromise between
the expected quality of characterization and feasibility. The larger the
sample, the better are the results. Experience has shown that about 30
palms are a good compromise between accuracy and cost of measurement.
For multivariate analyses, it is important to record all observations on an
individual palm basis. A single missing observation will generally result
in omitting all observations on the corresponding sample palm.
Statistical methods
There are some commonly used methods for presenting results of
morphometric studies. Discussion of these methods does not go into
mathematical details because these analyses are generally done using
specialized software. More details on statistical methods adapted to
genetic diversity analyses may be found in Perrier et al. (1999).
Simple statistics and graphs

The most obvious way of representing the observed results is in the form
of tables. For quantitative traits (like petiole length), average and standard
deviation for each treatment are tabulated. Coefficient of variation may
replace standard deviation. Univariate ANOVA makes it possible to test
for the existence of significant variation between cultivars. For qualitative
traits (fruit colour, etc.), the percentage of individuals having a given
value are given in the tables.
213
The use of a graphical representation (mainly scatter and bar

diagrams) may be sufficient to visualize some striking features, as long
as a small number of traits are involved. For example, Harries (1981)
proposed to represent FCA results using two types of graphs. One is a
scatter-plot graph with the percentage of husk as abscissa and the weight
of whole fruit as ordinate. The other one is an equilateral triangular graph
where the three components of the nut are represented as percentages.
The scale for shell/nut ratio (from 15% to 40%) is on the base, the scale
for water/nut ratio is placed upside down on the left side (from 40% to
15%) and the scale for endosperm/nut ratio (from 45% to 70%) is placed
on the right side. Such a graph is very convenient, since the three
components are given equal importance. The position of the representative
points of a cultivar on these graphs corresponds to its type (wild,
domesticated or introgressed).
Principal component analyses and related methods

The previous example represents probably the maximum of what can be
done in analyzing multidimensional data by hand. However,
morphometric data analysis involves generally 20 or more traits at the
same time, which is almost impossible to visualize. One of the solutions
to capture the most important factors of variation is to use principal
component analysis (PCA) or a similar method.
PCA is adapted to quantitative data. Its principle lies in using linear
transformations of the original data. The whole set of observations made
on each individual may be interpreted as a point in a multidimensional
space, with coordinates equal to the values of each trait. These coordinates
are converted into a new set of coordinates, named ‘principal components’
using transformations that can be interpreted geometrically as
translations, rotations and homothecies (dilatation of one or several
coordinates). These components are linear combinations of the observed
data and are ranked in decreasing order according to the percentage of
the total inertia (the multivariate equivalent of variance) they account
for. Principal components are easier to interpret because, unlike observed
data (for example height increment and spacing between leaf scars), they
are ‘orthogonal’, which means that they are not correlated. Moreover,
most of the useful information is concentrated on the few first components.
By plotting the first two principal components, it is possible to obtain the
‘best’ two-dimensional representation of the data. This representation is
the best, in the sense that it includes the largest possible proportion of
total variance.
To a certain extent, the PCA representation ‘distorts’ less the observed
data, while representing them in the most convenient way. This poses a
problem, when data may be represented with different units. The smallest
214
the measurement unit, (thus, the largest the corresponding value), the
largest is the influence of a trait on the result of the PCA. It is customary
to standardize observation by dividing deviations from the mean value
by the standard deviation of the corresponding trait, prior to performing
the PCA itself.
Interpreting the results of a PCA involves the examination of the
resulting plot - treatments that are represented by distant points differ
from each other. The reverse, however, is not necessarily true, as a PCA
plot is a projection of a high dimensional geometric object (i.e. the
representative points of all individuals or treatments) on only two
dimensions, treatments that have about the same values for the first two
components may differ for other components. Thus, it is often useful to
examine representations involving the third or the fourth component,
which may reveal important variation factors. Finally, by inspecting the
correlations between observed variables and each principal component,
it is possible to know which trait(s) contribute(s) the most to variation.
PCA and related analyses involve matrix calculations and may be
performed on computers using various software packages. For example,
the PRINCOMP procedure of SAS® software performs principal
component analysis; the CANDISC procedure performs canonical
discriminant analysis (DA) and also computes Mahalanobis distances.
A (canonical) DA is very similar to a PCA except that principal
components are chosen based on the within treatment variance-
covariance matrix, rather than on the overall variance-covariance matrix.
The result is that in the scatter plots, distances between treatments (rather
than distances between individuals) are maximized.
Mahalanobis distance
Methods related to PCA are very useful to visualize the most prominent
differences between accessions and to relate them with observed traits
that explain the major part of these differences. This is possible only by
discarding part of the useful information. If the main aim is to assess
how different accessions are, regardless of which traits contribute most
to this difference, the full information may be exploited by calculating
genetic distances. One of the most popular distance index used in
studying morphometric traits is the Mahalanobis distance. It is related to
the classical Euclidean distance. The Euclidean distance between
treatments i and j is
Dij = ∑ (x
k
ik − x jk ) 2
where xik and xjk are the respective values of trait number k in treatments
i and j. The Mahalanobis distance is actually a Euclidean distance,
215
performed after data transformation involving the within-treatment

variance-covariance matrix, just like in DA. The significance of
Mahalanobis distances can be determined with a Hotteling T² test.
Clustering methods and dendrograms

As distances are symmetric, they may be represented with a triangular
two-way table. However, when the number of accessions is large, such a
table is not always easy to read. Moreover, the aim is to group this large
number of treatments into a smaller number of clusters. There is an array
of methods to perform this operation and it would be difficult to list
them all. Incidentally, the eleven methods proposed by the CLUSTER
procedure of SAS software are only a small sample!
At the beginning of ascending – or agglomerating – methods, each
treatment is considered as a cluster. Then, each step consists in merging
the two closest clusters in order to form a new cluster, which replaces
the two old ones. The unweighted pair group method, using average or
UPGMA, is often used in genetic diversity studies (AVERAGE option in
the CLUSTER procedure of SAS). With this method, the distance between
two clusters is the average distance between pairs of treatments, one in
each cluster. This method tends to join clusters with small variances and
tends toward producing clusters with the same variance. There are also
descending methods: all treatments are placed in a large cluster. At each
step, a cluster is split into two smaller clusters to maximize distance.
Qualitative observations
Most observations considered so far are quantitative. However, some of
them are qualitative (colour, shape of fruit, etc). Is it possible to introduce
them into multivariate analyses? One solution is to create a quantitative
variable for each possible value (or modality) of the trait. For example, if
in a survey, palms with green, brown and red fruits were observed, three
variables will be attributed to these colours. Palms with fruits of a given
colour will be attributed value 1 for the corresponding colour and 0 for
the two others. In this manner, the average value of each colour variable
in a population will be the proportion of palms having the corresponding
colour. Such a solution is applicable for producing PCA plots involving
both quantitative and qualitative variables. It must be noted, however,
that the statistical tests based on Mahalanobis distances assume normality,
which is clearly not true in this case.
At any rate, it is interesting to mention that in rare instances, the
colour of inflorescence, nut size and shape and other qualitative traits
may serve as distinct genetic markers like the pink/purple female flowers
and round small nuts of the Pilipog Green Dwarf, the rough and scarified
216
exocarp of the Agta Tall and the thick (5-7 mm) shell of the Tutupaen
Tall from the Philippines.
Diversity indexes
Populations (varieties, cultivars) do not differ only by their mean values
but also by their diversities. In the case of a single quantitative variable,
standard deviation (or coefficient of variation) is an obvious indicator. In
the case of qualitative variable, one of those two diversity indexes may
be used:
1
Simpson index: D=
∑ pi2
i
Shannon-Weaver index: H = −∑ pi . ln pi
i
where pi is the observed frequency of the ith modality of the trait. The
Shannon-Weaver index varies between zero (population is uniform for
the trait) and the logarithm of n, the number of possible values of the
trait (diversity is maximal and all possible values are equally represented).
Simpson Index varies between 1 and n in the same conditions.
Application
Fruit characters, leaves and germination in Mexico

The studies conducted by Zizumbo Villarreal and Pinero (1998) and
Zizumbo Villarreal and Colunga-Garcia Marin (2001) are representative
of the differences between morphometric studies made in situ and in
research stations. The first one involves 41 populations of both West and
East coasts of Mexico. Observed traits were 11 FCA traits, to which six
ratios involving the previous traits were added. The second was made
on 18 populations, with 11 traits measured on the leaf, to which eight
calculated values were added. All populations of the second study were
represented in the first one.
Even though the traits involved in these studies are different, they
are able to identify similar patterns of variation. For example, Atlantic
Tall coconut differs from the Pacific Tall through more elongated fruit, a
higher percentage of husk and a lower percentage of liquid endosperm.
Similar observations are also made in Costa Rica (Vargas 1995). However,
Atlantic Talls also produce one or two leaves less in a year, and they
tend to have shorter leaves, but longer petioles. Their germination is also
217
much slower (Zizumbo Villarreal and Arellano-Morin 1998). These

applications find also differences within the Pacific Tall; in general,
cultivars with larger nuts and higher liquid endosperm (named Pacific
Tall 1) also have a more uniform germination compared to the others.
They also tend to have similar leaf characters, although this tendency is
less obvious.
Diversity in the South Pacific for fruit characters

Ashburner et al. (1997) studied 29 cultivars from South Pacific. Some of
them are representative of the majority of local coconuts, while others
correspond to ‘named types’, i.e. relatively rare variants that are cultivated
for special purposes. Measurements were done according to the technique
of Harries (1981). Sample size varied from 5 to 45. Data were subjected
to DA and to hierarchical classification analyses. This led to the
identification of six groups: wild, domesticated, and three groups with
intermediate fruit characteristics: the Melanesian, West Polynesian and
East Polynesian groups. The Phoenix Tall formed the sixth group.
Existence of a clonal variation was studied by linear regression using the
geographical longitude of the sampled population and two variables;
the fruit weight and husk proportion. Both of those variables increase
from West to East (but such a trend appears only after excluding cultivars
identified as ‘domestic’ and ‘wild’).
This study tends to confirm the idea of domestication in Southeast
Asia. The ‘domesticated’ phenotype tends to predominate to the West
and to be less marked when progressing eastward. However, this picture
is somewhat distorted by the movement of germplasm which has
continued after the colonization of the South Pacific.
Thus, the farther the population from the main domestication centre,
the stronger is the tendency toward ‘wild’ nut characters. However,
microsatellite alleles that become more frequent in the Eastern Pacific
are not those of the Indo-Atlantic group. This suggests that the wild
coconut encountered by the Austronesians during their conquest of the
Pacific had only one common point with the Indian coconuts, i.e. they
had not been selected for high liquid endosperm content. Otherwise, they
had grown in very distant place for a very long time and, as a
consequence, their genetic structure diverged during that period.
Multivariate analysis on coconut populations in the Philippines

In 1981 (PCA ARD Annual Report), using the coarse grid sampling
strategy proposed by the IBPGR (now IPGRI) and applying the
Mahalanobis generalized distances method as suggested by Meunier
(1976) and cluster analysis, Santos et al. (1984) identified 29 accessions
218
of coconut populations from 100 geographically isolated sites in the

Philippines. The traits studied included measurements on the
inflorescences from 10 palms, and stem and fronds from 30 sample palms
per site from 4-5 sites within a grid. It was interesting, although not
surprising, to find populations from sites 1000 km apart, to be in one
cluster. This could be explained by the fact that as people migrate, they
bring coconut along with their treasured possessions and this is still a
common practice. The current studies being made using molecular
markers could further shed light on this phenomenon. Practically, the
clustering of populations with similar genetic distances for the traits
studied made it possible to delimit the number of collections to be made
while ensuring the capturing of the widest array of diversity ex situ at
the least cost and the identification of interesting populations (see section
on qualitative observations). The study not only made it possible to estimate
the diversity of coconut in the country but also, more importantly, involved
farmers in the in situ conservation of coconut varieties.
Diversity at the global level

N’Cho et al. (1993) studied 17 Tall cultivars from the collection at Marc
Delorme Research Station in Côte d’Ivoire. These cultivars covered a large
part of the coconut’s range of distribution. Twenty-three variables were
taken into account: 3 measurements on the stem, 6 observations and 1
calculated variable on the leaf, 5 on the inflorescence, 7 on the fruit.
Bunch and fruit yield were recorded during the 6-10 year period. Thirty
palms were studied for each treatment. The first component of the DA
was found to be highly associated with robustness of the stem and with
length of the petiole, while the second was associated with fruit size
(and negatively associated with yield).
Broadly, the main features of the resulting plot could be described in
terms of the difference between ‘wild’ and ‘domesticated’ phenotypes.
The cultivars that correspond best to the Niu Vai type are those from
South East Asia, the Kar Kar Tall and the Rennell Island Tall, while
cultivars from West Africa and India correspond to the description of
the Niu Kafa type. Cultivars from East Africa and from the Andaman
Islands and also from the South Pacific lie in between. To some extent,
these cultivars have some of the characteristics of the extreme cases, but
they also vary greatly in vigour and in fruit characteristics.
Using clustering methods, it is possible to group populations into eight
groups, whose members have similar origins. However, any attempt to
make larger groups results in grouping cultivars coming from very
different regions (and with completely different genetic makeup). For
example, the Rotuman and Tonga Tall are in a cluster including most
219
Indio-Atlantic cultivars. This suggests that, due to selection pressures,

similarities at the phenotypic level do not imply close genetic relationship.
Reciprocally, in the case of the Rennell Island Tall and of the Solomon
Tall, which are geographically close enough to exchange genes (and
indeed, have similar genetic features), the striking differences in their
fruit and inflorescence traits indicate that such differential selection
pressure have continued until the present time.
Environmental effects and GxE interaction in Dwarf cultivars

This section illustrates the effects of environment on fruit characters in
Dwarf coconut. Three Dwarf cultivars are considered here - the Madang
Brown Dwarf (MBD), the Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD) and the Malayan
Yellow Dwarf (MYD). They were observed in Vanuatu and in Côte
d’Ivoire. The number of sample palms analysed varied between 50 and
100 per treatment. The number of fruits analysed was about 1000 in
Vanuatu and more than 3000 in Côte d’Ivoire.
Table 2 shows fruit weight and its components in both environments.
In Vanuatu, MBD and MRD have similar characteristics and their fruits
are bigger than that of the MYD. Similar observations are made in PNG
(CCRI 1990). In Côte d’Ivoire, environmental conditions are less
favourable and the fruits of the Malayan Dwarfs are smaller than in
Vanuatu. The traits that are the most affected are the shell and the liquid
endosperm. The reduction is much more pronounced in the MBD and its
fruits are smaller than those of the MYD. Note the abnormally low
quantity of liquid endosperm (Table 2).
Table 2. Fruit weight and its components in three Dwarf cultivars in two
environments
Solid Liquid
Cultivar Environment Fruit Husk Shell
endosperm endosperm
MBD Vanuatu (V) 1376 285 160 681 250
Côte d’Ivoire (C) 739 240 72 392 35
C/V% 53.7% 84.3% 44.8% 57.5% 14.1%
MRD Vanuatu (V) 1356 295 152 656 253

Côte d’Ivoire(C) 1176 301 128 591 157
C/V% 86.7% 102.3% 84.1% 90.0% 61.8%
MYD Vanuatu (V) 1036 233 111 500 193

Côte d’Ivoire(C) 864 199 96 446 123
C/V% 83.3% 85.4% 86.2% 89.2% 63.8%
The C/V% is the ratio of the values observed in Côte d’Ivoire over the values observed in Vanuatu.
The existence of variation due to environmental effects is not surprising

in coconut. However, the behaviour of the MBD is a clear illustration of
GxE interaction (probably due to the fact that the MBD is especially
sensitive to attacks of Pseudoobscura). This interaction does not affect only
220
the weight of the different components, but also the relative composition
of the fruit. In Côte d’Ivoire, the MBD differs from the others through a
high husk to fruit percentage. In Vanuatu, this trait has very similar values
in the three cultivars.
Conclusion
Examples provided in this paper and in the preceding article on
biochemical and molecular markers illustrate the many ways one can
assess coconut genetic diversity. Molecular markers have two great
advantages: their expression is independent from environmental effects
and their number is virtually unlimited. Nevertheless, they cannot replace
the morphometric approach for two reasons. This approach is
fundamental to understand the agricultural value of coconut cultivars.
Such an understanding is important from an economic point of view as
well as for efficient conservation of genetic diversity. Coconut is essentially
a cultivated plant and a large part of its diversity is due to continued
selection by farmers for specific uses. The other reason is that they are
not affected in the same manner by evolutionary forces, and thus, they
give information that molecular markers could not provide alone.
Even so, there are many common aspects in the results of molecular
and morphometric studies. The studies made in Mexico showed very
similar results whichever type of trait is used, e.g. leaf traits, fruit
components, using molecular markers or isozymes (Zizumbo Villarreal
et al. 2002). This is due to the fact that populations on the Atlantic and
Pacific coasts have very different origins. Even on the Pacific Coast, a
certain differentiation exists because coconut introductions occurred from
three different regions: Philippines, Panama and Solomon Islands
(Zizumbo Villarreal 1996). However, classification varies somewhat
between studies because these three origins are within the Pacific group
and that there have probably been crosses between coconuts from different
sources.
It is not surprising that different markers often lead to similar
conclusions. Correlations between the variations of different traits are
expected simply as an effect of random variation between populations
that have evolved independently. Even if the genes corresponding to the
concerned traits are neutral, these populations accumulate different alleles
at each locus due to random sampling of their genes at each generation.
Considering the genes that were subjected to differential selection in the
environments where they grow, these correlations may be reinforced.
Thus, the general rule is that a large portion of the information which
can be obtained from genetic markers is independent of the nature of the
markers (Lebrun et al. 1999b; Teulat et al. 2000).
221
Nevertheless, the most interesting situations correspond to exceptions

to the above rule. As mentioned earlier, ‘wild type’ coconuts from India
and from the South Pacific have a different genetic structure in spite of
their phenotypic similarities. This shows that the ‘wild type’ are
heterogeneous - their common ancestor is also the ancestor of the
‘domesticated’ type. This also confirms the ancestral status of the
corresponding traits. On the other hand, the Kappaddam Tall, found on
the Indian West Coast has a distinctively ‘Niu Vai type’ fruit (Harries
1978), but its genetic structure is very similar to those of the predominant
local cultivar. Initially, it was an exotic cultivar from Southeast Asia
(Lebrun et al. 1999a). Apparently, the local farmers appreciated its fruit
characters and succeeded in maintaining them through selection. In the
same time, most of the exotic genes – i.e. those which are not related to
the selected traits – were eliminated due to cross-pollination with local
coconuts.
Besides its obvious use for characterizing cultivars, the morphometric
approach to determining genetic diversity provides valuable information
on the role of informal selection on the evolution and the maintenance of
genetic diversity in coconut. This information suggests that the
conservation of genetic diversity will be more efficient if farmers’
participation is considered as an important component of the conservation
system.
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224
Biochemical and molecular methods for

characterizing coconut diversity
P Lebrun1, A Berger2, T Hodgkin3 and L Baudouin4
1
Molecular Biologist, 2Molecular Biology Technician and 4Geneticist, Centre de Coopération
Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Montpellier,
Cedex 5, France
3
Principal Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), Rome, Italy
Introduction
The various coconut palm collections worldwide are veritable genepools
from which geneticists can tap to create or improve existing varieties.
However, if a collection is to be used, it needs to be correctly labelled and
cultivars in collections need to be precisely described, in terms of their
morphological and genetic traits. As the latter are independent of the
environment, they amount to a reliable cultivar identity card. Once
precise labelling has been completed, the collection can be reduced by
discarding duplicates and by limiting the number of representatives in
the case of cultivars with low polymorphism. Such a reduction in numbers
leads to considerable savings in conservation costs. Coconut palm
collections cover large areas of land and thereby entail substantial
management, conservation and renewal costs. Once cultivars have been
correctly identified, it becomes possible to compare them on a worldwide
scale. In this way, it can be seen that specific types such as the Malayan
Yellow Dwarf designation may conceal different cultivars or off-types.
In a disease control context, Lethal Yellowing among others, it is
paramount to identify with certainty those cultivars that display
tolerance, or even resistance. It is just as important to ensure that any
commercially produced hybrid corresponds to what it was claimed to
be. This implies that the identity of the parents should be given special
attention.
Different genetic markers

Different types of traits have been used to characterize genetic diversity
in coconut populations: firstly, using traits which only require observation
of the phenotype. Phenotypic observations have the great advantage of
being directly related to agronomic traits. However, they are largely
subjected to selection and to environmental conditions. A variety of
morphologic traits was used by N’Cho et al. (1993) to describe the diversity
of 17 Tall cultivars from the whole coconut cultivation area, and fruit
traits were used by Ashburner et al. (1997) to describe the structuring of
29 cultivars from the South Pacific (28 Talls and 1 Dwarf) into genetic
225
groups. In an initial study involving 17 morphological fruit traits,

Zizumbo-Villarreal and Piñero (1998) separated Mexican coconut palms
into three groups: two groups of Pacific Talls and one group of Atlantic
Talls. In a more recent study, 19 traits were used by Zizumbo-Villareal
and Colunga-García Marín (2001) to characterize 18 populations of
coconut palms, with or without the presence of Lethal Yellowing.
Unfortunately, these analyses did not make it possible to compare the
same cultivar at different sites or over different time spans. Apart from
fruit traits, most other morphological characteristics reveal mainly the
dichotomy between Tall and Dwarf cultivars. It was therefore necessary
to develop new tools for characterizing cultivars, independently of their
growth habit and associated traits.
Biochemical markers
Biochemical markers, such as isozymes (Benoit and Ghesquière 1984;
Cardeña et al. 1998) or polyphenols (Jay et al. 1988), were first used at
the beginning of the 1980s to describe the diversity of coconut collections.
Unlike with morphological traits, biochemical markers do not require
measuring different characters from different organs in a full-sized palm.
It is enough to take an organ sample (leaflet, root, etc.) to reveal the
biochemical identity of the palm.
Isozymes
Isozymes, which are different forms of the same enzyme, are proteins
produced by RNA translation. They are therefore genetic markers, but
given their low polymorphism in coconut, isozymes proved to provide
very little information for diversity studies. Nonetheless, isozymes were
used by Fernando and Gajanayake (1997) on six cultivars from Sri Lanka.
Of the six enzyme systems tested on leaf extracts, only two monomeric
esterase loci and one dimeric peroxidase locus proved to be polymorphic,
with 2, 3 and 2 alleles, respectively. These results tally with those found
by Hartana et al. (1993), who tested six systems, three of which were
polymorphic. No genetic determinism of the bands was suggested. The
most important study was carried out with isozymes by Benoit and
Ghesquière (1984), who screened 31 enzyme systems, 12 of which
displayed little or no activity, 10 were non-polymorphic and 9 were legible
and polymorphic. Although the genetic determinism of the nine systems
was not entirely elucidated, only two alleles per locus were found.
Cardeña et al. (1998) were no luckier, since they discovered two enzyme
systems (peroxidase and endopeptidase) with two alleles each from testing
four cultivars and two hybrids. Nonetheless, isozymes can be used for
one-off studies, such as differentiating between the Rennell Island Tall
(RIT) and the West African Tall (WAT) (Cardeña et al. 1998).
226
Polyphenols
Leaf polyphenols are substances involved in plant defence reactions to
aggression. They form a family of molecules of controlled chemical formula
and abundance. The different types of polyphenols can be identified by
HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). These markers were
used by Jay et al. (1988) to sketch out an initial picture of coconut genetic
diversity. However, later studies revealed that the polyphenol profiles
had low repeatability, probably due to a major environmental effect. It
was therefore difficult or even impossible to compare collections with
each other, or to compare the same collection over several years. At the
beginning of the 1990s, new types of markers came into being, which
were much nearer to the genetic basis than chromosomes were. These
markers, which were directly linked to the genome, offered the advantage
of being independent of the environment. They were molecular markers.
Molecular markers
Different types of molecular markers were used at the outset to describe
the diversity of coconut collections, and more recently to identify cultivars
or individuals. What these markers had in common was to be directly
linked to the genome, hence, in theory, to be independent of the
environment, the age of the plants or their phytosanitary condition. Each
genetic marker corresponded to a DNA sequence located at a precise
spot of the genome (or locus), whose polymorphism between individuals
was shown using different tools, which generally included enzymatic
digestion of DNA, specific or random multiplication of selected sequences
[polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification]. This polymorphism
corresponded to variants (or alleles) of the sequence being studied. It
appeared in the form of bands on electrophoresis gel after developing
with a radioactive or non-radioactive stain (e.g. silver nitrate or
fluorochrome). Depending on the case, a single band was associated with
a locus and polymorphism corresponded to the existence or absence of
the band (‘dominant’ markers). In other cases, each allele was associated
with a different band (‘codominant’ markers), making it possible to
differentiate between a homozygous individual and a heterozygous
individual at the locus in question, which was not the case with dominant
markers. Different types of markers were differentiated by the type of
sequences considered, their position in the genome (nuclear or cytoplasmic
genome, encoding regions or not), the detection technique, their specificity
and reliability, and the mutation rate, which determined the evolution
rate and degree of polymorphism observed. Lastly, the cost of analyses
was an important choice factor.
PCR is a technique for the amplification of a DNA segment between
two known sequence regions. Using specific conditions and procedures
227
(Erlich 1989), selected sequences are multiplied many times so that

variation in them can be detected and described. PCR amplification
currently takes between two and three hours, depending on the
thermocycler used and the hybridization temperature adopted.
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP)

Characteristics. RFLP markers are codominant markers that are more
or less specific depending on the probe used (cDNA, genomic DNA, etc).
They are difficult and quite expensive to use. They require the extraction
of a large quantity of good quality DNA and operations are lengthy. It
takes around two weeks after DNA extraction to read the bands.
Starting in 1995, various diversity studies were undertaken at CIRAD
(Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour
le Développement) using cDNA nuclear probes or cytoplasmic probes
(the latter being quite well conserved from one plant to the other (Lebrun
et al. 1998; Lebrun et al. 1999). Cytoplasmic genomes are usually much
less polymorphic than the nuclear genome. However, they can be a source
of information for establishing phylogenies, or retracing the domestication
routes of a plant from its region of origin (Lebrun et al. 1999).
Nine cytoplasmic probes (Mitochondrial: Apocytochrome b, sub-units
alpha and 6 of ATPase, cytochrome oxidase (cox) sub-units 1, 2 and 3,
Chloroplast: Cp IR, Cp sal6 and Cytochrome F) where hybridized with
coconut DNAs digested by nine enzymes (HindIII, EcoRV, EcoRI, SstI,
BamHI, BglII, DraI, HaeIII, HpaI). Probe Cox1 displayed clear
polymorphism, which was, moreover, identical for the two digestion
operations: SstI and BglII. Cox 2, which was difficult to interpret, could
show polymorphism with HaeIII digestion. All the other enzyme-probe
pairs were monomorphic. Consequently, little mitochondrial
polymorphism was found, and no chloroplast polymorphism. Perera
(2002) has confirmed these results in a study on the chloroplast genome.
The nuclear genome proves to be much more polymorphic. For
instance, during studies conducted in 1995 and 1997, two batches of
different probes were used to explore coconut palm diversity. In the first
study (Lebrun et al. 1998), nine rice cDNA probes led to the discovery of
40 polymorphic bands, whilst in the second study (Lebrun et al. 1998),
20 rice, oil palm, maize and coconut cDNA probes revealed 60
polymorphic bands.
Procedure. Plant DNA was digested by a restriction enzyme that cut the
DNA at a particular site. A large number of fragments were obtained in
this way. These fragments were then separated according to their size
by migration in agar gel under the influence of an electric field. After
228
migration, the DNA was transferred to nylon membrane, then exposed

to a probe (small DNA primer specific to the locus studied), which was
either radioactive-labelled or non-radioactive-labelled (antibody-antigen
complex, e.g. Digoxygenine).
Irrespective of the number of probes used, or their origin, the results
as regards diversity structuring were comparable. However, this
technique is laborious to use. In addition, with the discovery of the PCR
technique, new types of markers came into being.
Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD)

Characteristics. These non-specific (the DNA revealed may belong to
another species, such as a fungus) codominant markers, once amplified
by PCR, are quite simple to use and only require a small amount of DNA.
They are obtained very quickly. Random primers are marketed in kit
form. After extraction, it takes two days to display the bands.
Their repeatability remains doubtful and it seems quite risky to use
them for comparisons between laboratories, or over different time spans.
Their ease of use and low cost have made them very attractive, but
they are difficult to read and their low reproducibility makes them more
useful for genetic mapping rather than diversity studies. Nevertheless,
they can be used for one-off studies, such as analyzing a few cultivars
from the South Pacific (Ashburner et al. 1997).
Procedure. DNA was amplified by PCR using short random primers.

The amplification products were separated by migration in agar gel then
displayed using a DNA intercalator, Ethidium bromide.
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP)

Characteristics. These are dominant PCR markers, which are quite easy
to use but sometimes difficult to interpret. A large number of markers
can be developed on the same gel, which often makes for difficult reading,
hence their limited use in diversity studies. Moreover, on coconut, each
combination tested has few polymorphic bands. These markers are
primarily used to saturate genetic maps. It takes around one week after
extraction to display the bands (Perera et al. 1998; Teulat et al. 2000;
Lebrun et al. 2001).
Procedure. Stage 1: Plant DNA was digested by two enzymes, one rarely
cutting (recognition site of 6 bases, e.g. EcoRI), the other cutting more
frequently (recognition site of 4 bases, e.g. MseI).
Stage 2: Double stranded adaptors were ligated to the ends of the DNA
fragments to serve as templates for amplification. Thus, the sequence of
229
adaptors, followed by the adjacent restriction site, served as the ligation

site for the restricted fragment amplification primers.
Stage 3: In order to reduce the number of fragments amplified, the

amplification primers were elongated in 3’ (restriction site side) by one
or two bases. Only the restricted fragments possessing the selective base(s)
just after the restriction site were amplified. These fragments were
separated by migration in acrylamide gel under the influence of an electric
field. Visualization was either radioactive or non-radioactive
(fluorochrome on automatic sequencers, silver nitrate, etc.).
Inverse Sequence-Tagged Repeat (ISTR)

Characteristics. These are specific, dominant and extremely polymorphic
markers. However, most of the polymorphism is primarily found within
populations, making them of little use for diversity studies. For instance,
it is the only way of observing polymorphism within the Malayan Yellow
Dwarf from Tanzania and from the Philippines (Rohde et al. 1995). Their
development is lengthy and costly. Detection of polymorphism is more
random than with microsatellite markers. It takes three days after
extraction to visualize the bands.
Procedure. Coconut genomic DNA was amplified by primers specific to

regions separating repeated sequences. The PCR products were separated
by migration on acrylamide gel, and then detected by radioactivity
incorporated during amplification.
Microsatellites or Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR)

Characteristics. These are codominant PCR markers, for which it is easy
to identify alleles and loci, thereby enabling their use in population
genetics. Their development is expensive, but their routine use is
affordable. They are very useful for mapping studies, as they can be used
to compare different maps with each other. They are highly polymorphic,
highly repeatable, and easily transposable from one laboratory to another
or from one year to the next. They are ideal markers for diversity studies
(Perera et al. 1999; Rivera et al. 1999; Perera et al. 2000; Perera et al. 2001;
Meerow et al. 2003). They formed the basis for a coconut diversity study
and cultivar identification kit developed at CIRAD (Baudouin and Lebrun
2002). It takes around three days after extraction to visualize the bands.
Procedure. Coconut genomic DNA was amplified by PCR using primers

specific to regions containing a microsatellite sequence. This type of
sequence was characterized by repetition, many times, of a motif formed
by 2 or 3 pairs of bases (e.g. GAGAGAGA…, TCTCTC… or
230
GTCGTCGTCGTC…). As these primers were placed either side of the

microsatellite, they enabled specific amplification. As the number of
repeats varied from one individual to the next, differences in PCR product
lengths were detected by migration in agar gel (and developed with EB)
or on polyacrylamide gel (developed radioactively (P33) or
nonradioactively (silver nitrate or fluorochrome on an automatic
sequencer).
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP)

Characteristics. SNP are markers characterized by substitution of a
nucleotide. They are codominant. Obtaining them requires a great deal
of prior sequencing work (e.g. EST (Expressed Sequence Tags) type data
obtained on different genotypes), and validation, but their subsequent
use is quite easy (PCR, detection). As ‘mass’ sequencing is not yet available
for coconut, SNP markers have yet to be developed.
Procedure. SNP markers are frequent and well distributed in the genome.
Their frequency varies depending on the species and on the regions of
the genome: from 1 every 3 kb in man, this figure can fall to 131 pb in the
case of an EST of barley cytochrome P 450 (Bundock et al. 2003) or 54 pb
in the case of an EST encoding 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase from
sugarcane (Grivet et al. 2001). Through their variable positions in the
genome (coding or non-coding zones), they offer very strong potential
for markers which are useful for labelling the genome, or for studying
gene regulation.
They are detected in several ways:
• By sequencing (Bundock et al. 2003) (microsequencing or primer
elongation);
• By analyzing the polymorphism of single stranded DNA con-
formation;
• By denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis;
• By mass spectrometry; and
• By DNA microchip hybridization (Schmalzing et al. 2000).
In the case of sugarcane, Grivet et al. (2003) aligned the sequences of

different sugarcane cultivars listed in EST databases containing 230 000
sequences. The strictness of such alignments and the quality of the
sequences are of great importance for SNP detection. The next stage was
finding a restriction enzyme whose recognition site includes the SNP.
This SNP was then validated by merely defining the primers either side
of the polymorphic site, digesting the amplification products with the
enzyme cutting into the SNP, and proceeding with gel migration of the
restrictions.
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Choice of markers to be used

Consequently, different types of markers can be used depending on the
questions involved and the resources available. A comparative study
conducted on 31 individuals representative of worldwide diversity
showed that AFLP, microsatellite (Teulat et al. 2000) and RFLP markers
give the same picture of coconut genetic structure. Although they shed
some light on the domestication routes taken by the coconut palm (Lebrun
et al. 1998), RFLP remained a difficult and laborious technique, which
could easily be replaced by using PCR type markers. At the present,
microsatellite markers seem to offer many advantages. They are quite
simple to use, and enough of them exist to choose from and use the most
efficient primers.
The coconut microsatellite kit

In connection with a project funded by the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Network (COGENT) of the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI), the European Union (EU), BUROTROP
(Bureau for the Development of Research on Tropical Oil Crops) and
CIRAD, a kit has been developed for coconut diversity studies and cultivar
identification. The purpose of the kit is to evaluate genetic diversity using
microsatellite markers based on standardized methods that can be used
by any laboratory with a minimum of equipment.
Kit contents – The microsatellites

The coconut microsatellite kit consists of:
• Primer sequences available for use by partners in developing coun-
tries;
• A set of coconut reference population data, consisting of allelic
frequencies for all the microsatellite loci of the kit. This set is rep-
resentative of global coconut diversity and serves as a reference
for further studies;
• A document listing the procedures to be adopted for analysis of
diversity in coconut using the microsatellite kit, including both
experimental and data analysis protocols; and
• Software called Geneclass2 for assigning individuals to cross-fer-
tilizing populations.
Out of 83 microsatellite primer pairs screened for their ease of

development, reproducibility, legibility and number of alleles, 14 were
chosen, four of which could be multiplexed by two. The kit also includes
a technical manual for laboratory operations, along with population
assignment software.
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The 14 primer pairs in the kit (Table 1) have been used to study
diversity on 571 individuals, spread over 136 cultivars. That figure is
continuing to increase, since new populations are being characterized
each month using this kit. The results are entered in the Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD) and are accessible to the members of the
COGENT network.
Table 1. The 14 microsatellite kit primer sequences

Embl
Size
T1* T2** Genebank
Locus Repeat array Primer sequences (5’- 3’) range
(bp) ((bp) Accession
(bp)
no.
CnCir (TG)15 AATCTAAATCTACGAAAGCA 228- 228 228 240 240 AJ458309
A3 AATAATGTGAAAAAGCAAAG 248
CnCir (GT)9 (GA)8 AATGTTTGTGTCTTTGTGCGTGTGT 89- 097 097 089 089 AJ458310
A9 TCCTTATTTTTCTTCCCCTTCCTCA 115
CnCir (GT)4 (CT)2 (GT)10 GAGTGTGTGAGCCAGCAT 196- 196 204 202 202 AJ458311
B6 (GA)11 ATTGTTCACAGTCCTTCCA 226
CnCir (CA)20 (GA)15 GCTCTTCAGTCTTTCTCAA 135- 163 163 169 169 AJ458312
B12 CTGTATGCCAATTTTTCTA 189
CnCir (CA)12 X21 (GC)6 AGAAAGCTGAGAGGGAGATT 174- 178 206 176 176 AJ458313
C3’ (AC)10 (AG)12 GTGGGGCATGAAAAGTAAC 232
CnCir (GT)7 (GA)16 ATAGCATATGGTTTTCCT 147- 165 167 161 161 AJ458314
C7 TGCTCCAGCGTTCATCTA 189
CnCir (CA)15 (TA)6 ATACCACAGGCTAACAT 161- 167 167 183 183 AJ458315
C12 AACCAGAGACATTTGAA 185
CnCir (CT)17 (GT)9 TCGCTGATGAATGCTTGCT 115- 163 163 135 135 AJ458316
E2 GGGGCTGAGGGATAAACC 177
CnCir (CA)8 (GA)11 TTGGGTTCCATTTCTTCTCTCATC 226- 244 244 238 238 AJ458317
E10 GCTCTTTAGGGTTCGCTTTCTTAG 246
CnCir (CT)6 (CCT)2 TCACGCAAAAGATAAAACC 162- 174 174 164 164 AJ458318
E12 ATGGAGATGGAAAGAAAGG 174
CnCir (TG)11 (AG)12 GGTCTCCTCTCCCTCCTTATCTA 191- 193 193 205 205 AJ458319
F2 CGACGACCCAAAACTGAACAC 215
CnCir (GT)9 (GA)9 TA AATATCTCCAAAAATCATCGAAAG 186- 204 208 194 194 AJ458320
G11 (GA)4 TCATCCCACACCCTCCTCT 212
CnCir (TC)8 X4 (CA)5 TTAGATCTCCTCCCAAAG 218- 230 230 230 230 AJ458321
H4’ (CGCA)5 ATCGAAAGAACAGTCACG 236
CnCir (CT)16 (CA)13 GAGATGGCATAACACCTA 127- 133 133 139 139 AJ458322
H7 TGCTGAAGCAAAAGAGTA 149
*T1 = standard 1 = WAT 4
**T2 = standard 2 = MYD
Eventually, as the 14 microsatellites of the kit are available from CIRAD

or IPGRI, this base should be enhanced by results from all the countries
possessing collections. It will then be possible to compare the genetic
profiles of the populations in collections in different countries and
conclude on the identity or difference between cultivars with the same
name.
In 2002, COGENT supported the training at CIRAD of 18 coconut
researchers from nine countries (one biotechnologist and one curator per
country) on the use of the microsatellite kit and its associated software.
Subsequently, each country was given a research grant by IPGRI /
233
COGENT with funding from DFID to use the skills learned to characterize
their local conserved varieties with at least one of seven varieties with
known tolerance/ resistance to lethal yellowing disease as control. This
research is currently ongoing.
Geneclass2 software
The kit is currently accompanied by Geneclass2 software developed with
Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA). The need for
this software comes from the cross-fertilizing nature of Tall coconuts.
Unlike clones or self-fertilizing varieties, a Tall cultivar comprises a set of
genotypes, each of which is different. It can only be identified with
molecular markers through the frequencies of the different alleles at the
loci tested. In addition, the number of individuals observed is always
limited, meaning that these frequencies are only known with a degree of
uncertainty. Identifying the population of origin of one or more
individuals therefore means resorting to probability calculations.
The method adopted is a Bayesian method (Baudouin and Lebrun
2001). It requires establishing a set of samples representative of the main
known cultivars, which are then compared to ‘candidate’ samples to be
identified. Geneclass2 software can then assign a probability to each
proposal of the type ‘the candidate comes from cultivar x’. This probability
is a ratio of the ‘score’ of cultivar x to the sum of the scores of all the
reference populations. The score is the probability of obtaining the
candidate, given the reference sample. It is calculated taking into account
the uncertainty of allelic frequencies.
This probability is calculated by considering the hypothesis that the
candidate actually belongs to one of the reference cultivars, which is not
necessarily true. Another test therefore has to be carried out and the
Geneclass2 ‘exclusion’ method makes it possible to calculate the
probability that the candidate belongs to a reference cultivar. For this
calculation, it is necessary to simulate a random sample of the genotypes
of that population. The probability of belonging to the cultivar amounts
to the percentage of simulated genotypes that obtain a lower score than
the candidate.
Geneclass2 software performance

The efficiency of the Bayesian procedure was tested by attempting to
determine the population of origin of the reference samples. The samples
were representative of the main coconut cultivars. Some cultivars were
represented by several populations that could differ slightly, and on the
average, five individuals were sampled. Each individual was drawn from
the reference database before seeking its origin. This precaution was taken
234
in order to make the test more realistic: in actual population assignment,

the tested individual and the reference samples form distinct sets. The
individual assignment tests were approximately 50% successful (the
population identified was indeed the population of origin). When the
scores of the individuals in the same sample were cumulated, precision
was substantially improved – the cultivar of origin was correctly identified
in 72% of cases1 (Table 2).
Table 2. Result of assignment test with Geneclass2

Same area Other
Same Same
Group (could be the (within the same Total
population cultivar
same cultivar) group)
Pacific
Dwarf 19 0 0 0 19
Panama 2 0 0 0 2
Southeast Asia 11 0 6 0 17
Micronesia, Polynesia 6 4 1 0 11
Melanesia 20 6 12 10 48
Indo-Atlantic 18 0 1 2 21
Total 76 10 20 12 118
% 64 8 17 10
In 17% of cases, the cultivar identified had another name but came from
a neighbouring region. It was highly likely that some biologically identical
cultivars were given different names, either because they were described
by different people, or because the corresponding populations had
different morphometric characteristics due to environmental or age
differences. It was therefore reasonable to assume that a proportion of
the 17% actually corresponded to correctly classified cultivars.
In 10% of cases, the samples were attributed to cultivars in the same
group, but from another region. In a small number of cases, assignment
was ambiguous. This may have involved cultivars for which genetic
differences were too slight to be picked up with the number of individuals
used. The possibility of germplasm exchange over long distances could
not be ruled out either.
The method gave different results depending on the groups of
populations. For instance, each Dwarf cultivar was correctly identified.
These cultivars are self-fertilizing and extremely homogeneous, making
it easier to distinguish between them. On the other hand, most of the
cultivars that were imprecisely identified came from Melanesia. In fact,
more populations were sampled from this region than from any other.
As a result, some populations were very similar to each other and thus
difficult to distinguish with only five individuals per population.
1
Agrees with the table: members of the same populations belong to the same cultivar
Same population + same cultivar = 64% + 8% = 72%
235
When it was used to distinguish between the main coconut cultivars, the
Bayesian method used in Geneclass2 proved to be efficient in identifying
coconut cultivars, even with a small sample size. This exercise became
more difficult only when closely related populations were involved. In
fact, the efficiency of the method depended on three factors: the sample
size (both in the reference samples and in the candidates), the genetic
diversity of the studied populations and the genetic divergence between
populations. For this reason, larger samples are needed to study fine
genetic structure on a regional scale than on a global scale. One of the
important characteristics of the method is that with time, more samples
can be included in the reference set, making it possible to improve its
discriminating power.
Use for classification purposes

Groups of populations were compiled based on geographic origin and
genetic structure. Each time when it was doubtful that a population
belonged to a group, confirmation was obtained by checking that its
classification remained the same when its data were excluded from the
reference database. In that way, only populations MXPT2 (Mexican
Pacific Tall), Colima and GGZ (one of the Gazelle Peninsula Tall samples)
remained unclassified. The former case may reflect the fact that coconuts
were introduced into Mexico from different countries (Zizumbo Villarreal
1996). The Colima population could result from the intercrossing between
populations of Melanesian and Southeast Asian origin. On the other hand,
the GGZ sample appeared to be an illegitimate accession of the Gazelle
Peninsula Tall. The proposed classification is given in Annex 1.
Results
Studies using samples representing the worldwide coconut diversity were
carried out using RFLP (Lebrun et al. 1998; Lebrun et al. 1999),
microsatellite (Baudouin and Lebrun 2002), or AFLP (Teulat et al. 2000)
markers. All these studies detected two major cultivar groups. The first
was the Pacific group that was both the most polymorphic and the
geographically most extensive. It spreads from Southeast Asia to the east
coast of Latin America. It includes four sub-groups with blurred
boundaries: Southeast Asia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. The
coconut palms from Panama and Peru form a fifth sub-group, related to
the precedents, but clearly distinct. All Dwarfs, irrespective of their
geographical origin, form a genetically uniform group that belongs to
the Pacific group, sub-group Southeast Asia. The Niu Leka Dwarf is a
notable exception as this cross-fertilizing Dwarf originated from the South
Pacific.
236
The second was the Indo-Atlantic group that originated from the
Indian subcontinent, from where it was subsequently transported to West
Africa and the Atlantic coast of Latin America. East Africa is also
populated with coconut palms of the Indo-Atlantic type, though these
received an input from cultivars of Southeast Asian origin, resulting from
Austronesian migrations to Madagascar.
For the most part, these results are confirmed by other studies; the
distinction between the Indo-Atlantic and Pacific groups has been
observed with other markers such as ISTR (Rohde et al. 1995; Fernando
et al. 1997) or in a partial study carried out with RAPD markers (Wadt et
al. 1999). The same applies for the AFLP gathered by Perera et al. (1998)
where the main two groups were formed by local cultivars and Dwarfs
of the Pacific group, along with the “auranthiaca” (King coconut and
Rathran Thembili) genotypes, which actually came from ancient
hybridization between the Dwarfs and local genotypes. In the study by
Rivera et al. (1999), microsatellites showed that Dwarfs formed a uniform
group within the local Talls and clearly stood out from the Pacific
coconuts (RIT or Rennell Island Tall and PYT or Polynesian Tall). Minor
differences exist with the RAPD study by Ashburner et al. (1997), which
focused on the South Pacific and proposed two groups, North and South.
Lastly, the classification of Florida populations by Meerow et al. (2003)
was the only one to group the Jamaica Tall with the Panama Tall. This
casts doubt on the legitimacy of the planting material used. Finally, these
two groups are compatible with the results of phenotypic and polyphenol
observations (Lebrun et al. 1999).
The contribution of microsatellites to a better understanding of coconut
genetic diversity can be illustrated by comparing the resulting classification
with the theory proposed by Harries (1978). According to him, all coconut
cultivars were derived from two types: 1. the ‘Niu Vai’ (also called
‘domesticated’) type, which has rounded nuts with high water content,
early germination and an erect stipe and 2. the ‘Niu Kafa’ (considered as
‘wild’ type), which have more or less triangular nuts, thick husk, a slow
rate of germination and a more slender and curved stem. Many currently
available coconut cultivars are intermediate between those two types.
Following this typology, almost all the cultivars that tend towards the
Niu Kafa type belong to the Indo-Atlantic group and almost all those that
were considered by Harries as Niu Vai or introgressed belong to the Pacific
group.
While concordance is the general rule, differences between these
classifications are not difficult to explain: while the reasoning underlying
the morphological classification mainly involves natural and artificial
selection forces, the molecular classification focuses on the genetic
relationships between cultivars and on their regions of origin. Due to
237
cross pollination, Tall coconut cultivars that have grown in the same
region for some time are likely to have a more or less similar genetic
structure. As a result, a clear geographic pattern of variation is expected
and, indeed, observed with Tall coconuts. The situation is different with
Dwarfs, because they have a strong tendency to self-pollinate and tend
to conserve their genetic structure irrespective of the place where they
are planted. This structure therefore reflects the region where it appeared
(i.e. Southeast Asia), rather than the one in which it is found, even if it
has been there for a long time.
An example of discrepancy between the two classifications is the
Kappadam from India. This is clearly of the Niu Vai type according to
Harries (1978). However, microsatellites indicate that it is an Indo-Atlantic
cultivar, as could be inferred from its place of origin. However, the
presence of a few microsatellite markers from Southeast Asia makes it
possible to understand the origin of this cultivar. Its ancestors were
probably imported from Southeast Asia and strict selection was necessary
to enable it to conserve its distinct Niu Vai traits over generations, while
a large proportion of its genes have been replaced by those of the local
populations, which are of the Niu Kafa type.
The main arguments of the theory proposed by Harries remain valid,
though they do need to be moderated and complemented using molecular
marker information. Considering the high diversity found in this region,
the hypothesis of a centre of diversification located in the vast archipelago
situated between Southeast Asia and PNG (Harries 2002) seems to be
confirmed. Before its domestication, the coconut palm probably had
characteristics similar to those of the Niu Kafa type, which benefited
from a definite advantage for its dissemination over large distances by
ocean currents. However, this selective factor was probably less important
in the centre of diversification, where the distances to be covered were
shorter than in the periphery. It is likely that this facilitated the appearance
of the Niu Vai type, under the effect of domestication in Southeast Asia
and/or Melanesia. In other respects, the Niu Kafa type predominates on
the Indian subcontinent even after a long period of cultivation. Either
Indian farmers had different breeding objectives from those in Southeast
Asia (notably fibre production), or, despite their efforts, the populations
available to them were too homogeneous to develop significantly towards
the Niu Vai type. The counter-example given by the Kappadam suggests
that the second hypothesis explains at least partly the Indian coconut
palm characteristics. Moreover, this reduced diversity in the Indian sub-
continent is confirmed by microsatellite markers.
There are cultivars with large and clearly Niu Kafa fruits in the South
Pacific. The absence of obvious similarities between their microsatellite
238
profiles and those found in the Indian subcontinent suggest that they
evolved independently. During their expansion from Southeast Asia, the
Polynesian ancestors might have ‘rediscovered’ the Niu Kafa type, which
was very different from the Niu Vai types with which they had been
familiar. This type was apparently maintained (and maybe accentuated
by selection) due to its advantages for the production of fibres, which
were valuable for navigation.
Case study: Panama Talls

The Panama Tall is a particularly important cultivar due to its place in
the Pacific group and the role it plays in genetic control of Lethal
Yellowing. Historical data show that it existed on the Pacific coast before
the Spanish arrived (Zizumbo-Villareal and Quero 1998) and, along with
the Peru Tall, it forms a group with a narrow genetic base. Five different
origins of Panama Tall were compared. These were: (1) Nine PNT
Aguadulce individuals (called Aguadulce IC); (2) Twenty Monagre
individuals (called Monagre IC) conserved at the Marc Delorme Station
in Ivory Coast; (3) Ten PNT individuals from Jamaica of ‘Bowden’ origin
(called Bowden Jamaica); (4) Twelve PNT Aguadulce individuals from
Nicaragua, of which seven displayed a typical phenotype (called Typical
Nicaragua Aguadulce) and five of which were more or less atypical (called
Offtype Nicaragua Aguadulce); and (5) Fifteen PNT individuals from
Costa Rica sampled in Nicaragua (called Costa Rica). Four Peru Tall
individuals (called Peru) were added. These 70 palms were analyzed
with the 14 microsatellites in the Kit. Profiles were obtained by
characterizing each individual for the 14 systems. The profiles were coded
according to the number of alleles and then entered on a spreadsheet.
All the samples were statistically analyzed as being individuals not
attributing a priori to populations.
Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to present the
distribution of population diversity in the plane corresponding to the
first two components. In this PCA (see Figure 1), the populations were
organized into three distinct groups: the central group contained the
populations of Monagre IC and Bowden Jamaica origin, along with the
Peru Tall. The resemblance between the genetic structure of the latter
and that of the Panama Tall was such that these two cultivars could be
considered synonymous. It implied a common origin, despite the distance
separating them. The group on the left corresponds to the two populations
of Aguadulce origin, which were indistinguishable using molecular
markers, irrespective of their geographical provenance or their phenotypic
appearance. An examination of the alleles distinguishing the Aguadulce
origin from the other Panama Talls showed that this origin displayed a
239
low percentage of genes from ‘Alto Atlantico’ coconut palms. This

doubtless explains its greater phenotypic diversity. The Costa Rica origin
forms the third group, which stands out from the central group through
a few rare alleles, of unknown origin. The groupings shown here were
confirmed using the Geneclass2 assignment procedure.
1,5
PC2 (7.7%)
0,5
CI Aguadulce
CI Monagre
0
-1,5 -1 -0,5 0 0,5 1 1,5
Jamaica Bowden
PC1 (11.5%) Nicaragua Aguadulce
-0,5
Costa Rica
Peru
-1
-1,5
PC2 (7.7%)
1.5
CI Aguadulce
0.5
CI Monagre
-1.5 -1 -0.5
0
0 0.5 1 1.5
Jamaica Bowden
PC1 (11.5%)
Nicaragua Aguadulce
-0.5
Costa Rica
-1
Peru
-1 .5
Figure 1. Distribution of population diversity of five different origins of Panama

Tall along with Peru Tall
240
Most modern authors (Child 1974; Harries 2002) agree that the coconut
palm does not originate from America, even though it has been present
on that continent for a long time. This raises three questions: where did
the founding individuals come from? How did they get there? When did
they get there?
These three points were examined using Shannon’s information
theory. The resemblance between the allelic structure of the Panama Tall
and that of coconut palms from different regions of the Pacific was
evaluated by calculating a parameter called “ambiguity” (the less a
marker provides information likely to distinguish between two origins,
the greater is the ambiguity). It turned out that, despite its particular
genetic structure, the Panama Tall most resembles the coconut palms of
Southeast Asia, followed by that of Melanesia, Polynesia and Micronesia.
There are several arguments in favour of a Southeast Asian origin.
Firstly, several plants seem to have followed the same route, including
the plantain banana and bamboo. Secondly, archaeological remains
dating back 2500 years, and revealing several Southeast Asian traits,
have been found in Ecuador and Bahía de Caraquez (Estrada and Meggers
1961). Unlike in Panama and Peru, there is no direct evidence of a pre-
Columbian existence of coconut palms in Ecuador, but if the coconut
palm effectively reached America in Ecuador, it explains the existence of
the same cultivar in Peru and Panama.
The Southeast Asian origin of “Bahía Culture” still arouses bitter
discussions, but it nonetheless remains the case that the expansion of
Austronesian peoples to Polynesia on the one hand and to Madagascar
on the other hand, clearly demonstrates that those people in the remote
past had the ability to undertake long sea voyages. This provides an answer
to the third question raised above; the distance covered (almost 18000
km) is well beyond the possibilities of dissemination by floating on ocean
currents.
Conclusion
With the microsatellite kit, molecular markers have become a powerful
tool to explore genetic diversity in coconut. Although molecular markers
have (in principle) no direct connections with phenotypic variation, they
contribute to a better understanding of its distribution, because the
distributions of characters were shaped by the evolutionary history of
the populations. By combining historical records, morphological and
microsatellite variation, it is possible to retrace important features of the
history of the crop since its domestication. This makes it possible to
understand the relationships among the cultivars found around the world.
Above all, it is useful for an efficient use of genetic resources.
241
Managing genebanks is very expensive. For this reason, it is necessary

to avoid any unnecessary duplication. By characterizing populations in
situ, it is possible to introduce only populations with an original genetic
pattern into collections. It is also possible to screen collections in order to
spot possible ‘synonym’ or duplicate accessions. Such accessions do not
need to be replicated further.
A second application in genebanks is to ensure legitimacy of their
accessions. Plant breeding activities involve substantial resources, which
can only be efficiently used if the planting material is correctly identified.
If a significant number of foreign genes are found in an accession, it is
worth considering resampling the cultivar. This is particularly true if the
characters involved are difficult to assess, such as resistance to diseases.
It was shown that some of the Panama Tall accessions display a certain
percentage of ‘Alto Atlantic’ genes, irrespective of their phenotypic
appearance. Illegitimacy in the parental populations could explain in
part the fact that ‘Maypan’ hybrids were found to be susceptible to Lethal
Yellowing. In any event, illegitimacy in disease resistance trials is likely
to lead to false conclusions about resistance level.
Knowledge of genetic relationships between cultivars is also
important for breeding, particularly in the framework of a global
programme. It provides breeders with a way of exploiting the results
obtained elsewhere. By finding the closest relative of already tested
cultivars in their own collections, they can reproduce (at least in part)
their useful features. One of the reasons why such reproduction may be
only partial is the effect of genetic-environment interaction. Conversely,
knowing the relationships between cultivars may help in predicting
interactions. A good example is given by the Dwarf group, including the
Marshall Green, the Kiribati Green, the Raja Brown, the Madang Brown
and the Sri Lanka Green Dwarfs. In the last two, nuts are relatively large
(for Dwarfs) in the Pacific Ocean, but small in West Africa. Knowledge
of the genetic distance between cultivars also helps to choose right parents
for hybridization, be it for producing hybrid varieties, or for the
introgression of useful traits. In the first case, it was shown in Baudouin
(1999) that a substantial degree of heterosis might be obtained by crossing
cultivars from different molecular groups. In the second case, crossing
distant cultivars will maximize genetic diversity to select from in the
second and subsequent generations. Such crosses make it possible to
develop the best of marker-assisted selection programmes.
Further studies on genetic diversity will be important for a clearer
understanding of genetic diversity at different levels. Participatory
research appraisals often lead to the identification of more coconut types
than conventional ‘random’ sampling. The question is whether those
242
types represent normal variation in the population or different genetic

origins. In the efforts to find a suitable planting material policy in the
presence of Lethal Yellowing, it will be important to study pathogen
diversity in relation to the prevailing coconut varieties. Finally, the
legitimacy test provided by Geneclass2 is not applicable for assessing the
quality of hybrid seed nuts for the moment, because between-population
hybrids are not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Applying suitable genetic
model will require further statistical and software developments. A
provisional classification of coconut cultivars is presented in Annex 1.
Acknowledgement
We are grateful to Dr JHA Barker for her helpful discussions about coconut
microsatellite kit development, and K. Devakumar for his considerable
assistance in SSR testing. IPGRI, COGENT, the CEC and BUROTROP
provided the financial support for the kit development.
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246
Annex 1. A provisional classification of coconut cultivars
This classification is primarily based on molecular data (microsatellites).

It also takes into account morphological and geographical criteria.
• There are two groups of order 1. These groups represent the major
branches of coconut palm evolution, corresponding to two distinct
centres of differentiation.
• In all, there are 10 groups of order 2. They represent the major divi-
sions within the main two groups. Their name refers to the region
from where the group is supposedly originated (but not necessarily
the place where samples were actually taken). In the Indo-Atlantic
group, cultivars are classified according to the rate of introgression
by Pacific genes rather than on geographic criteria.
• There are 17 groups of order 3. They represent a more subtle division
of the diversity of the species on a regional scale. This level of classifi-
cation may be amended by more in-depth studies.
The molecular group is described by a code comprising three characters:

capital letter for the first level, a digit for the second level and a lower
case letter for the third level. (e.g. A1a for the southeast Asian Dwarfs,
Malayan type, which belong to the Pacific group). The resulting groups
are summarized in the following table. Examples of use of this
classification can be found using the CGRD software.
A Pacific Group
A1 Southeast Asian Dwarfs
A1a Malayan type
A1b Philippine type
A2 Pacific Dwarfs (and semi-Talls)
A3 Southeast Asian Tall
A3a Continental type
A3b Indonesian type
A3c Philippine type
A4 Melanesia
A4a North New Guinea type
A4b South New Guinea type
A4c Insular PNG type
A4d Markham Valley type
A4e Vanuatu Type
A5 Micronesia
A6 Polynesia
A7 Panama (and Peru)
B Indo-Atlantic group
B1 Introgression absent to very low
B2 Low introgression rate
B3 Moderate to high introgression rate
247
248
Chapter 5
Germplasm use
249
250
CHAPTER 5: Germplasm use
Conventional coconut breeding

P Batugal1 and R Bourdeix2
1
COGENT Coordinator and Senior Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute - Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia
2
Coconut Breeder, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour
le Développement (CIRAD), Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
Introduction
Coconut genetic resources have been traditionally collected and conserved
in major coconut producing countries with the objective of using these
to improve the genetic make up of their existing cultivars. Selected
germplasm are generally used as: a) planting material to improve the
coconut productivity in the country or a region; b) test material to
determine the phenotypic and genotypic characters of value and c)
population base for breeding superior hybrids/varieties.
Based on their origin, these germplasm could be categorized into:
traditional varieties or landraces, as exotic varieties introduced into the
country, or as modern varieties or hybrids resulting from a national
breeding effort. Most coconut producing countries have a mixed
population of landraces and introduced hybrids/varieties. There are
continuing efforts to further improve cultivars through mass selection
and hybridization, and to produce synthetic varieties for economic
reasons.
As breeding material, the coconut germplasm are generally grouped
according to their growth habit. In addition, the differences in their
mating behaviour give the breeders flexibility in designing various
breeding schemes to achieve their desired coconut ideotypes. The
STANTECH manual (Santos et. al 1995) described the following major
classification of coconut:
1. Tall palms, sometimes referred to as var. typica (Nar.), are essen-
tially cross-pollinating and therefore considered to be hetero-
zygous. They are slow maturing and flower 6-10 years after plant-
ing, and can grow to a height of 20-30 m. They have an average
economic life of 60-70 years.
2. Dwarf palms, sometimes referred to as var. nana (Griff.), are nor-
mally self-pollinating and therefore considered to be homozygous.
They are believed to be mutants from Tall types with short stat-
ure, 8-10 m when 20 years old. They begin bearing about the
third year sometimes at less than 1 m stem height but have a
short productive life of 30-40 years.
251
There are also rare ‘intermediate types’ which do not express the
phenotype normally associated with either the Talls or the Dwarfs.
Natural crosses between Tall and Dwarfs occur sporadically in traditional
populations. In some instances, such open-pollinated hybrids may become
fixed as ‘semi-Talls’, which have the same mating behaviour as Dwarfs
but grow faster. In the South Pacific, there is also a Niu Leka Dwarf,
which has all the characteristics of a Tall type coconut, except for its
short stature. These intermediate types have a good potential in
broadening the genetic base of the breeding population but their parental
value has yet to be fully evaluated.
This paper presents the various ways these coconut germplasm are
used in conventional breeding, the general status of the breeding
programmes for coconuts including their limitations and constraints, and
future breeding strategies.
Population base
The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a diploid with 32 chromosomes (2n=32)
and the sole species of the genus Cocos. As such, current breeding work
on this tree crop is limited to the intraspecific level.
The coconut palm is monoecious, i.e. its inflorescence carries both
staminate (male) and pistillate (female) flowers (Frankel and Galun 1977).
Generally, Talls, being protandrous, shed pollen prior to stigma
receptivity. They are generally considered as allogamous. Nevertheless,
selfing is possible because of the variable overlapping between the female
phase of an inflorescence and the male phase of the next inflorescence.
The speed of emission of inflorescences varies according to genotype and
environment, with a great seasonal variation; so do the selfing rate. On
the other hand, the Dwarfs are generally considered homogamous as
stamens and pistils mature simultaneously thus Dwarfs can shed and
receive pollen at the same time resulting in inbreeding. Apart from their
short stem, most of the Dwarfs show a combination of common
characteristics: preference to autogamy, sensitivity to environmental
stresses, small-sized organs, precocity, and rapid emission of inflorescence.
Because of the last three characteristics, the Dwarfs play an important
role in hybridization programmes. However, the genetic determinant of
coconut dwarfism is still unknown.
The bisexual nature of the Talls and the Dwarfs allow manipulation
of pollination to secure the desired level of genetic introgression with the
Talls as source of heterozygous genotypes while the Dwarfs provide the
progenitors of homozygosity.
The genetic structures of coconut are yet to be fully understood, and
the diversity of identified and collected coconut germplasm are yet to be
fully exploited. As of 2003, the Coconut Genetic Resources Database
252
(CGRD) of the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network

(COGENT) listed 599 Talls, 111 Dwarfs and 1 semi-Tall cultivar plus few
cross- fertilizing Dwarfs (Hamelin 2003). However, a total of 1416
accessions are entered into the CGRD of which less than 5 % (<60) are
actually being used as parents in national breeding programmes of the
COGENT member countries as revealed by COGENT country surveys in
2001-2003. These also revealed that the more popular parental accessions
for hybridization were the West African Tall (WAT), Rennell Island Tall
(RIT), Vanuatu Tall (VTT), Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD), Malayan Red
Dwarf (MRD), Malayan Green Dwarf (MGD) and Cameroon Red Dwarf
(CRD). According to Bourdeix (1999), before 1993, about 400 coconut
hybrids were created around the world in national research programmes;
however, less than 10 of these coconut hybrids have been tested
internationally under various ecological conditions. Recently, COGENT
has tested 34 promising hybrids in three African (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire
and Tanzania) and three LAC countries (Brazil, Mexico and Jamaica) to
test their agronomic performance and their Germplasm x Environment
interaction (see Batugal et al. in Chapter 5). The availability of
characterization data (quantitative and qualitative descriptions of major
traits) on most of the catalogued accessions of the CGRD, and the
establishment of the International Coconut Genebank (ICG) and national
genebanks (28 genebanks in 24 countries), there are now new options
for breeders to incorporate more accessions into their breeding schemes.
The patterns of genetic differentiation for many of the available
coconut accessions are being determined at the morphological and
molecular levels (see related articles in Chapters 4 and 5). Initial results
showed close relationship between some accessions which helps to avoid
the use of ‘duplicates’ in breeding programmes. Some cultivars such as
the Malayan Tall and Pakistan Tall (represented by 49 and 32 accessions,
respectively) are described very often in the CGRD (Hamelin 2003).
Similarly, there were 31 accession entries of East African Tall reported
from Tanzania and five from India. Obviously, the same genotype may
carry different accession codes/names depending on the source of origin
or collecting site.
In many small coconut producing countries, breeders accessed
germplasm not necessarily for breeding purposes but to select genotypes
for direct release as varieties. The selection process is usually done through
on-farm varietal evaluation with the traditional cultivars serving as basis
of comparison or control. This provides a short cut to the long and tedious
process of undertaking a hybridization programme, which in coconut
usually takes 14 to 15 years, just to produce and evaluate a single
generation of progenies. Nevertheless, this type of short-term selection
253
inhibits further work towards maximizing heterosis that only a well-

designed breeding programme could achieve.
Although coconut is a monotypic, the genetic variability that is present
in the current collections is sufficiently broad for the breeders to undertake
various breeding schemes in developing improved coconut varieties. The
existing variable traits between the Tall and Dwarf populations and
within the Talls provide a good opportunity to produce various
recombinants that could yield the desired characters. It is only through
actual germplasm use, such as in conventional breeding, that the
continuing activities on collecting, maintaining and characterizing of
coconut germplasm could be justified.
Conventional breeding schemes
Mass selection methods

Three options of mass selection exist, according to the choice of a
reproductive system: mass selection using open pollination, selfing or
intercrossing.
Mass selection using open pollination has been the mostly practised
method. The main advantage of this method is its simplicity; the seednuts
are collected from palms that present attractive characteristics at a time.
The progenies resulting from open pollination are the basis of an improved
population which will then undergo other selection cycles. In the case of
coconut, the efficiency of mass selection using open pollination has been
the subject of a harsh controversy (Bourdeix 1988). Divergent results were
obtained, partially because of the natural reproductive system of the Tall
palms. Although Talls are mainly allogamous, selfing remains possible.
The rate of selfing increases with the speed of inflorescence production.
Best palms on best plots produce more inflorescences so they may have a
higher selfing rate than others. Their progenies will suffer from an
inbreeding handicap. The speed of inflorescence emission also varies
strongly between seasons. Therefore, selection results will differ according
to the season within which seednuts are harvested. Although there was
a positive response to the selection, the best result obtained was at most
a 14.4% gain in the first generation from a selection of 5% best palms
(Liyanage 1972). The severe selection required for obtaining a genetic
progress limits seednut production capacity.
For the coconut palm, the effectiveness of the mass selection using
selfing seems to be limited. A single generation of selfing in a Tall coconut
population generally causes a decrease of fruit production of about 15 -
25 % (Bourdeix 1999). Obtaining pure lines from heterozygous Talls
remains a long-term prospect which “would discourage the most ardent”
254
(Charles 1961). The four generations required to create 95% homozygous

structures represent a period of 25 to 60 years, depending on the method
of parent evaluation.
Mass selection using intercrossing has never been evaluated for
coconut. The principle is to select parent palms on the basis of their
phenotypic performances and to intercross them. Various crossing
schemes can be followed, such as independent pairs and factorial crosses.
Forty to fifty mother trees can be pollinated with the pollen of a single
male parent, allowing for a stricter selection among the male parents.
One could retain 10-20% of the population as mother palms and use a
selection rate of less than 1% for the male parents.
The three mass selection methods can be ranked by increasing
efficiency: selection using selfing, open pollination and intercrossing
(Bourdeix 1999). The first two methods are of limited effectiveness. Selfing
induces a yield decline without appreciably increasing production
homogeneity. Open pollination leads to variable results, due to absence
of control on pollen origin. Mass selection using intercrossing appears
theoretically more effective, as it allows for a strict selection of pollinators
while retaining a large potential of seednut production. However, there
are no experimental results available that make it possible to assess the
genetic progress that could be realized with this last method.
Other intra-population breeding methods

These methods based on progeny testing within a given population were
occasionally applied to a few Tall varieties located in Indonesia, Sri Lanka
and India. Harland (1957) introduced the concept of ‘prepotent palms’
as mother palms, which in spite of having indiscriminately pollinated by
miscellaneous males possess sufficient dominant yield traits to pass on to
their offspring. Later, Satyabalan and Mathew (1983), using modern
breeding concepts, argued that ‘prepotent palms’ are nothing more than
palms with good general combining ability. Since evaluating coconut
progenies is time consuming and laborious, attention was diverted to the
possibility of identifying so-called ‘prepotent’ palms from their progeny
at seedling stage (Nampoothiri 1991). Many researches, especially from
India, are studying the correlation of seedlings characters with adult
palms.
Single cross hybrids

As mentioned above, the current base populations of breeding
programmes for coconut generally consisted of selected Talls and Dwarfs.
A parental genotype is usually selected based on its proven performance
in the areas of intended use, such as nut, copra or oil production. The
255
other parent is usually chosen because it complements the specific

weakness of the first parent, such as precocity or resistance to biotic and
abiotic stresses. Preferred major traits of a Tall parent are high
productivity, broad adaptability and tolerance to specific pests and
diseases. Dwarfs are preferred for their precocity and high rate of bunch
emission (Bourdeix et al. 1998).
Unlike in most annual crops where selected parents are first developed
into inbred lines to produce uniform progenies, most coconut breeders
practised straight forward parental selection based on combining ability
tests and/or on previously reported performance or traits from the source
of origin. This is due to the very long-term nature of purifying the parental
lines and producing a generation of progenies. The most popular scheme
of improving coconut cultivars is through hybridization of parents with
exceptionally good combining ability. When hybrid varieties are feasible,
they make better use of heterosis than any breeding procedure yet
developed (Allard 1960).
The most common types of commercial coconut hybrids are single
crosses between Dwarf and Tall (D x T) and between unrelated lines of
Tall populations (T x T). Single crosses are believed to provide the greatest
opportunity for expression of hybrid vigour and usually have higher yields
than other types of hybrids (Wright 1980).
Most breeding programmes of the COGENT member countries prefer
D x T hybridization (Table 1) because of the ease of pollinating the mother
palm due to its shorter stature and due to the relative precocity of the
resulting hybrid. However, this requires careful emasculation of the Dwarf
parent to prevent self pollination. The possibility of finding male-sterile
and self-incompatible lines among the Dwarf populations has yet to be
explored in coconut. The reciprocal T x D crosses were earlier done in
India, Papua New Guinea and Nigeria largely to determine the general
and specific combining abilities of the parental lines for specific traits
(Batugal and Ramanatha Rao 1998).
Traditionally, the T x T breeding scheme is practised in most coconut
producing countries through a formal breeding programme or as a result
of natural outcrossing among and within the Tall populations. Using
genetically distant ecotypes, the principal effect of hybridization is the
increase of the frequency of heterozygous genotypes that could enhance
artificial selection towards the desired traits. Open-pollinated palms from
selected Tall parents with outcrossing behaviour would similarly exhibit
hybrid vigour and could be naturally produced in isolated gardens with
the help of wind, insects and other pollen vectors.
Comparing D x T and T x T, initial country reports showed that D x
T hybrids generally outperform the inter-Tall crosses. D x T could be
256
considered a wider cross than the inter-Tall crosses and hence, expectedly
have higher genetic variances and overall population means. However,
Bourdeix (1998) reported that in the long term the T x T can have a
cumulative production equivalent to the yield of D x T as demonstrated
in the comparison between the WAT x RIT improved hybrid and the
PB121 (MYD x WAT) at the 9th year of production cycle. Later, it was
reported that the T x T hybrid even outyielded the PB121. Similarly, Santos
(2001, unpublished) observed that after 15 years, the yield of the
Philippines’ local Talls, such as Tagnanan Tall and San Ramon Tall, could
equal the yield of D x T hybrids and that the superiority of these hybrids
appeared to be only in the first 12 years. Apparently, it would take several
production cycles to fully assess the comparative advantage of the
different conventional breeding schemes for coconut.
The D x D hybridization technique is not very popular among the
coconut breeders. Dwarfs are reputed sensitive to environmental stresses,
such as drought and low fertility soils. Nevertheless, some of the most
profitable coconut plantations in the world are probably those of Green
Dwarfs found in Brazil and Thailand; with high planting density (more
than 200 palms per hectare), high fertilization rate and sufficient
irrigation. The Thailand coconut breeding programme is now mainly
focused on the improvement of the Aromatic Green Dwarf varieties. An
experiment was conducted in Côte d’Ivoire in 1971 to test the three
possible hybrids between MYD, MRD and Brazil Green Dwarf (BGD)
and compare them with MYD as control (Le Saint and Nuce de Lamothe
1987). The hybrid MYD x MRD produced an average of 3.8 tonnes copra
per hectare which was comparable to the production level of a good D x
T hybrid. An important feature of D x D hybrids is their high genetic
homogeneity. As the two Dwarf parents are close to pure line, their
progenies are less likely to be variable in genotype than the D x T and T
x D hybrids.
Some of the best D x T and T x T hybrids were improved using the
individual combining ability tests method and by exploiting the genetic
variability that exists within the populations of Talls. For a description of
this method, it is better to use an example. The hybrid PB121 is a cross
between the MYD and a selected population of WAT. Its good
performance in Côte d’Ivoire has stimulated its further improvement.
Forty-five WAT parent palms were selected based on phenotype and
individually crossed with the same MYD population. The 45 progenies
thus obtained are considered half-sib families. In only one generation of
breeding, it was possible to improve the yield of the earlier PB121 hybrid
from 15 to 25 percent; some of the improved F1 progenies were also proven
to be more tolerant to the phytophthora disease in Côte d’Ivoire (Bourdeix
257
et al. 1992). This method, initially developed by CIRAD in the 1970s, was
applied mainly in Côte d’Ivoire and Vanuatu on D x T and T x T hybrids
using the West African, Rennell Island, Tahiti and Vanuatu populations
of Talls.
Complex hybrids
In breeding coconut, promising hybrid progenies are identified, evaluated
and selected for specific traits as early as in the F1 generation. This, of
course, limits a complete exploration of possible polygenic recombination
of a cross. Few countries are currently testing multiple crosses to develop
varieties with desirable multiple traits or simply carry on the selection
process to the next steps.
Thailand is testing 3-way cross hybrids (TxT) x T and (DxT) x T. It
will be interesting to compare the level of heterogeneity of these two
kinds of combination. Because of segregation for dwarfness, (DxT) x T
will be probably more variable than (TxT) x T, but this remains to be
studied.
In Côte d’Ivoire, as early as 1976, the MYD was crossed with the
hybrid WAT x RIT. This 3-way hybrid, planted in medium agronomic
conditions, yielded only 77% more than the WAT control. In other better
experiments, the single cross hybrids MYD x WAT and MYD x RIT yielded
97% and 129% more than the WAT control, respectively (Anonymous
1988). Nevertheless, in Côte d’Ivoire, Dwarf varieties are now
systematically crossed with a tester made of selected parent palms from
the hybrid, WAT x RIT. Also in Côte d’Ivoire, from 1986 to 1992, double
or 4-way cross hybrids were also created: (DxT) x (DxT), (DxD) x (TxT)
and (DxT) x (TxT) using selected Tall and Dwarf progenitors. However,
these were not included as a part of the main classical breeding scheme.
They were specially conceived anticipating the possible development of
a cloning technique.
Synthetic varieties
In addition to the hybridization method of improving coconut cultivars,
the Philippines is spearheading the development of synthetic varieties
which are predicted to have wider adaptability and stability in
performance due to the utilization of several selected parents as compared
to single cross hybrids (Santos and Rivera 2002). The parental base of a
synthetic variety is a composite of selected parental lines which combined
well in all combinations through natural crossing. Hence, prospective
parental genotypes are first tested for their combining ability or additive
gene effects before they are entered into the mating pool. Accordingly,
the most critical stage in the development of a synthetic variety is the
258
selection of the parents for the composite. In corn, the expected yield of
the Syn2 increased steadily as inbred lines with higher combining ability
were added, reaching a maximum at 5 or 6 parental lines, after which
the expected yield decreased steadily as more lines were added (Allard
1960). To summarize, finding the optimal number of parental lines
requires a trade off between the selection of best lines, which tends to
reduce this number and reduction of consanguinity, which tends to
increase it. In coconut, the main drawback in developing synthetic
varieties is that the combined genes favouring the desired traits may only
attain equilibrium after several cycles of intermating since inbreeding or
purification of parental lines are generally circumvented.
An important question related to the use of synthetic varieties is that
seednuts released to farmers are obtained from open pollination.
Therefore, the same problem may arise as described in the mass selection
process. Selfing rate varies with the speed of emission of the inflorescences,
depending on genetic and environment factors, and is very sensitive to
seasonal effects. As there is a strong inbreeding depression, the mean
values of the seednuts may vary with seasons. This could be avoided by
removing the ‘unwanted’ inflorescences in the seed gardens at the critical
seasons. This way, the possibility of natural selfing will be eliminated
and the mean value of seednuts will increase and become homogeneous.
Status of coconut improvement
Breeding goals. In general, the short-term goals of most coconut producing

countries are designed to develop varieties and hybrids based on their
target ideotypes. Their intermediate- and long-term goals include
characterization and development of materials that have potential in
future breeding programmes. Coconut breeders are understandably
concerned with and more focused on short-term goals. Although the
improvement of breeding populations and conservation of genetic
variability are important long-term goals, the resource requirements for
such undertaking are mostly beyond the capability of national coconut
breeding programmes. Hence, as a complementary effort, COGENT
established the International Coconut Genebank (ICG) in 1997 to pursue
these long term goals. There are four regional ICGs based in: Indonesia
for Southeast Asia, India for South Asia, Papua New Guinea for the
South Pacific and Côte d’Ivoire for Africa and the Indian Ocean
(Ramanatha Rao and Batugal 1998).
Breeding results. Despite the limitations on breeding, resource and time

investments, coconut breeders have been successful in developing varieties
259
and hybrids for environments in which they were grown. Table 1 shows
the types and number of promising and/or recommended single cross
hybrids in major coconut growing countries. The D x T hybrids obviously
dominated the breeding output, followed by the T x T progenies.
Promising T x D and D x D crosses were reported only in India and Fiji,
respectively; although Côte d’Ivoire has already produced exceptionally
high yielding MYD x MRD hybrid as early as 1971.
Table 1. Types of promising/recommended (single cross) hybrids in selected coco-

nut growing countries
(Sources: *P Batugal 2004; **P Batugal and V Ramanatha Rao 1998)
Types and number of hybrids
Country *
DxT TxT TxD DxD
Benin 2
Côte d'Ivoire 6 2
China 1
Fiji 3 1
Ghana 2
India 1 3
Indonesia** 3 4
Mexico 4
Philippines 7 3
Papua New 15
Guinea
Sri Lanka 1 2
Tanzania 14 5
Thailand 2 1
Vanuatu 1 1
Vietnam 3 3
TOTAL 65 21 3 1
In terms of breeding for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, the infusion
of resistant genes is done by intercrossing stress-tolerant germplasm with
adapted germplasm. Some of the known cultivars being used in breeding
for major coconut disease resistance are: Vanuatu Tall for tolerance to
coconut foliar decay, Pacific Tall and Malayan Dwarf for lethal yellowing
disease resistance and Sri Lankan Green Dwarf for Cape St. Paul wilt
tolerance. Rajagopal et al. (Chapter 5) reported that in general, Talls and
hybrids with Tall as mother palm have higher drought tolerance
compared to Dwarfs and hybrids with Dwarf as mother palm. Most
drought tolerant varieties have thick leaflets and thick cuticle. In addition
to anatomical feature, the behaviour of coconut varieties on drought is
influenced by environmental physiological and biochemical factors.
Technology gap. Comparing the national yield average in farmers’ fields

and those of research stations in 15 coconut growing countries, the
estimated technology gap in terms of nuts and copra yield ranged from
260
33 to 84% (Table 2). The significant improvement in productivity at

research stations could be attributed to using hybrids/improved varieties
in conjunction with proper management and cultural practices. The low
productivity in farmers’ fields could be due to poor cultural management/
lack of production inputs and the use of poor quality planting materials.
Table 2. Coconut productivity in farmers’ field and research stations, and area
planted to hybrids
(Source: P Batugal and J Oliver, 2003)
Yield per Year
(A) Farmers'
(B) Research Area grown to
Fields/National Technology Gap
Country Station/Hybrids Hybrids (% of
Average [100-(A/B x100)]
Prod’n area )
Nuts Copra Nuts Copra
-1 -1
(t ha ) (t ha )
South Asia
Bangladesh 21/palm 69/palm 70 nil
India 6892/ha 23 700/ha 71 14
Sri Lanka 42/palm 63/palm 33 11
Southeast Asia
Indonesia 1.1 3.5 69 5
Malaysia 10 000/ha 23 000/ha 57 n.d.
Philippines 0.78 4-6 84 n.d.
Thailand 1.2-1.5 3.0 55 10
Vietnam 38-40/palm 55-80/palm 42 <0.1
South Pacific
Fiji 0.3-0.5 2.0 80 <5
PNG 0.66 2.8-3.6 80
China 1.27 3.6 65 1.5
Africa
Ghana 20/palm n.d. 3
Tanzania 40/palm 80/palm 50 n.d.
LAC
Jamaica 0.8 3.7 78 n.d.
Mexico 0.65 4.0 84 1
Although hybrids generally performed better than the traditional varieties,

they are currently being grown in limited areas, less than 0.1 (or even
nil) to 14% of cultivated coconut farms in various countries (Table 2).
The poor adoption of hybrids may be attributed to inadequate information
dissemination on the availability of improved hybrids/varieties and lack
and affordability of planting materials. Those who planted hybrids, mostly
favoured D x T and T x D for their high yield, early bearing, good nut
size and better resistance to pests and diseases (Rethinam et al., Chapter
5). However, some dissatisfaction on these hybrids was expressed in terms
of bunch buckling, high input requirement, vulnerability to moisture stress,
and pests and diseases.
Breeding limitations and opportunities

The primary breeding procedure in coconut continues to be single-cycle
selection due to its 9-10 year production cycle, excluding the breeding
and evaluation phases. This is a limiting factor because selection, when
done in early generations, fails to consider undesirable linkages that may
261
occur between qualitative genes and genes for quantitatively inherited

traits (Halluer 1981). It takes time for recombination to break up these
allelic associations and release the latent genetic variation (Falconer and
Mackay 1996). For perennial plant like coconut, molecular marker
techniques would enhance the efficiency in locating diversity during
collecting activities and in characterizing diversity to eliminate duplicates
in the genebanks (Batugal 1999). The technique would require finding
specific markers that could highly predict the progenitor’s value.
Individual selection could then be done even at embryo stage as long as
molecular markers are manifested. In potato (Peloquin 1981; Khwaja et
al. 1986), the use of 2n pollen as a marker eliminated the need for field
testing of diploid species which may be compatibly crossed with the
cultivated tetraploids. In coconut, marker-assisted selection is currently
limited to partitioning the genetic distance between and among
populations (see Chapter 4). An early growth marker (molecular or
morphological) with strong correlation with desirable traits would
translate to significant savings on time, space and cost of breeding
coconut.
Another major limitation in breeding coconut is the long and
expensive process of propagating the selected progenitors. The use of
embryo culture may facilitate the rapid and safe propagation of breeding
materials with the development of viable protocols (Batugal and
Engelmann 1998; Engelmann et al. 2002). The ICG is promoting the use
of in vitro cultured embryos to save on cost and facilitate the safe
movement of germplasm accessions. In the past, somatic embryogenesis
has been tried to increase propagation efficiency. However, the recovery
rate of somatic embryos and ex vitro seedlings in the nursery had been
very low, making it an expensive proposition. Recent findings at the
EXPAND (PALM2LINK) conference in Manila (Oropeza et al. 2004)
indicate significant progress and increased recovery rates, enhancing the
potential of somatic embryogenesis for reducing the cost of propagating
improved varieties and hybrids both for breeding and for replanting.
A procedural limitation in breeding coconut is the artificial or hand
pollination of mother palms which requires substantial human and
financial resources. Unlike the protandrous populations which can
naturally be crossed in isolated gardens, production of hybrid progenies
requires the tedious process of artificially emasculating and pollinating
the mother palms. Identification of cultivars that exhibit sexual
characteristics different from the norms due to environmental or other
mutagenic conditions would allow manipulation of pollination for
breeding purposes. Self-incompatible or male sterile lines to facilitate
hybridization in otherwise self-pollinating plants are commonly practised
262
in many annual crops. Thus, a careful search for male-sterile coconut

palms could prove useful.
Considering the substantial number of coconut accessions conserved
in situ and ex situ worldwide, the available genetic variability for breeding
manipulation is tremendous but hardly used. Current breeding
programmes are using very few of these available germplasm. The main
problem appears to be the lack of complete characterization
(morphological, physiological and molecular) of most of the conserved
germplasm which would give an indication of their potential as breeding
materials. Only a little over half of the accessions listed in CGRD have
values for 25% to 50% of their passport and assessment descriptors.
Hence, COGENT is generating more support to maximize
characterization work of ex situ conserved germplasm.
Largely untapped are landraces or farmer varieties which are yet to
be fully collected and conserved in genebanks. Landraces may generally
be characterized by their high levels of heterogeneity compared to modern
commercial cultivars, comparative stability across seasons, location
specificity and generalized, rather than highly specific, tolerances and
resistances (Hawtin et al. 1997). These landraces actually evolved through
generations of simple mass selection by coconut farmers. Hence, farmer-
participatory approach to characterizing the traditional cultivars and ex
situ conservation of promising populations could significantly facilitate
the utilization of landraces for breeding efforts. COGENT has recently
developed a protocol for farmer characterization of coconut varieties to
secure indigenous information on landraces.
Farmers’ varietal preferences

The survey on the performance of high-yielding hybrids and varietal
preferences conducted by APCC through the financial support of APCC,
BUROTROP and COGENT (see Rethinam et al. in this chapter) indicated
the following: 1) there is no universal hybrid; 2) hybrids perform better
than traditional Tall varieties under good rainfall and soil conditions; 3)
several farmers prefer traditional Tall varieties to hybrids because of
various reasons. The reasons could include that the Tall varieties may be
well adapted to their cultural and traditional practices, and perform better
under low fertility and high abiotic stresses. For example, in the typhoon
that hit Fiji in January 2003, only about 20% of the traditional Talls were
damaged compared to about 80% of the Dwarfs and D x T hybrids. In
Comoros Islands, roofs and fences made with coconut foliage of Tall
varieties last longer (two times longer) than those made using D x T
hybrids leaves. Many farmers wish to sow both Talls and Hybrids.
Under COGENT’s current ADB-funded ‘Development of sustainable
coconut-based income generating technologies project’, farmers have
263
identified some varieties that have traits suitable for the production of
high-value coconut products. Based on the above, breeding programmes
should be designed to develop and provide either varieties or hybrids
that suit specific agroecological conditions and small-scale farmers’ needs.
In the end, each national coconut breeding programme should be able to
propose to farmers a set of well-evaluated varieties including Dwarfs,
Talls, and Hybrids.
Future breeding plans

Barring any breakthroughs in genetic engineering, the conventional
breeding approaches would remain to be the major methods of utilizing
coconut germplasm. In view of this, COGENT is proposing a globally
coordinated breeding programme for coconut to facilitate the use of
available germplasm worldwide and expedite works on developing
improved varieties. The breeding programme shall focus on the global/
regional needs of COGENT member countries instead of merely those of
individual countries and will adopt participatory plant breeding approach
to incorporate farmers’ varietal preference.
Specifically, the programme initially aims to: 1) characterize
conserved germplasm and farmers’ varieties using morphometric and
molecular techniques; 2) screen and identify ecotypes tolerant or resistant
to the lethal yellowing disease and drought; 3) improve yields for specific
uses and adaptation; 4) develop varieties which are suitable for the
production of high-value products from husk, fibre, shell, meat, water,
wood and leaves; 5) develop technical support systems for national
breeding programmes (i.e. information, pollen and embryo provision,
etc.); and 6) provide a platform to promote the dissemination and use of
the results of the above-mentioned coconut breeding projects to achieve
socioeconomic and environmental impact. Ultimately, the programme
should be able to significantly increase the choice of hybrid cultivars
among coconut growing countries, by maximizing the use of available
genetic resources for breeding purposes, and improving the quality of
the planting materials for distribution to users or farmers.
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267
Use of molecular markers for coconut

improvement: Status and prospects
L Baudouin1, P Lebrun2, F Rognon3 and E Ritter4
1
Geneticist and 2Molecular Biologist, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche
Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
3
Director, Bureau for the Development of Research on Tropical Perennial Oil Crops
(BUROTROP), Montpellier, France
4
Head, Department of Biotechnology, Basque Institute for Research and Development in
Agriculture (NEIKER), Centro de Arkaute, Departamento de Producción y Proteccion
Vegetal, Apartado 46 E-01080 Vitoria, Spain
Introduction
Some characteristics of coconut are significant for understanding the
constraints and the limitations affecting coconut breeding efficiency:
• It is a tree crop; it has a long life cycle and needs to be observed
for several years after sexual maturity, which is reached from 3
to 6 years after field planting. As it is planted at a low density
(typically between 140 to 200 palms/ha), genetic trials require
large areas.
• It exhibits a large phenotypic diversity from Dwarf to Tall with
various intermediate forms. This variability is especially obvious
on fruit characters;
• Although Tall cultivars are mainly cross-pollinating, self pollina-
tion occurs at a rate that is strongly determined by the environ-
ment. Dwarf cultivars are mainly self-pollinated, but not strictly
so and Green and Brown Dwarf types often show a certain per-
centage of cross-pollination;
• It is subject to severe inbreeding depression but may also show
high interpopulation heterosis;
• It has a low multiplication rate: in very good conditions it may
produce 100 descendants per year only; and
• There is no horticultural vegetative propagation method for co-
conut and there is no routine in vitro vegetative propagation tech-
nique.
Seeds for the propagation of coconut are produced by different methods

and these include:
• Collecting seednuts in farmers’ fields from ‘informal’ local
cultivars;
• Collecting seednuts in research stations or high yielding blocks
from ‘improved’ local cultivars with selected, open-pollinated
parents;
268
• As a variant of the above, collecting seednuts from open-polli-

nated synthetic variety;
• Seed production in Dwarf x Tall hybrid seed gardens; and
• Seed production in Tall x Tall hybrid seed gardens.
In addition, the trend toward multipurpose uses of coconut is on the

increase, which further increases the selection criteria for nut production.
From the above it can be seen that the use of molecular breeding
techniques would help in dealing with some of the complexities of
coconut breeding. The long life cycle, bulkiness and low rate of
multiplication make ‘conventional’ breeding costly. Identifying molecular
markers linked to useful traits and characters is expected to strengthen
and speed up breeding, while reducing costs, improving efficiency and
reducing the length of the selection cycle. This paper, discusses the
different molecular tools that can assist in plant breeding and examines
their application to coconut improvement.
Potential for success in molecular breeding in coconut

In general, the use of molecular marker may improve breeding efficiency
in different ways: germplasm characterization and management (see
Lebrun et al., Chaper 4); linkage mapping and identification of
quantitative trait loci (QTL) markers for marker- assisted selection (MAS);
identification and physical mapping of genes with known function; and
introduction of functional genes into the genome of an individual. Below
is a brief discussion on how these different applications could be useful
in plant breeding.
Linkage mapping and marker-assisted selection

Dekkers and Hospital (2001) did a comprehensive review of the molecular
methods used in the improvement of plants and animals. When ordered
on a linkage map, anonymous markers can be used to identify
chromosome regions where the QTLs are located. Typically, the precision
of the location is about ±10 centimorgans (cM). In principle, there is no
functional relationship between the markers used and the actual QTL.
They serve only as ‘labels’ for the QTL: by selecting markers surrounding
the favourable allele QTL, this allele is also selected (unless a double
recombination occurs in the corresponding interval) and, thus, the desired
trait is improved. Various strategies are available to exploit this
knowledge: genotype building programmes that consist of assembling
the favourable alleles of many QTLs in a single genotype; introgression
programmes that are used to introduce the favourable allele of a specific
QTL into an otherwise good variety; recurrent selection programmes that
269
can use molecular score in addition to phenotypic data to predict the

value of parents.
Molecular breeding efficiency is at its best with traits exhibiting a
moderate heritability, as identifying QTL’s markers requires that some
genetic variation is observable, while conventional breeding gives
satisfactory results with highly heritable traits. Two additional factors
are important for the success of MAS compared to conventional breeding.
Firstly, close linkage between the markers and the actual QTL is necessary,
especially if their association is to survive several recombination cycles.
This underlines the need to fine map QTLs wherever possible. Secondly,
the higher the percentage of additive genetic variance accounted for by
the identified QTL, the higher will be the efficiency of MAS. It must be
noted, however, that the efficiency of MAS is often overestimated. This
is due to the limited precision of the QTL’s location, to its association
with unwanted (and unnoticed) unfavourable traits and to epistasis effects
or genotype x environment effect. The initial enthusiasm about molecular
breeding has thus been tempered with ‘cautious optimism’.
As genotyping is still expensive, the cost/benefit ratio of molecular
breeding needs to be considered. Situations that are favourable to the
use of molecular breeding are mainly those where the target trait is difficult
to assess (or cannot be assessed at each breeding cycle) like disease
resistance, when the measurement is expensive or time consuming. In
the case of coconut, most of the traits related to nut production and quality
require several years of observation after sexual maturity. The main
expected benefits of MAS in coconut are saving time (by selecting, based
on markers only, at an early stage) and space (by combining marker
selection in nursery with phenotypic selection on the selected genotypes)
in breeding programmes. Both factors are critical for coconut
improvement.
Synteny
The above approach requires extensive mapping of the species genome
because nothing is assumed about the location of interesting QTLs. Its
efficiency may be improved if some information about the location and
function of QTLs is available, even from another species. This information
may come from a related species, where some QTLs have already been
identified. By establishing a correspondence between the two species’
chromosome maps (using markers that are polymorphic in both species),
it is possible to check in species A for the presence of a QTL that has been
identified in species B. Application of this principle has been
demonstrated for sorghum and sugarcane (Dufour et al. 1997), for rice
and sorghum (Ventelon et al. 2001) and also for a group of species
270
including rice, sorghum and maize (Asnaghi et al. 2000; Glaszmann et

al. 1997). The similarities between large fragments of the genome in these
three species made it possible to locate a gene for rust resistance in
sugarcane. Oil palm is the closest, economically important species, related
to coconut. It is anticipated that relatively large parts of the genomes of
these species are colinear (i.e. large blocks of genes are ordered in the
same way). A total of 915 markers have already been placed on a saturated
oil palm linkage map, based on 116 progenies, of which 257 are
microsatellites (including 20 markers from coconut), the remaining being
AFLPs (amplified fragment-length polymorphism). Twenty four traits,
related to yield, quality of oil and vegetative development were observed
and about 30 putative QTLs have already been located.
Candidate-gene approach and physical mapping

While synteny exploits the conservation of large portions of the genome
in closely related species, the candidate-gene approach exploits the
conservation of the genetic structure of functional genes or groups of
genes in unrelated species (sometimes, in different reigns). This reflects
the fact that the genes, whose function is necessary for the development
and for the survival of the organism (i.e. producing a structural protein,
an enzyme or a regulating factor), are subject to natural selection. Thus,
their sequences are much more conserved than that of non-coding parts
of the genome. For this reason, similar genes, with often the same function
are found in very distantly related species. Looking for the presence of
sequences related to known metabolic functions might be a first step for
characterizing potential QTLs and for locating precisely the genes
involved. For example, a eukaryotic translation factor is found to be
associated to virus resistance in pepper (Ruffel et al. in press).
This approach requires knowledge of the fine structure of the genome
and a physical mapping of the chromosomal region involved (Han et al.
1999). The bacterial artificial chromosomes (BAC) are long DNA
sequences that make it possible to construct precise ‘physical maps’ (i.e.,
based on sequence length measurement rather on recombination rates).
A BAC library of coconut exists at CIRAD and its total length is five
times that of the coconut genome. Theoretically, this ensures that a little
less of 1% of the coconut genes are not represented in the library. In
practice, it may be a little more, as the sequences included in the BACs
are not exactly a random sample of the genome.
The possible applications of such an approach in coconut include
search for candidates for resistance genes to pathogens. Actually,
candidate gene and physical mapping are not breeding methods, but
rather tools that can be exploited through MAS or through genetic
271
engineering. In addition, it should be noted that large mapping

populations (about 800 individuals) are necessary to take the full
advantage of such approaches.
Genetically-modified organisms
Genetic transformation consists in introducing a gene (from the same
species or from another species) into the genome of an organism. After
its introduction, this gene functions as a part of the recipient plant
genome and may be transmitted sexually. Genetic transformation
involves several steps:
• Setting up a genetic construction (a chimerical sequence of DNA),
generally including the desired gene a promoter to control the
gene expression; and sometimes, a ‘selected’ gene use for identi-
fying and selecting the transformed plants.
• Introducing the construction into the plant cells (several methods
are available).
• Selecting the plants that have included the construction in their
genome and thus express the ‘selected’ gene.
• Checking that the transformed plant behaves as expected.
There are several applications of genetic transformation in plants and

may include the following objectives:
• Production of plants adapted to environmental stresses, like
drought or resistant to pests or diseases.
• Production of substances with insecticidal properties in its leaves,
or by introducing resistance to a herbicide into a plant to help
reduce the cost of crop maintenance.
• Alteration of the chemical composition of the product- for exam-
ple, modified oil composition, with increased lauric acid content
for canola, production of medicines.
• Alteration of plant physiology – a possible application in coconut
is the introduction of male sterility for making hybrid production
easier (Rohde pers. comm.).
A review of the use of genetic engineering for food uses in soybean is

presented by Kinney (1996). It is considered by some as the only way,
food supply can be increased to a level required by the increase in world
population (Kasha 1999). Research on the stimulation osmotic adjustment
(accumulation of non-toxic compound in plant cells under water stress
condition) has been actively conducted in the last 20 years. At the cell
level, this accumulation is expected to reduce osmotic pressure and thus
maintain water absorption and cell turgor pressure, which might
contribute to sustaining physiological processes, such as stomatal opening.
272
At the plant level, it is expected to lead to increased yield. The

physiological and genetic bases of this phenomenon are presented in
Zhang et al. (1999), along with breeding strategies.
However, the relevance of this mechanism is questioned by Serraj
and Sinclair (2002). Their main argument is that, overall, increased crop
yields require increased water consumption due to photosynthesis. As a
result, such a mechanism is likely to favour water conservation (and thus
survival) rather than increased yield. In effect, a review of experimental
results shows that favourable effect of osmotic adjustment is mainly
observed in extreme drought conditions where yields are very low in all
treatments. Such conditions are not compatible with profitable
agriculture. These authors suggest that such a mechanism could be useful,
only in the case where the maintenance of rood development makes it
possible to reach deeper underground water.
Research activities in molecular genetics conducted worldwide

related to coconut improvement
Molecular genetics research in coconut has developed significantly since
the beginning of the 90’s in several fields. The preliminary step was to
devise suitable markers and to use them for assessing the genetic diversity
in coconut. Once these tools have been developed, they were used
primarily for studying the coconut genetic diversity. One of the
applications of such studies was the creation of a molecular kit for
identifying coconut cultivars. The second potential use was to prepare
for marker- assisted selection in coconut. It then became necessary to
produce linkage maps.
Devising markers for coconuts

According to their availability in the different laboratories and to
convenience, a variety of methods has been used:
• RAPD (Random amplification of polymorphic DNA: Ashburner
et al. 1997; Duran et al. 1997; Wadt et al. 1999)
• RFLP (Restriction fragment length polymorphism: Lebrun et al.
1999; Lebrun et al. 1998)
• AFLP (Amplified fragment-length polymorphism: Perera et al.
1998)
• ISTR (Inverse sequence-tagged repeat: Duran et al. 1997; Rohde
et al. 2000)
• Microsatellites (Duran et al. 1997; Karp 1999; Perera et al. 1999;
Rivera et al. 1999)
See article on biochemical and molecular methods in Chapter 4 for more

details.
273
Linkage mapping and QTL identification

Two coconut linkage maps have been constructed. The first one was
made in the Philippines using hybrid seedlings of a Malayan Yellow
Dwarf (MYD) x Laguna Tall (LAGT). A total of 382 markers were placed
on 16 linkage groups. Six QTLs for early flowering were identified (Herran
et al. 2000). The second map was a collective work based on a MYD x
Rennell Island Tall planted in Côte d’Ivoire. A total of 227 markers were
arranged in 16 linkage groups. Nine QTLs related to fruit number were
identified (Lebrun et al. 2001). Both of these studies assigned a total length
of about 2000cM to the coconut genome. Two other mapping populations;
East African Tall (EAT) x Pemba Red Dwarf (PRD) and EAT x RIT in
Tanzania are under study in the framework of a European joint research
project on oil palm and coconut (INCO LINK2PALM project). More
phenotypic observations are being made on these mapping populations
in order to identify QTLs. Under INCO LINK2PALM, it is planned to
increase the number of markers on the maps. The inclusion of common
markers will help the construction of a high-density reference map,
which will be useful for further studies.
Devising adapted mapping populations for QTL identification

Although F 1 hybrids have two parents, recombination occurs only
between genes from the same parent. Therefore, the usefulness of linkage
maps based on this type of hybrids is limited because they exploit only a
part of the existing genetic diversity that is related to within-cultivar
polymorphism. Moreover, the chances of observing segregation at the
same QTL in another cross are less than 50%. Linkage maps based on
second generation hybrids do not have these drawbacks. As shown by
several studies (see article on biochemical and molecular methods in
Chapter 4), a large part of the genetic diversity in Cocos nucifera L. occurs
between the two major cultivar groups, namely the Pacific group and
the Indo-Atlantic group. Thus, a special crossing plan involving second
generation hybrids has been devised to identify the QTLs that account
for the differences between the two groups (Figure 1). Using such a design
will result in more QTLs identified through the choice of genetically
distant parental populations. Moreover, it will be easier to use these QTLs
in practical breeding because the emphasis will be on the differences
between cultivar groups and not on the variation within a cultivar.
274
Pacific Group Indo-Atlantic Group

Dwarf Tall 1 Tall 2
Tall 1 x Tall 2
Mapping population
Figure 1. A genetic design adapted to identifying QTLs in coconut.
The use of a well chosen set of Dwarf mother palms as a tester makes it
possible to produce a large number of progenies while simplifying the
mapping task due to its highly homozygous genetic structure. Such a
mapping population is being planted in the Philippines in the framework
of the INCO-LINK2PALM project. Another population is available in
Côte d’Ivoire.
Results and evidence of the success of MAS in coconut
Usefulness of various markers

As noted earlier, a large number of markers of different types have been
designed for coconut. Among them, microsatellites markers are
considered as the most useful because they are codominant and highly
polymorphic; they give repeatable results, using a non-radioactive PCR
technique; and it is not too demanding in terms of DNA quantity or
quality. However, other markers, like AFLPs may be useful, particularly
for constructing high-density linkage maps. Such maps are useful for
two reasons: the closer the mapping of a QTL, the smaller is the probability
of a double crossing over between the surrounding markers. Such an
event results in selecting plants that have the markers, but not the QTL
itself. Although, normally, such an event is relatively rare, it may become
a real nuisance in selection programmes that spread over several
generations. The second reason is that the region that contain the QTL
also contain many other genes, which are not necessary favourable.
Linkage mapping
The available results in linkage mapping demonstrate the feasibility of
constructing a map with reasonably good coverage of the coconut genome,
275
thus obtaining 16 linkage groups. Some QTLs for traits related to early
development and production have also been identified. The work that is
underway through the collaboration of several research teams in the
framework of the INCO LINK2PALM project will make it possible to
increase the density of markers and also identify more QTL markers in
coconut.
In the next few years, another generation of mapping population
will be made available for molecular breeding. In these populations, QTLs
related to between-cultivar differences rather than on within-cultivar
variation is being emphasized. It is expected that such QTLs will be much
easier to use in coconut breeding than those located in presently available
mapping populations because they correspond to differences between
cultivars (and possibly, between molecular groups) rather than
differences between individuals of the same cultivar. Their utilization
will not be restricted to the exploitation of a single cross.
Prospects of GMOs to date

There has been little progress on developing genetically modified coconuts.
The most obvious constraint is the lack of efficient method of plant
regeneration method. Other constraints range from the limited amount
of research personnel allocated to molecular genetics in coconut to the
lack of long-term visibility of the benefit for the planters. For example,
modifying the coconut genome to produce high market-value product
could increase the planter’s revenue, but also make this revenue very
dependent on the fluctuations of the market. Such a strategy is easier to
justify in an annual crop.
Immediate research needs for using molecular biological tech-

niques for coconut improvement
In the framework of a global programme for coconut, one of the main
objectives of molecular breeding research efforts would be to obtain
information on the location of important QTLs on the coconut genetic
map. As suggested above, such a result can be obtained by exploiting the
progenies of wide crosses such as West African Tall x Rennell Island
Tall. This objective implies the availability of suitable mapping
populations, constructing the corresponding linkage map and performing
the necessary observations in the field, in order to correlate phenotypic
data and locations on the map. Below are some important elements of
research that are required for the successful use of molecular biological
techniques in coconut improvement.
276
Planting and studying suitable mapping populations with molecular

markers
Populations corresponding to the genetic structure represented in Figure
1 already exist in Côte d’Ivoire and are being planted in the Philippines.
In the case of the Philippines, financing was secured for performing crosses
and planting through the INCO LINK2PALM project. Once the
population is available, constructing a linkage map involves observing
from 300 to 400 markers on 150 to 200 individuals.
Obtaining a large number of good quality observations on mapping

population
Molecular markers studies are not a goal by themselves. The benefit from
such studies can only be obtained by performing a large number of
observations on each of the individuals of the mapping population. This
includes traits related to yield and quality of the product, vegetative traits
that may be important for adaptation to various environments or to
cultivation conditions. A last category corresponds to physiological traits
such as photosynthetic efficiency that may be relevant to explaining a
genotype’s performance.
The resistance to pest and diseases was not included in the above list
for the following reasons: assessing resistance is possible only in the
presence of the pathogen, which might affect the other traits in an
unpredictable way and breeding for resistance requires specific
experimental designs. Moreover, for the major diseases affecting coconut,
efficient methods for artificially inoculating the palms to create epiphytotic
conditions disease screening are lacking and the fate of such resistance
trials depends on the rather unpredictable transmission of the disease.
Even when the disease is present, the question remains, whether a healthy
palm is truly resistant or, simply, was not contaminated.
Reliable small-scale vegetative propagation

Until inoculation methods are set up, small-scale vegetative propagation
could help cope with this difficulty. However, in contrast with what
was once expected from in vitro culture (i.e. production of tens of thousand
of plantlets from a single adult palm), the objective has rather been to
produce ten to twenty plantlets from about 200 embryos with a 80%
success rate. When it becomes feasible to produce significant number of
palms through tissue culture, it could help assess resistance to disease,
by planting the seedlings produced following an appropriate statistical
design. Hence, there is a need for increased research on tissue culture
and somatic embryogenesis to be able to produce enough seedlings
required for various tests that molecular breeding would demand.
277
Coconut and genomics

As more and more tools are being developed for locating precisely
potential genes of interest, the potential benefits of candidate-gene
approach and of physical mapping should be considered. This requires a
careful analysis of costs and of potential benefits. Such approaches
generally require a very good knowledge of the trait physiology and
validating a candidate gene as being the gene of interest requires high
resolution linkage analysis in large populations (Pflieger et al. 2001) and
thus, costs time and money. With regard to disease resistance breeding,
the lack of reliable methods for assessing the resistance of individual
genotype is a serious limiting factor. Thus, there is a need for serious
strategic reflection on genomics in coconut.
Constraints and opportunities
Constraints
Coconut breeding suffers mainly from a severely limited amount of
resources, both financial and human. The characteristics of the crop make
breeding both slow and costly. It takes at least 14 years for a generation
and one hectare for testing each hybrid. Very few coconut-producing
countries have the necessary resources for a comprehensive programme
and coconut breeding has often been limited to testing a few F1 hybrids
between populations.
Once good hybrids and varieties are selected, the difficulty is to
reproduce them and to make seednuts available to farmers. In most
producer countries, hybrid seed production has been the main obstacle
in extending the hybrids under cultivation. The lack of an efficient
vegetative propagation method also makes it difficult to take advantage
of breeding progress.
Opportunities
First with the creation of the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (COGENT), and now with the establishment of a Global Coconut
Research for Development Programme (PROCORD), there is an
increasing recognition of the coconut as a strategic crop for many tropical
countries. Within this framework, coconut-producing countries as well
as countries interested to assist them can collaborate, working in a
network, for a globally-coordinated coconut breeding programme. Each
country can participate in the activities in which it is most interested,
within its available resources. Using molecular techniques makes the
programme even more attractive. The network may involve laboratories
and research teams from developing and developed countries. It can also
use other possibilities such as synteny with oil palm.
278
It must be noted, however, that the use of molecular markers may

facilitate breeding but does not replace conventional breeding. The
efficiency of marker-assisted breeding still depends on the quality and
accuracy of field observations and experimentation.
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nut biotechnology. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The
Netherlands.
Zhang, H Nguyen and A Blum. Genetic analysis of osmotic adjustment
in crop plants. Journal of Experimental Botany, Volume 50, Number
332 (March 1999). Pp. 291-302.
281
Breeding for drought tolerance in coconut:

Status and potentials
V Rajagopal1, KV Kasturi Bai2 and N Kumar3
1
Director and 2PrincipalScientist and 3Senior Scientist, Central Plantation Crops Research
Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, Kerala, India
Scientific and theoretical basis of breeding for drought toler-

ance in coconut
Water is among the natural resources required for crop production which
is becoming scarce everyday. Efficient management of available water is
very important for sustainable crop production. Growing cultivars having
efficiency in water use is one of the ways in this direction. It is even more
important in the case of coconut, a perennial plantation crop, mainly
grown under rainfed and marginal conditions and faces annual summer
stress.
Productivity of any crop is dependent on the efficiency (i.e., Water
Use Efficiency - WUE) of crop in utilizing the available water for biomass
production. Therefore, it will be possible to use WUE as a trait for crop
improvement programme (Passioura 1977, 1986). Work on drought
tolerance in coconut at the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute
(CPCRI), Kasaragod indicated variability for WUE, dry matter production
and yield in coconut cultivars (Rajagopal et al. 1989; Kasturi Bai et al.
1996a). Thus, it should be possible to identify high WUE types with a
capacity for high biomass production in order to develop water use
efficient coconut types, i.e. with drought tolerance and high yield.
Research so far on 75 cross combinations, reciprocal crosses, and their
parents, which were screened for drought tolerance and revival capacity
at CPCRI indicated that in general, Talls and hybrids with Tall as mother
palm had higher drought tolerance compared to Dwarfs and hybrid with
Dwarf as mother palm. Heterosis was observed for some of the desirable
characters for drought tolerance. Earlier studies (Rajagopal et al. 2000a)
indicated the possibility of exploiting the heterosis of some of drought
tolerant traits in evolving drought tolerant hybrids.
How serious is the problem?

Coconut is mainly grown as a rainfed crop and the productivity is about
50% less in these areas than in irrigated gardens. Coconut faces summer
dry spells each year apart from the frequent occurrence of drought years.
Being perennial in nature, coconut palm had a long duration from the
initiation of inflorescence primordia to nut maturity (about 44 months)
282
with longer pre-fertilization period (about 32 months) than post-

fertilization (12 months) period. Hence, the impact of drought occurring
at any of the critical stages of the development of inflorescence affects
nut yield (Rajagopal et al. 1996; Rajagopal et al. 2000a) not only during
the drought year but also in the following three years making the problem
more severe (Naresh Kumar 2002). In worst affected conditions, coconut
takes at least four years to recover after going through a stress period. In
addition, water deficit at early growth stage could lead to seedling
mortality. All these factors result in considerable economic loss to the
growers. Planting drought tolerant cultivars with faster recovery potential
could alleviate much of this problem. Hence, there is an urgent need for
cultivars or hybrids with high drought tolerance capacity and stable yields.
Drought stress affects coconut production in almost all countries
where it is grown, since it is mainly a rainfed plantation crop. The
environmental stresses affected coconut yield (Coomans 1975; Mathes
1988; Bhaskara Rao et al. 1991) in intermediate and dry zones of Sri
Lanka (Peiris and Peries 1993; Peiris et al. 1995; Peiris and Thattil 1998)
and in Zanzibar (Juma and Fordham 1998). Bonneau and Subagio (1999)
identified the drought-prone zones in coconut growing areas of Indonesia.
All these highlight water deficiency as the major constraint for coconut
productivity and the need for coordinated effort to identify and develop
drought tolerant cultivars/hybrids.
Environmental factors and coconut

The growth and productivity of coconut palms are influenced by external
factors such as rainfall, temperature, sunshine duration and relative
humidity. The optimum weather conditions for good growth and nut
yield in coconut are well-distributed annual rainfall between 130 and
230 cm, mean annual temperature of 27oC, abundant sunlight ranging
from 250 to 350 Wm-2 with at least 120 hours per month of sunshine
period (Child 1974; Murray 1977). The coconut palm experiences moisture
stress when exposed to excess radiation above 265 Wm-2, temperature of
33o C and vapour pressure deficit of 26 m bar (Kasturi Bai et al. 1988),
aggravated by soil water deficit during the period. The duration of dry
spell during initiation of inflorescence primordium, ovary development
and button size nut stages, in that order, have greater influence on nut
yield than other stages (Rajagopal et al. 1996).
Depending on the soil type, the critical level of soil moisture that
coconut experiences water stress varies considerably. In sandy loam soil,
water deficit of 110 mm is critical at which coconut suffers most due to
moisture stress as indicated by the stomatal closure (Rajagopal et al. 1989).
The photosynthetic rates, dry matter production and its partitioning are
283
influenced by the soil water status (Kasturi Bai 1993: Naresh Kumar et
al. 2002a). In general, palms suffered more in red sandy loam than in
laterite soil as indicated by the stomatal resistance and leaf water potential.
The soil types and compaction levels influenced the degree of water stress
in seedlings also (Nainanayake and Bandara 1998). Hybrids had higher
stomatal resistance resulting in maintenance of higher water potentials
during stress in laterite soil than in sandy loam (Voleti et al. 1993a).
However, the hybrid COD x WCT was found to be most sensitive to
water stress in sandy loam soil.
Impact of drought stress on coconut

Coconut palm is influenced both by atmospheric and soil droughts as
the palms are mainly cultivated on the coastal sandy, red sandy loam
and laterite soils. Under rainfed conditions, a prolonged dry spell
extending from 3 to 6 months affects the palm. Based on the weekly
water deficiency (WD) and weekly water need (WN), Rao (1985) worked
out the ‘aridity index’ (Ia) for assessing drought. Where Ia= WD / WN x
100. An aridity index of 100% for a prolonged period of 5 to 10 weeks
drastically affects productivity of coconut palms. When exposed to such
severe moisture stress, coconut palms exhibit adverse effects such as
bending and breaking of dry leaves, poor spathe development and almost
empty bunches. Based on the aridity index, drought classification was
made to asses the extent of damage to coconut palms (Table 1).
Table 1. Relationship between aridity index and symptoms of drought in coconut

(Source: Rao 1985)
Aridity index (%) Morphological symptoms Drought intensity
65 Nil Slight
65-85 Drooping of lower leaves Moderate

85-100 Beginning of drying of drooped leaves and button shedding. Moderately severe
100 for five weeks Drying of drooped leaves, falling of tender and immature Severe
nuts; burning trace on nuts due to the high intensity of
radiation.
100 for > 5 weeks Palms show the death symptoms, drying of the spindle leaf. Disastrous
On the other hand, Pomier and de Taffin (1982) calculated ‘index to

drought tolerance’ based on the percentage of dry leaves (n), compared
to the number of living ones (N) i.e., (n/N)100. This is based on
morphological symptoms alone and is related to nut yield. They reported
variation in ‘drought tolerance index’ among five genotypes with the
hybrid PB-121 as the most tolerant and Rennell Tall x West African Tall
as the most sensitive to drought. The ‘drought tolerance index’ was the
284
lowest in the hybrids WCT x PHOT and WCT x GBGD and the highest
in WCT x MOD (Ramadasan et al. 1991). Repellin et al. (1994) also placed
PB - 121 under drought tolerant group while WAT was classified as
moderately tolerant based on a study of the effect of edaphic drought on
the leaf water status, gas exchange and membrane lipids at the nursery
stage of five coconut varieties. Kasturi Bai et al. (2001) reported the extent
of variation in physiological characters among the parents and hybrids
at the nursery stage. In Sri Lanka, the drought tolerant Tall x Tall palms
were selected based on the mean yield and genotypic adaptation to
changes in climate over a 15-year period. Characterization of drought in
different coconut growing areas in six states of India falling under different
agroclimatic zones revealed that the dry spell length and intensity of
stress adversely affect the coconut and consequently nut yield (Naresh
Kumar et al. 2003). In this study, high adverse effect of length of dry-
spell on nut yield was noticed up to four years, with more impact during
the fourth year. Apart from this, adverse impact on the current year nut
yield was also observed.
Physiological responses to drought stress

Coconut palm responds to drought stress by stomatal regulation and
deposition of leaf surface wax (ECW) to maintain leaf water potential.
Osmotic adjustment, by accumulation of organic solutes, also plays an
important role in the drought tolerance mechanism in coconut (Kasturi
Bai and Rajagopal 2000).
Stomatal regulation. Seasonal variations in climatic conditions viz., solar

radiation, air temperature and relative humidity influence xylem tension
by stomatal regulation, a key factor controlling the water balance in
coconut (Milburn and Zimmermann 1977; Rajagopal et al. 1986).
Development of stress was monitored in coconut during wet and dry
seasons by estimating stomatal regulation (Kasturi Bai et al. 1988; Juma
et al. 1997), which varied among cultivars (Voleti et al. 1993a). The leaf
to air vapour pressure deficit (LAVPD) and leaf to air temperature
difference (rT) influenced the stomatal conductance (gs) and water
relations during day time and thus predominantly determined the
variations in photosynthetic efficiency of coconut in irrigated and rainfed
conditions (Rajagopal et al. 2000b). Jayasekara et al. (1993) identified the
drought tolerant genotypes based on the stability in physiological
parameters viz., transpiration rate, diffusive resistance and leaf water
potential during the stress period.
Leaf water potential. Leaf water potential (Øleaf), an indicator of plant

water status, showed a vertical gradation from middle leaf upwards, the
285
magnitude being higher under rainfed condition (Voleti et al. 1993b).

Seasonal variation among the cultivars for Øleaf was also noted (Voleti et
al. 1993a; Shivashankar et al. 1991). A rapid screening method was
developed based on Øleaf in excised leaflets (Rajagopal et al. 1988) for
easy handling of a large number of genotypes. The Øleaf declined with
time to different degrees among the genotypes, indicating the degree of
tolerance/susceptibility to stress. These were in conformity with the field-
testing conducted for drought tolerance. Passos and da Silva (1991)
established the relation between the hydric state of the tree and the
diameter of its trunk by dendrometry. From the studies in a group of
Dwarf and Tall palms on the root system, stomatal conductance and
water potential, it was concluded that the behaviour of palms in drought
conditions depends on several factors, viz., water relation components
like transpiration, stomatal conductance and leaf water potential as well
as agro-meteorological factors like solar radiation, rainfall and humidity,
which may interplay to facilitate over all drought tolerance mechanism
(Passos and da Silva 1991).
Epicuticular wax (ECW). ECW is one of the important parameters, which

influence the energy balance of leaf. In coconut, the ECW on leaves did
not differ significantly among cultivars and hybrids under favourable
conditions. However, almost three to four fold increases in ECW was
noticed during dry season in some of the coconut hybrids viz., WCT x
GBGD, WCT X COD, LCT x COD and LCT x GBGD (Voleti and Rajagopal
1991; Kurup et al. 1993). The physiological age of palms and of leaves
influenced the formation of wax on leaf surface. Leaves of coconut
seedlings have almost 50% less ECW than those of adult palms even at
the same degree of stress.
Osmotic adjustment. Coconut palms accumulate organic solutes such

as sugars and amino acid during stress period. Accumulation of these
solutes was more in the tolerant types than the susceptible types during
severe stress condition (Kasturi Bai and Rajagopal 2000). This implies
that osmotic adjustment plays an important role in the drought tolerance
mechanism in coconut.
Root-shoot signals. Roots in drying soil are known to over produce

abscisic acid (ABA) thus providing signals to shoot for closure of stomata
for water regulation in plant (Zhang and Davies 1989). Root-shoot
relationship was also reported to be an effective indicator of soil
compaction and water stress for coconut seedlings (Nainanayake et al.
286
2000). High ABA/cytokinin ratio in leaf has positive influence on water

use efficiency (WUE), whereas a high ABA/ cytokinin ratio in root has a
negative influence on WUE in coconut seedlings (Kasturi Bai 2003).
Biochemical responses to drought stress

The biochemical responses of coconut palm to drought stress include
regulation or synthesis of scavenging enzymes to maintain cell membrane
integrity thus enabling cells to tolerate stress.
Effect of water deficits on enzyme activity. Concomitant with the

decrease in the leaf water status during drought stress, the activities of
stress sensitive enzymes differ depending upon the nature and function
of the enzyme in question. Drought stress caused an increase in the
activities of some of the stress sensitive enzymes viz., peroxidase (PO),
polyphenol oxidase (PPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), acid phosphatase
(APh) and L-aspartate: 2-oxoglutarate amino transferase (AAT) in adult
WCT palms, while activities of Malic dehydrogenase (MDH) and nitrate
reductase (NR) were decreased (Shivashankar et al. 1991; Kasturi Bai et
al. 1996 b, Kasturi Bai et al. 2003). Drought tolerant varieties are endowed
with a biochemical mechanism in adapting the adverse effects of drought
through appropriate regulation of enzyme activities. Many enzymes exist
in multiple molecular forms called isozymes and changes in the activity
or appearance of isozymes represent the relative tolerance of coconut
cultivars to water stress (Shivashankar 1988). Increased intensity of APh
isozyme II shows the susceptibility of the genotype to water deficits since
APh is a hydrolytic enzyme (Shivashankar and Nagaraja 1996). Two
additional fast moving bands of PPO were located in the drought
susceptible varieties under stress, while the drought tolerant cultivars
showed no change (Shivashankar 1988). The variability in the isozyme
patterns of enzymes like esterase, peroxidase, phosphoglucoisomerase,
alcohol dehydrogenase, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and acid
phosphatase were also reported in coconut germplasm (Fernando and
Gajanayake 1997).
Membrane stability in relation to drought stress. At the cellular level,

the impact of stress is generally seen on the integrity of membranes and
extent of solute leakage, which is regulated by the cell membrane stability.
Normal cell functions are affected due to changes in peroxidation of cell
wall lipids (LP) during stress resulting in increased cell permeability and
solute leakage. In coconut, lipid peroxidation was high in drought
susceptible cultivars as compared to tolerant ones (Chempakam et al.
1993). Drought tolerance is thus characterized by higher activities of the
287
protective enzymes like SOD, catalase and peroxidase and consequently

coupled with lower levels of lipid peroxidation and higher membrane
integrity. Coconut seedlings of the tolerant group maintained lower water
loss and lipid peroxidation than the susceptible group and a negative
correlation between leaf water potential and lipid peroxidation was
observed (Kasturi Bai et al. 2001). Repellin et al. (1997) observed marked
reduction in total leaf lipid and chloroplastic major lipid (monogalactosyl
diacylglycerol) contents in drought susceptible cultivars.
Role of K+ and Cl- nutrition in relation to drought tolerance in

coconut
The role of K+ and Cl- nutrition in relation to drought tolerance in coconut
has been explained on the basis of stomatal regulation (Braconnier and
D‘Auzac 1990; Braconnier and Bonneau 1998). Unlike in most of the
crops where malate serves as a balancing ion for K+, in coconut the absence
of chloroplasts in the guard cells deprives the availability of malate
(Braconnier and D ‘Auzac 1985). Increase in drought tolerance of palms
under dry conditions with the addition of KCl was reported in Ivory
Coast (Ollagnier et al. 1983; Rajagopal and Naresh Kumar 2001). Chlorine
is important in coconut nutrition and for resistance to water stress; the
critical level of Cl was identified as 0.7% in 14th leaf (Bonneau et al. 1993
and 1997). Potassium nutrition also plays an important role in drought
tolerance in coconut (Quencez and de Taffin 1981; Bopaiah et al. 1996).
Screening for drought tolerance

The cell size and number, sub-stomatal cavity size, stomatal frequency,
epicuticular wax content and thickness, leaf thickness, stomatal resistance
water potential components, cell membrane stability are the essential
anatomical and physiological traits for assessing moisture stress in plants
(Rajagopal et al. 1991; Repellin et al. 1994; Naresh Kumar et al. 2000).
Based on these, coconut germplasm collections comprising of Talls, Dwarfs
and hybrids were screened under field conditions for drought tolerance
(Rajagopal et al. 1990).
Genetic variation in leaflet anatomy in relation to drought tolerance

The anatomical basis for physiological efficiency for drought tolerance
in coconut was delineated (Naresh Kumar et al. 2000). The study revealed
that the leaf anatomical features which favour high photosynthetic rates
are favourable for high transpiration rates as well. Thicker leaflets and
thick cuticle are some of the xeromorphic characters observed in WCT
and FMS. Correlations between anatomical features and physiological
parameters also indicated that thick cuticle lowers the cuticular
288
transpiration. The WCT and FMS, which are tolerant to water stress,
had thick leaflets, thick cuticle on both surfaces, larger parenchyma,
hypodermal and water cells compared to less tolerant ones (COD x WCT,
GBGD and MYD). Drought tolerant types had also more scalariform
thickening on xylem trachieds in vascular bundles and large sub-stomatal
cavities. These traits are lesser in size in moderately tolerant cultivar like
PHOT and WCT x COD. The values for these traits were least in
susceptible types like COD x WCT, GBGD and MYD. However, the
differences for these traits between moderately tolerant and susceptible
cultivars were not great. Certain parameters like epidermal cell size (upper
and lower) and guard cell size are related to the drought tolerance
character of a cultivar. It is possible that the cumulative effects of all
these traits contribute to drought tolerance (Naresh Kumar et al. 2000).
Ranking of cultivars for drought stress tolerance

All the aforesaid parameters showed clear differences between the groups
and among the cultivars within the group. A significant negative
correlation between stomatal resistance and transpiration rate was found
in Talls, Dwarfs and hybrids. Ranking for drought tolerance was done
based on all stress sensitive parameters (viz., stomatal regulation, leaf
water potential, lipid peroxidation, ECW content, polyphenol oxidase,
super oxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase) using parametric
relationships (Rajagopal et al. 1990; Chempakam et al. 1993). All Dwarfs
performed badly ranking ranks between 11 and 20, whereas all hybrids
(except COD x WCT) and all Talls (except the SS Apricot, Andaman
Ordinary and Laccadive Micro) were within rank 10. Based on
anatomical features such as thicker leaflets, thick cuticle on both surfaces,
larger palisade and spongy parenchyma cells, larger hypodermal cells,
water cells and sub-stomatal cavity, genotypes like WCT, FMS and PHOT
and WCT x COD hybrid were identified as relatively tolerant to drought
stress (Naresh Kumar et al. 2000).
Thus, coconut cultivars with different levels of drought tolerance could
be identified based on the desirable traits, which reflect on the overall
water relations of palms. Presence or absence of desirable traits imparts
higher degree of drought tolerance (e.g. WCT x WCT; FMST; LCT; WCT
x COD, LCT x GBGD and LCT x COD) or drought susceptibility (e.g.
MYD) (Rajagopal et al. 2000a).
Two cultivars - San Ramon and Ambakelle Special - were identified
as drought tolerant in Sri Lanka (Wikremaratne 1987 and Fernando
1987). In Cote d’Ivoire, PB–121 was identified as tolerant while WAT
was classified as moderately tolerant and Rennell Tall x West African
Tall as the most sensitive to drought based on drought tolerance index
289
and effect of edaphic drought on the leaf water status, gas exchange and
membrane lipids (Pomier and de Taffin 1982; de Nuce de Lamothe and
Benard 1985; Repellin et al. 1994).
Genetic variability for photosynthetic efficiency and water use effi-

ciency of coconut under drought conditions
The photosynthetic rates (Pn) were reduced by water stress mainly due
to increase in stomatal or mesophyll resistance, with higher reduction
noticed in susceptible types than in tolerant types (Kasturi Bai et al. 1998).
Drought tolerant hybrids such as WCT x COD, LCT x GBGD and LCT x
COD exhibited higher increase in Pn/gs ratio as well as higher WUE than
that of susceptible types during stress period.
The potential of palms for higher dry matter (DM) production is
reflected on WUE. WUE can be determined based on dry matter
accumulation (g DM mm water-1 used) as well as by gas exchange
measurements (µmol CO2 mmol-1 H2O). Significant difference in WUE
has been observed between the cultivars and hybrids. The hybrids WCT
x COD, LCT x GBGD and LCT x COD, and cultivar WCT had higher
WUE than the other cultivars and hybrids. Under mild stress conditions,
the WUE improved in coconut juvenile palms (Rajagopal et al. 2000b).
Recently, efforts are on to find high WUE types in coconut germplasm
using carbon and oxygen isotope discrimination method at CPCRI, India;
Coconut Research Institute (CRI), Sri Lanka; and Essex University, United
Kingdom.
Field trials: Nut yield in relation to intensity and length of drought

stress
The intricate relationship between dry spell and stages of nut development
right from inflorescence initiation to the nut maturity as well as annual
nut yield in different agroclimatic zones have been well described in
literature (Rajagopal et al. 1996; Rajagopal et al. 2000a). Physiological
traits responsible for drought tolerance correlated with yield performance
under stress conditions and some of the cultivars identified as drought
tolerant also proved to be good yielders (Bhaskara Rao et al. 1991;
Rajagopal et al. 1992). There were genotypic variations for drought index
(Pomier and de Taffin 1982) in coconut. Naresh Kumar et al. (2003)
worked out the influence of soil moisture conservation practices on
source-sink relationship in coconut.
Drought tolerance mechanism in coconut

All the above-mentioned research results helped in deciphering the
mechanism of drought tolerance and stability in yield of coconut under
water stress conditions (see Fig. 1). To sum up, drought tolerance in
290
coconut is the cumulative effect of several inductive morphological,

anatomical, physiological and biochemical mechanisms (Rajagopal and
Kasturi Bai 2002, Naresh Kumar et al. 2000). The genotypes possessing
the above traits of drought tolerance can be used in breeding programmes.
The genetics of these important traits are being looked into for developing
future coconut improvement strategies.
Genetics of drought tolerance related to physiological and

biochemical traits
To understand the genetics of drought responsive physiological traits in
coconut (Rajagopal et al. 2000a), cultivars with desirable characters were
selected and crossed in a 2 x 4 line x tester mating design to study their
combining ability and gene action. Physiological parameters like, leaf
water potential, transpiration rate, net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and lipid
peroxidation were recorded in seedlings under non-stress, water stress
and recovery conditions. Analysis of variance for combining ability
revealed significant differences among parents and hybrids for all
characters except transpiration rate on recovery and leaf water potential
under stress. Seedling transpiration rate showed higher specific combining
ability (SCA) effects than general combining ability (GCA) effects due to
predominance of non-additive gene action indicating heterosis for this
character. Leaf water potential showed a similar trend. The Pn under
stress was additive with good combining ability, while the Pn during
non-stress and recovery were governed by non-additive gene action that
could be exploited for heterosis. In case of lipid peroxidation, gene action
was unpredictable in non-stress with additive gene action being nil with
low dominance. These indicate that the nature of gene actions governing
drought sensitive traits can be exploited by selecting proper breeding
strategies for drought tolerance.
Methodology for screening drought tolerance in coconut

Drought tolerant coconut palm can be selected at seedling stage in nursery
and at maturity stage. Apart from these, one can use in vitro screening
technique as well. The screening of coconut germplasm can be done using
morphological, anatomical, physiological and biochemical traits (see Fig.
2). Molecular marker-assisted selection could also be used once developed.
It is essential to note that one has to develop the threshold levels for
development of stress in a given climatic and soil conditions.
291
Figure 1. Mechanism of drought tolerance in coconut
292
Leaf water potential+ Leaf let thickness+ Net assimilation rate+
Stomatal resistance+ Cuticle thickness+ Water use efficiency+

Ï
Transpirational rate- Fv/Fm+- yield of chlorophyll
Ï
Sub-stomatal cavity+
Epicuticular wax+ Palisade cell size+ fluorescence
Spongy cell size+
Ï Ï Ï
Water balance Leaf anatomy Photosynthetic efficiency
Ï Ï
Turgidity maintenance DROUGHT TOLERANCE Dry matter production
Ï
Ï Total dry matter+
Ï Ï Vegetative dry matter+
Osmotic adjustment Cell membrane integrity Reproductive dry matter+
Harvest index+
Ï Ï
Solute accumulation Superoxide dismutase+
Total soluble sugar+ Peroxidase+
Amino acid+ Catalase+ Position in drought-tolerant types:
Polyphenol oxidase- + high/increased; - low/decreased
Acid phosphatase-
L aspartate 2-oxoglutarate
amino transferase+
Nitrate reductase+
Lipid peroxidation-
Figure 2. Schematic diagram for screening drought tolerant coconut germplasm
Screening for drought tolerance in coconut
Seedling screening Adult palm screening Survey for drought-tolerant In vitro screening
Germplasm sown in nursery Germplasm blocks (Under palms (Gardens under no (Using PEG or
(maintained under non-water rainfed condition) management for decades; NaCl as
stress conditions) rainfed; drought prone areas) osmoticum)
Observations on parameters like stomatal Select palms based on Establishment of

conductance, leaf water potentials, ECW, lipid observations on crown threshold level for
peroxidation, photosynthetic rates, transpiration morphology (frond number water stress
rates, WUE, enzymes like SOD, PPO, catalase, PO, should be > 32, regular development;
NR, leaf anatomical traits, crown morphology, nut bearing with 12 bunches on progressive
yield (only in adult palms), soil moisture, crown, more number of increase in water
meteorological date female flowers, nut yield).
Recording of parameters like
stomatal conductance, leaf Survival capacity,
Withhold the irrigation in Observations on water potentials, ECW, physiological
nursery for ~ 20 days above parameters photosynthetic rates, acclimatization and
during post monsoon transpiration rates, WUE, vigour of plantlets
and dry periods soil moisture, meteorological
Observations on date
parameters listed above
Identification of
In situ-tolerant palms tolerant lines
Irrigate nursery for about 15 days Ranking of cultivars Use tolerant ones as parental
for survival capacity material for breeding
and stability drought tolerant variety
Evaluation for yield and tolerance stability
293
Drought-tolerant coconut hybrid/variety

Identification and characterization of in situ tolerant palms

The plants that can withstand the natural occurrence of drought and
other stresses and still produce good yields are of premium value, as they
are likely to possess desirable genes. Surveys in hotspot areas were
conducted to identify the palms yielding very high compared to others
in their vicinity. Palms at different agroclimatic regions were identified
in farmers’ plots with desirable canopy shape and leaf number with good
yields. The physiological WUE of these palms was also found to be high
(Naresh Kumar et al. 2002b). This type of in situ tolerant plants with
desirable traits should be used in breeding programmes, to reduce the
time gap in breeding for drought tolerant cultivars in coconut (Naresh
Kumar et al. 2002b).
Molecular markers for drought tolerance traits

In coconut, the development of molecular markers for drought tolerance
is in its infancy. The work on stress responsive proteins is being carried
out at CPCRI (Naresh Kumar 2003). Efforts are on to link the drought
tolerance to molecular diversity to find putative molecular markers, which
can be useful for marker-assisted selection (MAS). Although the lack of a
viable regeneration technique is a bottleneck for genetic engineering of
coconut palm, the molecular markers should be identified for use in large-
scale rapid screening of germplasm. This will not only increase the
efficiency for selection of parental material but will also reduce the
gestation period for breeding improved varieties with drought tolerance
(Batugal 1999). The RFLP analysis indicated that Tall and Dwarf ecotypes
from Pacific and Far East Asia were different from those from India, Sri
Lanka and West Africa (Lebrun et al. 1998, 1999). An in vitro screening
technique was developed using NaCl as the osmoticum at different
concentrations in coconut embryo culture medium (Karunaratne et al.
1991). It is possible to link the in vitro and nursery screening techniques
to molecular techniques for development of molecular markers. Once
the markers are established, they will be of prime importance to identify
the parental material in breeding for drought tolerance. At the same time,
it is essential that the stability of drought tolerance through pheno-phases
should also be established.
Thus, the development of molecular markers and application of
biotechnological tools for the improvement of drought tolerant coconut
varieties need more emphasis and concerted efforts. The future challenge
is in overcoming the bottlenecks in the use of genetic engineering for the
development of drought tolerant coconut variety.
294

Drought is a major constraint for coconut productivity in the entire
coconut growing area at global level. The realization of the impact of
drought on coconut yield increased attention towards this problem. A
methodical research approach led to understanding the drought tolerance
mechanism in coconut. So far, conventional breeding strategies were
applied for the development of drought tolerant varieties/hybrids.
However, this takes a lot of time and so is testing for yield stability under
stressful conditions. The lack of regeneration techniques handicapped
the genetic engineering approach to impart drought tolerance in high
yielding cultivars. Hence, it is very important that a globally-coordinated
breeding programme for drought tolerance be set in place, as studies
indicated that hybrids with Talls as parents can perform better under
water stress conditions (Pomier and de Taffin 1982; Rajagopal et al. 1990).
It is essential to conserve the natural desirable gene pools present in
farmers’ fields before they become extinct. These materials are highly
valuable for crop improvement programme. Molecular markers need to
be developed for rapid screening of coconut germplasm for drought
tolerance at global level. Further, it is important to characterize the nature
and intensity of drought in different coconut growing areas in order to
develop suitable drought management strategies.
Conclusion
The results obtained so far indicate that variation exists among the Talls,
Dwarfs and hybrids for drought tolerant traits. Generally, Talls and
hybrids with Tall as mother palm have higher drought tolerance
compared to Dwarfs and hybrids with Dwarf as mother palm. The
heterosis for desirable traits can be exploited for breeding drought tolerant
varieties. Further, in situ tolerant palms should be identified and used in
breeding programme. These experiments can be extrapolated to other
germplasm sources, which were not studied so far, and for making
promising cross combinations. Since this requires a comprehensive study,
a global research network on this topic will facilitate the development of
varieties/hybrids with high drought tolerance and stable yield.
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Performance of coconut hybrids in some

countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America
P Batugal
Institute- Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) varieties grown worldwide are popularly
classified as Tall, Dwarf or Hybrid. The Talls (T) and the Dwarfs (D) are
mostly selected races of economic importance among the local farmers.
Most of them evolved from continuing natural or mass selection. The
hybrids are mostly produced from intercrossing these selected races or
traditional varieties (i.e., D x T, T x D, T x T) to develop the desired
ideotypes, which for most breeders meant varieties with broad
adaptability, pests and disease resistance, and high yield.
Promising hybrids
A few capable national coconut breeding programmes in coconut
growing countries, either on their own or through foreign-assisted
projects, have been in the forefront of collecting, conserving, evaluating
and breeding coconut germplasm since the early 1980s. Each of these
country programmes has produced their own set of recommended or
promising hybrids. A survey of the performance of some of these hybrids
was conducted by the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network
(COGENT) (Batugal 2004), and the results of this survey are summarized
and analyzed below.
China
The Wenchang Coconut Research Institute’s sole recommended hybrid
is a cross between Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) and the local Hainan
Tall (HAT) variety. This MYD x HAT hybrid (WY78F1) exhibited early
flowering (3-4 years) and 3-4 fold increase in terms of harvested nuts
(80/palm/year) and copra (4 t/ha/year), compared to the Tall parent.
The Philippines
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) recommended nine hybrids
derived from single crosses involving the local cultivars, Catigan Green
Dwarf (CAT), Tagnanan Tall (TAG), Baybay Tall (BAY), Laguna Tall
(LAG), Bago-Oshiro Tall (BAO), and the introduced varieties, Malaysian
Red Dwarf (MRD) and Polynesian Tall (PYT). Most of these recommended
302
hybrids started flowering on the 3rd to 4th year. The average number of
nuts per palm ranged from 117 to 155 and copra yield per hectare, from
4-6 tonnes. The local tall BAY was comparatively good producing 114
nuts/palm with a copra yield of 5t/ha. Among the nine hybrids, MRD x
TAG (PCA 15-2) and MRD x BAY (PCA15-3) were outstanding giving
the highest number of nuts (144-155/palm) and copra yield (6t/ha).
Thailand
The Chumphon Horticulture Research Centre (CHRC) of the Horticulture
Research Institute of Thailand recommends three high-yielding hybrids:
Sawi Hybrid No.1 (an introduced hybrid known as PB 121 or MAWA),
and the locally developed hybrids Chumphon Hybrid No.60 (Maphrao
Yai or Thai Tall x West African Tall) and Chumphon Hybrid No. 2 (
MYD x Thai Tall). A trial comparing the locally developed hybrids with
the local Thai Tall (THT) in 1975 showed that THT yielded the least. The
recommended hybrids exhibited nut and copra yields ranging from 80-
126/palm and 3.4 4.2t/ha, respectively.
Vietnam
The Oil Plant Institute (OPI) of Vietnam recommends seven introduced
high-yielding hybrids in the country which have significantly outyielded
the local Tall (Ta). The introduced hybrids were PB111, PB121, PB 132,
PB 141, JVA 1, JVA2 and CRIC 65 with nut production ranging 48-69/
palm in 1996. The local variety Ta yielded 31-35 nuts on the same year.
OPI is currently testing six local hybrids in Dong Go Experimental Center
(Eo x Ta; Tam Quan x Ta; Tam Quan x BAOT); and in Binh Thanh
Experimental Station (MYD x Renell Island Tall; MYD x Palu Tall; and
MYD x Ta).
Bangladesh
The Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) has developed two high-
yielding coconut varieties: BARI Narikel –1 and BARI Narikel-2. These
varieties are broadly adapted and capable of producing 65-70 nuts/palm
throughout Bangladesh. In addition, BARI is recommending two
introduced varieties to the country’s coconut growing communities,
namely: Sri Lanka Tall (SLT) and Malaysian Yellow Dwarf (MYD).
India
The Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) has released
the largest number (12) of single-cross hybrids among the surveyed
countries, involving Chowgat Orange Dwarf (COD), West Coast Tall
(WCT), Laccadive Ordinary (LCT), Gangabondam (GBGD), MYD, SS
Apricot by KAU (SSAT) and East Coast Tall (ECT). All the hybrids
303
performed better than the traditional cultivar WCT. The recommended

hybrids have reported average nut yields of 98– 156/palm while the
WCT has only 80 nuts/palm of recorded yield. COD x WCT (Chandra
Sankara), WCT x SSAT (Kera Sowbagya) and WCT x MYD (Kera Sree)
produced the highest copra yields (i.e., more than 4 t /ha/year).
Sri Lanka
The Coconut Research Institute (CRI-SL) has developed two hybrids,
[(Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SLGD) x Sri Lanka Tall (SLT)] and SLT x SR,
and a first generation inbred (SLT x SLT) for its national replanting
programme. Their yields ranged from 80-125 nuts/palm and 3.6 – 4.0t
copra/ha. Hybrids’ nut yields are double that of the usual yield of the
local cultivar, Sri Lanka Tall, but their copra content/yields are similar.
Vanuatu
The Vanuatu Research and Training Centre have produced hybrids
involving the local cultivars Vanuatu Tall (VTT) and Vanuatu Red Dwarf
(VRD), and the introduced varieties Renell Island Tall (RIT) and Brazilian
Green Dwarf (BGD). The Malaysian Red Dwarf (MRD) was also used
as a mother palm for crossing with RIT but the resulting hybrids only
performed slightly better (in terms of copra yield) compared to the local
VTT and were very susceptible to coconut foliar decay (CFD). The BGD
crossed with either RIT or VTT produced the best copra yields of 4.4-5.2
t/ha but they were also found to be very susceptible to CFD. The VRD x
VTT hybrids had lower copra yields (3.3-3.7t/ha) but were found to be
more tolerant against CFD. Both the traditional and improved VTT types
had the lowest reported copra yields of 2.6-2.8 t/ha, but comparable
with the hybrid MRD x RIT.
Côte d’Ivoire
The CNRA Marc Delorme Research Station has initially identified seven
outstanding hybrids: PB 213 (WAT x RIT), PB 214 (WAT x VTT), PB121
(MYD x WAT), PB 132 (MRD x TAT or Tahitian Tall), PB123 (MYD x
RIT) and PB111 (CRD or Cameroon Red Dwarf x WAT).These hybrids
flower very early (40-57 months after field planting) under Côte d’Ivoire
conditions. Despite early flowering, they produced from 100 to 132 nuts/
palm/year, which is 34% to 138% higher than the population control
West African Tall (WAT). Further, their copra yields ranged from 3.15-
4.8t/ha or 86-135% more compared with WAT.
Ghana
All coconut cultivars in Ghana are considered to be at risk from the Cape
St. Paul Wilt disease (CSPWD), a lethal yellowing type of disease. Hence,
304
the coconut breeding programme in the country is geared towards

developing hybrids resistant or highly tolerant to CSPWD. There are six
cultivars and 21 hybrids being tested in four locations: Cape Three Points,
Discove, Agona Junction and Akwidae. These varietal resistance trials
are still under observation although some of the test materials were already
totally infected by the CSPWD.
Tanzania
The Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute (MARI) is currently testing
six hybrids with the local East African Tall (EAT) as sole pollinator. Mother
palms included the Malayan Green Dwarf (MGD), CRD, Pemba Red
Dwarf (PRD), MYD, MRD and improved EAT populations. In addition
to determining their yield performance, the F1 progenies are also being
evaluated for their resistance to lethal disease and tolerance to drought
stress.
Mexico
Coconut research at the Instituto Nacional de Investigacion Agropecuaria
Y Forestal is focused on developing hybrids resistant to lethal yellowing
disease (LYD). Initial hybrids were mainly derived from crosses between
MYD and improved Pacific Tall populations. Intra population crosses of
selected Pacific Tall were also done and these are currently being tested.
COGENT, through its CFC-funded multilocation trials, is in the process

of determining the suitability of selected hybrids across its member
countries (see Batugal et al., this chapter). The inclusion of all promising
hybrids, however, is constraint by financial and material resources
limiting the number of hybrid entries and location trials.
Conditions favouring coconut hybrid performance and use
Agroclimatic
In a comprehensive hybrid performance assessment study (Rethinam et.
al 2004) initiated in 1998 in 10 countries, most of the participating
countries reported that, with few exceptions, hybrids generally came into
early bearing and exhibited better productivity in the wet zones than in
intermediate and dry zones. The result of the study suggested that to
maximize the potential of most hybrids, they should be planted under
favourable soil and moisture conditions.
305
Farmers’ preferences
As part of the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC)/COGENT
study, farmer respondents in the surveyed countries were asked to
indicate their varietal preference and their reasons for their selection. Of
the total 381 responses, 55.6% were in favour of hybrids and 28% preferred
planting the local and/or selected Talls (Table 1). However, individual
countries showed diverse rates of preference for hybrids. In Samoa, all
the farmers covered in the survey stated they would grow hybrids, given
a second chance. In Thailand, 70% of the farmers remained satisfied
with the hybrids and the rest preferred to plant Tall variety. In Indonesia,
where hybrids have already spread to a large extent, only 5.56% wanted
to plant the same coconut hybrids while 99.44% opted for selected local
Talls and locally produced hybrids for planting the next time. High yield,
early bearing and good nut size were cited as the main reasons for
satisfaction with the hybrids. And the major reasons made known by
the farmers for their dissatisfaction with hybrids are their being vulnerable
to moisture stress, high input requirement and susceptibility to pests and
diseases.
Table 1. Farmer’s preferences of cultivars, given a second chance (number of

responses)
Source: (P Rethinam, P Batugal and F Rognon, 2004)
Local/
Zone Tall Dwarf Total
Selected Hybrids
Wet 31 91 43 165
Intermediate 59 75 8 142
Dry 18 46 10 74
TOTAL 108 212 61 381
Narrowing the technology gap

Although hybrids are generally known to perform better than the
traditional varieties, they are currently being grown in limited areas, less
than 0.1 (or even nil) to 14% of cultivated coconut farms in various
countries (Table 2). The poor adoptions of hybrids are commonly
attributed to inadequate information dissemination on the availability of
improved hybrids/varieties, lack of adequate supply and affordability of
planting materials, and inadequate management and cultural practices.
These factors resulted to failure in narrowing down the productivity gap
between the farmers’ fields and research stations. Comparing the national
yield average in farmers’ fields and those of research centers in 15 coconut
growing countries, the estimated technology gap in terms of either nuts
or copra yield ranged from 33 to 84% (Table 2). To maximize the potentials
of using hybrids to increase the income of resource-poor farmers and the
306
total national coconut productivity, an effective campaign to disseminate

suitable planting materials should address the reasons cited earlier for
the poor adoptions of hybrids.
Table 2. Coconut productivity in farmers’ field and research stations, and area
planted to hybrids
Source: (P Batugal and J Oliver, 2003)
Annual yield
(A) Farmers' (B) Research Area grown to
Fields/National Station/Hybrids Technology gap hybrids
Country
Average [100-(A/B x100)] (% of production
Nuts Copra Nuts Copra area )
-1 -1
(t ha ) (t ha )
South Asia
Bangladesh 21/palm 69/palm 70 nil
India 6892/ha 23 700/ha 71 14
Sri Lanka 42/palm 63/palm 33 11
Southeast/East
Asia
Indonesia 1.1 3.5 69 5
Malaysia 10 000/ha 23 000/ha 57 n.d.
Philippines 0.78 4-6 84 n.d.
Thailand 1.2-1.5 3.0 55 10
Vietnam 38-40/palm 55-80/palm 42 <0.1
China 1.27 3.6 65 1.5
South Pacific
Fiji 0.3-0.5 2.0 80 <5
PNG 0.66 2.8-3.6 80 n.d.
Africa
Ghana 20/palm n.d. 3
Tanzania 40/palm 80/palm 50 n.d.
LAC
Jamaica 0.8 3.7 78 n.d.
Mexico 0.65 4.0 84 1
Conclusion
The country reports on recommended hybrids (Batugal 2004) and the
APCC surveys on the performance of high-yielding hybrids and farmers’
varietal preferences indicated that there is no universal hybrid and that,
generally, hybrids perform better than traditional varieties under good
rainfall and soil conditions. Based on these analyses, national breeding
programmes should be designed to develop and provide either varieties
or hybrids that suit specific agroecological conditions and small-scale
farmers’ needs. In the end, each national coconut breeding programme
should be able to propose to farmers a set of well-evaluated varieties
including Dwarfs, Talls, and Hybrids.
COGENT is proposing a global breeding programme to address the
collective needs of COGENT member countries instead of merely those
of individual countries and the adoption of participatory plant breeding
approach to incorporate farmers’ varietal preference. The programme
aims to significantly increase the choice of hybrid cultivars among coconut
growing countries, by maximizing the use of available genetic resources
307
for breeding purposes, facilitating the development of efficient breeding

tools and varietal selection, and improving the quality of the planting
materials for distribution to users or farmers.
References
Batugal, P. 2004. Country survey (2001-2003): Proposed globally
coordinated breeding programme. COGENT. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia. (Unpublished).
Batugal, P and V Ramanatha Rao (eds). 1998. Coconut breeding. Papers
presented at a workshop on Standardization of Coconut Breeding
Research Techniques, 20-25 June 1994, Port Bouet, Cote d’Ivoire.
IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. 150p.
Batugal, P and J Oliver (eds). 2003. Poverty reduction in coconut growing
communities Volume I: The framework and project plan. IPGRI-APO,
Rethinam, P, P Batugal and F Rognon. 2004. Performance evaluation of
coconut varieties and farmers’ varietal preferences. APCC, Jakarta,
Indonesia and COGENT, IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
(Unpublished).
308
Performance evaluation of coconut varieties

and farmers’ varietal preferences
P Rethinam1, P Batugal2 and F Rognon3
1
Executive Director, Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), Jakarta, Indonesia
2
Institute, Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia
3
Director, Bureau for the Development of Research on Tropical Perennial Oil Crops
(BUROTROP), Montpellier, France
Introduction
Coconut, (Cocos nucifera L.) has two forms, the Talls and Dwarfs.
Predominantly, in all coconut growing countries, Tall varieties are
commercially grown for copra and oil. Dwarfs are primarily grown in a
limited area for ornamental purpose as well as for its sweet tendernut
water for drinking. Talls are highly cross pollinated and hence, the
variations in nuts are spectacular. Dwarfs are mostly self pollinated.
Studies on varietal improvement using the existing germplasm were taken
up in many countries over a period of more than seven decades. This has
resulted in the identification of many high yielding varieties and hybrids
of different Tall and Dwarf combinations. Inter and intra-varietal crosses
were made to develop progenies with combined desirable characteristics
of parents and over-dominant traits particularly on yield performance.
In India, the first report on hybrid vigour in progenies resulting from
the crosses between Tall and Dwarf varieties was available in 1932. In
Sri Lanka, the results of exploratory crosses became available in 1948. In
both these countries, organized production and distribution of hybrid
planting material began in the early fifties. Similar programmes were
taken up in the seventies by other countries especially Indonesia, Côte
d’Ivoire, Malaysia, Philippines and Vanuatu.
Although many high yielding varieties and hybrids were developed
and commercial seed production programmes were started, there were
always some reservations by small holders of coconut in using them as
planting materials. In order to assess the extent of adoption of these
varieties and hybrids by farmers, identify the constraints experienced by
the farmers in adopting them under field conditions and further assess
the yield performance of these hybrids and varieties, three studies were
conducted during the year 1980, 1988 and 1998 in different coconut
growing countries.
309
High-yielding varieties and hybrids

Among the traditionally cultivated Tall (T) varieties, there are genetically
superior palms possessing intrinsic traits for high yield. Such elite palms
have been identified in some countries and used for seedling production
and for intravarietal crosses. Similarly, these palms have also been used
either as pollen parents or female parents in intervarietal crosses with
Dwarf (D) varieties. The resulting progenies were therefore, either T x D
hybrids or D x T hybrids depending on the pistillate parent involved.
Sri Lanka was the first country to produce T x T hybrids from isolated
seed gardens planted with progenies of selected T x T crosses. Natural
cross pollination was permitted to take place between the planted
progenies without resorting to emasculation. The T x T hybrid so
produced is known by the name CRIC 60 which is superior to the local
Tall cultivars. The hybrid palms commence flowering at 5-8 years from
planting and yield about 100 nuts per palm per annum. The copra content
per nut is about 200g. They are generally hardy palms and tolerant to
drought, pests and diseases and are recommended for planting in all
districts in Sri Lanka. The hybrid CRIC 65 has been released to the farmers
in the sixties. This hybrid flowers in 3-4 years from planting, yields about
120 nuts per palm per year with a copra content of 200-215g per nut. As
it is sensitive to environmental changes, it has been recommended for
planting in home gardens (Wickramaratne 1989).
In India, the production is mostly T x D hybrids and the different
forms of Dwarf variety used are the local Orange Dwarf (COD), Green
Dwarf (CGD) Gangabondam (GB) and the Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD)
which had been earlier introduced in the country. The Tall parents belong
to West Coast Tall (WCT), Lakshadweep Ordinary (LO), Andaman
Ordinary (AO) and East Coast Tall (ECT). T x T hybrids and D x T hybrids
are presently produced only in small numbers. The performance of the
released coconut hybrids in India were significantly better than the West
Coast Tall in terms of nut yield per palm per year ( 98-140), and except
for ECT x MYD, copra yield per palm (16-25 kg) (Nair et al. 1996).
In Indonesia, four improved intravarietal hybrids (Kelapa Baru or
KB1, KB2, KB3 and KB4) produced by crossing selected Tall cultivars in
Kima Atas Experimental Garden have been released. The hybrids started
flowering on the 6th year, with total bunches of 16/year, nuts 96-124
palm/year, copra yield 3.88-4.66 t/ha and oil content of 67-71percent.
Another three D x T hybrids evolved from the local material: Khina 1
(Nias Yellow Dwarf x Tenga Tall), Khina 2 (Nias Yellow Dwarf x Bali
Tall) and Khina 3 (Nias Yellow Dwarf x Palu Tall) have been released.
These hybrids have been found to be superior to the parental types with
respect to precocity for bearing and high production of copra (Liyanage
et al. 1986).
310
In Cote d’Ivoire, a number of promising hybrids were developed since

1965. Some of the promising D x T combinations produced are Port-
Bouet or PB 121 (Malayan Yellow Dwarf x West African Tall), PB 111
(Cameroon Red Dwarf x West African Tall), PB 132 (Malayan Red Dwarf
x Polynesian Tall) and PB 122 (Malayan Yellow Dwarf x Polynesian Tall).
In the case of PB 121, a yield level of 5.5 t/ha of copra has been recorded.
The studies on the comparative performance of the different hybrids
conducted at the Marc-Delorme Research Station in Ivory Coast have
shown that the productivity of PB 132 is equivalent to that of PB 121 and
twice that of West African Tall (Sangare et al. 1988). The other promising
hybrids PB 122 and PB 111have also been reported to be more precocious
and higher yielding than the other local hybrids. The best PB hybrids
initiated first flowering 44-57 months after planting, with number of
bunches per palm ranging from 12-16, 101-132 nuts/palm, 212-311 g
copra/nut and 3.15-4.8 t copra/ha ( Bourdeix et al. 1993). The T x T
combinations such as PB 214 (West African Tall x Vanuatu Tall) and
PB213 (West African Tall x Rennel Tall) were also found to be higher
yielding than the West African Tall (De Nuce 1989).
In Malaysia, varietal studies commenced in 1920s with Malayan
Dwarf forms which showed that Green Dwarfs are robust, resistant to
adverse conditions and produce the best quality copra (Jack and Sands
1929 and Jack 1937). The Malayan Green was capable of producing 11.3
kg copra per palm per year, nearly as much as the average Tall palm.
MAWA hybrids ( Malayan Yellow, Orange or Red Dwarf x West
African Tall combinations) were less variable in terms of nuts/palm, fruit
weight and copra weight and, the copra produced has been higher than
other hybrids. These MAWA hybrids have been used in the National
Planting Programme since 1978. The Malayan Red and Yellow Dwarf x
West African Tall have been found to be high yielding (25.82 and 24.98
kg copra/palm, respectively) and the most suitable planting material
particularly in the imperfectly drained and highly fertile coastal plains
(Chan 1983).
In Papua New Guinea, hybrid seed production was started in 1973.
Maren (Malayan Red Dwarf x Rennel Tall ) hybrid was released to the
farmers in the seventies (Turner 1989). The cumulative yield up to 1982
for Maren was estimated at 11.08 t/ha. However, its field performance
has been disappointing to the farmers. It is highly susceptible to the local
forms of Rhynchophorus weevil, Scapanes and Rhinoceros beetles.
Moreover, the genetic base is also very narrow.
In the Philippines, the hybrids that evolved from the local parental
material, namely Catigan Green Dwarf x Laguna Tall and Catigan Green
Dwarf x Tagnanan Tall, have been found to be as productive as PB 121
311
introduced from Côte d’Ivoire. The local hybrids produce bigger sized
nuts than PB 121 and also exhibit buffering ability against environmental
stress. The local hybrid Catigan Green Dwarf x Laguna Tall has been
released as PCA- 15-1 for mass adoption (Santos 1989).
In Jamaica, crop improvement studies were started since 1950 with
more emphasis on evolving resistant strains for lethal yellowing disease.
All the three Malayan Dwarfs were found to possess a high degree of
resistance and only a very small percentage of MYD has been affected by
lethal yellowing. The D x T hybrids involving the Malayan Yellow, Green
or Red Orange Dwarf and Panama Tall as parents have been found to
inherit sufficient immunity to the lethal yellowing disease and also have
the capacity for high yield. This hybrid is locally called Maypan (Harries
1971).
In Samoa, Malayan Red Dwarf x Rennel Tall hybrid was produced
on a large scale in a coconut seed garden established in 1977 (Efu 1989).
Under the FAO Project, the production of open-pollinated MRD x Samoa
local Tall was undertaken at Aela where Dwarf palms were planted
with local Talls in the surrounding areas. The natural hybrids found in
Aela were planted in three locations along with Samoan Tall in 1980.
In Thailand, among the different hybrid combinations tested, PB 121
(MYD x WAT) has displayed greater precocity and has also been found
to give more uniform yields than selected Thai Talls. PB 121 was released
as Sawi 1 to farmers for general cultivation. Both MYD x WAT and Thai
Tall x WAT have been found superior to Thai Tall variety. Two more
hybrids, Chumphon Hybrid No. 60 (Maphrao Yai x WAT) and
Chumphon Hybrid No. 2 (MYD x Maphrao Yai), were released in the
country in 1987 and 1995, respectively.
In Vanuatu, a coconut improvement programme was started during
1962. A number of combinations involving different Talls like Vanuatu
Tall, Samoan Tall, Rennel Tall and Rotuman Tall were produced and
their field performance was studied under different locations (Calvez
1989). One of the promising combinations, Vanuatu Tall (VTT) x Rennel
Tall (RLT), is under field test for tolerance to Foliar Decay disease. Vanuatu
Red Dwarf (VRD) x VTT has also been planted in 1984. Initial trials have
indicated that T x T hybrids might be superior.
In Tanzania, production of the hybrids MAWA (MYD x WAT) and
Camwa (CRD x WAT) was initiated in 1981-1982. However, these
hybrids were not different from local East African Tall with respect to
tolerance to lethal yellowing and drought.
In Vietnam, high yielding hybrid seednuts were imported in 1985
and the seedlings raised from them were planted in seven different
adaptability trial sites in various agroecological zones. The objectives were
312
to evaluate the performance of the imported hybrids in comparison with

local ones and to establish trial sites that could also serve as demonstration
centres before the hybrids are finally selected and planted on a large
scale. The Oil Plant Institute (OPI) subsequently imported four hybrids
from Côte d’Ivoire and three more hybrids, JVA I and JVA 2 from the
Philippines and CRI 65 from Sri Lanka in 1986 and 1987. These hybrids
were planted in different agroecological zones.
The hybrids planted in 1985 had shown higher economic efficiency
than the local varieties under the same planting and maintenance
conditions. They always had significantly higher values for total nuts,
copra and oil than the local Ta and Dau cultivars.
However, higher efficiency was recorded only under favourable
conditions of soil, water and maintenance. For the hybrids planted in
1987, flowering and fruiting rates were better than the local varieties
(Linh and Long 2000). Among the local varieties, Ta, Dau and Giay have
been identified as the best for copra making. A seed garden of 120 ha has
also been established at Trang Bang, Tay Ninh Province for producing
hybrids and seed material of local varieties.
Other countries
In Fiji, a seed garden is now producing high yielding hybrids using
Malayan Yellow Dwarf or Malayan Orange Dwarf with Rennel Tall or
Rotuma Tall. In Tonga, a seed garden has been established to produce
hybrids. Similarly in Tuvalu, a small seed garden has been operated to
produce hybrids of Malayan Yellow Dwarf and Malayan Orange Dwarf
with Rennel Tall or with local coconuts. In the Solomon Islands, where
controlled pollination began in the 1960’s, a replanting programme is
being carried out with the Malayan Red Dwarf x Rennel Tall hybrid.
Findings of 1980 and 1988 assessment of new varieties

The Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) organized two
studies in 1980 and 1988. The objective of the first study was to identify
the constraints faced by small-scale farmers in the adoption of high
yielding varieties with a view to assisting countries to formulate remedial
counter measures. The study covered India, Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand
and Western Samoa. The second study in 1988 covered India, Indonesia,
Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Papua New Guinea, Philippines and Western Samoa.
The objectives of this study were: (1) to identify new technology packages
for coconut, (2) to review the state of art of adoption, and (3) to identify
reasons for adoption and non-adoption. The findings of these two studies
were compiled and released by the APCC (Sumith de Silva 1989).
313
In India, Indonesia, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand, the number

of holdings studied was 223 occupying a total area of 720.9 ha. The
average size of a holding in the sample was 3.23 ha. The holdings of less
than 2 ha amounted to 58% of the total holdings but occupied only 20.3%
of the total area. Holdings above 2 ha and up to 10 ha accounted for 34%
of the total holdings with a higher share of 48.4% in the total area.
Although holdings above 10 ha formed only 8% of the total holdings,
their share in the area was 31%.
Among the cultivars studied, Tall varieties accounted for 27.8%, T x
D and D x T hybrids comprised 62.6%, T x T hybrids formed 6.2% and
the balance of 3.4% was constituted by miscellaneous other strains.
Between T x D and D x T, the latter accounted for 86% of the hybrids
spread. The average copra yield during the first 8 years of bearing was
907 kg for Tall, 1352 kg for T x D and 1634 kg for D x T. The unit recovery
of copra was, however, high in the Tall which was 4764 nuts to a tonne
of copra whereas the corresponding numbers for T x D and D x T hybrids
were 7651 and 5825 nuts, respectively. Although the hybrids commenced
bearing in the third year as against five years for the Tall varieties, the
capital cost and also the recurrent cost were much higher for the hybrids.
However, the net returns generated by both the hybrids were higher
than that by the Tall variety. Based on their field experience, the farmer
participants of the study expressed their opinion about each test material.
The study recorded 740 responses of satisfaction for varieties and 457
responses of dissatisfaction. While 28.5% of the respondents expressed
preference for Tall varieties, around 43% favoured the existing hybrids
while another 28.5% desired to have new varieties possessing better
qualities. Higher yield, early bearing, ease to harvest, vigour, uniformity,
superior quality copra, higher income, etc. were the notable benefits
observed by the farmers who were satisfied with the performance of
hybrids, particularly the D x T.The reasons expressed for dissatisfaction
were: less than expected yield, vulnerability to diseases and pests, small
nuts, low prices, low income, etc., in case of hybrids; and low yield, non-
uniformity, late bearing and low income in case of Talls.
The farmers’ views on new varieties were not significantly different
in most countries. In India, of the two hybrids, farmers favoured only D
x T. Even in this case, one hundred percent acceptance was not reported
by the farmers. Only 50% of the farmers were satisfied with the
performance of T x D. More than 50% of the farmer participants of the
study preferred the traditional Tall variety for future planting. About
30% preferred D x T and other tested hybrids and the balance desired to
have new (not yet tried) varieties.
In Indonesia, field survey revealed that 78% of the farmer participants
were satisfied with the performance of hybrids mainly due to their early
314
bearing and high yielding characteristics. The remaining respondents

were not satisfied because of the higher cost involved in the use of fertilizers
and other inputs, the yields realized were less than expected, small size
of nuts and immature nut fall.
In Malaysia, survey results indicated that the yield increase in terms
of number of nuts obtained by the farmers from hybrids was more than
200%. But the corresponding increase in net income was not materialized
due to escalating cost of production. Although the Mawa hybrids yielded
larger number of nuts, the nut size was small causing higher cost of
producing copra on per unit basis. As such, increase in the number of
nuts has not produced a proportionate increase in the farmers’ income.
In Papua New Guinea, the hybrids were highly susceptible to the
local strains of Scapanes and Rhinoceros beetles and Rhynchophorus
weevil. The hybrid programme in PNG had to be suspended pending a
solution to the pest problem.
In the Philippines, about 55% of the farmer respondents expressed
satisfaction with hybrids due mainly to early bearing characteristic and
compatibility with the environment. The dissatisfied farmers (45%) cited
high fertilizer cost and lower realization of yield than expected, as the
reasons.
In Sri Lanka, both CRIC 65 and CRIC 60 were found suitable only to
certain parts of the country. However, the planting material of the hybrids
was distributed indiscriminately with the result that the performance
was not up to expectation in unsuitable locations. In the field survey,
66.7% of the farmer participants were satisfied with T x T hybrids and
only 16.7% were satisfied with the intervarietal hybrids or D x T hybrids.
The study conducted in Thailand showed that the majority of the
farmer participants favoured the hybrid due to its vigorous growth,
uniformity and consistency in yield, early bearing characteristics and its
adaptability to a wide range of environment. The dissatisfaction expressed
by others was due to smaller fruit size which, due to its low market price,
results in low income to the farmers. The hybrid Sawi 1 gave the lowest
direct income while the top earner, Thai Tall, generated income double
that of Sawi 1. The difference was due to the higher unit income for
mature nuts of Talls in the local market.
Summary of major findings of the 1998 varietal assessment

study
A more comprehensive varietal assessment study was initiated in 1998
in the member countries of the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community
(APCC) and of the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network
(COGENT) with the financial support of COGENT and the Bureau for
315
the Development of Research on Tropical Perennial Oil Crops

(BUROTROP) and APCC. In several countries, either the study was not
completed or the final reports were not prepared. Consequently, this
paper has been prepared based on the completed reports received from
the following 10 countries (examinant countries): Brazil, Cote d’Ivoire,
Federal States of Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Jamaica, Malaysia, Mexico,
Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand,
Vanuatu and Vietnam. The samples for the study were drawn in each
country from three distinct agroclimatic zones: wet, intermediate and
dry.
Size class distribution of sample holdings

The details of the distribution of the sample farms according to size in
India, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are given in
Table 1.
Table 1. Size and class distribution of the sample farms*

Average
Size Class No. of Extent % of % of
Size of No. of Farms by Zone
(ha) Farms (ha) Farmers Area
Farm (ha)
Wet Intermediate Dry
< 1.0 113 49.29 0.44 23.70 4.57 50 49 14
1-2 73 100.29 1.37 36.69 9.29 30 30 13
2-4 52 162.43 3.12 16.88 15.05 18 17 17
4-6 28 144.39 5.16 9.09 13.37 14 6 8
6-8 13 88.62 6.80 4.22 8.20 4 5 4
8-10 9 82.60 9.17 2.92 7.65 4 4 1
10-20 19 380.00 20.00 6.18 35.20 4 13 2
Above 20 1 72.00 20.00 0.32 6.67 - 1 -
Total /
308 1079.62 3.50 100.00 100.00 124 125 59
Average
* In India, Philippines, Samoa, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam
The average size of the sample farms in the six countries was 3.5 ha with
a range of 0.44 to 20 ha. The total area covered by all the farms was
1079.62 ha. The farmers possessing below 2 ha formed over 60% of the
sample although their share in the total area was only below 14%. On
the other hand, farmers with area above 2 ha but below 8 ha formed
around 30% but commanded over 36% of the total area. At the same
time, the farmers who had farms of the size between 8 and 20 ha had a
share of over 42% in the total area although they formed only 9% of the
total number of farmers. Of the total 308 farms in the sample, 124 or
40% were in the wet zone, 125 or 41% fell in the intermediate zone and
59 or 19% represented the dry zone.
Age at first fruiting and productivity

The age at first fruiting and the annual production of nuts and copra
varied between varieties and the agroclimatic zones as shown in Table 2.
316
The general trend was that the hybrids came into early bearing in the
wet zone although exceptions were observed in some countries.
Irrespective of the growing zones, the average pre-bearing period for D
x T and T X D hybrids observed in India, Sri Lanka and Vanuatu were
4.4 and 4.7 years, respectively. In the case of T x T hybrids in Sri Lanka
and Vanuatu, the average fruit initiation was 5.8 years. Selected local
Talls in the Philippines, Vanuatu and Vietnam, started bearing fruits at
an average of 5.5 years while the Malayan Dwarfs of Jamaica and selected
Dwarfs of Vietnam were more precocious with an average bearing age
of 3.7 years.
In India, the production of nuts and copra was highest for T x D
hybrid in the wet zone, but was such only in terms of nuts in the
intermediate zone. For D x T hybrid, the production of nuts as well as
copra output was much higher in the intermediate and dry zones than
in the wet zone. The difference in the production between T x D and D x
T revealed the preference of the former for more favourable soil moisture
relations.
In Indonesia, the performance of Mawa hybrid was recorded in the
wet zone and that of Nias Yellow Dwarf hybrid (NYD x WAT) in the
intermediate zone. Since their agronomic performances were observed
under different zone conditions, their optimum growing conditions for
maximum productivity has not been elucidated.
The Malayan Dwarf variety and the Maypan hybrid were compared
under the different zones in Jamaica. In all the three zones, the Malayan
Dwarf outperformed the hybrid in precocity of bearing, as well as in the
production of nuts and copra. Productivity in terms of nuts and copra
output was also higher for the Malayan Dwarf compared with the
Maypan hybrid through all the zones. The Dwarf variety and hybrid
showed preference for wet agroclimatic zone to maximize production.
In the Philippines, the two Tall types (Laguna and Tagnanan) , and
two hybrids (Mawa and PCA 15-1) exhibited better productivity in the
wet zone than in the other two zones with the lowest in the dry zone
indicating the sensitivity to soil moisture stress. Between the two hybrids,
PCA 15-1 was found to be superior to Mawa in all the three zones.
One significant observation recorded in the Philippines studies was
the better productivity of Laguna Tall compared to the two hybrids in all
the three zones. Hence, the Laguna Tall cultivar is a better option for
planting in the wet, intermediate and dry zones.
In Sri Lanka, the D X T showed preference for the dry zone. When
compared with San Ramon x Dwarf, the latter yielded better in the
intermediate zone but production figures for the other two zones were
not available for this hybrid. The data for T x D hybrid were available
317
Table 2. Average production and bearing time

Country & Variety Years to Nuts Nuts/t Copra/
zone bearing per ha copra ha (t)
INDIA
Wet TxD 4.1 14 832 5962 2.49
DxT 5.0 13 366 6300 2.12
Intermediate TxD 4.4 18 187 7802 2.33
DxT 4.6 17 627 5861 3.00
Dry TxD 4.8 10 111 5925 1.71
DxT 4.5 11 844 5440 2.17
INDONESIA
Wet Mawa hybrid 3.8 12 444 5447 2.28
Intermediate NYD x WAT 4.0 11 277 6200 1.82
JAMAICA
Wet Tall - 5850 3500 1.67
Malayan Dwarf 3.3 20 588 6277 3.28
Maypan hybrid 4.1 12 775 4125 3.10
Intermediate Tall - - - -
Malayan Dwarf 3.3 13 013 5733 2.27
Maypan hybrid 4.5 6230 3785 1.65
Dry Tall - - - -
Malayan Dwarf 3.3 18 545 6440 2.88
Maypan hybrid 4.4 11 527 4388 2.63
PHILIPPINES
Wet Laguna Tall 6.0 11 214 3528 3.18
Tagnanan Tall 6.0 7342 2738 2.68
Mawa hybrid 4.0 11 351 4087 2.78
PCA15-1 hybrid 4.0 10 624 3368 3.15
Intermediate Laguna Tall 6.0 11 214 4151 2.70
Tagnanan Tall 6.0 6465 3221 2.00
Mawa hybrid 4.0 9849 4809 2.05
PCA15-1 hybrid 4.0 9276 3963 2.34
Dry Laguna Tall 5.0 9528 4744 2.00
Tangnanan Tall 5.0 5460 3704 1.47
Mawa hybrid 4.0 7029 5530 1.27
PCA 15-1 hybrid 4.0 8366 4557 1.84
SRI LANKA
Wet TxT 6.2 5 4492 5500 0.82
DxT 4.70 8415 6000 1.40
Intermediate TxT - 10 620 - -
San Ramon x D 6.0 12 883 - -
DxT 4.0 7952 4360 1.82
TxD 5.5 10 166 4400 2.31
Dry TxT 5.0 9575 5000 1.92
DxT 4.0 9106 - -
SAMOA
Wet Tall 6.0 4006 5053 0.79
Hybrid 3.5 6694 4687 1.43
Intermediate Tall 5.6 3860 5053 0.76
Hybrid 3.5 7649 4687 1.63
VANUATU
Local Tall 5.0 9620 6013 1.60
Improved Tall 5.0 11 840 5382 2.20
TxT 6.0 12 580 4341 2.90
DxT 4.0 23 200 6629 3.50
VIETNAM
Wet Tall 5.4 4903 4064 1.21
Dwarf 3.7 19 456 - -
Hybrid 4.0 5364 5000 1.07
Intermediate Tall 5.25 7375 4265 1.73
Dwarf 5.0 26 667 - -
Hybrid 3.5 6195 5500 1.13
Dry Tall 5.0 5360 5188 1.03
318
only for the intermediate zone which showed higher productivity than
those of D x T hybrid. The T x T performed well under the intermediate
and dry conditions but had the least number of nuts and copra yield
among the test materials when planted under the wet zone.
In Samoa, the hybrid yield was more than that of Tall in both the wet
and intermediate zones. The average productivity of hybrid through the
two zones was 7172 nuts or a copra equivalent of 1.53t against 3933
nuts or 0.78 t of copra/ha/year of the Tall.
Differential performance of local Tall, improved Tall, T x T and D x T
was recorded in Vanuatu for only one zone. The performance of D x T
was found to be far superior compared with all the other types in terms
of precocity, number of nuts and copra output.
The Dwarf types produced significantly more nuts/ha compared with
the hybrid and Talls in Vietnam. The Dwarf variety yielded profusely in
the wet and intermediate zones but its production figures for the dry
zone were not recorded. Further, its fruits were mostly consumed as
tendernut.
Farmers’ evaluation of coconut cultivars

The farmers covered in this study were individually contacted and their
observations on each cultivar including their satisfaction or otherwise
and varietal preferences were recorded. A total of 851 responses of
satisfaction were recorded with 599 or 70% in favour of T x D and D x T
hybrids. High yield, early bearing and good nut size, were the major
reasons for satisfaction with the hybrids. This was followed by the Dwarf
with 128 or 15% favourable responses and the most preferred traits were
better resistance to pests and diseases, high yield, easy marketability and
early bearing. The Tall cultivars including the T x T hybrids were preferred
for thick kernel and cream, high yield and miscellaneous other traits.
The number of responses in their favour was 124 or 14.5%. The specific
reasons for satisfaction of farmers with each cultivar are shown in Table
3.
The study also recorded 339 responses of dissatisfaction with the
varieties already experienced by the farmers. Out of the total, 235 or
nearly 70% responses of dissatisfaction were with T x D and D x T hybrids
and the major reasons made known by the farmers were small size of
nuts, bunch buckling, high input requirement, vulnerable to moisture
stress, vulnerable to pests and diseases, low yield, less creamy kernel,
alternate bearing, etc. There were 67 responses of dissatisfaction with
Dwarf variety but only 36 such responses were recorded in the case of
Tall variety. The major reasons for dissatisfaction with Dwarf variety
were small nuts, difficult to market, pilferage, etc. The major reason
expressed against the Tall variety was its late bearing tendency.
319
Table 3. Reasons for satisfaction by cultivar (no. of responses)*

Reasons Tall TxD/ TxT Dwarf Total
DxT
High yield 31 153 8 30 222

Early bearing 11 137 1 23 172
Good nut size - 119 - - 119
Thick kernel/high
copra content 40 28 - - 68
Ease of scraping - 11 - - 11
Thick cream with good flavour 10 9 - - 19
High oil content - 8 - - 8
Good toddy yield 6 4 - - 10
Sweet tendernut water - 20 - - - 20
Low incidence of bunch
buckling 6 - - - 6
Short & strong fronds - - - - - -
Better resistance to pests
and diseases 2 48 - 38 88
Medium/short stature- 12 - - - 12
Long life span 6 - - - 6
Low maintenance costs- 1 - - - 1
Easy marketability - 29 - 23 52
Good timber 1 - - - 1
High frequency of harvest - - - 11 11
Others 2 20 - 3 25
Total 115 599 9 128 851
*The Philippines and Vanuatu were not included due to lack of quantified data
Varietal preference of farmers

The farmers in the surveyed farms were asked to indicate the varieties
preferred by them for planting, if another chance arises. To this inquiry,
381 quantified responses were received from India, Indonesia, Jamaica,
Samoa, Thailand and Vietnam. The results are given in Table 4.
Of the total 381 responses, 55.6% were in favour of hybrids and 28%
in favour of the local and / or selected Talls. In Indonesia, where hybrids
have already spread to a large extent, only 5.56% of the farmers wanted
to plant the same coconut hybrids while 94.44% of the farmers opted for
selected local Talls and locally produced hybrids for planting the next
time. In India, 59% of the farmers preferred selected Talls and only 41%
expressed preference for hybrids. In Sri Lanka, only 53% of the farmers
having experience with D x T expressed the desire to plant the same
hybrid whereas, 55% of the T x T growers were completely satisfied with
the variety and were willing to plant the same if given a second chance.
320
In Samoa, all the farmers covered in the survey stated that they will
grow the hybrid, given a second chance. Out of these farmers, 47% also
wanted to grow the local Tall besides the hybrid. In Thailand, 70% of the
farmers remained satisfied with the hybrids and the rest preferred to
plant Tall variety. The variety preferred by 54% of the farmers in Vietnam
for planting, given a second chance, was the local Tall. Only 26% of the
farmers wanted to grow hybrid and the balance 20% stated that they
would grow the local Dwarf cultivar, Xiem.
Table 4. Farmer’s preference of cultivars, given a second chance (no. of responses)
Zone Local /Selected Hybrids Dwarf Total

Tall
Wet 31 91 43 165
Intermediate 59 75 8 142
Dry 18 46 10 74
Total 108 212 61 381
Conclusion and recommendations

Hybrid seed production has a history of 3-6 decades in most of the coconut
growing countries. In countries like India and Sri Lanka, the programme
has been continuing since 1940’s and in Côte d’Ivoire it was commenced
in 1951. Hybrid combinations were evolved and planted in the research
institutes at the first stage and at farmers’ fields later under diverse
agroclimatic conditions. The performance of hybrids was good in terms
of nut and copra yield besides early bearing, vigorous growth and
uniformity in yield, particularly in D x T. The farmers’ response was
varied since they are not very clear about the required input management
to maximize yields for coconut in general and high yielding varieties and
hybrids in particular. The APCC studies of 1988 and 1998 have, however,
revealed that the level of acceptance of T x D and D x T hybrids has been
lagging below expectation despite their potential for early bearing and
higher production. These hybrids exhibited certain undesirable traits
which were not appreciated by the farmers.
By and large the hybrids under favourable weather and optimum
management conditions have performed better than the local Tall. But
experience in some countries showed that even under intensive
management, the hybrids do not perform better than the local Tall
cultivars growing under the same conditions. In Vietnam, the
performance of hybrids in terms of copra production under the intensive
management category was not as much as the local Tall cultivars by the
321
eight year after coming into production. The same trend was observed in
Sri Lanka. These results highlight the fact that the productivity of some
of the hybrids, even under intensive management, is not significantly
different than those of selected Tall varieties; and that the production
technology of hybrids has to be improved if farmers are to be benefited
from their cultivation.
Except, perhaps, in Côte d’Ivoire, the production of hybrids in most
other countries has been organized without developing adequate
populations of strains or ecotypes tested for specific combining ability.
The general combining ability of the existing varietal forms is presently
the yardstick for the production of hybrid combinations, which invariably
show differential performance and exhibit undesirable traits when grown
under field conditions. There is a scope for identifying ecotypes possessing
superior traits from among the available cultivars and testing them for
both general and specific combining abilities with other strains or
ecotypes. The populations comprising selfed progenies of those ecotypes,
proven to be the best combiners when established, can serve as the basic
material for evolving better hybrids. It is not difficult to identify special
strains or ecotypes in each country through participatory approach.
Among the countries where coconut hybrids have been introduced,
Indonesia appears to have taken the lead with having 244 310 ha under
hybrids in 1996 with the estimated production of 121 729 t of copra per
year, which is only 50% of the average productivity of the Tall variety in
that country. Therefore, when farmers in that country are given the
opportunity to plant coconuts again, only 5.56% of them wanted to plant
the introduced hybrids, while 94.44% of the farmers wanted to plant
selected local Talls, T x T hybrids and the locally produced Khina hybrids.
The experience in most of the countries is that the intervarietal hybrids
perform well only under intensive management hence, their poor
adoption by the small- and medium-scale farmers who are not used to
high external input farming in coconut. As long as the new hybrids are
not amenable to low external input farming, the farmers may not opt for
them either for new planting or replanting. Appropriate breeding
technology has to be perfected for producing hybrids possessing potential
for higher productivity under average management without exhibiting
undesirable traits.
Based on the results of the trials, the following recommendations are
made:
1. Ecotypes possessing favourable traits should be identified in each
country through participatory approach. These ecotypes should
be crossed with selected cultivars and the best combiners identified
through progeny testing. The parents of the promising crosses
322
should be multiplied by selfing to raise a sizeable population of

selfed progenies for large-scale reproduction of the best crosses.
2. The performance of high yielding varieties should be satisfying to
small and medium-scale farmers under low external input
situations. T x T combinations amenable to such situations should
be produced by crossing genetically superior Tall palms which
normally constitute 3-5% of the palm population in any holding.
3. The Malayan Green Dwarf, which under Malaysian conditions
proved to be better than the yellow and red colour forms in
productivity, resistance to pests, diseases, and adverse conditions
as well as in vigour and robustness, should be utilized as one of
the parents in cross breeding. The resulting progenies should be
tested for their yield performance.
4. Coconut farmers should be trained on the appropriate care and
management of high yielding varieties and hybrids in coconut
plantations, and should be educated on the benefits they could
get in terms of increased yield and returns.
5. Production of quality planting materials of selected Talls, Dwarfs
and hybrids should be augmented and made available to the
farmers in adequate quantity.
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improvement: Six decades of coconut research. Kerala Agricultural
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research and development. Wiley Eastern Ltd.
Bourdeix, R, A Sangare, JP Le Saint, J Meunier, JP Gascon, F Rognon and
MW de Nuce de Lamothe. 1993. Coconut breeding at IRHO and its
application in seed production. Pp. 79-94. In: MK Nair et al. (eds).
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Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India.
Calvez, C. 1989. Assessment of experience with high yielding varieties,
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COCOTECH/XXVI/S2-07.
Chan, E. 1983. Progress in coconut breeding in United Plantations Bhd,
Malaysia. Oleagineaux 38 : 6, 371-376.
Darwis, Michellia. 1996. Coconut research in Indonesia. Pp. 207-214.
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Davis, TA, H Sundasrip and SN Darwis. 1985. An overview of research
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activities. Coconut Research Institute, Manado, Indonesia.

De nuce de Lamothe, MW and A Sangare. 1993. Current status of coconut
genetic resources research in Ivory Coast. Pp. 9-14. In: MK Nair et
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Dhamodaran, S, MJ Ratnambal, B Chempakam, RV Pillai and BC
Viraktamath. 1993. Evaluation of tender nut water in coconut
cultivars. Pp. 123-128. In: MK Nair et al. (eds). Advances in coconut
research and development. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi, India.
Dootson, J, A Thirakul, C Petchpiroon and M Rattanapruk. 1988. Early
yields of a number of coconut varieties in Thailand. Oleagineux 43 :
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Duhamel, G. 1993. Crop improvement programmes in South Pacific
Region. Pp. 95-100. In: MK Nair et al. (eds). Advances in coconut
research and development. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.,
New Delhi, India.
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COCOTECH/XXVI/S2-08.
Gapasin, Dely P. 1986. Coconut research and development in the
Philippines. Cord Journal 11 : 2,1-19.
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242.
Jack, HW. 1937. The dwarf coconut. Fiji Agri. Journ. 8 : 4, 47-48.
Jack, HW and WN Sands. 1929. Observations on the dwarf coconut palm
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Linh, NA and VV Long. 2000. Evaluation of performance for suitable
varieties in Vietnam. COGENT Newsletter, May 2000. IPGRI-APO,
Liyanage, DV. 1988. Coconut seed gardens: A review. Cord Journal 4 :
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NM Nayar (ed). Coconut for prosperity. Peekay Tree Crops
Development Foundation, Kerala, India.
Manthriratna, MAPP. 1983. The mechanics of hybrid seed production
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Nair, MK, MJ Ratnambal and P Gopalasundram. 1996. Coconut research
in India. Pp. 181-198. In PK Thampan (ed). Coconut for prosperity.
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Ovasuru, T, GY Tan and LA Bridgland. 1993. Coconut germplasm
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collection in Papua New Guinea. Pp. 33-42. In: MK Nair et al. (eds).
Advances in coconut research and development. Oxford and IBH
Rognon, F and MW de Nuce de Lamothe. 1978. Harvesting and
conditioning of pollen for the pollination of coconut seed gardens.
Oleagineaux 33:1, 22-23.
Santos, GA. 1989. Assessment of experience with high yielding varieties,
Philippines experience. Pp. 1-23. In: Proceedings of the APCC/
COCOTECH/ XXVI/S2-04.
Santos, GA, RT Bahala, SB Cano and BV dela Cruz. 1986. Yield and
agronomic trials of four variety hybrids and some local tall coconut
plantations in the Philippines. Oleagineux 41 : 6, 269-280.
Sumbak, JH. 1976. Trials with some coconut varieties and hybrids in
Papua New Guinea. Pp. 82-84. In NM Nayar (ed). Coconut research
and development. Wiley Eastern Ltd., New Delhi, India.
Sumith de Silva. 1989. High-yielding varieties of coconut: An intra-
regional study on small farmer’s experience. APCC, Jakarta,
Indonesia.
Tarigans, DD. 1989. Assessment of experience with high yielding varieties,
Indonesian experience. Pp. 1-29. In: Proceedings of the APCC/
COCOTECH/ XXVI/ S2-02.
Thampan, PK. 1993. Handbook on coconut palm. Oxford and IBH
Turner, P. 1989. Assessment of experience with high yielding varieties:
Papua New Guinea’s experience. Pp. 35-43. In: Proceedings of the
APCC/ COCOTECH/ XXVI/ S2-03.
Wickramaratne, MRT. 1989. Assessment of experience with high yielding
varieties of coconut in Sri Lanka experience. Pp. 66-75. In Proceedings
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325
Multilocation coconut hybrid trials in three African

and three LAC countries
P Batugal1, JL Konan2, A Sanaoussi3, A Kullaya4, EA Tupinamba5, R Castillo6 and B
Been7
1
Selangor, Malaysia
2
Head, Coconut Programme, Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA),
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
3
Researcher, Institut National de Recherche Agricoles du Benin (INRAB), Sous-
Programme Cocotier, BP 884, Cotonou, Benin
4
Director, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute (MARI), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
5
Coconut Researcher, Coconut Germplasm Bank, Brazilian Agricultural Research
Corporation (EMBRAPA), Coastal Tablelands, Av. Beira Mar, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
6
Investigador del Sistema Producto, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales,
Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Mexico
7
Director of Research, Coconut Industry Board (CIB), 18 Waterloo Road, Kingston 10,
Jamaica
Introduction
The main objectives of the multilocation trials are: 1) to assist each of the
six participating countries in identifying suitable high-yielding varieties/
hybrids with high adaptation to prevailing local conditions; and 2) to
estimate genotype x environment (G x E) interaction, which will serve as
a guide to the application of the results to other countries with similar
growing conditions.
Each test country compared the six common multi-site hybrids
produced and shipped from Côte d’Ivoire with 4-8 of its best hybrids/
varieties. The imported hybrids are four Dwarf x Tall and two Tall x
Talls which have been proven to have good yield potential in previous
trials. Each experimental unit or plot consisted of 16 palms, planted in a
triangular pattern at 9m in a randomized complete block design (RCBD)
with five replications. When sufficient vegetative and reproductive data
will have been generated, statistical analysis shall be done at country
level to compare the different genetic materials, while a combined data
analysis will be conducted to determine the interaction between genotype
and environment.
Project implementation
The project was approved by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC)
Executive Board on 22 October 1996 and funds were released to IPGRI
in January 2000. However, the six participating countries and IPGRI pre-
326
financed the project from 1997 to 1999 to fund preparatory activities in

support of the project.
The implementation of this multilocation trial to evaluate the
performance of 30 imported and local coconut hybrids and varieties,
and their G x E interaction involved three African countries (Côte d’Ivoire,
Benin and Tanzania) and three Latin American and Caribbean or LAC
countries (Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico). Six promising hybrids (MYD x
WAT, CRD x RIT, VTT x TAGT, MRD x VTT, MRD x TAGT and SLT x
TAGT) were produced by Côte d’Ivoire and air-shipped to the five
participating countries (one set was retained for the Côte d’Ivoire trial)
while the six participating countries produced seednuts of their promising
local hybrids/varieties to serve as controls. The 30 initial coconut hybrids/
varieties that were identified to be produced and tested in the multilocation
trials are shown in Table 1.
The six countries originally planned to produce four local hybrids
each to be compared with the six common imported hybrids. However,
this target output was exceeded because Mexico produced four additional
local hybrids, namely: MYD x MXPT05, MYD x MXPT10, MYD x MXPT11
and MYD x MXAT.
All six countries conducted two trials each, the first, a general
performance trial using the seedlings from the first batch of hybrid
seednuts sent from Côte d’Ivoire and the locally produced hybrids/
varieties; and the second, using the second and third batch (only for
Brazil) of seednuts from Côte d’Ivoire.
Table 1. List of multi-site and local hybrid/variety trial entries

A. Six multi-site hybrids (common for all participating countries)
Dwarf x Tall hybrids (4) Tall x Tall hybrids (2)
MYD x WAT CRD x RIT VTT x TAGT
MRD x VTT MRD x TAGT SLT x TAGT
B. Four locally-selected materials per country

Côte d'Ivoire Bénin Tanzania Jamaica Mexico Brazil
MYD x TKT MYD x PNT EAT o.p. MYD x THT MYD x PNT BGD x VTT
MYD x TGT CRD x WAT PRD x EAT MYD x PNT MYD x MXPT14 BGD x BRT
MYD x PUT CRD xT AT EAT x RIT CGD x PNT MYD x MXPT09 MYD x BRT
PGD x VTT PGD x VTT EAT x VTT CGD x THT MYD x MXPT02 BRT o.p.
(+ 4 additional hybrids)
List of variety names

BGD Brazilian Green Dwarf o.p. open pollinated
CRD Cameroon Red Dwarf PYT Polynesia Tall
CUD Cuban Dwarf BRT Brazilian Tall
FJM Fiji Malayan Dwarf PNT Panama Tall
MRD Malayan Red Dwarf RIT Rennell Island Tall
MYD Malayan Yellow Dwarf SLT Sri Lanka Tall
PRD Pemba Red Dwarf TAG Tagnanan Tall
EAT East African Tall THT Thailand Tall
WAT West African Tall VTT Vanuatu Tall
PGD Pumila Green Dwarf CGD Chowghat Green Dwarf
327
Noting the potential impact of this project in increasing the yields of

poor coconut farmers, the Government of Portugal funded a similar
project involving the evaluation of the same six multi-site hybrids and
four local hybrids (MYD x MZT, BGD x RLT, MZT x SGD and MZT x
VTT) in Mozambique. This brought to 38 the total number of coconut
hybrids/ open-pollinated varieties being evaluated, making this project
the most comprehensive coconut hybrid trial worldwide.
The details of the multi-location trials are presented in CFC Technical
Paper No. 42 entitled, ‘Coconut Hybrids for Smallholders’ (Batugal et al.,
eds 2005).
Major achievements
The most important result of the project is the identification of 16 early
bearing and high-yielding new coconut hybrids (Table 2). The first trial
showed that 16 out of the 34 test trials in the CFC-funded project started
to flower and produce fruits in Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico in 2.5-3.0
years after planting compared to the seven years it would normally take
the traditional Tall varieties to reach fruiting stage. In Brazil, two hybrids
from Côte d’Ivoire and two local hybrids flowered; in Jamaica, all six
hybrids produced in Côte d’Ivoire flowered but none of the local hybrids;
while in Mexico, only one hybrid produced in Côte d’Ivoire and eight
locally produced hybrids flowered. On the other hand, flowering was
not observed in the hybrids planted in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania
during the same period. These results suggest that the drought in Africa
and the generally drier conditions in that region compared to the LAC
region had a negative effect on early flowering of the hybrids, suggesting
a possible G x E interaction. This interaction could be verified with the
vegetative and reproductive plant measurements and biotic and abiotic
data to be gathered and analyzed in the next five years.
Based on the yield projection of the potential of the 16 fruiting hybrids
on their fourth year (as observed in preliminary trials), they have the
potential to produce up to five tonnes of copra (dried kernel) per hectare
per year at the peak of production (at 10-12 years) compared to the one
metric tonne of copra generally produced by the traditional Tall cultivars.
The impact of the results from this CFC-funded project is significant as it
has the potential to increase coconut yields of resource-poor smallholder
coconut farmers by up to five-fold if the results are effectively promoted,
with good management, in many coconut growing communities and
countries. Although the hybrids in the second trial are all growing well
in five countries (except Benin), the potential of the hybrids could only
be determined when they start to produce fruits three more years after
the project termination.
328
Table 2. Coconut hybrids that started fruiting 2.5 - 3.0 years after planting (with
check)
Hybrids produced in Cote d’Ivoire Brazil Mexico Jamaica
MYD x WAT ; ; ;
MRD x VTT ;
CRD x RIT ;
MRD x TAGT ; ;
SLT x TAGT ;
VTT x TAGT ;
Locally produced hybrids
MYD x MXPT05 ;
MYD x MXAT ;
MYD x MXPT10 ;
MYD x MXPT11 ;
MYD x MXPT02 ;
MYD x MXPT09 ;
MYD x MXPT14 ;
MYD x PNT ;
BGD x BRT ;
BGD x VTT ;
In Tanzania, although the few seedlings planted from the first batch of
seednuts did not grow well due to drought, fire and termite infestation,
the seedlings in the second replicated trial were very robust and were
growing very well and are expected to flower within the next 24 months.
In Côte d’Ivoire, both the seedlings in the first and second batches of
seednuts are growing well. Oryctes beetle infestation is under control
through a good integrated pest management system. In Benin, the plants
from the first batch of seedlings did not do very well due to severe drought
while the plants in the second batch are growing well in the three blocks
(replications). The two blocks located in the low-lying area of the
experimental field were waterlogged and remedies are being made to
construct a drainage system.
In Jamaica, the plants in the second trial are growing well, despite
some damage by the lethal yellowing disease. In Brazil, the plants in the
second batch are growing well except for a few missing hills which were
replanted.
Capacity building
The second most important achievement of the project is capacity
building. Based on all project components, 182 coconut researchers
participated in 15 training courses and 863 attended various meetings,
conferences and workshops for a total of 1045 coconut researchers
worldwide whose research capacities have been enhanced (Annex 1).
These events allowed coconut researchers and officers worldwide to
enhance their skills on coconut genetic resources research and shared
expertise, experiences and ideas to address common problems and
329
Reference
opportunities affecting the farmers and the coconut industry. These

capacity building activities have strengthened the research capability of
coconut producing countries and promoted inter-country and inter-
regional collaboration for conducting research to help resource-poor
coconut farmers.
The results of training for the CFC-funded components of the project
are shown in Table 3. The project exceeded the target outputs by 42
(number of trained researchers) based on the conducted training activities.
However, because training on molecular techniques for pathogen
characterization was already programmed in the newly approved CFC-
funded project on lethal yellowing disease, training on (GxE) interaction
analysis was substituted which was identified by the project participants
as a priority activity to expand the application of project results in various
environments across the world.
Table 3. Trained coconut researchers from national programmes based on target

outputs of the CFC-funded project
Target output of CFC-funded training Excess over target
Actual output
component output
40 coconut breeders from 30 countries 50 coconut breeders from 30
trained in breeding research techniques countries trained in breeding research
+ 10 coconut breeders
techniques
30 germplasm workers from 30 countries 45 germplasm workers from 30

trained in collecting and conservation countries trained in collecting and
+ 15 germplasm workers
conservation
15 biotechnologists from 10 countries 18 biotechnologists from 9 countries

trained in molecular techniques for trained in molecular techniques for + 3 biotechnologists
diversity assessment diversity assessment
30 physiologists from 15 countries trained 42 physiologists from 15 countries

in embryo culture techniques trained in embryo culture techniques +12 physiologists
10 researchers from 5 countries trained in 12 researchers from 5 countries

cryopreservation techniques trained in cryopreservation
+ 2 researchers
techniques
10 researchers from 5 countries trained in Not done but training on Germplasm

molecular techniques for pathogen x Environment Interaction analysis
-
characterization involving 9 participants was
substituted
Reference
Batugal, P, D Benigno and J Oliver (eds). 2005. Coconut hybrids for
smallholders. CFC Technical Paper No. 42. CFC/IPGRI. 235p.
330
Annex 1. Training and capacity building activities conducted

under the CFC-funded multi-location coconut hybrids trial
project
Training and capacity No. of
Description Venue Dates participants
building activities
A. TRAINING COURSES
The Sub-Regional Training on aspects of coconut Station Cocotier Marc 16-26 9
STANTECH Training germplasm collecting, Delorme June
Course for Africa conservation and documentation, Abidjan, Côte d’ivoire 1997
and breeding techniques
Regional STANTECH Training on aspects of coconut Coconut Industry 14-25 6
Training Course For Latin germplasm collecting, Board (CIB) July
America And The conservation and documentation, Kingston, Jamaica 1997
Caribbean and breeding techniques
Coconut Germplasm Training on aspects of coconut Philippine Coconut 1-12 11
Collecting and germplasm collecting and Authority (PCA) Sep
Conservation Training conservation techniques Zamboanga, 1997
Course Philippines
International Coconut Assess and upgrade and Albay Research 27-31 14

Embryo Culture and standardized embryo culture Center Oct
Acclimatization Workshop technology Philippine Coconut 1997
Authority
Philippines
Coconut Multilocation Workshop to identify suitable Station Cocotier 10-12 9
Hybrid/Variety Trials hybrids and varieties for Africa, Marc Delorme Nov
Workshop Latin America and the Caribbean Abidjan, Côte 1997
D’ivoire
STANTECH Training The training course focused on Vanuatu Agricultural 29 Jun 4
Course on Collecting and coconut genetic resources Research and – 10
Management Of Coconut collecting strategy, the collecting Training Center Jul
Genetic Resources process and the methods of (VARTC) 1999
descriptions of coconut varieties Santo, Vanuatu
Second International Assess and upgrade and Centro de 14-17 28

Coconut Embryo Culture standardized embryo culture Investigacion Mar
Workshop technology Cientifica de 2000
Yucatan (CICY)
Merida, Mexico
Regional Training Course Training on Coconut NBPGR, India 12-25 7
On In Vitro Conservation Cryopreservation Oct
and Cryopreservation On 2000
PGR
STANTECH Training The training course used the Philippine Coconut 2-7 6
Course standardized techniques as Authority-Zamboanga April
guidelines in coconut breeding Research Center, 2001
and germplasm conservation with San Ramon ,
the hope that it will help coconut Zamboanga City
researchers obtain better and Philippines
comparable results
2nd CFC-Funded Project Consultations to refine the Mikocheni 11-12 39
Workshop and proposed globally coordinated Agricultural June
Initial Consultation on a coconut breeding programme Research Institute 2001
Proposed Globally (MARI)
Coordinated Coconut Dar es Salaam,
Breeding Tanzania
Standardized Research Training on coconut germplasm CNRA 16-28 2
Techniques in Coconut characterization and seednuts Marc-Delorme Jan
Breeding production (controlled and Côte d’Ivoire 2002
assisted pollination in seed-
garden).
Workshop on Coconut Training on using Microsatellite CIRAD 15-24 18
Genetic Resources Kit and Dedicated Statistical Montpellier, France Apr
Management Using Software 2002
Microsatellite Kit and
Dedicated Statistical
Software
331
Coconut Cryopreservation Training on Coconut Institut de Recherche 13-17 5

Training Course Cryopreservation pour le Oct
Développement (IRD) 2003
Montpellier, France
Technical writing, seminar Training course on technical writing, Merida, Mexico 6-7 15
presentation, public awareness seminar presentation, public Nov
and proposal preparation awareness and proposal preparation 2003
Statistical Design and To acquaint training course Hotel Grand Maya, 25-27 9
Germplasm x Environment participants with the various Kuala Lumpur Nov
Interaction Analysis Training statistical designs and methods of 2004
Course data analysis that could be used for
coconut research and the protocol
for G x E interaction
Subtotal for Training 182
B. WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS WITH INVITED SPEAKERS FROM ADVANCED LABORATORIES AND
PRODUCER COUNTRIES
Cadang-cadang viroid-like Consultation on the Cadang-cadang Serdang, Malaysia 21-23 14
sequences meeting viroid-like sequences Apr
1997
LAC coconut regional project Initial consultation to refine an LAC Kingston, Jamaica 7-12 7
proposal formulation meeting coconut regional project proposal July
1997
Coconut Genetic Resources Review the progress of the Bogor, Indonesia 15-17 28
Network In Asia and the Pacific conservation and utilization of the Sep
Region (CGRNAP) Phase coconut genetic resources project 1997
1/Phase 2 annual Review and and work plans
Planning Meeting
Annual meeting, Coconut multi- Review the progress of the coconut Bogor, Indonesia 18-20 28
purpose uses project multipurpose uses project and work Sep
plans 1997
th
6 COGENT Steering Review the progress of COGENT Port Bouet, Côte 13-15 14
Committee meeting and work plans d’Ivoire Nov
1997
ADB-Funded Projects Annual Review the progress of the Kuala Lumpur, 29-31 29
Meeting germplasm collecting and Malaysia Oct
conservation project and work plans 1998
IFAD-Funded Projects Annual Review the progress of the coconut Kuala Lumpur, 2-4 21
Meeting multipurpose uses project and work Malaysia Nov
plans 1998
International Coconut Review the progress of the field and Madang, Papua New 6-7 20
Genebank Workshop regional genebanks project and work Guinea Nov
plans 1998
th
7 COGENT Steering Review the progress of COGENT Madang, PNG 9-11 20
Committee meeting and work plans Nov
1998
IFAD-funded project meeting Review the progress of the coconut Ho Chi Minh city, 13-15 27
multipurpose uses project and work Vietnam Sep
plans 1999
ADB Phase 2 project meeting Review the progress of the Ho Chi Minh City 16-17 27
germplasm collecting and Vietnam Sep
conservation project and work plans 1999
COGENT Steering Committee Review the progress of COGENT Ho Chi Minh City , 20-22 16
meeting and work plans Vietnam Sep
1999
nd
2 International Coconut Review the progress of the project Merida, Mexico 14-17 28
Embryo Culture Workshop and work plans Mar
2000
332
Meetings of ADB/IFAD Funded Review the progress of the collecting/ Apia, Samoa 26-30 20
Coconut Research Projects conservation and multipurpose uses project Jun
and Future Directions of the and work plans 2000
Coconut Industry in the South
Pacific
ADB & IFAD Funded Projects Review the progress of the collecting/ Manila, 10-15 21
Joint Annual Meeting for Asia conservation and multipurpose uses project Philippines July
and work plans 2000
International Coconut Review the progress of the project and work Chennai, 17-19 24
Genebank Workshop plans India July
2000
th
9 COGENT Steering Review the progress of COGENT and work Chennai, 20-22 24
Committee Meeting plans India July
2000
International Coconut Review the progress of the coconut genetic Chennai, 24-28 167
Conference resources and work plans India July
2000
CFC project workshop Review the progress of the multilocation Dar es 11-12 22
coconut hybrid trials project and work plans Salaam, Jun
Tanzania 2001
th
10 COGENT Steering Review the progress of COGENT and work Dar es 13-15 22
Committee meeting plans Salaam, Jun
Tanzania 2001
Poverty Reduction in Coconut Initial consultation on a proposed project Ho Chi Minh 25 25
Growing Communities, Project proposal City, Vietnam Feb-1
Inception and Stakeholders’ Mar
Meeting 2002
th
11 COGENT Steering Review the progress of COGENT and work Bangkok, 25-28 20
Committee meeting plans Thailand Jun
2002
CFC Mid Term Evaluation Review the mid-term progress of the CFC- Kingston, 25-27 15
Project Meeting funded project and work plans Jamaica July
2002
nd
2 International Coconut Review status of the ICGs and consultations Kasaragod, 30 31
Genebank (ICG) Meeting and on a proposed project proposal India Oct-1
Consultation on Proposed Nov
Globally Coordinated Coconut 2002
Breeding
nd
2 Annual ADB funded Project Review the progress of the poverty Davao, 21-23 80
Meeting reduction in coconut growing communities Philippines Aug
project and work plans 2003
th
12 COGENT Steering Review the progress of COGENT and work Merida, 10-12 16
Committee meeting plans Mexico Nov
2003
th
4 Annual CFC-funded project Review the progress of the CFC-funded Merida, 13-17 21
meeting: Coconut Germplasm project and work plans Mexico Nov
Utilization and Conservation to 2003
Promote Sustainable Coconut
Production
Poverty Reduction in Coconut Evaluate the progress and outputs of the Ho Chi Minh 27-30 24
Growing Communities project in eight Asia Pacific countries and City, Vietnam Sep
(PRCGC): The Final ADB discuss initial development impact and 2004
funded Project Meeting strategies for upscaling and replication
Final CFC funded Project Review the progress of the CFC-funded Kuala 17-19 26
Meeting multilocation coconut hybrid trials and other Lumpur, Nov
project components, and discuss the Malaysia 2004
findings on the final evaluation of the project
and issues and recommendations
13th COGENT Steering Review the progress of ongoing and Kuala 22-24 26
Committee Meeting proposed projects and activities of Lumpur, Nov
COGENT; status of PROCORD; finalize Malaysia 2004
COGENT’s Strategic Plan and refine
COGENT’s coconut conservation strategy
Subtotal for Workshops and Meetings 863
GRAND TOTAL 1045
333
Coconut micropropagation
C Oropeza1, E Rillo2, V Hocher3 and JL Verdeil4
1
Coconut Researcher, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY), Mérida, México
2
Scientist, Philippine Coconut Authority - Albay Research Centre (PCA-ARC), Guinobatan,
Albay, Philippines
3
Scientist, L’Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Montpellier, France
4
Researcher, Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le
Developpement (CIRAD), Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
Introduction
The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is a very important crop providing
cash and subsistence to millions of smallholders in 86 countries where
about 12 million ha are planted with this palm (Santos 1999). However,
most coconut groves require replanting because of loss due either to palm
senescence or to diseases such as lethal yellowing in America (Arellano
and Oropeza 1995), the lethal diseases in Africa (Eden-Green 1995) and
cadang-cadang in Asia, in particular the Philippines (Hanold and Randles
1991). Research on genotype selection for disease resistance or other traits
of interest, such as high yield, are being carried out worldwide with
positive results (Santos 1999; Zizumbo et al. 1999). However, propagation
of selected genotypes, or even more conveniently, individuals within these
genotypes to satisfy the rapidly growing demands will be very hard to
fulfill through natural coconut propagation that occurs only sexually,
producing very few seeds per palm within its long life cycle. Therefore,
alternative approaches for rapid propagation of improved planting
materials must be considered. In this respect, in vitro cloning via somatic
embryogenesis seems to provide a convenient alternative for the future
due to its potential for massive propagation. Unfortunately, coconut is a
species that responds very poorly to in vitro culture, being one of the
most recalcitrant species to regenerate in vitro (George 1996). This paper
summarizes the efforts that have been carried out to develop protocols
for the micropropagation of coconut through somatic embryogenesis,
presenting the first work carried out during the 20th century and the
research advances obtained during the past five years. The paper focuses
particularly on research leading to sustained developments such as those
related to the use of inflorescence and embryo explants.
Research from the 1970’s to the 1990’s

Initial developments started with the work of Eeuwens (1976) on
improving callus formation and growth by optimizing the mineral
composition of the culture media following factorial design experiments.
334
Testing of the different types of explants followed: young roots of mature

palms (Justin 1978), stem and leaf (Pannetier and Buffard-Morel 1982;
Gupta et al. 1984; Raju et al. 1984), embryos (Karunaratne and
Periyapperuma 1989) and inflorescences. The first promising results
involving somatic embryogenesis were obtained at Wye College (UK)
with the first clonal plants produced in 1983 (Branton and Blake 1983)
and similar findings were obtained with young leaf explants (Buffard-
Morel et al. 1992). Low percentage of callus formation and the
development of abnormal plants were common occurrences (Branton
and Blake 1984; Dublin et al. 1991). However, these studies demonstrated
that coconut regeneration by somatic embryogenesis was possible.
The use of inflorescence explants

Coconut tissue culturists were initially interested in the use of immature
coconut inflorescences as explants because they contain meristematic
tissue, which was encouraged to form callus tissue with the addition of
an auxin to the culture medium. Immature inflorescences from mature
palms could be excised non-destructively from the palms (Rillo 1989).
Initial callus formation started at about three months after culture
initiation and was observed until about nine months (Hornung and
Verdeil 1999). The most commonly used auxin was 2,4-D at varying
concentrations, depending on the amount and type of activated charcoal
employed. Cytokinins were usually not added to the medium for callus
initiation. For instance in Montpellier, the Eeuwens Y3 mineral solution
(Eeuwens 1976) was used with the addition of Morel and Wetmore’s
vitamins (1951), 2.5 g l-1 activated charcoal, sucrose at 40 g l-1 and agar
at 7.5 g l-1, 2,4-D between 13 and 36 mM, due to the variable sensitivity
of different palms and the developmental stage of inflorescences to the
auxin. Murashige and Skoog medium (1962) with the addition of sucrose,
activated charcoal and auxin was also employed for callus production.
Callus grown on media with gradually reduced auxin levels (Blake 1990),
or by an increase followed by a reduction (Verdeil et al. 1992), produced
nodular somatic structures that subsequently developed into proembryos
and finally into embryos (Verdeil et al. 1994). However, the production
of good somatic embryos still presented a problem due to the development
of fused embryos, fused leafy structures with or without roots and
haustorial type tissues (Sugimura and Salvaña 1989; Blake 1990; Verdeil
et al. 1992).
The main difficulties encountered in coconut regeneration by somatic
embryogenesis from inflorescence explants were: intense browning of
tissue linked to the oxidation of polyphenols, considerable heterogeneity
in tissue response, a strong tendency to produce roots only, low
335
embryogenic potential, poorly developed embryo formation, poor shoot

formation and slow growth rate in vitro. The first one could be overcome
to a great extent by the use of activated charcoal. The others were more
difficult to overcome. However, in 1993, several groups (from the
University of Hanover, Wye College, L’Institut de Recherche pour le
Developpement-Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche
Agronomique pour le Développement (IRD-CIRAD), Philippine Coconut
Authority (PCA) and Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán
(CICY)) involved in coconut regeneration research gathered together for
the first time to start a joint effort to overcome the major difficulties
encountered in coconut regeneration. This was made possible through a
project funded by the European Commission within the Science and
Technology for the Development 3 rd Period Programme (STD-3)
(ERBTS3*CT940298) that started in January 1993. This project increased
the fundamental knowledge on the different aspects of somatic
embryogenesis in coconut: morpho-histological development ( and
infrastructural changes (Verdeil et al. 2001); hormone studies (Verdeil et
al. 1994; Hocher 2003); nutritional studies (Dussert et al. 1995a,b;
Magnaval et al. 1995; 1997); protein phosphorylation during somatic
embryogenesis (Islas-Flores et al. 2000); and plantlet photosynthesis
characterization (Triques et al. 1997a,b; Rival et al. 1999). These studies
increased the understanding of the regeneration process and helped to
overcome some of the difficulties encountered in coconut regeneration
and improvement of protocols using either inflorescence or plumule
explants. Several experimental protocols using inflorescences or plumules
are now available. For a more detailed account on coconut regeneration
from inflorescence explants, see Hornung and Verdeil (1999). Studies
using plumule are described below.
The use of embryo explants

As mentioned above, whole coconut embryos had been used as explants
to induce embryogenic calli and somatic embryo formation without
success. As an alternative, researchers from Wye College and CICY tested
embryo isolated parts: plumules, root poles and cotyledonary tissues.
Plumules were the only explants that readily formed embryogenic callus
and embryos that developed shoots (Hornung 1995; Oropeza and Chan
1995). Further studies within the EC-STD3 project (reported in Chan et
al. 1998) were carried out to improve somatic embryogenesis and shoot
formation from plumule explants, and ultimately, ex vitro plantlet
establishment. Plumules from the embryos of nuts harvested 12-14 months
after pollination were used and cultured on Y3 medium (Eeuwens 1976)
containing activated charcoal and gelrite. Different parameters were
336
tested to optimize callus and somatic embryo formation: concentration

of phytohormones, subculture frequency and light conditions. Callus
formation required auxin (2,4-D) at an optimum concentration of 0.1
mM 2,4-D. These calli developed meristematic centers and when kept at
the same auxin concentration (0.1 mM), the calli developed embryogenic
structures. A greater proportion of plumule explants developed into calli
bearing embryogenic structures when cultures were kept undisturbed
and no subculturing was practised. Histological observations showed
that formation of somatic embryos had already started in calli bearing
embryogenic structures, but development of embryos occurred when the
auxin concentration was reduced by a hundred-fold and cytokinin was
added (50 µM 6-BAP), performing better under illumination (12 h
photoperiod) than in the dark. Keeping cultures in these conditions and
subculturing every three months, allowed embryos to germinate and the
resulting shoots eventually developed into plantlets that, after
acclimatization, grew successfully under ex vitro conditions. Following
this protocol, different batches of cultures were tested and the
performance was found to be reproducible.
As reported by Chan et al. (1998), with plumule explants shorter times
were required to obtain somatic embryos (7-9 months) than those
previously reported with inflorescence explants (14-20 months, Verdeil
et al. 1994), and the yields were higher (nearly two-fold for calli and over
ten-fold for calli bearing somatic embryos) than those reported with
inflorescences (Verdeil et al. 1994). Acclimatization has been successful
and plantlets did well in open environmental conditions since they
continued producing new leaves, sexual organs and fruits. This protocol
by Chan et al. (1998) reported that 60% of the explants formed initial
calli using a local brand charcoal. In Montpellier, by using a different
brand (Sigma acid washed charcoal), an improvement in callus induction
of nearly 100% was obtained (J.L. Verdeil and V. Hocher, Montpellier,
unpublished). Similar results were obtained afterwards at CICY.
Therefore, careful selection of charcoal is very important. Clonal plantlets
are now produced in most of the participating laboratories within the
STD-3 project.
The use of embryo slices as explants and different treatments were
evaluated at Queensland University. Polyethyleneglycol and ABA were
tested for somatic embryo maturation and had very little or no effect
when these chemicals were added separately, but when added
simultaneously, they inhibited the growth of non-embryogenic calli and
improved the maturation of somatic embryos (Samosir et al. 1999).
Conditions that increased ethylene concentrations in the above coconut
cultures were found to affect callus growth and somatic embryogenesis
337
(Adkins et al. 1999). Accordingly, embryogenic calli were incubated with

a number of additives that could reduce ethylene production
(aminoethoxyvinylglycine), protect from ethylene (silver thiosulphate)
or help combat ethylene-induced stress (polyamines). Coconut somatic
embryogenesis was promoted (100%) by the addition of the polyamines
putrescine and spermidine to the medium (Adkins et al. 1999).
Unfortunately, when tested with plumule explants, no promotion of
somatic embryo formation was obtained (CICY, unpublished data).
Recent advances
The use of plumule explants

During the past five years, research on the plumule system has continued
in order to further improve its performance and different approaches
have been tested. The compound 22(S), 23(S)-homobrassinolide was
found to increase embryogenic calli and somatic embryo formation (1.5
and 2 fold respectively, compared with the controls) when applied as a
pretreatment to plumule explants (Azpeitia et al. 2003). Cytokinins have
been found to decrease embryogenic callus formation in plumule explants
and therefore, the anticytokinin 8-azaadenine was tested. It increased
somatic embryo formation 1.5 fold in relation to the control treatment
(Azpeitia, 2003). There are other two approaches that resulted in even
larger increases of yields: secondary embryogenesis and multiplication
of embryogenic calli (CICY, unpublished results). Secondary
embryogenesis is based on the use of somatic embryos as explants to
produce more embryos. This process can be repeated several times.
Therefore, it can be useful to increase the total somatic embryo yield
obtained per original explant. Embryogenic calli multiplication allows
increasing the yield of this type of calli several fold. Unpublished results
(CICY) presently show that by combining these two approaches,
thousands of embryogenic calli and tens of thousands of somatic embryos
can be obtained from one plumule and the amounts depends on the
number of multiplying cycles carried out. Furthermore, if these two
approaches were combined with the use of 22(S),23(S)-homobrassinolide
(Azpeitia et al. 2003), yields could be potentially increased even more.
This three-approach strategy is being tested in collaboration with
COGENT.
Regarding germination and post-germinative development of somatic
embryos, studies had been limited by the low yields obtained. Therefore,
these studies were approached using the coconut zygotic embryo as a
model system. At CICY, this system showed that aerobic respiration was
required for embryos to germinate (Pech y Ake et al. 2004). Percentage of
338
germination increased from 66% in liquid medium where embryos were

submerged to 93% on solid medium where embryos could be placed with
their micropylar end facing upwards exposed to the ambient atmosphere
of the vial (Pech y Ake et al. 2004). This also resulted in increased
conversion from 46% to 89% for liquid and solid media, respectively. In
addition, the use of gibberelic acid (GA 3) further promoted both
germination and conversion into plantlets (Pech y Ake et al. 2002). The
use of ventilated vessels (with filter paper windows) when compared
with sealed vessels, improved the leaf water loss control of plantlets
formed from zygotic embryos cultured in these vessels (Talavera et al.
2001). Ex vitro survival of plantlets was found to be over 90% if proper
development was allowed, plantlets should have a minimum of three
bifid leaves and three main roots when transferred from in vitro conditions
to ex vitro acclimatization conditions (Pech y Ake 2004). Some of the
information obtained using zygotic embryos has been used to help define
the optimal germination and post-germination development conditions
for somatic embryos. This way, when plantlets derived from somatic
embryos were allowed to develop three bifid leaves and three main roots,
ex vitro survival was over 90% (CICY, unpublished results).
Micropropagated palms established in permanent field conditions over
four years ago have done well under and some are already bearing fruits.
Similar (unpublished) observations have been noted at the Coconut
Research Institute in Sri Lanka.
The use of other explants (leaf and inflorescence)

The information obtained on coconut regeneration using plumular
explants can be useful to for research on the use of other explants.
Research on micropropagation based on inflorescence or leaf explants
has not been abandoned and it is one of the main objectives of a project
supported by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research (ACIAR) involving laboratories at the University of Queensland
(Australia), the Research Institute for Coconut and other Palmae
(Indonesia), the Philippine Coconut Authority (Philippines), the
University of Philippines at Los Baños (Philippines), the Cocoa and
Coconut Research Institute (Papua New Guinea) and the Oil Plant
Institute (Vietnam). It would be interesting to test the combined use of
secondary embryogenesis and embryogenic callus multiplication with
inflorescence and leaf explants.
Genetic engineering
In addition, there are new areas of research intended to open new avenues
for coconut micropropagation improvement and probably applications.
These studies are based on molecular techniques and presented below.
339
A different approach to increase coconut micropropagation efficiency,

not tried before, is to improve the embryogenic capacity of coconut tissues
by inserting genes related to this capacity. Hence, the genes and the
protocols for their insertion through transformation techniques are
needed. Therefore, through a collaborative effort, researchers from Max
Planck and Fraunhofer Institutes (Germany) and CICY are attempting
to develop transformation protocols for coconut tissues. Agrobacterium
tumefaciens-mediated transformation and particle gun (Biobalistic) DNA
delivery methods have been applied to transform coconut cells using the
reporter genes uidA that codify for b-glucuronidase (GUS), gfp for the
green fluorescent protein (GFP) and rfp for the red fluorescent protein
(RFP) under the control of constitutive promoters such as 35S CaMv and
Ubiquitin from Maize. Transient transformation was successfully obtained
with both transformation methods and the three reporter genes.
However, the use of uidA was hampered by the finding of endogenous
GUS activity in coconut calli. Stable transformation has been confirmed
for gfp in A. tumefaciens-mediated transformed calli. In addition, the effect
of hygromicin and bialaphos has been evaluated as selective agents for
transformed cells. The former was shown to be useful, whereas the latter
was not. These results have yet to be published.
In vitro manipulation of coconut tissues is limited by the scarce
knowledge of their cellular behaviour. A major problem is the difficulty
to maintain the meristematic potential of tissues and to further control
their capacity for cell division. Therefore, the L’Institut de Recherche pour
le Développement - Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche
Agronomique pour le Developpement (IRD-CIRAD) started a study on
the cell cycle status of in vitro coconut cells. Using flow cytometry, most
of the cells were found to be in G0/G1 phase (around 90% in nodular
calli and shoot meristems), with a low mitotic index (less than 0.5%)
(Sandoval et al. 2003). These results are in agreement with those obtained
by Jesty and Francis (1992) with microdensitometry. Adding aphidicolin
(a synchronisator of cell cycle) to the media, around 80% of cells were
blocked in G0/G1 and only 20% of meristematic cells were cycling cells
(Sandoval et al. 2003). Using immature inflorescences and immature
leaves, the study showed that flow cytometry methods could be used to
rapidly assess the ability of tissues cultured in vitro to divide. It appears
to be a useful tool for a more effective monitoring of the meristematic
potential of tissues cultured in vitro, in relation to culture conditions.
The basic components of the cell cycle machinery appear to be
conserved in all eukaryotes and particularly those controlling the re-entry
of cells in the cell cycle (transition between G0 and G, transition between
G1 and S). Screening a coconut shoot meristem cDNA library with
340
heterologous probes (from Maize, Arabidopsis and mouse) allowed to

isolate cDNA (Cyclin D, cyclin dependant kinase, E2F and
retinoblastoma) involved in the retinoblastoma pathway known to control
the re-entry of cells into cell cycle and the early cell cycle phases. Among
the genes isolated from coconut, those encoding D-type cyclins are of
great interest because they are known as favourable candidates for linking
the perception of the environment (culture conditions) with cell cycle
activity in plants. The study of the accumulation of these cDNA in in
vitro coconut tissue is now on the way through collaboration between
IRD-CIRAD and CICY. It should help to understand the mechanisms
controlling the switch from non-cycling cells to cycling cells.
Perspectives and conclusion

The account presented here of the research for the development of efficient
coconut micropropagation protocols via somatic embryogenesis shows
that solid progress has been made and that this has been possible because
there has been collaboration among institutions all over the world,
particularly in the last ten years. Rapid progress has been made using
plumule explants, but there is still work to be done. For instance, there is
a need for improving embryo development, mastering germination and
post-germination development and continuing genetic stability/integrity
testing. Interest in plumule micropropagation started because this could
be a useful model system, thus developments obtained with this system
should now be tested with other explants such as immature inflorescences
and young leaves. From a practical point of view, plumule
micropropagation cannot be used for elite plant propagation. However,
it can be applied for superior population propagation such as genotypes
that are disease resistant. Countries affected by the phytoplasma-
associated diseases need urgently at least hundreds of thousands of
resistant palms. In the near future, plumule micropropagation could be
the way to obtain them. Another application for the plumule system is
the multiplication of the Makapuno coconut currently produced by
rescuing the embryo of the non-germinating Makapuno nut.
On the other hand, research work on coconut somatic embryogenesis
should also incorporate the latest trends in developmental biology as they
become available and in particular those concerning the control of
embryogenesis and shoot meristem differentiation and functioning. As
mentioned above, transformation protocol development is already under
way based on plumule micropropagation. Regarding the search for genes,
there are recent reports on interesting genes that have been isolated from
Arabidopsis such as BAYBY BOOM (Boutilier et al. 2002) and LEC1 (Lotan
et al. 1998; Stone et al. 2001) encoding transcription factors involved in
341
the conversion from vegetative to embryonic growth. The over-expression

of these genes in Arabidopsis led to the formation of somatic embryos at
the surface of the leaves with a high rate. Such genes are attractive and
are promising tools for improving somatic embryogenesis and clonal
propagation in coconut.
Finally, it is very important that for future research efforts,
collaboration among institutions in different countries is intensified, not
only to sustain current progress in coconut micropropagation research,
but also to allow it to take place rapidly. To successfully achieve this, the
continuing support of Asian Pacific Coconut Community (APCC), Bureau
for the development of research on tropical perennial oil crops
(BUROTROP) and the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network
(COGENT), is absolutely necessary.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank GTZ, UE, CONACYT, UNESCO,
ACIAR, BUROTROP, COGENT and The French Ministry for Teaching
and Research for the funding and help in general provided to support
the research collaborative efforts reported here.
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346
Chapter 6
Major pests and safe
movement of germplasm
347
348
CHAPTER 6: Major pests and safe movement of germplasm
Coconut lethal yellowing

C Oropeza1, JA Escamilla1, G Mora2, D Zizumbo1 and NA Harrison3
1
Coconut Researchers, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY), Mérida, México
2
Epidemiologist, Colegio de Posgraduados (CP), Montecillos, México
3
Coconut Researcher, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale, USA
Introduction
Lethal yellowing (LY) is a devastating disease that affects more than 38
species of palms (Harrison et al. 1999) throughout the Caribbean Region
(see McCoy et al. 1983) where its effects have been more conspicuous on
coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) than other palm species because of their
abundance. In the last 50 years, LY epidemics in this region have killed
millions of palms. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the current
status of study and knowledge on LY. For more extensive treatment of
particular issues discussed in this section, the reader will be referred to
other related publications.
Geographic distribution
Reports of dying coconut palms exhibiting LY-type symptoms date back
to 19th century in the Caribbean region (Eden-Green 1997). During the
last three decades, epiphytotics of LY in Jamaica and Florida have been
characterized by rapid spread and high losses (McCoy et al. 1983). LY
was first recorded in the Yucatan Peninsula of southern Mexico during
1977 (Oropeza and Zizumbo 1997) and has since spread to Belize (Eden-
Green 1997), Honduras (Ashburner et al. 1996) and Guatemala (Mejía et
al. 2004). Similar diseases known as lethal yellowing-type diseases (LYD)
have also been described in Africa in Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon,
Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique (Eden-Green 1997; Tymon et al. 1998;
Eden-Green and Mpunami this volume). LY had destroyed millions of
palms causing great losses, particularly in Ghana and Tanzania (Schuiling
et al. 1992).
Symptoms
The first visual symptom of the disease on infected bearing coconut palms
is the premature drop of most of the fruit regardless of their
developmental stage. The next symptom to appear is the blackening of
new inflorescences. This symptom is most apparent as the inflorescence
emerges from the spathe. The first affected inflorescences usually show
partial necrosis but as the disease progresses, newer inflorescences show
more extensive necrosis. Most of the male flowers are dead and no fruit
are set on those affected inflorescences. Yellowing of the leaves usually
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starts after necrosis has developed in more than two inflorescences. The
pattern of leaf discoloration due to LY is more rapid than that for normal
leaf senescence. The first leaves to turn yellow are the oldest (lower) ones,
then yellowing advances upwards; affecting the younger middle and
finally the upper leaves. Yellow leaves turn brown, desiccate and die.
They remain hanging for a few days before falling. Eventually, the whole
crown perishes, leaving a bare trunk or ‘telephone pole’.
On the other hand, the syndrome does not always follow the same
sequence of events. In some LY affected palms the spear leaf or a
midcrown leaf occasionally shows yellowing prematurely (McCoy et al.
1983). Sometimes inflorescence necrosis becomes noticeable only after
leaf yellowing has appeared as observed in Guatemala (Mejia et al. 2004).
The estimated time lag from the probable time of initial infection by the
pathogen to the appearance of first symptom has been variously reported
as follows: in mature bearing palms, 230-450 days (Romney 1972) and
210-450 days (Heinze et al. 1972); for young non-bearing palms, at least
240-270 days (Dabek 1974). The time between probable initial infection
and death of mature palms has been reported as 3-6 months (Grylls and
Hunt 1971) or 4-5 months (McCoy 1973). In addition to these symptoms
in above ground parts, roots also show necrosis, which becomes more
extensive as the disease progresses (Eden-Green 1979). The growth is
also affected by LY. Detailed studies on LY affected coconut palms have
revealed physiological and biochemical symptoms (Oropeza et al. 1995;
Islas-Flores et al. 1999; Martínez et al. 2000; Maust et al. 2003). In general,
LY symptoms in other palms are similar but there are some differences
(see McCoy et al. 1983). Symptoms of coconuts affected by lethal
yellowing-like diseases (LYD) in West Africa and Tanzania are similar to
those described here for LY in the Americas (Mpunami et al. 1999).
Causal agent
Phytoplasmas (previously known as mycoplasma-like organisms or MLO)
were first found to be associated with some plant yellows diseases during
the 1960s (Doi et al. 1967; lshiie et al. 1967). These results then sparked
the search for phytoplasmas in LY-affected palms. In 1972, three groups
independently reported their occurrence in the phloem of coconut palms
showing LY symptoms (Beakbane et al. 1972; Heinze et al. 1972; Plavsic-
Banjac et al. 1972). A cause-effect relationship between phytoplasmas
and LY was supported by the differential response of LY diseased palms
to antibiotics. LY palms treated with penicillin showed no beneficial
response whereas symptom remission occurred when they were treated
with oxytetracycline (Hunt et al. 1974; McCoy 1972). Genotypic
characterization of coconut-infecting phytoplasmas was possible when
350
pathogen-specific PCR and RFLP-typing or sequence analysis of PCR-

amplified rDNA becomes available (Harrison et al. 1994a). In this way a
Florida strain of the LY agent was assigned as a sole representative member
to 16Sr group IV (coconut lethal yellows group), subgroup A (16SrIV-A)
(Harrison et al. 1994b). Phytoplasmas have also been associated with
LYD in West Africa (Dollet et al. 1977; Epko and Ojomo 1992) and East
Africa (Schuiling et al. 1992; Eden-Green and Mpunami, this chapter).
Phytoplasmas associated with Caribbean LY and both West and East
African LYD were analyzed using molecular techniques and found to be
different but closely genetically related (Harrison et al. 1994a). Further
studies on phytoplasmas associated with LY-diseased palms in the
Americas have shown that there are genetic differences when different
locations were compared. Differences were found between the LY
phytoplasmas in Florida, México and Jamaica based on the analysis of
rDNA (Harrison et al. 2002b); and between Cuba and Mexico based on
the analysis of non-ribosomal DNA (Llauger et al. 2002). In addition,
strain diversity within a country has been found in Cuba (Llauger et al.
2002), México (Harrison et al. 2002a) and Florida (Harrison et al. 2002b).
Also further studies on the East Africa LYD using rRNA and RFLP
analysis showed no differences between the phytoplasmas associated
with Tanzania and Kenya LYD, whereas those associated with
Mozambique LYD were found to be different and closely related to those
from West Africa, Cape St. Paul Wilt (CSPW) in Ghana, and Awka or
bronze leaf wilt in Nigeria (Mpunami et al. 1999; Eden-Green and
Mpunami, this chapter).
Since the 1980’s in Florida and Jamaica, unusually high losses of
resistant Malayan Dwarfs and MayPan hybrid coconuts have been
reported (Howard et al. 1987). Comparative analyses of the LY
phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene by PCR, RFLP and base sequencing have
shown that LY phytoplasma population in Jamaica was homogeneous
and varied from the Florida strains (Harrison et al. 2002b). The authors
conclude that phytoplasma rDNA heterogeneity is probably not correlated
with the strain variation in aggressiveness.
Transmission
According to the pattern of spread of LY, it was first hypothesised that it
was probably transmitted by flying insects (Johnston 1912). When the
causal agent of LY was discovered to be a phytoplasma, the search
concentrated on species of Auchenorrhyncha, the sub-order of the
Homoptera to which most vectors of phytoplasma-associated diseases
belong (Tsai 1979). Surveys conducted in LY-affected areas in Jamaica
yielded five species of fulgorids (Schuiling 1976; Schuiling et al. 1976)
351
and in Florida two fulgorids and one membracid (Howard 1980a; Howard
and McCoy 1980; Howard and Mead 1980). The only common species
found in coconut palms in both locations was the cixiid Myndus crudus.
In addition, the apparent rate of spread of LY decreased in areas where
M. crudus populations were reduced by insecticide treatment (Howard
and McCoy 1980) and populations of M. crudus were 40 times higher in
heavily affected areas than in LY-free areas in Florida (Howard 1980b).
As a result of these reports, M. crudus has been extensively tested as a
vector for LY (Howard 1995). Successful transmission was achieved in
Florida using caged palms (C. nucifera, Veitchia merrillii and Pritchardia
thurstonii) exposed to large numbers of insects and long incubation times
(Howard et al. 1982; Howard and Thomas 1980; Howard et al. 1984).
Every month, approximately 850 wild M. crudus captured from landscape
palms were introduced into each cage over a 34-month period. Palms in
cages where insects were not introduced remained healthy. More recently,
detection by PCR of LY-phytoplasma infection on native M. crudus in
Florida was reported (Harrison and Oropeza 1997). Taken together, these
studies indicate the importance of this planthopper as a vector of LY in
Florida, but its role as a vector of the disease elsewhere in the Americas
remains uncertain. At LY-active sites in southern Mexico, the number of
M. crudus on coconut palms were found to be several-fold lower than
those of many other potential vectors (Escamilla et al. 1994).
The possibility of an indirect transmission path, through embryos or
asymptomatic alternative host plants, has been considered. DNA of the
LY phytoplasma has been detected in embryos from fruits of diseased
Atlantic Tall coconut palms by DNA hybridization (Cordova 1994), and
PCR analysis (Cordova et al. 2003). Phytoplasma distribution in sectioned
tissues from PCR-positive embryos determined by in situ PCR and
digoxigenin-11-deoxy-UTP (Dig) labelling of amplification products was
limited to areas corresponding to the plumule and cells ensheathing it
(Cordova et al. 2003). By comparison, similarly treated embryo sections
derived from fruits of a symptomless Atlantic Tall coconut palm were
consistently devoid of any label. Occurrence of LY phytoplasma DNA
has been shown most recently in embryos from fruits at different stages
of development (Chumba 2003). Presence of phytoplasma DNA in
coconut embryo tissues suggests a potential for seed transmission which
remains to be demonstrated. The palms Thrinax radiata and Cocothrinax
redii that have been listed as not susceptible by McCoy et al. (1983) and
were not listed as susceptible by Harrison et al. (1999) are very common
on the coastal areas of Yucatan where most of the coconut palms have
been killed by LY. Analysis by PCR with LY-specific, non-ribosomal
primers (Harrison et al. 1994a) of symptomless palms of these species
352
resulted in positive detection of the LY phytoplasma in most of them

(CICY, 2004, Mexico, unpublished results). Therefore, these palms could
serve as potential reservoirs of LY phytoplasma for acquisition by vector
insects.
Diagnosis and detection

Visual symptom progression on palm hosts allows for a tentative diagnosis
of LY disease. However, confirmation of disease requires detection of the
LY phytoplasmas in host tissues. This can be achieved directly by their
observation in preparations of diseased tissue using transmission electron
microscopy or indirectly by observation of their DNA, using DAPI staining
and epifluorescence microscopy. These techniques are not specific since
they cannot differentiate one phytoplasma from another. However,
diagnosis can also be supported by the differential responses of diseased
palms to the antibiotics penicillin and oxytetracyline, which provide
evidence of a cause-effect relationship of phytoplasma infection and LY.
Recent progress in the development of molecular diagnostic assays based
upon DNA probe hybridisation and PCR has significantly enhanced
detection of phytoplasmas, especially in woody perennial plant hosts
such as coconut palm which usually contain low pathogen
concentrations. These techniques are also highly sensitive and specific,
and well suited for assessing large numbers of samples. LY-specific DNA
probes were developed by Harrison et al. (1992) and have been used for
detection and identification of the LY phytoplasma in symptomatic
coconut and several other species (Harrison et al. 1992; Harrison et al.
1994b; Escamilla et al. 1995). PCR assays have been developed for the
amplification of rDNA and non-ribosomal DNA for the detection of the
LY phytoplasmas (Harrison et al. 1994a, b). Assays can be coupled with
RFLP-typing or sequence analysis of PCR-amplified rDNA for genotypic
characterization of LY phytoplasmas as detailed above. These techniques,
particularly PCR, have been used for studies on the plant-pathogen-
vector-environment relations also. One such study investigated the time-
space distribution of phytoplasmas throughout the coconut palm. The
results confirmed that they are detectable in all growing parts except
mature leaves, which are actively exporting photosynthates (Cordova
2000). These results have helped determine what parts of palms are most
useful for sampling for diagnostic purposes. The trunk was found to
support detectable phytoplasma concentrations even before symptoms
appear. Currently, this is the most common sampled tissue because of its
convenience (Harrison et al. 1999).
353
Spread
Two types of spread of LY have been reported in Jamaica and Florida
(see McCoy et al. 1983). One involves a local centre of infection that
appears in one or two palms only, followed by new cases appearing at
random around the initial centre, thereby extending local spread. The
second type is a jump spread followed by local spread. The jump distance
varies from a few to 70 km or more (Carter, 1964). McCoy (1976) noted
that the rate of long distance spread of LY in Jamaica appeared to be
slower than in Florida. It took more than 60 years to cover the distance
between the west and east end of the island, whereas in Florida it jumped
from Miami to Palm Beach and Naples and to Nassau in the Bahamas
within three years. McCoy (1976) considered that the mountainous
terrain of Jamaica probably contributed to the slower rate of long distance
dispersal whereas Florida has no barriers to air-borne dispersal. In Mexico,
LY spread about 900 km westward from the Cozumel-Cancun area,
where it was first observed in 1979, to the Campeche-Tabasco border in
15 years (Escamilla et al. 1995). The account by McCoy (1976) of a survey
of LY spread in Dade County, where it first appeared in mainland Florida
in late 1971, illustrates patterns of spread for a locality. Of the estimated
original coconut palm population of 350 000, 0.015% of the palms were
already diseased when the survey began; 0.6% by the end of 1972; nearly
6% by autumn of 1973; 50% by the end of 1974; and 75% by the end of
1975. Regarding LY tree-to-tree spread, in Dade County in the first eight
months after arrival of the disease when only a small portion of the area
was affected, each infected palm served to inoculate an average of 4.6
new palms according to McCoy et al. (1983). Two years later, when the
logarithmic stage of spread was well underway, each infected palm
served to infect 9.3 new palms. The author considered this increase as a
result of the greater availability of inoculum in relation to the remaining
uninfected palms. The type of locality was also found to affect the rate of
the spread of LY. The highest rate was found in inland groups of palms
receiving regular irrigation and fertilization; the lowest rate occurred
adjacent to the ocean, even with high maintenance; and intermediate
rates in inland sites receiving minimal maintenance (McCoy 1976).
Studies carried out in Yucatan determined the LY spread gradients
within a coconut grove and between coconut groves, as well as the palm
to palm spread pattern. It was found that within a grove as the LY
incidence or proportion of infected palms in an outbreak grows, the
greater is the distance the disease spreads from the outbreak; and that it
does so as a symmetrical radial gradient (Gongora et al. 2001). For longer
distances, dispersal between groves gradients were asymmetrical and
depended on the prevailing wind direction. Since the prevailing direction
354
is east-west in this part of Mexico, LY spread was greater to the west

than to the east (Mora and Escamilla 2001). Regarding the pattern of
palm to palm spread, when LY was studied by following visual symptoms,
disease was randomly distributed within the first 10 months, started to
form aggregates after 12 months and eventually it was found to be
uniformly distributed throughout the study area (Perez et al. 2000).
However, use of PCR detection shows aggregate formation when,
according to symptoms, distribution was random (Canché 2002).
Moreover, spatial autocorrelation analysis based on visual symptoms
indicated that a diseased palm can infect adjacent palms situated as far
as eight lags (a lag is the separation between two palms, in this case 8 m)
(Escamilla and Mora 2003). This was also confirmed by PCR analysis (J.
Escamilla 2004, personal communication). Studies on CSPW disease in
coconut plantations in Ghana have also revealed that in almost every
case the disease first occurs randomly on isolated palms, spreading to
the entire plot in patches and then little by little to all the coconut
plantations in a given region (Dery and Philippe 1997). It can also spread
in jumps of varying distances (Dery and Philippe 1997).
Control methods
Despite decades of research, a cure for LY is not yet available, but measures
may be taken to attempt to reduce its rate of spread. Current and potential
methods include quarantine, chemotherapy, vector control, sanitation
and the use of resistant varieties. Control of the vector has been
approached using insecticides. In tests carried out by Howard and McCoy
(1980), and Reinert (1977), M. crudus populations were reduced by
insecticide treatment, but not sufficiently to be recommended for practical
purposes (McCoy et al. 1983). Due to the phytoplasma nature of the causal
agent of LY, antibiotics were tested in Florida (see McCoy et al. 1983)
and Jamaica (Hunt et al. 1974). It was found that tetracycline group
antibiotics suppressed symptom development if applied before expression
of systemic foliar yellowing. Chemotherapy has been successfully used
for treating host palms used for ornamental purposes, but is not feasible
for commercial plantations because of its high cost and perceived health
risks. According to McCoy et al. (1983), eradication of diseased palms
could be useful in slowing the spread of LY if practised in the early stages
of the outbreak. He noted that a major drawback of this practise is that
LY has a long latent period. However, according to the current
epidemiological knowledge for LY as commented in the previous section,
if eradication is rigorously practised very early when an outbreak starts,
its contribution to delaying disease spread could be substantial. On the
other hand, although LY spreads rapidly in any locality where it has
355
become established and jumps large distances to establish new infection

sites, quarantine of infested areas could retard disease spread since the
greatest majority of new cases occur within 100 meters of any established
case of disease (McCoy et al. 1976).
Nevertheless, replanting with resistant palms has proven to be the
most efficient way to deal with LY. Trials evaluating LY resistance have
been performed in Jamaica (Been 1991). Resistance was found in some
ecotypes, including the Malayan Dwarf varieties, of which the yellow
variety (MYD) was subsequently used as a parent for F1 hybrid production.
Hybrids produced with MYD as one of the parents had a level of
resistance sufficient to be used for commercial planting. Based on these
findings, replanting in Jamaica using MYD and the Maypan hybrids
(MYD x Panama Tall) has proved successful (Been and Myrie, this
chapter). From a commercial perspective, Maypan offers several
advantages: it is resistant to LY, precocious and highly productive (Been
1991). Unfortunately unusually high losses of resistant MYD and Maypan
hybrid coconuts have been reported (Howard et al. 1987) and recent
outbreaks in northern Jamaica have recently killed up to two thirds of
MYD and Maypans (see Harrison et al. 2002a).
After LY arrived in Mexico, a search for resistant germplasm began.
CICY collected 18 coconut populations mostly from the Pacific Coastal
areas of Mexico in 1989, when LY was not present there. Resistance trials
were established in Yucatan in an LY affected area. These populations
were grouped into five ecotypes: Atlantic Tall, MYD, Pacific Tall 1, Pacific
Tall 2, and Pacific Tall 3. After more than ten years of testing, new LY
highly resistant germplasm have been identified, namely Pacific Tall 1
and Pacific Tall 2 (Zizumbo et al. 1999). They are also surviving in their
original planting locations (D Zizumbo 2004, personal communication)
co-existing with different LY phytoplasma strains identified there (see
Harrison et al. 2002a). They are currently being used for improvement
and replanting programmes in Mexico and Honduras. Testing of these
ecotypes and Tall x Tall hybrids produced with them started in Jamaica
three years ago to determine if they can survive the ongoing resurgence
of LY outbreaks there. Future searches for additional sources of resistance
could be facilitated by using microsatellite markers (Baudouin and Lebrun
2002).
Conclusion
Despite decades of efforts to deal with LY and LYD, these diseases are
still spreading and killing palms in the Americas and Africa. In the past
50 years, LY has moved to Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.
New outbreaks in Jamaica, in particular, are very worrisome because
356
resistant MYD and Maypans varieties are dying in unusually high

proportions. The reasons for this newest development are as yet unknown.
However, sustained research efforts on these diseases have been steadily
generating novel and important information. PCR-based detection
methodologies have provided more sensitive, and specific diagnostic
capabilities that are well suited for assessing large numbers of samples
than the previous ones. They have enabled studies toward a better
understanding of the pathogen and its interactions with host palms and
should facilitate studies focusing on vectors. We know now that there is
strain diversity among LY phytoplasma populations and several strains
have been identified and classified. From a practical stand point, PCR
and improved sampling protocols have allowed more efficient monitoring
of disease spread within countries and local regions. This timely
information has been very important for updating quarantine
programmes in affected countries. Epidemiological studies indicate that
prompt eradication has potential to limit disease spread and molecular
diagnostics are setting the bases for its improvement. Once again, resistant
germplasm is a priority, and fortunately, new sources of resistant coconuts
have been recognized in the Pacific coastal areas of Mexico. These
materials are already being exploited in Mexico and Honduras and
hopefully, trials in Jamaica to determine their response to the current
outbreaks there will prove successful.
For the future, it is necessary to extend the quest for resistant coconut
genotypes to encompass the entire Pacific coast of Central America. We
need a better understanding of the pathogen and to clarify the vector
identity to elucidate vector-host relationships. However, in order to
achieve any further advancement, it will be very important to use new
techniques as they become available, for example, the microsatellite
technology for the characterization of coconut germplasm. Other new
avenues have already been opened. A study with the goal of sequencing
the LY phytoplasma genome is underway and should, in the near future,
yield invaluable information on the molecular basis of phytoplasma-palm-
vector interactions and pathogen virulence mechanisms. Coupled with
transformation techniques already under development, collectively, these
efforts should provide a means for molecular improvement of coconut.
Acknowledgement
The authors would like to thank CONACYT- SISIERRA, Mexico for the
partial funding of the research presented here.
357
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363
Status of coconut lethal yellowing in Jamaica

B Been1 and W Myrie2
Director of Research and 2Plant Pathologist, Coconut Industry Board (CIB), Kingston,
1
Jamaica
Introduction
Lethal yellowing disease (LY), probably the most devastating of diseases
which affect the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.), is one of the greatest
threats to coconut cultivation not only in the Caribbean and the Americas
but worldwide. It is associated with phytoplasmas, and Myndus crudus
Van Duzee is a probable vector (Beakbane et al. 1972; Plavsic-Banjac et al.
1972; Howard et al. 1983).
Despite the considerable research, which has been carried out on the
disease, no permanent cure has yet been found.
History of LY in Jamaica
LY was first reported from the Cayman Islands in 1834. In Jamaica, the
disease was first observed in the south western section of the island in
1884 (Fawcett 1891). Nevertheless, it is possible that in 1872 it, or a similar
disease, wiped out coconut palms along a forty-mile coastal strip in the
south west. The disease continued to be endemic in the western region
for decades and by 1952 had spread over the western half of the island
(Martyn 1949; Nutman and Roberts 1955). The greatest damage was
done in the coconut belt bordering the north west coast but the disease
was not found a few miles inland, but there were not many plantations
inland in that area.
In 1961, LY appeared suddenly in the north eastern section of the
island, over 100 km from the nearest case in the west, and subsequently
spread rapidly throughout the main coconut growing region destroying
existing coconut plantations. Of the estimated six million coconut palms
growing in Jamaica in 1961, 90% was lost to LY by 1981.
By 1981 when LY was active island wide, mortality levels of the
Malayan Dwarf and Maypan were 5% and 10%, respectively (Been 1981).
During the early 1980s, LY was largely confined to surviving Jamaica
Tall palms and materials of uncertain origin. About the mid-1980s, at
certain coastal locations in the north western region there were reports
of higher than anticipated levels of LY mortality among Malayan Dwarf
and Maypan populations. At some places mortalities were as high as
40%.
Following a disastrous hurricane in 1988 the incidence of LY increased
significantly and new outbreaks were reported in eastern Jamaica. At
364
various points along the coastal areas of the northern region mortality
levels among stands of the Malayan Dwarf and Maypan were found to
be consistently higher than those observed in 1981. The trend continued
during the 1990s and in certain places the disease began to move inland.
The mortality level varies; in the western section it is generally lower
than in the east where a field of 747 Malayan Dwarfs died over the period
1993 to 1999, and a population of 792 Maypan hybrids between 1997
and 2000 (Myrie 2002). In the western section, mortality rate is generally
slower, about 2% per annum, than in the east, which is about 14-25%
per annum (Myrie 2002).
The LY disease of the 1990s had the usual characteristics of the LY of
the 1970s; however, there was an interesting difference in that it attacked
non-bearing palms with greater frequency.
At present, the disease is largely confined to the coastal areas and its
incidence on most of the inland farms is low. The main germplasm
collections having survived LY of the 1960s and 1970s are still to be
exposed fully to the ‘new’ LY. However, to date no variety currently
being cultivated in the areas where the disease is active has shown any
sign of possessing a high or any level of resistance. At two experimental
sites, the following F1 hybrids – Indian Green Dwarf x Panama Tall,
Ceylon Green Dwarf x Panama Tall, Ceylon Yellow Dwarf x Panama
Tall and Maypan – have all failed to stand up to the disease (Wallace
2002). Indian Green and Ceylon Yellow and Green Dwarfs had shown
high levels of LY resistance, almost as high as that of the Malayan Dwarf.
It has been estimated that over the past decade about 800 000 palms
have been destroyed by LY in the eastern section of the island and the
disease continues its advance.
The coconut is not indigenous to Jamaica and when LY first appeared
in the 18th century, the Jamaica Tall was the principal variety being
cultivated – a situation, which remained unchanged until the 1970’s.
Unfortunately, it is highly susceptible to the disease. There is no record
of LY affecting other palm species in Jamaica during the 18th century.
Searching for the cause

From the late 1880s, attempts were made to determine the cause of LY
and ways of controlling its spread. Considerable research was done over
the years by many workers, especially in Jamaica and Florida (Romney
1983; McKoy et al. 1983). Failure to obtain evidence that fungi, bacteria,
nematodes, soil and other environmental factors were the cause led to
the conclusion that LY had a viral aetiology (Bruner and Boucle 1943;
Nutman and Roberts 1955). This led to attempts to transmit the disease
to healthy palms and the search for an insect vector (Carter 1966; Grylls
et al. 1968; Heinze 1971).
365
The discovery of phytoplasmas on LY-infected coconut palms in 1971

changed the direction of the research effort. The search for an insect
vector was narrowed down to leaf hoppers and, in Florida, Myndus crudus
Van Duzee was found to be a vector of the phytoplasma associated with
LY (Howard et al. 1983).
Living with LY before 1961

Early attempts were made to control the spread of the disease by isolation
and elimination of outbreaks. Felling and burning of palms were carried
out, but these failed to halt the spread of the disease. Government
legislation was enacted to control the movement of plant parts and soil
eastwards into the disease-free area, but the boundary was an open one,
which was impossible to maintain in accordance with any proposed
quarantine requirements.
In disease affected areas, replanting was done with whatever planting
material was available. In the early part of the century, the north western
coastal strip was replanted at least four times with remnants of the fourth
replanting having all but died out by 1954 (Nutman and Roberts 1955).
Many growers in the eastern part of the island believed that the Jamaica
Tall palms they were cultivating were of a different, resistant type.
Living with LY after 1961

The sudden appearance of LY in the main coconut-growing area in the
eastern end of Jamaica in 1961 posed an enormous problem for the
Coconut Industry Board (CIB), which had been established in 1945 to
promote the interests and efficiency of the coconut industry. Before 1945,
research and extension for coconuts were done by the Ministry of
Agriculture.
It was realized from the outset that the additional costs of research
on LY could not be provided by the CIB and, therefore, external assistance
was sought and obtained.
Initially, the United States Agency for International Development
(USAID) provided collaborating scientists and later the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations supported the
research effort. Researchers from Australia, Germany and the Netherlands
came to Jamaica for extended periods to work with local staff. At about
the time that the FAO project was about to end, the United Kingdom
(UK) government through its Overseas Development Administration
(ODA) supplied a research team and an electron microscope. Researchers
from the University of Florida also worked in Jamaica. Research
institutions in the UK and United States of America (USA) were involved
in the research effort. The Ministry of Agriculture, University of the West
366
Indies, Institut de Recherches pour Huiles et Oléagineux (IRHO) and

Unilever also cooperated with the CIB.
External funding ceased in the early 1980s but before then,
considerable work was done and valuable information obtained. Research
on the nature of LY was done largely by visiting scientists, while local
staff concentrated mainly on plant improvement and management. The
original local research programme had to be modified with emphasis
being placed on selection and breeding for disease resistance, and the
management methods needed were those suited to resistant varieties.
A programme to monitor the disease was put in place to determine
which palms were dying from LY as opposed to other causes. It also
provided useful information on varietal resistance and data for replanting
programmes.
Felling of affected palms to check the spread of the disease was as
ineffective as it had been in the west, and was abandoned. Pesticides
were used in an attempt to control new outbreaks before they could
spread, but without success. The concept was to treat all palms around a
single diseased palm with insecticides so that the vectors would be killed
before they could pick up the phytoplasmas from infected palms that
had no symptoms.
Once phytoplasmas had been found in diseased palms, it was realized
that tetracycline could be used to suppress LY symptoms and keep palms
alive for years, but it was not a permanent cure. Chemotherapy was
rejected as a means of controlling the spread of LY in Jamaica because of
the health hazard and high costs.
In 1961, the vast majority of the commercially-grown palms in Jamaica
consisted of the LY-susceptible Jamaica Tall variety but there were also
populations of the Malayan Dwarf and Panama Tall which were grown
from seednuts imported after hurricanes destroyed coconut stands earlier
in the century.
Realization by the mid-1950s that the Malayan Dwarf palms (all three
colour forms) were highly resistant to LY led to the search for other
resistant material and the introduction and establishment of a large
germplasm collection in Jamaica by the CIB during the 1960s.
These introductions were screened for resistance in field trials. When
it became obvious that none of the introductions was more resistant than
the Malayan Dwarf, a hybridization programme was started in an attempt
to combine in the F1 the high disease resistance of the Dwarf with the
large fruit size and hardiness of the Talls. One of the early crosses (Malayan
Dwarf x Panama Tall or Maypan) was found to be productive and
resistant, and a system was devised to produce it commercially.
Once the resistance of the Malayan Dwarf had been sufficiently
367
proven, thousands of mother palms were selected for regular seed

production. From then on, even in areas not yet attacked by the disease,
the Malayan Dwarf was planted instead of the Jamaica Tall.
By 1974, the Maypan had shown sufficient disease resistance and
productivity and was released to growers. In an attempt to speed up
replanting, the Advisory Section of the CIB was expanded and seed
gardens and nurseries established at numerous sites for the effective and
efficient distribution of seedlings. In addition, assistance programmes
under which growers received free planting material and fertilizer, and
cash grants to help with weed control were instituted. As a consequence
of these efforts by the CIB, three million resistant seedlings were
distributed by 1979 and by 1988, ten million.
Current status of LY and future prospects

The coconut industry has remained viable through the use of varieties
with good disease resistance, but it now appears as if this resistance is
being overcome.
The main varieties being cultivated – the Maypan F1 hybrid and the
Malayan Dwarf – are showing little resistance to the resurgent LY, and
preliminary observations suggest that other locally developed F1 hybrids
and germplasm recently introduced may not be any better.
It is possible that the causative agent of LY has mutated and/or
exceptional environmental conditions may be combining to produce
situations favourable to the development and spread of the disease.
The CIB realizes that if the local industry is to remain viable and
survive, it is imperative that some ways be found to cope with LY.
In response to the resurgence of LY, assistance was sought from many
sources including the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and FAO.
As a consequence, the CFC funded an ‘Expert Consultation on
Sustainable Coconut Production through Control of Lethal Yellowing’
which was held in Jamaica in 2002, and a project entitled ‘Sustainable
Coconut Production through Control of Lethal Yellowing Disease’ was
submitted to the CFC and, following its approval, is now being
implemented.
The current activities of the CIB related to LY include:
• Monitoring the disease and studying its epidemiology;
• Characterization of the pathogen and host;
• Identification and characterization of insect vector(s) of LY (in
collaboration with the University of the West Indies);
• Screening of existing local populations and new F1 hybrids, and
introduced germplasm for LY resistance; and
• Encouraging the planting of coconut palms in areas not currently
affected by LY and intensify intercropping.
368
At present, the CIB does not have any variety which has proven resistance
to the LY of the 1990s, but seedlings of the Maypan and Malayan Dwarf
are being made available to farmers free or at subsidized prices. Farmers
are given regular updates of the disease situation and told that it might
not be advisable to replant until disease activity in their areas has abated.
The answer to LY may well lie in the realm of genetic engineering
but, in the meantime, conventional methods of plant breeding will have
to be used and every effort made to develop an integrated approach to
disease control.
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of the Botany Department Jamaica 23:2.
Grylls, NE, P Hunt and NA Bor. 1968. Investigations on the aetiology of
lethal yellowing disease of coconuts in Jamaica 1. Preliminary results
of virus transmission tests and bacterial inoculations. Pp. 15-20. In:
Proceedings of the 3rd Session of the FAO TWP on Coconut
Production and Processing, Indonesia. Jakarta, Indonesia.
Heinze, KG. 1971. Report to the Government of Jamaica and to FAO on
lethal yellowing disease of coconut.
Howard, FW, RC Norris and DL Thomas. 1983. Evidence of transmission
of palm lethal yellowing agent by a plant hopper Myndus crudus
(Homoptera: Cixildae). Tropical Agriculture 60: 168-171.
Martyn, EB. 1949. Further observations on the “unknown” disease of
coconuts. Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad) 26:110-112.
Myrie, WA. 2002. Current outbreaks of lethal yellowing in Jamaica and
the use of molecular diagnostic techniques in phytoplasma detection.
Pp 107-115. In: Proceedings of the expert consultation on sustainable
coconut production through control of lethal yellowing disease. CFC
Technical Paper No. 18. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
McKoy, RE, FW Howard, JH Tsai, HM Donzleman, DL Thomas, HG
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Basham, RA Atilano, FM Eskafi, L Britt and ME Collins. 1983. Lethal

yellowing of palms. University of Florida Agricultural Experimental
Bulletin No. 834. Pp. 60-65.
Nutman, FJ and FM Roberts. 1955. Lethal yellowing: The unknown
disease of coconut palms in Jamaica. Empirical Journal of
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Plavsic-Banjac, B, P Hunt and K Maramorosch. 1972. Mycoplasma-like
bodies associated with lethal yellowing of coconut palms.
Phytopathology 63:298-299.
Romney, DH. 1983. Brief review of coconut lethal yellowing. Indian
Coconut Journal 13:1-8.
Wallace, M. 2002. Coconut breeding programme for lethal yellowing
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370
Indexing and pathogen characterization

SJ Eden-Green1 and AA Mpunami2
1
Manager, Crop Protection Programme, University of Greenwich Natural Resources
International (NRI), United Kingdom
2
Principal Agricultural Research Officer, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute
(MARI), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Introduction
Safe movement means movement of coconut germplasm without
introducing pests (taken here to include diseases), or at least those pests
for which there are perceived risks of harmful or undesirable effects
following introduction to a previously unaffected region. This section is
concerned primarily with pests of quarantine significance (mostly
diseases) that are likely to be spread through planting materials derived
directly from parent plants which appear to be healthy to the naked eye
but might be infected without showing symptoms. These include several
intractable and lethal diseases which are difficult to diagnose or
characterize; some of unknown or uncertain aetiology. Detection of the
causal agents may require the use of laboratory diagnostic tests or indexing
either of the planting material itself or of the parent population from
which it is derived. As yet, most lethal diseases have a limited geographic
distribution although different strains of the pathogen may be present
both within and between regions that are considered to be affected by
the same disease. This emphasises the need for careful and responsible
attention to phytosanitary issues when moving germplasm and, in
particular, for robust and sensitive diagnostic techniques and accurate
characterization procedures to distinguish between strains that could be
spread in planting materials.
Pests of concern to the safe movement of coconut germplasm

Pests of quarantine concern are reviewed in the FAO/IBPGR technical
guidelines for the safe movement of coconut germplasm (Frison and Putter
1993; Frison et al. 1997). Adherence to the general phytosanitary principles
recommended for the movement of coconut germplasm as seednuts,
embryo cultures and pollen eliminates the risk of spread of most arthropod
pests and fungal pathogens, although alternatives to fumigation of
seednuts by methyl bromide will have to be found as the use of this
chemical is phased out under the Montreal Protocol on substances that
deplete the ozone layer. This section summarises the more sophisticated
diagnostic or characterization techniques that are required to implement
the guidelines for diseases associated with phytoplasmas, viroids, viruses,
371
protozoa, nematodes and draws attention to the risks posed by diseases

of yet unknown cause.
Phytoplasma diseases
Phytoplasmas (formerly known as mycoplasma-like organisms, MLO)
have been associated with diseases of coconut and certain other palms
in most of the continental coconut growing regions. Lethal yellowing
(LY) was originally recognised over 100 years ago in the northern
Caribbean (Jamaica, Cayman, Cuba, Hispaniola and southern Bahamas)
but is now present in southeastern USA (Florida, Texas), Mexico, Belize
and Honduras. Similar lethal yellowing-like diseases (LYD) have been
reported from Africa since the early 1900s where they have become known
by various local names: Cape St Paul wilt disease (CSPWD) in Ghana,
Kaincopé disease in Togo, Awka or bronze leaf wilt in Nigeria, Kribi
disease in Cameroon, lethal disease in Tanzania, Kenya and Mozambique
(Eden-Green 1997a). All of these show symptoms similar to LY.
In Asia, phytoplasmas have recently been detected in coconut palms
affected by lethal diseases, but not in symptomless palms, particularly in
Indonesia (Kalimantan wilt in Central Kalimantan, Natuna wilt in
Natuna Islands) (Allorerung et al. 1999). Some of the symptoms of these
conditions differ from those of LY and LYD but resemble those reported
elsewhere in Southeast Asia (Sumatra, Malaysia, Socorro wilt in the
Philippines). All of these diseases may prove to have similar phytoplasma
aetiology (Eden-Green 1997b). In India, electron microscope observations
showed of an association of phytoplasmas with coconut root wilt and
Tatipaka wilt diseases, and application of tetracycline antibiotics
reportedly caused remission of root (wilt) symptoms (Solomon 1997).
However, attempts to confirm the presence of phytoplasmas by PCR have
not been successful (Harrison and Jones 2003). In West Africa,
phytoplasmas have also been implicated in a blast disease of seedling
coconut palms that appears to have no association with LYD (Julia 1979).
Earlier diagnoses were based on electron microscope examination of
ultrathin sections, supported by observation of remission of symptoms
following application of tetracycline antibiotics. These remain as valuable
diagnostic tools but molecular methods, based on PCR amplification of
DNA with specific primers and characterization of the products, now
provide more practical and sensitive means to detect the pathogen. These
techniques have revealed a considerable genetic diversity of putative
strains of phytoplasmas that has not yet been related to phenotypic
characteristics. However, differences in the field susceptibility of coconut
varieties to diseases in different regions have been known for some time,
suggesting that these genetic differences may be of quarantine
significance.
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Indexing and pathogen characterization

Until molecular properties can be associated with phenotypic
characteristics such as pathogenicity and host range, observations on
symptoms, varietal susceptibility and alternative hosts remain important
characteristic features and should not be neglected. However, molecular
techniques are the methods of choice for sensitive and specific diagnosis
and characterization of phytoplasmas. DNA probes have been developed
for Caribbean LY and East African LYD phytoplasmas (Harrison et al.
1992; Mpunami et al. 1997; Mpunami 1997) and can be used in dot blot
hybridization tests to detect phytoplasmas in palm tissues. However, these
probes suffer from problems of background hybridization to healthy
coconut DNA and have been generally superseded by DNA amplification
by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using oligonucleotide primers
(Harrison et al. 1994a). Specific primers for the detection of LYD
phytoplasmas in East Africa were subsequently developed (Rohde et al.
1993). As well, Mollicute-specific PCR primers were optimized for
amplification of LYD DNA from palms infected by East and West African
coconut yellowing diseases (Tymon et al. 1997; Mpunami et al. 1997).
The PCR technique has been used to confirm the phytoplasma aetiology
of the LYD diseases in Kenya and Mozambique, for routine detection of
incubating infections in palm tissue, in coconut embryos and in insects
suspected to be potential vectors of the disease in Tanzania (Mpunami
1997; Mpunami et al. 2000;). Similarly, LYD phytoplasma DNA has been
detected in the embryos of nuts harvested from diseased palms, but carry
over to palm sprouts has not been established.
Higher specificity for detection of the LYD diseases in East and West
Africa has been achieved by the use of primers based on the nucleotide
sequence of the intergenic region between 16S and 23S rRNA genes for
each LYD isolate (Tymon and Jones 1997). Specific detection of the West
African LYD has since been routinely carried out by using specific primers
in PCR reactions (Quaicoe et al. 2000). Similarly, specific primers for the
LYD phytoplasmas in East Africa have been useful for detection and for
differentiation of LYD strains within the region. By these means, it has
been shown that the phytoplasma strains responsible for disease in Kenya
and Tanzania are identical, but the isolate from Mozambique is different,
and is more closely related to the isolates from West Africa (Mpunami
1997; Mpunami et al. 1999).
Procedures that enhance the PCR technique have also offered
increased specificity and sensitivity for detection of the pathogen. For
example the nested PCR technique (Haqqi et al. 1988; Steffan and Atlas
1991) utilizing Mollicute-specific primers (Deng and Hiruki 1991; Namba
et al. 1993) in the first reaction, and phytoplasma specific primers
373
(Gundersen and Lee 1996) in the second reaction is used for routine
detection of the LYD phytoplasma in Tanzania. The PCR assays have
been particularly useful for determining the genetic relationships between
the LYD isolates from East and West Africa, and their relationship to the
LY phytoplasma. By analyzing the restriction fragment polymorphisms
of amplified PCR products, it has been shown that the isolates from West
Africa are similar but genetically different from those causing disease in
East Africa and the Caribbean region (Harrison et al. 1994b; Tymon et al.
1998). The technique has also demonstrated that the LYD strains in Ghana
and Nigeria are genetically identical, but different though similar to the
LYD strains in East Africa (Tymon et al. 1997). The Caribbean diseases
appear to exist as a group of closely related strains that are most closely
related to a phytoplasma associated with declines of coconut and
Carludovica palmata in southern Mexico (Cordova et al. 2000) and Phoenix
canariensis in Texas (Harrison et al. 2002). The relationship of
phytoplasmas recently associated with Porroca disease in southern
Panama and northern Colombia (http://review.ucsc.edu/winter-03/
panamas.html) has not yet been reported.
The significance of these techniques lies in the ability to determine for
what materials, and between which countries there are potential
quarantine risks and, potentially, to assess whether host resistance
observed in one region is likely transferable to another. Sensitive detection
procedures also provide a means to monitor the persistence of the
presumed pathogen in seedlings derived from diseased palms to resolve
the question of whether or not there is a risk of spread of the disease in
seednuts. As knowledge on the variability and distribution of LYD
phytoplasma strains improves, it should become possible to base
quarantine decisions on the local strains present and to facilitate safe
movement of germplasm between regions affected by the same strains,
avoiding the need for decentralised diagnostic facilities within importing
countries. However, recent experience in Jamaica suggests that new
strains of the pathogen can arise that are able to invade previously-
resistant hosts, and molecular characterization tests do not yet allow
strains to be differentiated on the basis of host specificity.
Problems and research needs

Lethal yellowing type diseases are recognized as the biggest threat to
coconut production. Disease resistance is the only feasible method of
control and has been used with great effect in the Caribbean region
although there is evidence that this has now broken down in Jamaica
(CFC 2002). Although specific pathogen characterization techniques have
been developed, the mode of transmission has not been established in
374
several regions and the suspected insect vectors have not been confirmed.
One of the biggest uncertainties is whether seed transmission is possible.
Available (and largely circumstantial) evidence suggests that if this can
occur at all then it is extremely rare, and provided the recommended
guidelines are observed then any risk should be eliminated. However,
recent reports of persistence of phytoplasmas, or at least phytoplasma
DNA, in coconut embryos collected from diseased palms make this an
important topic for research.
Virus disease: Vanuatu wilt or coconut foliar decay

Coconut foliar decay (CFD) affects introduced coconut palm cultivars in
Vanuatu. It is caused by a single stranded DNA (ssDNA) virus (Randles
et al. 1986, 1987) transmitted by the plant hopper Myndus taffini
(Homoptera: Cixiidae; Julia 1982). Affected palms typically show a normal
apex, several yellowish fronds, then several, young dead fronds hanging
through green older fronds. The trunk generally narrows and may thicken
again if remission occurs, as happens in tolerant palm varieties. Susceptible
cultivars die between one and two years after symptoms appear. The
Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD) is highly susceptible to CFD but the local
Vanuatu Tall is highly tolerant (i.e. can be infected without showing
symptoms) and its progenies show only mild symptoms. The use of
symptoms alone for CFD diagnosis is thus unreliable (Calvez et al. 1980).
Indexing
The MRD can be used as an indicator plant as it is highly susceptible to
CFD and shows characteristic symptoms. However, detection and
diagnosis are usually based on detection and partial characterization of
viral ssDNA by gel electrophoresis, cDNA probes or DNA amplification
and sequencing. The CFD virus ssDNA has characteristically low
electrophoretic mobility in 5% polyacrylamide gels (PAGE) (Randles et
al. 1986) and migrates as a single band in denaturing polyacrylamide
gels, but generally as two bands in non-denaturing gels (Randles et al.
1987). A two-dimensional PAGE technique has been used to show that
the DNA molecules are circular in nature (Randles et al. 1987). PAGE
analysis provides presumptive diagnosis but confirmation requires DNA
hybridization and/or sequencing.
Pathogen characterization
Purification by isopycnic density gradient centrifugation [30%–60%
Nycodenz (Nyegaard, Oslo) gradient] results in the co-purification of
CFD-associated DNA (CFDV DNA) and unusual, 20 nm, icosahedral
particles (Nycodenz density range 1.27–1.30 g ml- -1 ), which are
considered to be coconut foliar decay virus (CFDV) particles (Randles
375
and Hanold 1989). Both CFD DNA and the particles occur in very low
amounts in diseased coconut palms. Although the DNA sedimentation
coefficient is only 12S to 15S, the virus has been placed in the geminivirus
group. Geminiviruses have ssDNA (s20,w = 16S at pH 7.0) and contain
either 1 or 2 circular ssDNA molecules of approximately 7–8 × 105 daltons
mol. wt, comprising about 2700 nucleotides (Harrison 1985). Examination
of purified extracts from CFD-infected palms by transmission electron
microscopy shows circular molecules with mean molecular weight of
approx. 4.3 × 105 daltons.
A molecular hybridization assay has been developed using a P32-
labelled cDNA probe synthesized from a 1203 bp DNA fragment,
amplified by PCR from circular, single-stranded, 1291-nucleotide CFDV
DNA (Rohde et al. 1990; Randles et al. 1992). The high specificity and
sensitivity of this assay allows CFDV DNA to be detected reliably, despite
its low concentration in coconut tissue. A non-radioactive probe using
digoxygenin (DIG)- labelled complementary RNA (cRNA) has also been
developed as an alternative detection method (Hanold and Randles
1997). Hybridization assays have been useful in studying the distribution
of CFDV DNA in palm tissue in order to establish priority areas for disease
diagnosis, for localization of the virus in phloem tissues (Randles et al.
1992; Hanold and Randles 1997), and for detection of the virus in the
vector.
To obtain sequence data on CFDV DNA, a single-stranded (ss),
circular, covalently closed (ccc) DNA associated with coconut foliar decay
virus (CFDV) was purified, amplified by PCR and subcloned. Its sequence
was established by analysis of overlapping subgenomic cDNA clones
(Rohde et al. 1990). The complete sequence comprised 1291 nucleotides
and contained open reading frames for six proteins of molecular weight
larger than 5 kDa.
CFDV can be detected in coconut embryos and husks but not in pollen
(Hanold and Randles 1997) emphasizing the need for efficient indexing
of mother palms including the use of positive controls to confirm the
reliability of diagnostic techniques. This is especially important given that
the Vanuatu Tall, some of its hybrids and possibly other varieties are
highly tolerant and can be infected without showing symptoms.

Much is known about coconut foliar decay virus. The insect vector is
available for use in resistance screening and selection programmes for
disease resistant germplasm, and sensitive diagnostic techniques are
available for disease indexing. Transmission has not been reported via
seed or pollen but detection of the virus in nuts and also in embryos
376
collected from infected palms indicates that the risk of spread by this
means needs to be investigated more intensively.
Viroid diseases: Cadang-cadang and Tinangaja

Cadang-cadang is a slow decline disease that results in premature death
of coconut palms in the Philippines. The disease was first reported from
a plantation in Albay Province on San Miguel Island in 1931. It is
estimated that by 1980 it had killed more than 80 million palms on San
Miguel and other neighbouring islands (Zelazny et al. 1982) but spread
is generally slow (0.5 km a year). It causes yellow leaf spotting, reduced
growth and reduced frond production which results in reduced crown
size, cessation of nut production and eventual death within 5- 20 years.
Cadang-cadang has been the major reason for prohibiting movement of
Philippine coconut germplasm to many countries.
A similar disease known as Tinangaja occurs in Guam. Symptoms
differ slightly from those of cadang-cadang in that nuts are
characteristically small, elongated and lack a kernel (Boccardo et al. 1981).
The disease was first reported as a destructive disease of coconut palms
in Guam in 1917 (Boccardo 1985). It apparently spread slowly and
destroyed the coconut industry of Guam over the next 40 years. No
commercial coconut industry has existed in Guam since 1946 but the
disease is still widespread on the island, with the incidence varying from
one location to another.
Research on cadang-cadang disease began in the Philippines about
1950, and by 1982, the cadang-cadang viroid or CCCVd was identified
as the causal pathogen (Zelazny et al. 1982; Hanold and Randles 1991a).
This discovery provided a means of diagnosing the disease, and gave
impetus to further research on related diseases (Hanold and Randles
1997), which showed that Tinangaja was also caused by a viroid
(Boccardo et al. 1981).
Indexing
Cadang-cadang symptoms are not reliable means of detection and
diagnosis owing to the ease with which they may be confused with the
effects of other biotic and abiotic factors including diseases, pests,
nutritional deficiencies, typhoons and lightning strikes. Although the
disease can be mechanically transmitted to healthy coconut and other
test plants (Imperial et al. 1985), indexing is impractical because the latent
period between infection and appearance of symptoms is well over a
year and symptoms, particularly in pre-bearing palms, tend to be non-
specific. Pathogen detection and characterization by biochemical and
molecular properties are thus of greatest significance for disease diagnosis
377
and the safe movement of germplasm, particularly as the CCCVd can be

detected in seed husks, embryos and pollen and may be spread by these
means (Hanold and Randles 1997).
Viroid purification
Viroids are the smallest known plant pathogens; and each consists solely
of a small, circular, single-stranded, naked RNA molecule, which is
infectious, and can replicate in the host cell and be transmitted
independently of any other microorganism (Diener 1987). Reliable
diagnosis is based on identifying the viroid RNA in extracts of coconut
palms. Single-stranded RNA is very susceptible to degradation by
ribonuclease, thus extraction from plant tissue involves the use of
inhibitors such as phenol and SDS to minimize the risk of enzymatic
degradation and antioxidants to prevent oxidation. The crude extract is
then deproteinised, and viroid RNA precipitated with polyethylene glycol
(PEG, mol. wt 6000). The resulting partially purified extract is ready for
analysis by gel electrophoresis, or further purification by density gradient
centrifugation (Hanold and Randles 1997).
Gel electrophoresis
Viroids migrate in most gel systems with a mobility less than that expected
for their molecular weight. Various forms of CCCVd, which differ in
size, are normally resolved in 5-20% polyacrylamide gels (Hanold and
Randles 1997). Viroid bands are then visualized in the gel slab after
staining with an appropriate stain such as silver, ethidium bromide, or
toluidine blue. Increasing the temperature or pH of the gel buffer creates
denaturing conditions, and causes viroids to denature from their native
rod-like state to open circles and migrate more slowly than their linear
forms. Diagnostic tests for viroids have been based on PAGE under both
non-denaturing and denaturing conditions, and on the characteristic
change of behaviour of these molecules when subjected to both sets of
conditions. For example, in two-dimensional PAGE, transfer from a non-
denaturing gel to denaturing conditions permits screening for all possible
viroids. If used in conjunction with silver staining or molecular
hybridization, the two-dimensional PAGE system is a sensitive and
definitive test for the presence of small, circular nucleic acids in a
preparation, and is thus a powerful tool in the detection of viroids (Hanold
and Randles 1997). The procedure is however, lengthy and cannot be
used on a routine basis.
378
Rapid diagnosis assay

For rapid diagnosis of cadang-cadang, an assay has been developed that
involves three steps (Hanold and Randles 1997). Initially, sap is extracted
from coconut leaf tissue and deproteinised. Then, nucleic acids are
recovered by cold ethanol precipitation. Lastly, direct detection of the
viroid is achieved by fractionation of the nucleic acids using PAGE and
silver staining. The procedure is very sensitive, with a detection end-
point of about 600 picograms of viroid. It is reliable and suitable for
detecting viroids at the early stage of symptom development.
Molecular hybridization
After fractionation through PAGE, viroid bands on the gel slab are
transferred onto a hybridization membrane and detected by molecular
hybridization to a cDNA or cRNA probe (Hanold and Randles 1997).
The technique is very sensitive and specific for viroid detection; cRNA
probes are preferable to cDNA probes because they bind more strongly
to the target RNA, giving stronger signals and thus allowing conditions
of higher stringency for hybridization and reduce the non-specific binding
of the probe.
Electron microscopy
Electron microscopy of purified samples spread under denaturing
conditions can be used to identify circular viroid molecules and estimate
their size (Randles and Hatta 1979). It cannot, however, be used for
diagnostic purposes on tissue sections or crude extracts, since the small
viroid rods and circles cannot be positively identified when mixed with
other nucleic acids.
Characterization of viroid RNA

This requires a combination of the techniques described above. Isolation,
purification, PAGE analysis, and electron microscopy can be used to
establish that the nucleic acid is single-stranded RNA, circular in nature
and in the size range 246 – 380 nucleotides which is typical of viroids
(Keese and Symons 1987). The infectious nature can then be established
by inoculating young palms with purified nucleic acids. Partial sequencing
has made it possible to develop probes for specific detection of the viroids.
Using these techniques, it has been shown that the cadang-cadang viroid
is composed of two RNA molecules; the small 246/247 nucleotide
(monomeric) and large 287/296/301 nucleotide (dimeric) forms, both of
which are naked, single-stranded, circular, infectious by mechanical
inoculation into coconut seedlings and are simultaneously isolated from
infected palms (Randles and Hatta 1979; Mohamed et al. 1985). The small
form is more abundant at the early stage of disease, but as symptom
379
development progresses, the larger form increases in quantity while the

former decreases (Hanold and Randles 1997).
The Tinangaja viroid (CTiVd) molecule on the other hand, has 254
nucleotides, and has 64% overall sequence homology with CCCVd 246.
CTiVd has not been shown to have the larger molecular forms described
for CCCVd, but it does have a dimeric form (Boccardo et al. 1981; Keese
et al. 1988). On the basis of their nucleotide sequences, CCCVd and CTiVd
fall into the same viroid group.
Considerable confusion has been generated by the discovery of viroid-
like sequences in a wide range of otherwise symptomless coconut and
other monocotyledons from south Asia to French Polynesia (Hanold and
Randles 1991b), including oil palms affected with an orange spotting
(since shown to be a genetically inherited trait). Although the presence
of these nucleic acid sequences could not be associated with any symptoms
of disease or other adverse effects on the host plants, the observations led
to a recommended embargo on the movement of germplasm from regions
where they are found to countries where the viroid-like sequences have
yet to be reported (Frison and Putter 1993). It is now considered that the
risks were overstated and, in the absence of symptoms of disease, the
presence of CCCVd-like sequences should not mitigate against such
transfers (Frison et al. 1997).

The mode of natural spread of Cadang-cadang and Tinangaja diseases
has not been established. The vector is unknown, transmission through
pollen or seed has not been ruled out and eradication is not practical.
Similarly, resistance has not been found. Although mild strains of other
viroids are known to cross protect against severe strains, little is known
about the natural occurrence of the mild strains of CCCVd. While the
search for resistance continues, replanting of infected plantations has to
be maintained in order to reduce production losses, as new plantings in
diseased areas are not affected. The search for mild strains of the viroids
should also be intensified.
Sensitivity, rapidity, simplicity and portability of diagnostic
procedures for CCCVd for use in the field need to be improved so as to
assist in studying the epidemiology of CCCVd and determining its mode
of spread. Finally, quarantine restrictions on the movement of Philippine
germplasm from affected regions have to remain in place until safer
methods of exchange can be ensured but this need not be a hindrance to
safe movement from other regions of the Philippines.
380
Protozoa disease: Phytomonas

Uniflagellate protozoa of the genus Phytomonas (Family
Trypanosomatidae) are associated with and presumed to cause a group
of diseases of coconut, oil palm and a few other palms in Central and
South America (Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, French Guiana,
Guyana, Nicaragua, Peru, Surinam, Venezuela) and the southern
Caribbean (Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago) (Parthasarathy et al. 1976;
Waters 1978; Dollet 1984). The disease is usually referred to as Hartrot
but various local names have been used including Cedros wilt, Coronie
wilt, fatal wilt and Marchitez sorpresiva and it is thought that these are
all caused by variants of the same pathogen. Affected palms show rapid
foliar discolouration and decay and usually die within 1-3 months from
the first appearance of symptoms. The pathogen is normally restricted to
the phloem but has been found in the husk, calyx, and coconut water in
nuts of up to 11 months post fertilization but not in nuts showing advanced
decay or in dry nuts (Nanden-Amattaram and Parsadi-Sewkaransing
1989). It is not known to be transmitted through seednuts or pollen but
as with lethal yellowing, the risk of movement in seednuts cannot be
completely ruled out.
Indexing
Symptoms usually start with yellowing or bronzing of the oldest leaves,
loss of immature nuts and blackening of newly opened inflorescences
and thus can easily be confused with those of lethal yellowing. However,
the presence of the flagellates, which are 12-27µm x 1-1.5µm, can usually
be confirmed in sap expressed from inflorescences or roots examined by
light microscopy using phase contrast, dark field or after staining with
Giemsa or toluidine blue (Waters 1978). All the coconut varieties that
have so far been tested were susceptible to the disease, and other palms
including Bentinckia nicobarica, Elaeis oleifera, E. guineensis, Maximiliana
maripa and Roystonia regia may serve as alternative hosts (Dollet 1984;
Kastelein and Parsadi 1986). The Phytomonas associated with Hartrot
can be transmitted by pentatomid bugs of the genera Lincus and Ochlerus
(Desmier de Chenon 1984; Dollet 1984) and these are thought to be the
natural vectors of the disease.
Although there are very few instances of protozoa being implicated in
plant disease, Phytomonas have long been recognised as apparently
harmless parasites of latex cells in laticiferous plants especially in the
plant families Euphorbiaceae and Asclepiadaceae. Those associated with
and thought to cause disease in coconut and oil palm have been described
381
as Phytomonas staheli (McGhee and McGhee 1979) but the taxonomy of

the genus, and the relationships between types pathogenic and parasitic
in plants are not clear. Isolates from palms have been distinguished by
means of isozyme profiles (Guerrini et al. 1992), restriction length
polymorphisms of kinetoplastid DNA (Muller et al. 1995) and from
sequences of small subunit 18S rDNA (Marche et al. 1995). However, in
practice, demonstration of the presence of flagellates in palm tissues
should be sufficient for presumptive diagnosis of the disease. According
to Ohler (1999), in addition to other palms, Musaceae and Zingiberaceae
are now thought likely sources of the disease. Precautions to ensure safe
movement should thus be extended to these species, particularly to
vegetative propagation materials.
Nematode disease: Red Ring

Red ring disease is caused by the nematode Bursaphelenchus
(=Rhadinaphelenchus) cocophilus and is spread mainly by the palm weevil
Rhycopophorus palmarum and also the sugarcane weevils Dynamis borassi
and Metamasius hemipterus (Giblin-Davis 1993), The disease occurs
throughout Central and South America, Mexico (Yucatan peninsula),
the Lesser Antilles and the Dominican Republic but has not yet been
reported in Cuba and Jamaica despite the presence of the weevil vectors
in these countries. Young palms (3-10 years old) are reported to be most
frequently affected and die within a few months of infection, which takes
place through wounds associated with weevil activity. Symptoms vary
according to age, variety and growing conditions but may include
yellowing or bronzing of leaves (usually the oldest first but sometimes
discontinuously within the crown), nutfall and necrosis or withering of
newly opened inflorescences. Production of small and sometimes
distorted young leaves (‘little leaf’ syndrome) has reportedly been
associated with the disease in parts of South America (Hoof and Seinhorst
1962).
The characteristic and diagnostic feature of the disease is an internal
red discolouration at the base of the stem in the form of a ring about 2-6
cm wide and about 3-5 cm from the periphery. The red ring usually
extends 2-3 m up the stem, breaking up into streaks or discrete spots,
which may extend into the rachis and petiole, and into cortical tissues of
the roots. The discoloured palm tissues contain abundant nematodes
(adult stages are about 1mm long). Juvenile stages of the nematode
parasitize palm weevil larvae that develop in infested palms which remain
infected throughout metamorphosis. They then transmit the nematode
to healthy palms primarily during oviposition in moist leaf bases or freshly
wounded tissues (Gerber and Giblin-Davis 1990).
382
The disease can usually be diagnosed reliably from the presence of

internal symptoms, confirmed by observation of nematodes in palm tissues,
and no special indexing or characterization techniques have been
described. Although it has been shown that artificially inoculated
seednuts supported nematodes for up to 16 weeks after germination,
none could be found after 20 weeks and the developing seedlings remained
free of disease (Giblin-Davis 1991), suggesting that spread of disease is
unlikely to occur in seednuts. However, the movement of germplasm
from red-ring affected regions should follow the general recommendations
in the FAO/IBPGR Technical Guidelines (Frison and Putter 1993).
Conclusion
Perhaps the biggest threat to the safe movement of coconut germplasm
remains from diseases of as yet unknown or uncertain aetiology, or
perhaps not yet recognised as infectious conditions at all. The aetiology
of several diseases on the Indian subcontinent remains uncertain or
unconfirmed: root wilt and Tatipaka on the west and east coasts of India;
leaf scorch decline and premature decline in Sri Lanka. Information on
transmission of these diseases through seednuts, embryos or pollen is
sorely lacking and experimental investigations are hampered by the lack
of reliable diagnostic methods and the obvious difficulties in carrying
out large-scale, long-term empirical testing by direct observations on
progenies and crosses from diseased palms. Elsewhere, there are several
instances where ‘new’ diseases, either previously unrecognised or of only
minor local importance, have emerged following the introduction of exotic
coconut varieties to new regions. Budrot and premature nutfall cased by
Phytophthora palmivora were recognised as only minor problems in
indigenous varieties grown in north Sulawesi, Indonesia, but caused
widespread losses following the large-scale introduction of exotic Malayan
Dwarf x West Africa Tall hybrids in the 1980s. Outbreaks of so-called
coconut stem necrosis were also associated with the introduction of exotic
varieties in Indonesia (Turner et al. 1979) and the emergence of foliar
decay virus as a problem in cultivars introduced to Vanuatu as referred
to earlier. In South America, lethal diseases of unknown aetiology, the
so-called spear rot-bud rot complex, affect oil palm in several countries
(de Franqueville 2002). It is possible that these diseases will affect coconut,
emphasizing the need for caution when considering the movement of
coconut germplasm.
383
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389
Strategies for safe movement of coconut

germplasm
M Diekmann
Research Advisor, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit -
Beratungsgruppe Entwicklungsorientierte Agrarforschung (GTZ-BEAF), Bonn,
Germany
The drastic effects of plant diseases on yield, on plant growth and on

landscapes can be seen in many different agricultural as well as natural
habitats. Few diseases have as drastic effects as the so-called lethal ones,
such as the lethal yellowing disease (LYD) that killed millions of coconut
palms. The coconut research community is therefore very much aware
of risks due to pests and pathogens. Like many other plant diseases, LYD
is also reported as spreading to new areas, after the Gulf and Caribbean
coasts of Mexico, Belize and Honduras now to the Pacific coast of Mexico
(Harrison et al. 2002). This disease is caused by a pathogen that belongs
to the group called ‘phytoplasmas’, or formerly mycoplasma-like
organisms (MLO). The pathogen is transmitted by a planthopper, a small
insect. Recently, a yellowing disease associated with phytoplasma was
reported to occur on date palms in Kuwait (Al-Awadhi et al. 2002). It
seems that the pathogen is not only spreading to new areas, but also to
new hosts.
Some plant pathogens spread to new areas as wind-blown spores,
e.g. the coffee rust fungus Hemileia vastatrix that appeared in 1970 in
Brazil, and moved from there to all coffee producing areas in South and
Central America as well as in Mexico. Little can be done to prevent the
spread of such a pathogen. Other pathogens, for example viruses and
phytoplasmas, and many fungi, move only with the help of a vector,
such as an insect, or an infected plant to new areas. Here, at least in
theory, preventing the movement of insect vectors or infected plants will
prevent the spread of the pathogen. Phytosanitary measures can help to
stop the introduction of non-indigenous, potentially damaging pests and
pathogens into an area or to eradicate them before they spread and cause
serious yield losses or the death of plants.
There is no doubt that activities to strengthen the conservation and
use of plant genetic resources worldwide, with special emphasis on the
needs of developing countries, are of utmost importance. However, care
must be taken not to introduce new pathogens inadvertently. With the
high genetic diversity of plants, a diversity of pathogens is often associated.
The diversity of plant genotypes is much needed for the selection of
resistant varieties, which maybe the only promising control strategy for
390
some plant diseases. The above mentioned lethal yellowing disease of

coconut could be effectively controlled using resistant varieties, such as
Malayan Dwarf hybrids.
Clearly, the movement or plants or plant parts between countries or
continents entail the risk of introducing exotic plant pests or pathogens.
Less-developed countries often lack adequate plant quarantine and
diagnostic facilities, and are especially vulnerable to the damaging effects
of newly introduced diseases. It is extremely important that the risk is
recognized, and that a minimum risk transfer form of germplasm is
chosen, such as in vitro plantlets instead of nuts. Networks, such as
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), assist their
members with pest risk analysis procedures.
An effective phytosanitary system acts as a filter and not a barrier to
germplasm exchange. It keeps pathogens out and allows germplasm to
pass. As some countries have stronger systems than others, the plant
breeders and the germplasm community should also give due attention
to pathogens. In addition to the risk of spreading pathogens to new areas
(there are numerous examples where this has happened with germplasm),
there is also the risk of the collections, or part thereof, being destroyed by
disease epidemics. This risk is particularly high in field genebanks.
The choice of phytosanitary measures (exclusion, import permit stating
certain conditions, certification according to the requirements of the
importing country, standard quarantine certificate, post-entry isolation
and observation) depends on the risk. The instrument of pest-risk analysis
helps to make the correct choice, provided the required data are available
(see articles by de Franqueville and Ikin in this chapter).
Since phytosanitary measures were established (in some countries
almost 100 years ago), the justifications for quarantine measures have
not changed:
• The pest or pathogen does not occur in the importing country;
• The pest or pathogen is capable of surviving and multiplying under
the conditions of the importing country; and
• The pest or pathogen is likely to cause economic damage.
The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), has published

jointly with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Technical
Guidelines for the Safe Movement of Germplasm (e.g. Frison et al. 1993
for coconuts). Table 1 summarizes the FAO/IPGRI Technical Guidelines
for the Safe Movement of Coconut Germplasm. The general
recommendation is to move embryo cultures or pollen, and not seednuts.
If this recommendation is followed, the risk of moving fungi, phytoplasma
(MLO) and the red ring nematode with germplasm is greatly reduced.
391
Indexing would be required only for germplasm from Vanuatu (for

coconut foliar decay virus), Guam (for tinangaja viroid), and from parts
of the Philippines (for cadang-cadang viroid), unless one decides to
exclude material from these areas from germplasm movement. Based on
this, the priority should be on supporting embryo culture facilities and
training.
Since the publication of these guidelines, further research was
conducted. To date, no disease symptoms could be linked to the presence
of viroid-like sequences in coconuts. They were found to be widely
distributed in coconuts and understorey plants. Presumably they do not
play a role as pathogens (Diekmann 1997, FAO/IPGRI 1997). It is
important not to confuse the cadang-cadang viroid with viroid-like
sequences. Cadang-cadang viroid causes premature death of coconut
palms in parts of the Philippines (see article by Eden-Green and Mpunami
in this chapter). Viroid-like sequences were detected by molecular
methods in coconuts and other monocotyledons, but could not be
associated with disease symptoms (Hanold and Randles 1991).
On the other hand, the reported non-transmission of phytoplasmas
(through seed, embryo culture or pollen) may need to be reconsidered.
Cordova et al. (2003) reported the presence of phytoplasma DNA in
embryos from nuts of palms suffering from lethal yellowing disease.
Current opinion among plant pathologists is that phytoplasmas are not
transmitted by seed because there is no vascular connection between the
tissue of the parent plant and the embryo (Jones 2001). Further
investigation is needed to clarify whether the presence of phytoplasma
DNA in the embryo incidates the risk of seed transmission or not.
Furthermore, the transmission rate under field conditions needs to be
studied. As premature nut fall is one of the first signs of the disease, nuts
(if at all produced) may not germinate properly, reducing the risk of
further transmission through seed/embryos.
Germplasm health needs to be considered not only at the point of
exchange, but at any stage of germplasm management (collecting,
multiplication, evaluation and characterization, storage and distribution).
Cooperation among breeders/germplasm curators and regulatory
organizations is essential. Consultation should occur regularly,
particularly at early planning stages for collecting, establishing field
genebanks, etc. Germplasm should be exchanged only for immediate use
or for safety duplication.
392
Table 1. Summary of FAO/IBPGR Technical Guidelines for the Safe Movement of

Coconut Germplasm
Source: (Frison et al. 1993)
Pathogen Specific Recommendation(s)
Coconut foliar decay virus (CFDV) Indexing or exclusion of germplasm from Vanuatu
Coconut cadang cadang viroid (CCCVd) Indexing or exclusion of germplasm from the Philippines
Tinangaja viroid (CTiVd) Indexing or exclusion of germplasm from Guam
Viroid-like sequences Indexing recommended for germplasm that is moved from countries
where these sequences are known to occur to countries where they
have not yet been reported.
Lethal yellowing (Phytoplasma, MLO)

Kerala wilt (Phytoplasma, MLO) Transmission through seed, embryo culture or pollen not reported
Tatipaka disease (Phytoplasma, MLO)
Blast (Phytoplasma, MLO) A nursery disease which does not occur on adult trees
Marasmiellus spp. (bole rot, shoot rot) Possibly seed-borne, can be eliminated in embryo culture
Phomopsis cocoina (leaf spot) May be dispersed on husks. Recommendations are:
Bipolaris incurvata (leaf blight) • Embryo and pollen transfer should be carried out
• Healthy nuts should be partially de-husked and treated with an
appropriate fungicide
Phytophthora palmivora, P. katsurae Nuts may be infected internally, but then do not germinate.
(bud rot, fruit rot) Recommendations are:
• Embryo and pollen transfer should be carried out
• Healthy nuts should be partially de-husked and treated with an
appropriate fungicide
References
Al-Awadhi, HA, A Hanif, P Suleman and MS Montasser. 2002. Molecular
and microscopical detection of phytoplasma associated with yellowing
disease of date palms Phoenix dactylifera L. in Kuwait. Kuwait Journal
of Science and Engineering 29(2): 87-109
Cordova, I, P Jones, NA Harrison and C Oropeza. 2003. In situ PCR
detection of phytoplasma DNA in embryos from coconut palms with
lethal yellowing disease. Molecular Plant Pathology 4: 99-108.
Diekmann, M (ed.) 1997. Proceedings of the Meeting on Viroid-like
Sequences of Coconut. 21-23 April, 1997, Kajang (Kuala Lumpur),
Malaysia. ACIAR, Canberra /IPGRI Rome.
FAO/IPGRI. 1997. Addendum to the FAO / IBPGR Technical Guidelines
for the Safe Movement of Coconut Germplasm. Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations, Rome/International Plant
Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy. 48pp.
Frison, EA, CAJ Putter and M Diekmann (eds.). 1993. FAO/IBPGR
Technical Guidelines for the Safe Movement of Coconut Germplasm.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome/
International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy.
393
Hanold, D and JW Randles. 1991. Detection of coconut cadang-cadang

monocotyledons in the south-west Pacific. Annals of Applied Biology
118(1): 139-151.
Oropeza. 2002. First report of Group 16SrIV phytoplasmas infecting
Mexico. Plant Pathology 51(6): 808.
Jones, P. 2001. Phytoplasma plant pathogens. Pp. 126-139. In: JM Waller,
JM Lenné and SJ Waller (eds). Plant Pathologists’ Pocketbook, 3rd
Edition. CAB International, Wallingford, UK.
394
Pest risk assessment of the International

Coconut Genebank for Africa and Indian
Ocean, and Latin America and the Caribbean
H de Franqueville
Plant Pathologist, Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour
le Développement (CIRAD), Oil Palm Programme, UMR BGPI – Campus
International de Baillarguet TA 41/K F34398 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
Introduction
The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) of the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) has been assisting
the establishment of a multi-site International Coconut Genebank (ICG),
with sites in five countries, each representing one of the main coconut
ranges. They are Indonesia for Southeast Asia, India for South Asia,
Papua New Guinea for the South Pacific, Côte d’Ivoire for Africa and
the Indian Ocean, and Brazil for Latin America and the Caribbean region.
The pest pressure exerted on coconut throughout its major producing
regions, and the consequent phytosanitary risks to which it is exposed,
are a threat to its sustainability and sometimes lead to it being dropped
from a production system. The risks are rarely the same worldwide, and
are therefore important to assess them in order to promote germplasm
dissemination and exchange under optimum conditions.
Generally, it is the overall phytosanitary constraint that needs to be
documented in a given zone, not only to avoid the transfer of pests and
diseases but also to guarantee a satisfactory phytosanitary situation in
the collections planted at a given site. That means also taking into account
fungal diseases and the main coconut pests in the entomofauna that are
likely to jeopardise the establishment of a germplasm collection.
In order to determine this constraint, a pest risk assessment was
conducted in two ICG host countries, Côte d’Ivoire and Brazil. This paper
attempts to document the main pests and diseases in the study zones,
analyse the corresponding phytosanitary risk, determine their potential
as quarantine organisms and identify the phytosanitary risks involved
for collecting and exchanging germplasm.
Material and methods
Documentation
This study is based on all the information gathered by conventional
bibliographical research, the author’s knowledge of coconut diseases, or
395
oil palm diseases in some cases that could impact on coconut,

consultations and discussions with members of the scientific community,
supplemented by information gathered from some particularly useful
internet sites.
Visits to ICG host countries: Côte d’Ivoire and Brazil

The visit to Côte d’Ivoire took place in April 1999, in liaison with the
Marc Delorme Research Station (Centre National de Recherche
Agronomique, CNRA). Sites visited included the station itself, at Port-
Bouët, near Abidjan, with its current collection; the lagoon strip between
Assinie and the Ghanaian border, to examine the condition of the coconut
groves; and the Grand-Drewin Experimental and Production Station
(CNRA, Gagnoa regional management), a potential site for a future
collection. This station is located at Sassandra, around 240 km from Port-
Bouët, and around 330 km from the Ivorian-Ghanaian coastal border.
Port-Bouët is around 95 km from the same border (all the distance are
direct, as the crow flies). The Ghanaian border at Elubo is around 170
km by road, via Aboisso, from Port-Bouët and 460 km from Sassandra.
These details are important, due to the existence of lethal yellowing
disease (LYD) in the neighbouring Ghana. Arrangements will have to be
made to duplicate all or part of the Marc Delorme Station collection at
the Grand-Drewin Station if the disease gets any closer to the Ivorian
border.
The visit to Brazil took place also in April 1999, in liaison with the
EMBRAPA research station at Aracaju, in Sergipe State (Centro de
Pesquisa Agropecuária dos Tabuleiros Costeiros - Empresa Brasileira de
Pesquisa Agropecuária). The sites visited that are candidates for receiving
the future ICG material were Itaporanga, west of Aracaju, the Neopolis
plateau, northeast of Aracaju, and Betume, located between Neopolis
and Ilha das Flores.
Pest risk assessment

Pest risk assessment is a step towards a pest risk analysis (PRA), following
the process laid down by FAO (1996a, b). Its purpose is to identify pests
and diseases necessitating plant quarantine. It is carried out in a
potentially or known pest risk area, usually a country. Ikin (1997) applied
these directives to coconut germplasm exchanges for cadang-cadang and
cadang-cadang viroid-like sequences. His study led to the revision of the
directives governing germplasm movement and the quarantine measures
applied to it.
PRA could be broken down into three stages:
1. Identification of pests or pathways for which PRA is necessary. Here,
the pathway is defined by the form in which germplasm is
396
transported: seedlings, seeds, pollen or embryo culture. A pest

may or may not be defined as being a quarantine organism
depending on the germplasm form;
2. Risk assessment serves to determine whether the identified
organism, as such or combined with the pathway, is a quarantine
organism, depending on its likelihood of entering the PRA zone,
the capability of establishing itself and spreading, and its
economic importance (Diekmann 1997).
3. Risk management comprises the development, assessment,
comparison and choice of options intended to reduce that risk.
PRA can be carried out by considering either the pathway or the pest
(i.e., the form in which germplasm should be exchanged to significantly
reduce the risks of introducing a given pest). It is primarily the second
approach that will be taken, given the inventory of pests existing in the
study areas.
Results
Coconut diseases and pests

Almost 30 diseases affect coconut worldwide (Frison et al. 1993; Ikin
1997; Mariau 1999). Most are found on the Asian continent and little is
known about most of them. In the study areas, neither identified diseases
of viral nor viroid origin have been inventoried. On the other hand, LYD
shows a strong presence in Africa, Central America and the Caribbean.
The insects listed during the study do not figure in the germplasm
transfer pathways, given their nature and their biology, although special
attention must be given to the recent outbreaks of white flies
(Aleurotrachelus atratus and Paraleyrodes bondari) in Comoros Islands
(Baudoin and Ollivier 2003, personal communications). However, it is
possible that the insect pests do pose a threat for the installation and
development of collections in Côte d’Ivoire and Brazil. Mites, especially
Eriophyes guerreronis, can be harboured by nuts, primarily beneath the
floral parts, and are therefore, a risk that has to be considered if germplasm
is moved as seednuts. However, as they cannot withstand a vacuum (JF
Julia 1999, personal communication), there is little risk of them
contaminating pollen. Likewise, it should be possible to detect any
contamination of embryo cultures very rapidly.
For the record, vertebrate pests, birds or mammals do not figure in
the germplasm exchange pathways, but the risks they represent to
collections, especially on young plants, need to be taken very seriously.
In general, cultural practices or special arrangements (ditches, fences)
help to reduce their impact.
397
Situation in Africa/Indian Ocean

The following seven diseases were found in Africa and the Indian Ocean:
Phytoplasma diseases
Blast is the main nursery disease on oil palm in Africa, and is also found
on coconut (Quillec et al. 1978). It is attributed to a phytoplasma due to
the preventive role played by tetracycline (Dollet 1980; Dollet 1985). Blast
is carried by a leafhopper, Recilia mica Kramer (Desmier de Chenon 1979).
The insect only seems to be infectious at certain times of the year and
incubation lasts a few days (de Franqueville et al. 1991). Blast has never
been reported on bearing palms, although it has been observed during
the first year after planting. Therefore, it is not a major threat to germplasm
movement.
LYD first occurred in Africa around 1930 (Bachy and Hoestra 1958),
in Togo and was called Kaincopé disease (Dollet and Giannotti 1976),
then in Southeast Ghana as Cape St Paul wilt (Dabek et al. 1976), in
Cameroon as Kribi disease (Dollet et al. 1977) and in Nigeria asAkwa
disease (Ekpo and Ojomo 1990). In East Africa, LYD causes serious
damage in Tanzania (Schuiling and Mpunami 1990), Kenya and
Mozambique (Mpunami et al. 1996). Analyses by restricted fragment
length polymorphism (RFLP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
suggest a degree of difference between West African and East African
phytoplasmas (Tymon et al. 1997, 1998). The disease vector has not been
formally identified, but a plant hopper, Myndus adiopodoumeensis is
strongly suspected in Ghana (Dery et al. 1996). Phytoplasma diseases are
considered to have little chance of being carried by seeds, pollen, or
embryos (Dollet 1995). Phytoplasmas seem to have been detected in
embryos, but there is no evidence that these embryos would normally
germinate.
LYD is not widespread throughout the African and Indian Ocean
region; it has not been reported in Côte d’Ivoire, Benin or the Seychelles.
Fungal diseases
Phytophthora katsurae Ko and Chang causes immature nut fall and lethal
bud rots (Quillec and Renard 1984). P. katsurae, which was initially
identified as P. heveae, a very closely related species, seems to be the only
fungal species, found damaging in Côte d’Ivoire (Blaha et al. 1994). Its
incidence is effectively controlled by fungicide injection into the stem (de
Franqueville and Renard 1989). Phytophthora rot diseases are not
documented in the other African countries, but are suspected in Ghana.
Marasmiellus cocophilus Pegler is associated with the so-called lethal
bole rot, on seedlings or young palms in Kenya and Tanzania (Bock et al.
398
1970). The fungus can act as a saprophyte, colonizing plant matter, either
from coconut palms or from other crops.
Phomopsis cocoina (Cooke) Punith. causes leaf spots and husk rot. It is
reported in Kenya, the Seychelles (quoted by Frison et al. 1993). It can be
borne by nuts.
Bipolaris incurvata causes leaf blight in the Seychelles. This symptom
is similar to the Helminthosporium leaf spot found in Côte d’Ivoire (Quillec
and Renard 1975), caused by Helminthosporium halodes (Dresch.), whose
limited economic importance has never warranted any intensive
intervention.
Diseases of unknown origin

Dry bud rot, which is documented in Côte d’Ivoire (Renard et al. 1975),
also found on oil palm, is transmitted by two similar species of Delphacidae,
namely Sogatella kolophon Kirkaldy and S. cubana Crowford (Julia and
Mariau 1982). It is a disease of young palms and primarily occurs in the
nursery; damage to adult palms has not been observed. There is no
information available on its incidence in the other countries of West Africa.
Pest risk assessment in Côte d’Ivoire

Ivorian coconut plantings are subject to four of the seven diseases
documented in Africa and the Indian Ocean. Two are diseases found in
the nursery or on young palms - blast and dry bud rot. The other two are
fungal diseases, namely: Helminthosporium leaf spot and Phytophthora.
LYD, in neighbouring Ghana, is spreading and threatening the eastern
part of Côte d’Ivoire, but it is difficult to establish the speed with which
the disease is spreading. In the Western Region, it first occurred in 1964
at Cape Three Points. It was not until 1992 that it reached Axim, around
thirty kilometres to the West, after affecting Cape Coast in 1984, 100 km
to the East. The situation has been described by Philippe (1997): a large
focus developed around 15 km west of Axim, i.e. around 74 km from the
Ivorian border. A smaller focus was detected 13 km to the West (61 km
from Côte d’Ivoire) and two diseased palms were detected 34 km from
the border. Those two palms were immediately eliminated. By 1999, the
situation had barely changed (R. Philippe 1999, personal communication).
The larger focus, near Axim, has spread at a rate of one to two km per
year, the smaller focus at a rate of around a hundred metres in two years,
and the situation has remained unchanged at the site where the two
diseased palms were eliminated.
Visits to the lagoon strip, on the Ivorian side, did not reveal any lethal
yellowing infection. There were some yellowing palms, in poor condition,
399
with few or no bunches but there were no signs of any developments in

either symptom intensity or dispersion of the symptoms. They are old
coconut palms, which have never received any fertilizer or phytosanitary
treatment and have always be subjected to attacks from Oryctes and
scale insects (Aspidiotus destructor Signoret), which should not be
confused, as emphasized by Dollet (1995) with cases of lethal yellowing.
The Grand-Drewin station is one of the sites selected for establishing
a coconut germplasm collection. It also has a large population of oil palm.
There is no Phytophthora disease.
Given its location in a low rainfall zone, the risks run by the collection
are linked to drought unless an irrigation system is installed. Diseases
affecting young palms may also occur (blast and dry bud rot), which can
be effectively controlled by chemical treatments against the vectors, and
by cultural practices. A close watch will have to be kept on Oryctes sp.
outbreaks in the early years after planting, especially if old oil palm
plantings have been felled in the vicinity. During production periods,
Aceria (Eriophyes guerreronis) damage is to be feared. Damage caused by
the Coreid bug Pseudotheraptus sp. is slight, probably due to the good
establishment of Oecophylla ants, which limit its development.
Lastly, it is reasonable to assume that if LYD were to spread into
Côte d’Ivoire, it would probably only occur on a scale of at least one
generation of coconut palms.
Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean

At least the following ten diseases are documented in Latin America and
the Caribbean (LAC):
Phytoplasma disease
LYD was reported for the first time in the Cayman Islands around 1830,
has spread throughout the Caribbean, to Haiti, the Dominican Republic,
Cuba, Jamaica and then Florida. It reached the Yucatan peninsula in
Mexico in the 1980s (Cardeña et al. 1991) and was reported in Honduras
in 1996 by Ashburner et al. Its spread in LAC has been much faster than
in West Africa and it is carried by a leafhopper, Myndus crudus Van
Duzee (Cixiidae). Molecular techniques (RFLP, PCR) have shown greater
similarity between the phytoplasmas in LAC and East Africa than with
those in West Africa (Jones et al. 1995; Tymon et al. 1998). LYD occurs in
most of the countries in the zone in the COGENT network, but not in
Costa Rica, Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Brazil. It also doest not
exist in Nicaragua or Venezuela.
It should be noted that phytoplasmas are reported to have been
detected in the embryos of nuts from diseased palms in Mexico. It has
400
not been confirmed, but needs to be checked as soon as possible, using all
the appropriate techniques (electron microscopy, PCR), along with their
viability.
Fungal diseases
Phytophthora palmivora and Phytophthora katsurae live side by side in
Jamaica (Steer and Coates-Beckford 1990), but P. palmivora is usually
the only species found in the zone. It causes bud rot leading to the death
of coconut palm. Its incidence can be devastating in some parts of the
Caribbean, notably the Dominican Republic. It is known to exist in Cuba
and Central America, but there is no precise information. Phytophthora
rot diseases are not documented in Brazil. Bud rot symptoms have been
observed in the Fortaleza region of Ceara state and have been assimilated
in their advanced stage to those caused by this fungus. However, neither
the development of the disease, nor the isolations carried out, has
confirmed this hypothesis (de Franqueville 1996).
Bipolaris incurvata occurs in Central and South America. In particular,
it was reported in Brazil by Warwick (1997) where it causes
Helminthosporium leafspot, or ‘mancha-foliar’, particularly in the nursery.
Lixa pequena, caused by Phyllachora torendiella (Bat.) nov.comb., is a
widespread leaf disease in Brazil of varying intensity (Subileau et al. 1993).
It is also found in French Guiana. It can cause up to 50% loss of leaf area,
immature nut fall, and consequent yield loss of 20 to 40% (Renard 1999).
Lixa grande is another leaf disease associated with the previous one but
caused by Sphaerodothis acrocomiae (Montagne) von Arx & Muller. Queima
das folhas is also a leaf disease of Brazil, caused by Botryosphaeria cocogena
Subileau. Lixas generally promote the development of this fungus, for
which they represent access routes. This constitutes a perfect parasitic
complex (Subileau 1993, 1994; Warwick et al. 1994).
Phytomonas disease
Hartrot is endemic in northern South America, from Peru or Bahia state
in Brazil, to Costa Rica (Renard 1999). It is moving up to Honduras,
where infected oil palm marchitez is already found. It has also been
identified in Trinidad, under the name of Cedros wilt, where 15 000
coconut palms have been killed in three years. It causes sporadic damage
in Colombia, Venezuela, Surinam, Brazil and French Guiana.
Smallholdings, which do not have access to regular insecticide treatments,
can disappear within five years (M. Dollet 1999, personal communication).
The presence of Phytomonas (Trypanosomatids) is associated with any
Hartrot syndrome (Dollet et al. 1977a; Dollet and Lopez 1978). Hartrot is
carried by bugs of the Lincus genus (Louise et al. 1986) or Ochlerus genus
(Mariau 1985).
401
Nematode diseases
Red ring disease is caused by Bursaphelenchus cocophilus (Cobb) Baujard,
a nematode carried by an insect, Rhynchophorus palmarum (Curculionidae).
It is endemic in Central America, South America and the Caribbean
(Warwick et al. 1995). This disease also affects oil palm. Its incidence
varies depending on the region. In Venezuela, some oil palm plantations
have suffered 70% losses in 15 years. Red ring control consists of limiting
the vector populations, notably by using aggregation pheromones.
Diseases of unknown origin

A dry bud rot occurs in Brazil (Renard 1990). It is not known whether it
is linked to the one found in West Africa and/or with the so-called oil
palm ring spot disease, which is rife in Latin America, although symptoms
are similar to those of oil palm dry bud rot in West Africa. As knowledge
stands at the moment, it is classified as a juvenile disease in Brazil
(Warwick 1998).
Porroca is a disease of unknown origin that seems primarily to affect
poorly maintained coconut plantings. Currently, its incidence seems to
be limited to Colombia and Panama, countries which are not in the
COGENT network. Porroca is not reported in Costa Rica for the time
being, but it is worth monitoring closely in Central American countries.
Similar symptoms (short leaves) exist in French Guiana.
Pest risk assessment in Brazil

Seven of the 10 diseases listed above are found in Brazil, but the two
most serious diseases have not been detected in the country, i.e. lethal
yellowing and Phytophthora. Several thousand kilometres separate Brazil
from the most active lethal yellowing foci, whether in the Caribbean zone
or in Central America. The Andes, in Colombia and Venezuela, also form
a natural barrier between Brazil and the Central American foci. It is
therefore unlikely that lethal yellowing will occur in epidemic proportions
in Brazil.
Brazil may be a favourable zone for Phytophthora palmivora
development, as shown by attacks on cocoa plantings in Bahia state (Ortiz
Garcia 1996).
The Aracaju region in Sergipe is characterized by a substantial water
deficit and by extended periods of severe drought. The predominant
diseases in the region are leaf blights (lixas and queima das folhas), which
occur in varying degrees in each of the plantations visited. Hartrot only
seems to occur sporadically in the region (DRN Warwick 1999, personal
communication).
Wherever the collection is planted, it will run the risk of dry bud rot,
which can cause major damage in young plants (Warwick 1998), and
402
Helminthosporium leaf spot. However, attacks can be limited by preventive

treatments.
The list of coconut pests in Brazil is long (Ferreira et al. 1998; Morin
1986). The pests that are likely to be a threat to the collection are primarily
Brassolis sophorae L., Hyalopsila ptychis Dyar, Coraliomela brunnea
Thumberg, Homalinotus coriaceus, Aspidiotus destructor Signoret and the
mite, Eriophyes guerreronis Keifer.
Generally speaking, a close watch will have to be kept on the
germplasm collection to prevent the risks associated with these different
pests. If free of any lethal diseases, drought will remain the main limiting
growth factor of the germplasm collections in Brazil.
Risks linked to germplasm exchange in the study zones
From African/Indian Ocean countries to Côte d’Ivoire

Lethal yellowing is a threat to Côte d’Ivoire. The causal agent is capable
of surviving in this country, spreading and causing major economic
damage. It is therefore a potential quarantine organism.
As far as fungal diseases are concerned, the risk of introducing
Marasmiellus cocophilus, which has yet to be reported in Côte d’Ivoire,
exists from Kenya to Tanzania. Phomopsis cocoina is reported in Kenya
and the Seychelles and can be borne by nuts. Bipolaris incurvata is also
reported in the Seychelles, but causes only minor damage, except in the
nursery. Helminthosporium leaf spot occurs in Côte d’Ivoire. These fungi
are not a major threat for coconut cultivation in Côte d’Ivoire and their
economic importance does not warrant their being considered as
quarantine organisms. Phytophthora palmivora, a species not found on
coconut in Côte d’Ivoire, has not been reported in the countries of the
zone.
From Côte d’Ivoire to African/Indian Ocean countries

Phytophthora katsurae may be a threat for the other countries in the zone
involved, but only causes immature nut fall at the Marc Delorme Station.
Hence, nuts do not germinate. The Grand Drewin Station is free of it.
Moreover, it can be effectively controlled by appropriate fungicide
treatments.
For the other fungal diseases, only Helminthosporium leaf spot could
be a threat, but methods of control and prevention exist for this disease.
It only significantly affects certain ecotypes and is of no economic
importance.
Dry bud rot and blast are juvenile diseases that only occur at certain
times of the year with virtually non existent risk of transmission.
403
From Latin American/Caribbean countries to Brazil

There is nothing to indicate that the causal agent of lethal yellowing is
not capable of settling, developing and causing serious economic damage
in Brazil, even in the marginal zone of Aracaju. Myndus crudus, the disease
vector in Florida and Mexico, has also been seen on oil palm plantations
in Para state (Julia 1990). In any event, the Brazilian government has
stepped up its quarantine and surveillance measures for palms to prevent
the introduction of lethal yellowing in the country.
Phytophthora palmivora probably exists in all the countries in the zone.
The recurrent drought in Sergipe and the Aracaju region should hinder
the establishment of this pathogen and limit its possible economic impact.
From Brazil to the other countries of Latin America/Caribbean

The economic importance of leaf fungi, Lixas and Queima, in Brazil means
that considerable attention needs to be paid to the movement of the
parasites involved. They exist in Sergipe, but also in other much more
humid zones, such as Para state, where disease incidence is relatively
contained by hyperparasitic fungi, Septofusidium elegantulum or
Acremonium alternatum (Warwick et al. 1998). There is nothing to indicate
that they are present in the other countries in the zone. Possible
transmission of this fungus by pollen has been suggested, although not
proven. In any event, based on the available information and given the
lack of any effective control method, they have to be considered as
quarantine organisms, be it via pollen or seeds.
Hartrot disease occurs sporadically in Sergipe. With the exception of
Trinidad and Tobago, it has not been reported in the Caribbean zone
and therefore could be a threat from Brazil to Cuba, Haiti and Jamaica.
Because of its causal agent, which also exists in Grenada on Alpinia, and
the economic damage it causes, it should be considered as a potential
quarantine organism for those countries and for Mexico. However, its
intraphloemic nature ought to limit the risk of transmission by pollen or
embryos. Red ring disease, which is endemic throughout Latin America
and part of the Caribbean, should not be a major threat provided
precautions are taken to eliminate the vector. Dry bud rot, as knowledge
stands at the moment, is a juvenile disease with virtually non existent
risk of transmission.
Recommendations
The technical directives drawn up by the FAO impose a few basic measures
that govern coconut germplasm movements. Among the measures worth
noting in particular, is that such movement must be by embryo cultures
or pollen, using the techniques described in the recommendations of the
FAO.
404
It is common sense that germplasm should only be collected from

healthy palms (not from the ground) at sites free of serious diseases. In
that way, movement of partially dehusked and carefully decontaminated
nuts, as recommended by the FAO for most fungal diseases, should not
involve any major risks of spreading lethal diseases. It is all the more
important in view of the fact that very few countries in the COGENT
network have embryo culture facilities as yet.
The two ICG host countries, Côte d’Ivoire and Brazil, are countries
free from LYD, unlike most countries in the zone they represent.
Any germplasm movement to these two countries must be by pollen
or embryo cultures, seeing that LYD propagation is not possible by those
pathways. Occasionally, seednuts could also be used provided they are
collected from zones free of LYD or Hartrot, as certified by the exporting
countries through a phytosanitary certificate after the evaluation of the
collection site. If movement is by seednut, particular care must be paid to
mites, with fumigation where necessary.
It cannot be ruled out that Phytophthora may have an airborne phase
during its cycle and contaminate pollen. This hypothesis is difficult to
confirm or refute. Pollen preparation does not eliminate the fungi, but
the measures recommended by the FAO (inspection and search for fungi
on leaving the exporting country and on entering the importing country)
should enable checks to be made notably by using specific Phytophthora
culture media.
Germplasm movements from Brazil to the other countries in the LAC
zone must take into account the risks of propagating leaf diseases that
are widespread in Brazil. As knowledge stands at the moment, it is not
possible to say that the causal agents are not conveyed by seednuts or
pollen. Moreover, they are difficult to isolate and culture, which does
not argue in favour of the phytosanitary inspection recommended for
Phytophthora. Embryo culture is therefore recommended for germplasm
exported from Brazil.
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Pest risk analysis and guidelines for the safe

movement of germplasm in the International
Coconut Genebank of Asia and the Pacific
R Ikin
Biosecurity Consultant, 25 Mayfair Place, Boondall, QLD 4034 Queensland, Australia
Introduction
Pest risk analysis (PRA) or Import risk analysis (IRA) is the process that
is used to technically justify phytosanitary measures that are imposed on
the importation of plants and plant products. Although the process is
primarily used to determine import conditions for commercial quantities
of traded commodities, it must be applied also to importations of small
quantities of germplasm because in both cases there must be technical
justification for the phytosanitary measures imposed. International
guidelines for the pest risk analysis methodology have been developed
by the Interim Commission on Phytosanitary Measures (ICPM) under its
mandate to harmonise plant quarantine/phytosanitary procedures at a
global level under the World Trade Organisation’s Sanitary and
Phytosanitary Agreement (SPS Agreement). The two main International
Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) are #2 Guidelines for pest
risk analysis (FAO 1996a) and #11 Pest Risk Analysis for quarantine pests
(FAO 2001). The identification of pests of concern in the movement of
germplasm and the formulation of phytosanitary conditions for the
management of these pests were initially developed at an international
level by FAO/IPGRI (Frison et al. 1993; Diekmann, this chapter). Later,
this publication was modified for one key pest using the ISPM Guideline
for PRA methodology at the ACIAR/COGENT/IPGRI meeting in
Malaysia (Diekmann 1997).
The purpose of this article is to examine the process of PRA in more
detail, to identify major pests of concern at a global level and to suggest
pest management options that are available that could be adopted at
national or regional level to reduce pest risk to an acceptable level. In this
case, the task is to devise pest management strategies for the exchange of
seednuts, embryo cultures and pollen among the International Coconut
Genebanks (ICGs) of the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (COGENT), and between the ICGs and their country members.
411
The Pest Risk Analysis process
Phase 1: Initiating the PRA

Initiating the PRA process involves the identification of the range of pests
that are likely to be in the pathway (carried by the propagule) such as
seednuts, pollen or embryos. In the case of movement within and between
the ICG centres, information on national pest status is taken from the
available international technical literature. International pest data can
be taken from sources such as the FAO/IPGRI Guidelines for the exchange
of coconut germplasm (Frison et al. 1993), the CABI Crop Protection
Compendium (CABI 2003) and other sources. Such a literature search
initially compiles information on all pests associated with the coconut
crop worldwide, irrespective of the type of material that is to be moved
as germplasm. Therefore, this primary information gathering activity is
non-selective but forms the basis for decision-making.
Crucial to the correct progression of the PRA process is the
determination of the pest status of the respective countries in accordance
with ISPM #8 Pest status in an area (FAO 1996b). In this case, the status
of many pests is uncertain and, without conducting extensive in-country
surveys, will have to rely upon the literature citations presently available.
In the Asia Pacific region, there have been a number of useful compilations
of pests and diseases of economic importance. These include data on the
coconut crop, but these have been obtained in consultation with agencies
that have not provided primary technical references as is generally the
case of other compendia (APPPC 1987; Waterhouse 1993; Waterhouse
1997; Li et al. 1997). This information has been included at face value by
CABI in its Compendium, but it has not been possible to further investigate
the specific impact these pests have on the coconut palm, particularly
the affected plant part, or to completely validate the records by further
cross references. Therefore, it is essential that the relevant plant protection
organization of a country verify the lists of pests compiled from literature
sources with responsibility for research and extension in coconuts.
For each of the pests identified in the primary pest list, the technical
data for pests of potential quarantine concern are compiled in a pest
datasheet. The data compiled include information on pest biology, in
particular that which relates to the capacity of the pest to be in the
pathway and to enter, establish and spread in the importing area. When
available, information on the economic importance of the pest is also
gathered in order to support the classification of the pest as a quarantine
pest in accordance with the International Plant Protection Convention’s
definition of a ‘quarantine pest’ and Phase 2 of the PRA process.
At the end of this first phase of the PRA process, a list of pests in the
country of export is compiled together with a list of pests in the importing
412
country. By subtracting the second (importing) country list from the first
(exporting) country list, a list of potential quarantine pests that move
into Phase 2 of the procedure are determined.
Phase 2: Pest risk assessment

The second of final stage in the classification of the potential quarantine
pests include those that would be in the pathway for tissue cultured
embryos, seednuts or pollen and is undertaken as the final component of
the completion of the datasheet for each pest. The assumptions made
concerning economic impact are included in this classification.
In each datasheet, the quarantine status for exchange of seednuts,
embryo culture and pollen is also recorded.
For each quarantine pest or pest of potential quarantine threat, on
each datasheet, an assessment of the risk of the pest in each of the three
pathways is made using the following table:
Key biological information
PRA*
Seednuts Embryo culture Pollen
Risk of entry
Risk of establishment
Risk of spread
Economic impact
Quarantine status
Overall risk
Risk management required
*Legend: L=low M=medium H= high NA=not applicable
Y=yes N= no
Q=quarantine pest NR= non-regulated pest
Pests that are recorded as being associated with coconut growing but
are not on the germplasm pathway such as larger mammals (vertebrates),
nematodes and weeds are eliminated from the analysis for the following
reasons:
Vertebrate pests
Rats (Rattus sp) and the plantain squirrel (Callsciurus notatus) are too
large to be in any pathway considered for germplasm exchange.
Nematodes
Nematodes can be serious pests of coconuts, but are root pests and would
not be in the pathway and are not considered further in this analysis. If
nuts were harvested from the ground and could be contaminated with
soil, nematodes could be in the pathway.
413
Weeds
A large number of weed species are recorded in association with the
cultivation of coconuts as an economic crop. Many are economically
significant. However, none would be considered in the pathway, as it
would be expected that only seednuts from the palm would be used for
germplasm exchange and they would be cleaned of any material prior to
partial de-husking. Weeds would only be a problem if nuts were
harvested from the ground and could be contaminated with soil.
Arthropod pests
Seednuts. Leaf and trunk pests are not considered to pose a serious risk
with the import of nuts. A number of pests are recorded on flower heads
and young nuts and are considered in the pathway. A number of general
pests such as scales and mites are found on all parts of the coconut plant
and have been considered as hitchhikers. These pests will require risk
management options.
Embryo cultures. Arthropod pests are not considered to enter the pathway
for imports that are made as embryo cultured material because of the
technique that is used and the sterile conditions under which the material
is extracted and cultured.
Pollen. A number of pests infest the floral parts of the coconut such as
Tirathaba rufivena and Unaspis citri and could be a problem if care is not
taken during harvest. However, they are large enough to be able to be
detected by visual inspection.
Mites are sometimes a problem with contamination of pollen harvested
in the field, and would require examination using a hand lens or binocular
microscope to detect infestation.
Diseases
Seednuts. Pests are only considered of quarantine significance if they are
known to be seed borne, such as Marasmius palmivorus (oil palm bunch
rot). Many pests are systemic but not seed transmitted such as Foliar
decay and Anomola pallida.
Embryo cultures. Pests that are systemic may not necessarily be present in
the embryo. However, one pathogen cadang-cadang, has been detected
in the embryo, but is not proven to be seed borne.
Pollen. Most pests do not infect pollen although cadang-cadang has been
detected in pollen. Whether it is pollen borne is not proven.
414
Diseases and pests of unknown etiology

Frison et al. (1993) lists a number of diseases/disorders of unknown
etiology that are present in Asia and the Pacific regions. Those included
are Finschhafen disease, Frond rot, Malaysia wilt, Natuna wilt, Socorro
wilt and Stem necrosis.
These diseases are restricted in distribution and the precautionary
principle is implemented by requiring that material of all types moved
from areas where they occur should be from areas free of the pests in
accordance with international standards for pest free areas (ISPM # 4
FAO 1996b). Since the causes of the diseases are not known since no
tests are available, this is the only phytosanitary management option.
In accordance with ISPM #2 at the end of Phase 2 of the PRA process,
the quarantine pests in the pathways should have been identified. These
pests would now require that phytosanitary management procedures be
identified to address the phytosanitary risk identified.
Phase 3: Pest risk management

It is assumed that all COGENT ICGs have the capacity to handle
germplasm as seednuts, tissue cultures and pollen, and that they have
the equipment to undertake the risk management operational procedures
that are recommended. If the genebanks do not have the capability to
undertake the required treatments then they must be undertaken before
export at the point of exit or if post entry quarantine is not possible, then
third country, intermediate quarantine would be required. Management
options for the movement of germplasm between the Asian and Pacific
COGENT ICGs in India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are given in
Annex 1.
Management of quarantine pest groups

Although a number of different pests have been identified as quarantine
pests in Annex 1, these need not be dealt with on an individual basis.
Quarantine pests management strategies are developed to deal with the
risks of pest groups of ‘like minded’ pests, rather than individual
quarantine pests.
Arthropod pests
Seednuts. The accepted method of managing arthropod pests has been
fumigation with an appropriate broad-spectrum chemical (Frison et al.
1993). Currently, the practice is to remove part of the husk of the coconut,
thereby removing some of the pests, and to fumigate with methyl bromide
(MeBr) at the rate of 32g per cubic metre for three hours at 21oC. This
treatment will effectively deal with all arthropod pests that have casually
415
moved to the coconut fruit, such as the leaf feeders, scales, thrips, bugs
and mites.
Methyl bromide is known to have some phytotoxic effect on coconuts
and care should be exercised in undertaking the treatment. The treatment
at 32g per cubic metre for 24 hours at 20oC is used for devitalisation
treatment in Australia (treatment A7.b. in FAO 1984).Temperatures for
the treatment should not be high, water should be placed in the chamber
in trays before the fumigation begins to increase humidity. The dehusked
nuts should be removed from the chamber as soon as the treatment is
completed and placed in a cool, ventilated area to allow the fumigant to
disperse from around the coir.
If MeBr is not available as a fumigant, then aluminium phosphide is
an alternative at the rate of 225 ppm of phosphine gas for 120 hrs at
20oC (treatment B4h.(5)(e) in FAO 1984) or 2-3 tablets per cubic metre
for 24-72 hours (treatment C13 (30) in FAO 1984).
Embryo cultures. Arthropod pests are not considered to be in the pathway

when movement as tissue cultures is correctly undertaken. However,
there have been instances where small mite pests have contaminated
cultures, so imports should be carefully inspected for these pests on arrival
by microscopic examination.
Pollen. Established methods for collecting pollen have been described

(Balingasa and Santos 1978 and Frison et al. 1993). These methods would
prevent pollen contamination from neighbouring palms and also prevent
contamination by airborne pests if carefully applied.
Treatment of pollen is not possible, other than sieving out the larger
contaminating pests, so all consignments should be carefully, visually
inspected using a low power microscope, before dispatch and again at
point of entry.
Fungal diseases
Seednuts. A number of fungal diseases have been recorded on seednuts
and flower clusters and therefore have the potential to be in the pathway.
Nevertheless, whether all of these are seedborne has not been determined,
although the risk exists. Invoking the precautionary principle, it is
recommended that where these diseases are identified by the PRA as of
concern, the nuts should be grown in post-entry quarantine (PEQ). Where
a disease occurs generally in an area, only healthy nuts should be selected
for exchange. Where diseases are not widespread and do not occur in
specific and defined areas, then nuts should be sourced from these pest
free areas. Seednuts should be treated with an acceptable and registered
fungicide before sowing in PEQ.
416
Embryo cultures. Embryo cultures free of contamination would not present

a pathway for the introduction of fungal diseases.
Pollen. Pollen should be visually inspected after gathering for fungal spores
and again at point of entry. Pollen found infected should be destroyed.
Viruses, viroids, mollicutes and phytoplasmas

These systemic diseases have to be managed either through sourcing from
pest free areas, or by active testing where the disease occurs generally
and is not controlled. The causal organism for some of these diseases has
not been determined and the precautionary principle is invoked to ensure
that risk of incursions with exchange is negligible.
As a general principle for these diseases, material should only be collected
from palms showing no symptoms. Although this in no way guarantees
freedom from these diseases, it does reduce the possibility of the disease
being in the pathway.
Seednuts. They should never be moved directly from areas where non-
cultivable mollicutes or Phytomonas occur, to areas not affected with these
pathogens (Frison et al. 1993). This is recommended despite the fact that
there is no firm evidence that any of these systemic diseases are
transmitted by seed. The research on cadang-cadang in controlled non-
infected areas has not been completed so material from the infected area
should not be exchanged, or only made from palms indexed free of the
viroid.
Embryo cultures. The presence of some systemic diseases has been detected
in the embryo of coconuts. Therefore, material must only be taken from
plants that are known to be free of these diseases, or the material taken
as tissue must be indexed before release for growing in a propagation
nursery.
Pollen. Cadang-cadang has been detected in pollen. However, the evidence

of the disease being transmitted this way to seed is not yet available.
Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, pollen should be tested or
sourced from areas free of cadang-cadang.
General phytosanitary measures for the movement of coconut

germplasm
Administration (i.e., permits, etc.)

As well as compliance with countries’ phytosanitary requirements, the
collecting and exchange of germplasm should be undertaken with the
417
full participation of the stakeholders, which could be collectors, breeders,

other scientists and farmers. In the case of exchange between national
and regional centres, it can be assumed that formal approval is sought
for the movement at a bilateral level. Nevertheless, with the possibility of
the movement from national sources outside the collections into other
centres, compliance with good collecting practices should be iterated,
particularly if a standard procedure is being developed and adopted
worldwide, such as the International Code of Conduct for Plant
Germplasm Collecting and Transfer.
This Code “aims to promote the rational collection and sustainable
use of genetic resources, to prevent genetic erosion, and to protect the
interests of both donors and collectors of germplasm. The Code, a
voluntary one, has been developed by FAO and negotiated by its Member
Nations through the Organization’s Commission on Plant Genetic
Resources. The Code is based on the principle of national sovereignty
over plant genetic resources and sets out standards and principles to be
observed by those countries and institutions that adhere to it. The Code
proposes procedures to request and/or to issue licences for collecting
missions, provides guidelines for collectors themselves, and extends
responsibilities and obligations to the sponsors of missions, the curators
of genebanks, and the users of genetic material”(FAO 1993).
The Code outlines the arrangements that should be made prior to
collecting missions. In particular, import permits should be obtained that
clearly indicate the phytosanitary conditions that must be met prior to
the material being exported. With the increasing reliance on the concept
of area freedom and the indexing of source plants, these phytosanitary
requirements must be fulfilled otherwise, the material will most likely be
destroyed on arrival.
Specifically the Code requires collectors or curators of collections to –
“(c) make arrangements with quarantine officials, seed storage managers
and curators to ensure that the samples are transferred as quickly as
possible to conditions which optimize their viability; (d) obtain, in
accordance with the importing countries’ requirements, the phytosanitary
certificate(s) and other documentation needed for transferring the material
collected.
Treatments
Because of the uncertainty about the distribution of many of these pests
and lack of precise information on their biology, particularly the parts of
the plant affected, it is prudent to require a set of general measures to
address overall pest risk as well as requirements for specific regulated
pests. These general recommendations are as follows:
418
• Germplasm should only be collected from apparently healthy

palms
• Seednuts should be collected from the palm, not from the
ground
• Seednuts partially dehusked and fumigated at port of exit
• Seednuts be treated with an approved fungicide and grown
in post-entry quarantine for at least one growing season (in
the tropics, the duration of a wet season and at least three
months of a dry season), for release only after examination
and certification of pest freedom by a plant pathologist.
References
APPPC. 1987. Insect pests of economic significance affecting major crops
of the countries in Asia and the Pacific region. Technical Document
No. 135. Regional FAO Office for Asia and the Pacific (RAPA),
Bangkok, Thailand.
Batugal, P. 1997. Implications of restricted coconut germplasm movement.
Pp. 4-7. In: M Diekmann (ed). Proceedings of the meeting on viroid-
like sequences of coconut, 21-23 April 1997, Kajang, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. ACIAR, Australia/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
Balingasa, EN and GA Santos, 1978. Manual for coconut hand pollination
technique. Breeding and Genetics Division, Philippine Coconut
Authority, Bago-Oshiro, Davao City, Philippines.
CABI. 2003. Crop Protection Compendium. CDRom. Commonwealth
Agriculture Bureau International, Wallingford, UK.
Diekmann, M (ed). 1997. Proceedings of the meeting on viroid-like
sequences in coconut. 21-23 April 1997, Kajang, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia. ACIAR, Australia/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
FAO. 1984. International plant quarantine treatment manual, FAO Plant
production and protection paper, 50. FAO, Rome, Italy. 220pp.
FAO. 1996a. Guidelines for pest risk analysis. ISPM #2. FAO, Rome, Italy
FAO. 1996b. Guidelines for the establishment of pest free areas. ISPM #
4. FAO. Rome, Italy.
FAO. 2001. Pest risk analysis of quarantine pests. ISPM #11. FAO Rome.
Italy
Frison, EA, CAJ Putter and M Diekmann.1993. Technical guidelines for
the safe movement of coconut germplasm [and addendum (1997)].
FAO/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
Foale, M and PW Lynch. 1994. Coconut improvement in the South Pacific.
Proceedings of a workshop in Taveuni, Fiji. ACIAR Proceedings #53.
ACIAR, Canberra, Australia.
419
Li Li-ying, R Wang and DF Waterhouse. 1997. The distribution and

importance of arthropod pests and weeds of agriculture and forestry
plantations in Southern China. ACIAR, Canberra, Australia. 185pp.
Waterhouse, DF. 1993. The major arthropod pests and weeds of
agriculture in Southeast Asia. ACIAR, Canberra, Australia. 141pp.
Waterhouse, DF and KR Norris. 1987. Biological control: Pacific
prospects. Inkata Press, Melbourne, Australia. 454pp.
420
Annex 1. Specific phytosanitary measures for the movement

of coconut germplasm between and among the ICG host coun-
tries in the Asia and the Pacific regions (India, Indonesia and
Papua New Guinea)
India to Indonesia
Management Options
Quarantine Pests
Nuts Embryo Pollen
Arthropods
• Coccus hesperidum (brown soft scale)
• Nipaecoccus nipae (spiked mealybug)
• Oligonychus biharensis Fumigation Not applicable Inspection
• Raoiella indica
• Tetranychus ludeni (red spider mite)
Diseases
• Hypocrea rufa (fruit rot: Citrus spp.) Fungicide and Not applicable Not applicable
PEQ
• Kerala wilt (root wilt) Area freedom* Area freedom Area freedom
Note: *Pest-free Area
Indonesia to India
Management Options
Quarantine Pests
Nuts Embryo Pollen
Arthropods
• Hidari irava (coconut skipper)
• Mahasena corbetti (coconut case caterpillar)
• Rhabdoscelus obscurus (New Guinea Fumigation Not applicable Inspection
sugarcane weevil)
• Unaspis citri (citrus snow scale)
Disease
• Natuna wilt Area freedom Area freedom Area freedom
India to Papua New Guinea

Management Options
Quarantine Pests
Nuts Embryo Pollen
Arthropods
• Coccus hesperidum (brown soft scale)
• Nipaecoccus nipae (spiked mealybug)
• Oligonychus biharensis
• Raoiella indica Fumigation Not applicable Inspection
Mites
• Tetranychus cinnabarinus (carmine spider
mite)
• Tetranychus ludeni (red spider mite)
Diseases
• Hypocrea rufa (fruit rot: Citrus spp.) Fungicide and Not applicable Not applicable
PEQ
• Kerala wilt (root wilt) Area freedom Area freedom Area freedom
421
Papua New Guinea to India

Management Options
Quarantine Pests
Nuts Embryo Pollen
Arthropods
• Amblypelta cocophaga (coconut bug)
• Amblypelta theobromae (coconut bug)
• Axiagastus cambelli
Fumigation Not applicable Not applicable
• Mahasena corbetti (coconut case caterpillar)
• Rhabdoscelus obscurus (New Guinea
sugarcane weevil)
• Unaspis citri (citrus snow scale)
Diseases
• Phytophthora katsurae (chestnut downy Fungicide & Not applicable Not applicable
mildew) PEQ
• Finschhafen disease Area freedom Area freedom Area freedom
Indonesia to Papua New Guinea

Management Options
Quarantine Pests
Nuts Embryo Pollen
Arthropods
• Hidari irava (coconut skipper)
• Icerya pulchra Fumigation Not applicable Inspection
• Tetranychus cinnabarinus (carmine spider
mite)
Disease
• Natuna wilt Area freedom Area freedom Area freedom
Papua New Guinea to Indonesia

Management Options
Quarantine Pests
Nuts Embryo Pollen
Arthropods
• Amblypelta cocophaga (coconut bug)
• Amblypelta theobromae (coconut bug) Fumigation Not applicable Inspection
• Axiagastus cambelli
Diseases
• Phytophthora katsurae (chestnut downy Fungicide and Not applicable Not applicable
mildew) PEQ
• Finschhafen disease Area freedom Area freedom Area freedom
422
Treatment recommendations
Fumigation: As recommended with methyl bromide (MeBr) or phosphine

gas.
Dip: As recommended in Frison et al. (1993). The fungicide must be

registered for use in particular circumstances and it is not therefore
possible to make a specific recommendation here.
Post-entry quarantine: The nuts after treatment should be germinated

in an enclosed area, preferably a greenhouse or a screenhouse depending
on the capacity to control temperature. The plants should be grown for
at least one growing season (in the tropics, the duration of a wet season
and at least three months of a dry season) and during this time regularly
examined by a qualified plant pathologist with experience in palm
pathology. If required, samples of leaf and other material should be taken
for specific diagnostic testing.
Diagnostic tests: Tests for specific disorders and diseases should be

conducted as prescribed by Frison et al. (1993).
Area freedom: Some quarantine pests are not distributed throughout

the country of origin of the germplasm. It is therefore possible to obtain
certification from the national plant protection organization of the
exporting country a declaration that the material (seednuts, embryo or
pollen) have been obtained from an area where the specific pests of
concern have not been detected. This declaration should be made on a
Phytosanitary certificate that accompanies the consignment. If this is not
obtained then testing must be done for the diseases, or if the risk is
considered too great, then the material is destroyed.
423
424
Chapter 7
Information, public
awareness, institutional
support and
partnerships
425
426
CHAPTER 7: Information, public awareness,institutional support and partnerships
The international coconut genetic resources

database
C Hamelin1, R Bourdeix2 and L Baudouin3
Scientist, 2Coconut Breeder and 3Geneticist Centre de Coopération Internationale en Re-
1
cherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD), Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
Background
During the International Workshop on Coconut Genetic Resources, held
in Cipanas (Indonesia) in October 1991, two major recommendations
were made for coconut: the first was to set up the International Coconut
Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), and the second, concerning
network information and documentation, stated as follows:
“Participants agree on the need for a single central coconut database to be

developed for the initial stage of the network. The offer by CIRAD Montpellier
to act as a host for this database was gratefully accepted. […]”
A meeting was then organized in Montpellier (France) from 19 to 22

May 1992, with representatives from national collections to clarify the
status of existing collections, define how the database was to be organized
and draw up the list of descriptors to be taken into account, along with
precise standardized ways of observing those descriptors. It was decided
that the database would be developed in several stages. The development
of an IT (Information Technology) application was initiated in 1992 with
the presentation of a database mock-up called the Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD), which eventually became the formal title
for the database. It has continued since then on an annual basis.
Each stage involved adding/improving management system
functionalities, and increasing the number of accession sites contained
in the database. Furthermore, in order to take into account the progress
made in IT techniques, the application, which initially functioned under
the MS-DOS system, was completely rewritten for the Microsoft Windows
system, so that photos and graphs could be displayed, and to provide a
more user-friendly interface. Lastly, the progress made in molecular
techniques, and their use on coconut to characterize genetic diversity,
revealed the need to add the possibility of storing molecular information
from these techniques in the database.
Table 1 shows how the database developed over the years in terms of
its functions and content. It can be seen that the successive increases in
the number of accessions over time has been irregular. The growth rates
that can be calculated vary between 1 and 34%. From 1995 to 2002,
427
Table 1. Stages in the development of CGRD

No. of
Date Version Functions added/Improved
accessions
1993 Mock-up Passport data 0
Version 1.0 Functions to query the database and to create reports 500
1994 Version 2.0 Characterization and evaluation data 669
Backup function
1996 Version 2.1 DIP (Data Interchange Protocol) format for data export 738
Restoration function
1997 Version 2.2 New structure
Improved software
1998 Version 2.2 New DIP (Data Interchange Protocol) format for data 936
improved export
1999 Version 2.2 New reports 1225
2000 Version 3.0 for Migration to Windows

Windows
2001 Version 4.0 for Improved functions 1352

Windows Export in delimited ASCII files (to use in statistical
software)
2002 Version 5.0 for Introduction of coconut molecular data 1369
Windows
2003 Version 5.1 for Improved backup 1416
Windows function
Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Mexico, Papua New
Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vanuatu and Vietnam
(Bourdeix 1996; 1997a; 1997b; 1998; Bourdeix et al. 1999; Baudouin 2002)
were visited and local researchers were trained in gathering and inputting
data into the database. Such visits also provided an excellent opportunity
to test the software in real situations and to detect items that needed
improvements.
Objectives
The work on CGRD was initiated for the main purpose of providing the
COGENT members with an easily consultable computerized catalogue
of accessions representing a large number of cultivars spread throughout
the coconut growing zone, in order to gain a clearer picture of coconut
genetic diversity and thereby promote exchange of germplasm. This
continues to be the main objective.
Another purpose of this database is for the COGENT country members
to establish a list of passport descriptors and standardize
characterization/assessment descriptors specific to coconut to be used
by all partners. In addition, the database was created to speed up cultivar
characterization and evaluation. The members of COGENT supplying
the information contained in the database are regularly encouraged to
add new information or complete the information already recorded
requiring them to make a considerable effort to gather information and
thereby improve their knowledge of the cultivars planted in their
genebanks.
428
Organization
The data entered into the base are the values of passport and
characterization descriptors for coconut accessions defined by COGENT.
It also includes photos of the palms, along with results and diagrams
from microsatellite molecular analyses. Based on an analysis of these data,
and of the relations and constraints existing between them, a conceptual
model of database organization was established. It provided a formal
description of the database (Figure 1) using entities (symbolized by
rectangles) corresponding to the natural objects identified in the system
(sites, accessions, cultivars, photos, etc.), and relations (symbolized by
circles) between those entities. This model was modified during
development, when molecular data or photos were integrated.
In the model, accessions and cultivars form the core of the database.
The database structure respects certain management rules, such as:
• It is compulsory for an accession to belong to a collection site and
its number is unique in the database;
• A cultivar can be represented by several accessions; and
• Photographs and molecular data are attached to the cultivars.
Figure 1. Simplified conceptual model of the CGRD
The conceptual model was translated into a relational type logical model
(Figure 2) consisting of tables (symbolized by rectangles) linked to each
other, derived from the entities and relations of the conceptual model. A
relational type organization was chosen because it is a widely used
429
organization, which has proven its worth and enables the use of a very
powerful query language. Lastly, a very large number of commercial
database management systems function with this type of organization.
This logical model was implemented in the chosen relational database
management system.
Figure 2. Simplified relational logical model of CGRD database
The CGRD was designed to function in a semi-centralized way. All

COGENT members have a version of the database on their machine,
which can be used to consult the entire catalogue, and to add or update
data on the accessions at their site. In the latter case, a basic functionality
enables data backup per site, for transmission to CIRAD (Centre de
Développement), the organization that centralizes the data from all the
collection sites. CIRAD checks data coherence before entering them in
the database, which is distributed annually to COGENT members.
Functions
The CGRD has a management system endowed with functions that can
be used to carry out all the necessary operations on the data it contains.
Among the functions available, which are listed below, there are those
that are found in conventional database management systems, but there
are also specific functions, given the nature of the database:
• Entering/consulting information on collection sites
• Entering/consulting data on individual accessions
• Selections in the database using criteria
• Creation of various types of reports
430
• Backing up of the database on an external medium

• Restoring database from a previous backup to the computer hard
disk (when the database files are damaged on the hard disk)
• Exporting accession data in D.I.P. format (Data Interchange Pro-
tocol, for introduction into generalized genetic resources databases
accepting this format)
• Consulting pictures of coconut cultivars on various topics
• Consulting the molecular group-based coconut classification
• Obtaining information on microsatellite markers and viewing the
electrophoretic profile
• Online help
The database has a Microsoft Windows type graphic interface with a

menu from which operations to be implemented on the data can be
chosen.
Figures 3 to 5 show how data are displayed in CGRD. The screen
displayed in Figure 3 is a part of the main screen of CGRD where pictures
can be seen and from which descriptors data can be entered by clicking
on the Passport or Characterization and evaluation data tabs.
Figure 3. The tab picture of the accession screen in CGRD
431
Figure 4 shows a list of accessions retrieved after a successful search in

the database. By clicking on the Accessions details tab when an accession
is selected, all previously entered information on passport or on
characterization data will be displayed on the screen.
Figure 4. The screen resulting from a successful selection of accessions in CGRD
Figure 5 shows the Classification Tree of the coconut cultivars annotated

with the molecular groups identified in the species. A click on a letter of
the molecular group, displays the list of cultivars of the same group on
the right of the screen.
Figure 5. The Classification Tree in CGRD

432
Contents
Each accession in the database is characterized by 145 descriptors, of
which there are 72 passport descriptors and 73 characterization and
evaluation descriptors. Passport descriptors are divided into two groups:
the accession data group, which contains accession characteristics
(category, colour, cultivar, parental origin, etc.) and the collection data
group, which contains data on the site and the original population from
which the accession was sampled.
The characterization and evaluation descriptors are generally
quantitative traits, whose values are means, calculated from values
measured on several palms. A standard deviation is associated with each
of the means, to have an idea of the variability of the trait within the
accessions. To obtain these values, a data management system has to be
put in place for every palm in the field. This is not trouble-free, because it
has to be carried out over a long period following a regular schedule. In
order to help researchers to follow this management protocol, COGENT
has committed CIRAD in 1996 to develop dedicated software called CDM
(Coconut Data Management). This software was designed to manage
experimental data observed on collections and experimental fields of
coconut and other crops. The version 3 delivered in March 2000 is able
to manage the palm identification characters along with data on
observations during the vegetative phase, leaf morphology, stem
measurements and state of the palms. It is possible to execute powerful
queries on the database, to export data into external file, and to make
statistical analysis of widely used experimental designs.
The CGRD characterization and evaluation descriptors are divided
into:
• Site descriptors, information about the site at which the acces-
sion is to be found and about the people assessing it;
• Germination descriptors, germination rates and percentages;
• Stem descriptors, stem morphology (height, circumference,
number of internodes, etc.);
• Leaf descriptors, leaf morphology (petiole, rachis, leaflets, etc.);
• Inflorescence descriptors, to characterize inflorescences (pedun-
cle, spikelets, number of female flowers, etc.);
• Flowering descriptors, such as the length of male and female
phases, information on overlapping of these phases, spathe emis-
sion date, inflorescence opening date, etc.;
• Fruit descriptors, nut characteristics (shape, weight of different
compartments, dry matter weight, etc.);
• Yield descriptors, number of bunches, number of nuts, quantity
of copra; and
433
• Oil descriptors, oil/nut characteristics (quantity of oil in fresh

matter and in dry matter form).
In 2003, the main statistics about the database were as follows (Table 2a
and 2b):
• The accessions of 28 genebanks located in South Asia, Southeast
Asia, the South Pacific, Africa, and the Caribbean−Central
America zone figure in the database.
• Some countries, such as Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New
Guinea, have at least two sites where collections are maintained,
with a maximum of four for Indonesia.
• A little over 60% of the accessions are in the South and Southeast
Asia, primarily in India, the Philippines and Indonesia.
• Not all the descriptors are filled in; a little over half of the acces-
sions (all sites combined) have values for 25% to 50% of their
passport and evaluation descriptors.
• Very few accessions have values for 100% of their passport
descriptors or evaluation descriptors.
• The database lists 599 Tall cultivars, 111 Dwarf cultivars, 1 semi-
Tall cultivar plus a few others of small size but cross-fertilizing.
• Some cultivars such as the Malayan Tall, Pakistan Tall are de-
scribed very often in the database, represented by 49 and 32 ac-
cessions, respectively, whereas more than 70% of the cultivars
are only represented by one accession.
• The database contains 754 photos representing a little over 20%
of the cultivars. The aspects illustrated are the whole plant, the
crown, the inflorescence, the fruit, genetic diversity, and cultural
aspects of the coconut palm.
• Photos of inflorescence, bunch and fruit are the most numerous.
• The molecular data contained in the database come from
microsatellite electrophoresis studies carried out on cultivars. On
average, 14 microsatellite loci have been analyzed per cultivar.
• For each cultivar and each locus, the frequencies of the different
alleles found at the locus are indicated.
• Based on the allelic frequencies of the microsatellite loci studied,
cultivars have been assigned to different molecular affiliation
groups. The molecular group of each cultivar is also recorded in
the database.
A cultivar classification tree based on the molecular groups is proposed

in one of the database modules. It is possible to move along the different
branches of the tree, bringing up a list of the cultivars attached to the
selected molecular group in each case. The microsatellite data of 119
434
cultivars are stored in the database. Lastly, data per microsatellite locus
(SSR locus type, allele size, number of alleles, chromosome etc.), along
with images of the microsatellite electrophoretic profiles and profile
interpretation diagrams are also recorded in the database.
Table 2a. Number of accessions per site or per region according to the percentage of
passport descriptors (P) filled in
Number of
Site P=0 0<P≤25 25<P≤50 50<P≤75 75≤P≤100
accessions
Côte d'Ivoire 99 0 0 28 7
CRC Sémé Podji, Benin 4 0 0 4 0 0
AFRICAN REGION 191 0 17 95 72 7
LATIN AMERICA-CARIBBEAN REGION 96 0 44 35 17 0
CPCRI, India 212 0 71 74 67 0
RS, Pakistan 32 0 32 0 0 0
PNG 3 0 3 0 0 0
RS, Yandina, Solomon Islands 21 0 17 4 0 0
RS, China 17 0 2 15 0 0
Department of Agriculture, Sabah,
Malaysia 45 0 22 23 0 0
MARDI, Hilir, Perak, Malaysia 44 0 10 34 0 0
Indonesia 30 0 0 10 20 0
Philippines 224 0 3 220 1 0
Chumphon Horticultural Research
Centre, Thailand 52 0 10 37 5 0
Dong Go Experimental Center, Vietnam 31 0 0 1 29 1
435
Table 2b. Number of accessions per site or per region according to the percentage of
evaluation descriptors (E) filled in
Number of
Site E=0 0<E≤25 25<E≤50 50<E≤75 75≤E≤100
accessions
Côte d'Ivoire 99 0 28 28 43 0
CRC Sémé Podji, LOCATION Benin 4 0 0 4 0 0
AFRICAN REGION 191 12 31 105 43 0
LATIN AMERICA-CARIBBEAN
REGION 96 0 21 75 0 0
CPCRI, India 212 0 1 138 73 0
RS, Pakistan 32 0 32 0 0 0
PNG 3 0 0 3 0 0
RS Yandina, Solomon Islands 21 0 0 21 0 0
RS, China 17 0 0 17 0 0
Department of Agriculture, Sabah
Malaysia 45 0 15 30 0 0
MARDI Hilir Perak, Malaysia 44 0 5 2 37 0
Indonesia 30 0 0 30 0 0
Philippines 224 0 5 138 81 0
Chumphon Hort. Research Centre,
Thailand 52 0 0 52 0 0
Dong Go Experimental Center,
/Vietnam 31 0 15 12 4 0
436
Technical references
The CGRD management system for the relational structure is Microsoft
Visual FoxPro software, which operates under Microsoft Windows. Tables
are in Dbase (DBF) format, which is a universally recognized format.
Conclusion
The CGRD is a very useful tool for coconut genetic resources management,
and can help planting material exchanges. It can be considered that the
development of the database is now mostly complete. However, extra
outputs for dedicated software such as the new geographical information
system DIVA-GIS, which is tailor-made for genetic resources, should be
included. It is also expected that the coconut descriptors list is a dynamic
one and will evolve as new traits are added or the existing ones are
modified. The CGRD has been designed to deal with such changes. For
example, some morphological descriptors, such as the nut germ pore
size and shape, may be added in the future. Moreover, the existing
description of yield is often considered as insufficient by researchers.
Similarly, the information about the pedigree of the accessions needs to
be clarified and simplified in order for researchers to locate more easily
the original collection site of the accessions.
Data for a large number of accessions on some of the descriptors is
incomplete. Some key data, such as the inventory/counting of the living
coconut palms, need to be updated much more often. It would also be
worth adding photos, as too few varieties are illustrated. So far, molecular
data have only involved microsatellite markers, but it is possible to add
results from other types of molecular markers.
It is important to ensure that the number of accessions, photos and
molecular data are increased significantly. This will have to be carried
out by the national curators. Regular visits by technical experts to
participating countries should be promoted to keep the momentum going
and make the CGRD effort sustainable.
Lastly, it would be worthwhile if a version either complete or, only
consultative, or even restricted to passport data of this database could be
made accessible via the internet, as is the case for some other plants such
as banana (Arnaud and Horry 1997). This would greatly help the global
collaborative effort on coconut genetic resources conservation and their
utilization. But this would require cooperation and agreement of the
437
References
Arnaud, E and JP Horry. 1997. Musalogue: a catalogue of Musa
germplasm. Papua New Guinea collecting missions 1988-1989. http:/
/www.ipgri.cgiar.org/system/page.asp?theme=4#Bananasandpla.
Baudouin, L, R Bourdeix, F Bonnot, Ch Hamelin and A Rouzière. 2000.
COGENT establishes an international coconut genetic resources da-
tabase (CGRD). COGENT Newsletter 3:1-2.
Baudouin, L. 2002. Study on genetic resources status in Hainan – China
(visit 12-18 December 2000). Doc CIRAD-CP SIC no. 1505. CIRAD,
Montpellier, France. 54p.
Mission Report, March 1997, Doc CIRAD-CP no. 548. CIRAD,
Bourdeix, R. 1997a. Coconut germplasm in Tanzania, Sri Lanka and In-
dia. Mission Report, March 1997, Doc CIRAD-CP No. 739. CIRAD,
Bourdeix, R. 1997b. Actions de formation en Afrique et Amérique Latine/
Caraïbes. Cours de formation des formateurs à l’utilisation du manuel
Stantech (Techniques Standardisées de Recherches pour
l’Amélioration du Cocotier). Mission Report, August 1997, Doc
CIRAD-CP No. 857. CIRAD, Montpellier, France. 49p.
Guinea and Vanuatu. CIRAD 1997 Annual Review Report (March
1998), Doc CIRAD-CP No. 998. CIRAD, Montpellier, France. 50p.
438
CHAPTER 7: Information, public awareness, institutional support and partnerships
Public awareness initiatives in coconut

J Oliver1 and P Batugal2
1
Communications Assistant and 2Coordinator, COGENT, International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute – Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO),
“... public awareness is critical for promoting sustainable development and

improving the capacity of the people to address environment and development
issues. It is also critical for achieving environmental and ethical awareness,
values and attitudes, skills and behaviour consistent with sustainable develop-
ment and for effective public participation in decision-making.”
- Agenda 21, Chapter 36.3
Introduction
In recent years, various factors have led scientists and development
workers to recognize the need to convince people outside their field of
the value of their work. These factors include the world’s growing
development challenges, the revolutionary potential of information to
bring about large-scale change, and greater competition for fewer
resources.
In particular, the remarkable growth of the Internet over the past
decade has transformed us from a society of one-way information
providers into a society of communicators that is based on open debate
and transparency. At the same time, as the lines between national,
regional and international development concerns have started to blur,
there have been greater incentives to seek common approaches to global
problems. Multilateral approaches to problem-solving are terrifically
complex — not to mention expensive — hence the need for broad popular
support for development activities is particularly important.
Most recent international agreements concerned with agriculture and
the environment stress the important role that can be played by public
awareness in the promotion of sustainable development. Agenda 21
devotes an entire chapter to the subject. The Convention on Biological
Diversity also emphasizes the importance of public awareness. More
recently, the Global Plan of Action for plant genetic resources, adopted
in Leipzig, Germany in 1996 by 160 countries, identified public awareness
as one of its 20 priority activities.
Public awareness (PA) is an important tool for mobilizing popular
opinion and for generating and sustaining action and political and
funding support within countries and globally. A targeted PA
439
programme can promote the development of international linkages and

collaborative mechanisms. Within the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Network’s (COGENT) member countries, public awareness
can facilitate efforts to involve communities and local and non-
governmental organizations in coconut genetic resources activities, thus
ensuring a broader base for conservation (Stapleton et al. 2004).
COGENT’s public awareness strategy

COGENT’s overarching public awareness goal is the promotion of the
collecting, conservation and use of coconut genetic resources. To achieve
this goal, the network developed its own PA strategy in line with the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute’s (IPGRI) general PA
mandate, targeted towards specific audiences. The following matrix table
summarizes COGENT’s PA strategy and related tools/ methodologies.
Table 1. Matrix summary of COGENT’s public awareness strategy and methodology

Methods/Tools of information
PA Goals and specific objectives Target audience
dissemination
Promote collecting of coconut
germplasm:
• Strengthen the research Policy makers/ • Newspaper articles
capacity of national and regional government officials • COGENT Newsletter
programmes; • COGENT Secretariat-produced
• Establish and maintain the multi- publications/ books (selected)
site International Coconut • Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
Genebank (ICG) to collect and • Factsheets
conserve coconut genetic • Internet (COGENT webpage)
resources; and
• Identify suitable varieties/hybrids
for yield improvement and Donors • Newspaper articles (selected)
enhanced adaptation • COGENT Secretariat-produced
publications/ books (selected)
• COGENT Newsletter
• Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
• Factsheets
• Project/progress reports
• Internet (COGENT webpage)
Scientists/ • COGENT Secretariat-produced

researchers publications/ books (selected)
• Journals and flyers
• CD-ROM and databases
Coconut breeders • COGENT Secretariat-produced

440
dissemination
Promote the conservation of
coconut genetic resources:
• Develop and strengthen Policy makers/ • Newspaper articles
collaboration between and government officials • COGENT Newsletter
among coconut-producing • COGENT Secretariat-produced
countries and partner institutions publications/ books (selected)
in the conservation and use of • Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
coconut genetic resources; • Factsheets
• Refine embryo culture and • Internet (COGENT webpage)
acclimatization techniques; • Mass media (television/ radio)
• Encourage the in situ and on-
farm conservation of coconut
genetic resources through better Donors • Newspaper articles (selected)
cultivars, increased yields and • COGENT Secretariat-produced
increased coconut-based farm publications/ books (selected)
incomes; and • COGENT Newsletter
• Identify suitable varieties/hybrids • Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
for yield improvement and
• Factsheets
enhanced adaptation


Partner institutions • COGENT Newsletter

• COGENT Secretariat-produced
publications/ books
• Project/ progress reports
• Factsheets
Coconut product • Newspaper articles

manufacturers/ • Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
businessmen • Posters
• Mass media (television/ radio)
Coconut farmers and • Newspaper articles

their households • Illustrated brochures/ pamphlets/
flyers
• Posters
• Interactive/ hands-on
demonstration
441
dissemination
Promote the use of coconut

genetic resources:
• Encourage increase in coconut Policy makers/ • Newspaper articles
production and utilization through government officials • COGENT Newsletter
the identification and production • COGENT Secretariat-produced
of high-value marketable publications/ books (selected)
alternative coconut-based • Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
products; • Factsheets
• Conduct training courses on • Internet (COGENT webpage)
coconut genetic resources to • Mass media (television/ radio)
strengthen human resources
needs; and
• Utilize results of research to Donors • Newspaper articles (selected)
promote socioeconomic and • COGENT Secretariat-produced
environmental benefits to publications/ books (selected)
resource-poor coconut farmers • COGENT Newsletter
and coconut-producing countries
• Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
• Factsheets


Coconut product • Newspaper articles

manufacturers/ • Brochures/ pamphlets/ flyers
businessmen • Posters
Coconut farmers and • Newspaper articles

their households • Illustrated brochures/ pamphlets/
flyers
• Posters
• Interactive/ hands-on
demonstration
442
COGENT publications and other public awareness materials

In its effort to help disseminate strategies, technologies, and other
information to promote coconut conservation and use, COGENT and
IPGRI have produced and disseminated some 20 strategic publications
and other public awareness materials (see list below). The network has
also published eight issues of the COGENT Newsletter, including a special
edition on the ‘Poverty Reduction in Coconut Growing Communities’
project, to serve as the main information medium for updating members
about COGENT’s current and future activities; as well as established and
maintains the COGENT webpage (http://www.ipgri.cgiar.org/
networks/cogent).
List and description of publications and other PA materials produced/

co-produced by COGENT (1994-2005):
1. The International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD)

To equip member countries with relevant information and technologies
for coconut research, COGENT, in collaboration with Centre de
Développement (CIRAD) and with funding from the French Government
from 1996 to 2003, developed the CGRD. To date, it contains the passport
and characterization data (including some molecular marker data and
pictures) of 1416 coconut accessions worldwide. CIRAD has incorporated
in the CGRD and its associated software, a management system endowed
with functions that can be used to carry out all the necessary operations
on the data it contains. Individual countries can now update their
database as they generate data from their genebank collections. This
database helps coconut breeders to effectively select materials for
developing improved varieties. For a more detailed discussion of the
CGRD, please refer to the article entitled, ‘International Coconut Genetic
Resources Database’ in this chapter.
2. Coconut breeding: Papers presented at a workshop on standardized

techniques in coconut breeding (1992)
The papers were presented during the workshop on standardized
techniques in coconut breeding (STANTECH) held on 20-25 June 1992
at CIRAD’s Marc Delorme Research Station in Cote d’Ivoire. These
discuss: (1) the origin and botany of coconut; (2) genetic variability and
germplasm utilization; (3) current status and breeding efforts; (4) breeding
strategies and methodologies; (5) varietal screening and utilization; (6)
allied attributes; and (7) coconut biotechnology. These papers, along
with others presented during the workshop, were compiled to form the
‘Manula on standard tcehniques in coconut breeding’ (see following item).
443
3. Manual on Standardized Research Techniques (STANTECH) in coco-

nut breeding (1996)
The manual is the product of a workshop to standardize coconut breeding
techniques organized by COGENT and held at the Marc Delorme Station
of CIRAD in Cote d’Ivoire from 20 to 25 June 1992. During this workshop,
coconut breeders from 16 coconut-producing countries and experts from
IPGRI and CIRAD formulated the draft of the manual, which was later
pre-tested and refined during the Trainers’ Course on Coconut Breeding
Research Techniques conducted at the Research Institute for Coconut
and Palmae in Manado, Indonesia. The STANTECH Manual, as the
publication has become known, enables coconut breeders and germplasm
researchers worldwide to use standardized techniques as guidelines in
breeding and germplasm conservation. This manual assists coconut
researchers to obtain better and comparable results to accelerate the
development of improved varieties for use by the coconut farmers.
4. Viroid-like sequences of coconut (1997)

This publication is the output of a workshop organized by the Australian
Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), IPGRI and
COGENT from 21-23 April 1997 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to resolve
the issue of viroid-like sequences in coconut. In this workshop,
participants from laboratories in Australia, France, Italy and the
Philippines presented summaries of their research and discussed the
quarantine relevance of the viroid-like sequences in coconut. The
participants also formulated research agenda to close apparent research
gaps. The results of the workshop, including recommendations for
treatment of coconut viroids and viroid-like sequences, are presented in
this publication. It is envisioned that these recommendations will help
open the way for the safe exchange and movement of coconut germplasm,
while at the same time prevent the spread of pathogens.
5. Proceedings of the COGENT regional coconut genebank planning

workshop, 26-28 February 1996, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia (1998)
At the Steering Committee meetings of COGENT in 1992, 1993 and 1994,
the network proposed the establishment of a multi-site International
Coconut Genebank (ICG) and initially identify regional sites and its host
countries: Southeast and East Asia (Indonesia), South Asia (India), South
Pacific (Papua New Guinea) and Africa (Cote d’Ivoire). Task forces were
created to evaluate the suitability of these sites. Based on the positive
assessment and recommendation of the task forces, the COGENT Steering
Committee proposed the holding of a Regional Coconut Genebank
Planning Workshop to: (1) formulate guidelines for regional conservation
444
of coconut genetic resources; (2) develop a 7-year workplan and budget

for each of the four regional genebanks; (3) develop appropriate
agreements between FAO, the host countries and IPGRI to govern
germplasm acquisition, conservation and access; and (4) develop a
sustainable funding strategy for the establishment and operation of these
multi-site coconut germplasm collections. The workshop was conducted
in Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia on 26-28 February 1996 and hosted by
the Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Research and Development
(AARD). This publication (proceedings) is the output of the said
workshop and contains the following workshop documents: (1)
background papers; (2) reports on evaluation of the host countries; (3)
genebank guidelines, funding strategy and draft agreements; (4) proposed
7-year workplans and budgets; and (5) proposed (next) steps.
6. Coconut embryo in vitro culture (1998)

In an attempt to address the challenges in extending and implementing
in vitro techniques and protocols for field collecting and embryo culture,
especially in weaning or hardening of in vitro plantlets prior to field
transplanting, COGENT, in collaboration with the Philippine Coconut
Authority (PCA), conducted a workshop on in vitro culture of coconut
embryo at PCA’s Albay Research Centre (PCA-ARC) on 27-31 October
1997. This publication contains the papers presented during the
workshop, which include: (1) the latest research results in coconut embryo
culture and acclimatization of resulting plantlets; (2) bottlenecks and
areas for improvement in coconut embryo in vitro culture; (3) research
agenda for the next two years to address current difficulties; and (4) an
optimized in vitro culture protocol which can be easily applied even by
non-specialists.
7. Promoting multi-purpose uses and competitiveness of the coconut

(1998)
This publication is the proceedings of a workshop organized by COGENT
and held on 26-29 September 1996 in Chumphon, Thailand and hosted
by the Chumphon Horticultural Research Centre of the Department of
Agriculture, Thailand. It contains the findings of researchers and experts
from 12 coconut-producing countries on new, high-value alternative uses
of the coconut and high-profit coconut products. This proceeding is
especially useful for researchers, coconut farmers and entrepreneurs to
understand the opportunities that exist in producing high-value products
from all parts of the coconut. It also contains examples of the many
different types of products that can be made, ranging from food items,
handicraft, toiletries and items for household use, as well as some ‘low-
445
tech’ methods for farmers to produce these items without heavy capital
outlay for equipment and for material inputs.
8. Farmer participatory research on coconut diversity: Workshop re-

port on methods and field protocols (1999)
As the title itself implies, this publication is a report containing the
presentations, discussions and protocols produced at two simultaneous
workshops on Farmer Participatory Research on Coconut Diversity,
which were held on 16-28 March 1998 in Davao, Philippines and on 24-
28 March 1998 in Taveuni, Fiji. These workshops were organized by
IPGRI-COGENT and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD) under the collaborative IPGRI-COGENT-IFAD
project entitled, ‘Sustainable uses of coconut genetic resources to enhance
incomes and nutrition of smallholders in the Asia-Pacific region’. This
publication is intended to serve as reference for coconut scientists and
development workers in carrying out participatory field research with
small-scale farmers, who are considered to be rich repositories of local
knowledge on coconut diversity.
9. Coconut embryo in vitro culture: Part II (2002)

This publication is a follow up to the report entitled ‘Coconut embryo in
vitro culture’ produced in 1998 (see item 5 above). Based on the research
proposals submitted by the participants after the first International
Workshop on Coconut In Vitro Culture held in Albay, Philippines in 1997,
IPGRI-COGENT awarded projects to 12 researchers who conducted their
studies from 1998 to 2001. These projects were funded by the
Department for International Development (DFID) of the UK. The initial
results of these research projects were reported during the 2 nd
International Workshop on Coconut In Vitro Culture, which was held in
Merida, Mexico. These results are reported in this publication.
10. Performance of high-yielding coconut varieties/ hybrids and vari-

etal preferences of coconut farmers in different countries (2002)
In 1998, the Asian and Pacific Community (APCC) organized an intra-
regional study on small farmers’ experiences with high-yielding coconut
varieties. The objective was to assess the actual production potential of
hybrids and their technical and commercial viability to small farmers.
The study covered India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand
and Western Samoa. The findings highlighted the perception of farmers
about the performance of coconut hybrids and exposing the limitations
of coconut hybrids when grown under conditions different from that of
experimental farms. After 1998, in light of the new hybrid combinations
since released, as well as new techniques and methodologies in hybrid
446
production and performance, APCC, in collaboration with BUROTROP

and COGENT organized a follow up study entitled, ‘Assessment of the
performance of high-yielding coconut varieties/ hybrids and the varietal
preferences of coconut farmers’ , but this time covering the nine member
countries of APCC as well as other coconut growing communities in
Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The findings of this study are
reported in this publication, which includes the adaptability, productivity,
tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses and suitability to farmers’ conditions
of hybrids in different agroclimatic conditions.
11. Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities: Volume I. The

framework and project plan (2003)
This publication contains the project framework and individual country
workplans and budget of the countries participating in the COGENT-
coordinated, Asian Development Bank (ADB) - and IFAD-funded project
entitled ‘Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities’. This project
involved 11 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, two in Africa and two
in Latin America and the Caribbean. DFID funds were also committed
as co-financing for the project. This publication is the result of the joint
inception meeting for the ADB-funded project and stakeholder meeting
for the project proposed for IFAD funding which was held in Ho Chi
Minh City, Vietnam on 25 –28 February 2002 and subsequent interactions
with implementing agencies and partner institutions.
12. Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities, Volume II: Mo-

bilizing for action (2004)
This publication, which is the second in a series of three volumes related
to the ADB-funded ‘Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities’
project, tries to briefly describe the major activities and processes before
embarking on coconut-based income generating activity (IGA) trials and
enhancing coconut genetic diversity through on-farm conservation and
utilization. This publication may not be complete, but it can serve as a
guide or reference for future similar projects of IPGRI or other
organizations. Interested parties are encouraged to innovate, modify,
adapt and be creative in their approach(es) depending on the sociocultural
and political situations where they intend to implement similar projects.
The preparatory activities include organizing project management team
in every country (Bangladesh, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea,
Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam) to manage field project
implementation; selecting the project sites to pilot test the income
generating technologies and strategies that will demonstrate that ‘farmers
need not be poor’; design and conduct of baseline data gathering to
447
establish the status of the partner-beneficiaries and of the community, in

general, so that changes or improvements can be measured towards the
end of the project support; organizing farmers so that they can benefit
from the strengths of one another and build their institutional capacity
and confidence to play a major role in their community development
and influence policy reforms; establishing microcredit system and
revolving loan funds to provide opportunities to resource poor farmers
and women to access capital to be used for their productive and
entrepreneurial skills; market survey to identify the potential high-demand
products to produce and develop market channels to attain maximum
profits. From here, development of action plans by the farmers and
women member of the CBO follows to focus on producing products they
find profitable and of potential high market demand.
13. Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities, Volume III:

Project achievements and impact (2005)
The final installation in a three-part series under the ‘Poverty reduction
in coconut growing communities’ project, this publication documents
the actual achievements of the project and its perceived initial impact on
its farmer-beneficiaries through reports, articles and writeups
substantiated by socioeconomic data and photos. Moreover, this book
highlights the stories, experiences and testimonies of actual people – the
communities, the farmers and their families, the country project
implementers –attesting to what the project has achieved and how it
affected and benefited their lives.
14. Germplasm health management for COGENT’s multi-site Interna-

tional Coconut Genebank (2004)
COGENT had put in place a system that enables the network’s 38 member
countries to exchange valuable coconut germplasm through its multi-
site International Coconut Genebank. Already, successful exchanges
have been carried-out between the ICGs and the member countries.
Taking a step further, COGENT has come out with this very useful and
easy to understand manual on the basic procedures and guidelines to
ensure the safe exchange of coconut germplasm. This manual, bringing
together the combined experiences of well known germplasm health
experts, outlines the basic procedures and approaches that coconut
genebank managers could follow to effectively ensure the safe importing
and exporting of coconut germplasm, as well as to provide a
comprehensive reference for plant quarantine officers to make efficient
and informed decisions for germplasm quarantine, specifically for
coconuts.
448
15. Manual on technical writing, public awareness, seminar presenta-

tion and proposal preparation for coconut researchers (2004)
Activities and other initiatives related to the effective conservation and
use of coconut genetic resources now and in the future need to be reported
adequately and effectively to generate interest and support to coconut
research. This publication will provide coconut researchers a guide on
how to effectively write and present, in high-quality form, research
activities, research results and proposals so that these could be better
appreciated and supported by peers, research administrators, partner
institutions, donors and the general public. In preparing the manual, the
editors largely used materials in the IPGRI-organized workshops on
technical writing held in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines in September
1998 and in Hanoi, Vietnam in March 2002. It is also hoped that national
programmes can use this manual to train coconut researchers to increase
the cadre of effective scientific writers worldwide.
16. Coconut is good for your health: A multimedia CD-ROM (2005)

This multimedia VCD/ CD-ROM, which is a collaborative project of
APCC, COGENT and the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), aims to
promote the nutritional and health values of coconut and coconut-based
products, as well as to dispel some notions about the negative effect of
coconut on one’s health. It contains documentation, anecdotes and
personal interviews of health specialists attesting to the health benefits
and positive effects of consuming coconut and its by-products, especially
coconut virgin oil.
17. COGENT: Its history and achievements. In CORD Journal (2005)

Submitted and published in the CORD Journal of the APCC, this paper
documents the history and achievements of COGENT, from its inception
in 1992 up to the present.
18. Coconut hybrids for smallholders. Project reports and related pa-
pers of the multilocation trials to identify suitable coconut hybrids and
varieties for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean (2005)
To help small coconut farmers address some of the nagging problems
they are facing such as decreasing farm productivity, low coconut yields
and unstable markets of their traditional products, the Common Fund
for Commodities (CFC) supported a project of COGENT/IPGRI from 14
December 1999 to 15 December 2004 entitled, ‘Coconut Germplasm
Utilization and Conservation to Promote Sustainable Coconut
Production’. In this project, the performance of 34 promising coconut
hybrids and varieties were tested in three African (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire,
Tanzania) and three Latin American and Caribbean countries (Brazil,
449
Jamaica and Mexico).

This publication aims to help put into practical use the results of the
project by enhancing awareness of the early-bearing and high-yield
potential of the new developed hybrids in increasing yields and incomes
of the poor coconut farmers.
19. Coconut genetic resources (this publication)

The book documents current status and trends in coconut genetic resources
conservation and utilization. It comprehensively covers a myriad of topics
about coconut genetic resources and serves as one of the most
authoritative reference material on coconut, whether for a layman or a
researcher. Topics include: (1) an introduction to the coconut; (2) coconut
germplasm collecting and conservation; (3) characterizing coconut
diversity; (4) using coconut germplasm; (5) major pests and diseases of
the coconut; (6) information and public awareness to promote
conservation of coconut genetic resources; (7) institutional support and
partnerships for coconut research and development; (8) reports on the
status of coconut genetic resources in COGENT’s sub-regional networks;
and (9) reports on the status of coconut genetic resources in COGENT’s
38 member countries.
20. Coconut breeding. In Breeding plantation tree crops: Improving pro-

ductivity and sustainability (in press).
This chapter in a book entitled, ‘Breeding plantation tree crops: Improving
productivity and sustainability’. It discusses the various aspects of
coconut breeding, which includes: (1) the origin and botany of coconut;
(2) genetic variability and germplasm utilization; (3) current status and
breeding efforts; (4) breeding strategies and methodologies; (5) varietal
screening and utilization; (6) allied attributes; and (7) coconut
biotechnology.
COGENT Newsletters
1. COGENT. March 1999. COGENT Newsletter, Issue No. 1. IPGRI-
APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
2. COGENT. October 1999. COGENT Newsletter, Issue No. 2. IPGRI-
3. COGENT. May 2000. COGENT Newsletter, Issue No. 3. IPGRI-APO,
4. COGENT. November 2000. COGENT Newsletter, Issue No. 4. IPGRI-
6. COGENT. October 2002. COGENT Newsletter, Issue No. 6. IPGRI-
450

8. COGENT. September 2004. COGENT Newsletter Special Edition
(Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities). IPGRI-APO,
Proposed/ future publications (2006):

1. Coconut data analysis manual
2. Catalogue of coconut conserved germplasm and farmers’ varieties
(please see related article in this chapter for more details)
3. Catalogue of coconut high-value products (please see related article
in this chapter for more details)
4. Catalogue of coconut food recipes (please see related article in this
chapter for more details)
Public awareness under COGENT’s ‘Poverty reduction in

coconut growing communities’ project
Public awareness (PA) is an
important tool for mobilizing
popular opinion, and for
generating and sustaining
action and political and
funding support within
countries and globally. A
targeted public awareness
programme can promote the
development of national,
regional and international
linkages and collaborative Project brochures and newsletters being distributed
mechanisms. It can facilitate to coconut farmers in Hung Phong commune,
efforts to involve communities, Vietnam
the local government and non-
governmental organizations (NGOs) in coconut genetic resources
conservation activities, thus ensuring a broader base for their effective
use, particularly for poverty alleviation. Multilateral approaches to
problem-solving are very complex - not to mention expensive – hence,
the need for broad popular support for development activities is
particularly important (Stapleton, et al. 2004).
The PA strategy of COGENT under its ‘Poverty reduction in coconut
growing communities’ (PRCGC) project has the specific objectives of: (1)
promoting a better understanding of the importance of coconut genetic
451
resources among policy-mak-

ers in reducing poverty; (2)
swaying public opinion to
positively influence the
stakeholders’ concern and ac-
tion to support coconut genetic
resources research, conserva-
tion and utilization; (3) creat-
ing a common forum for part-
ners and collaborators to
catalyze sustainable popular
Farmers’ field days provided the venue and the and broad-based support to the
opportunity for participating farmers and CBOs to operational activities of the
exhibit their products and show other project project; and (4) priming na-
stakeholders their achievements. This also provided tional partners into replicating
the impetus for local governments to further support
the activities of the project communities
the project in more sites in their
respective countries and
adopting its strategy and framework into their national development
(poverty alleviation) programmes.
Output-wise, the eight PRCGC project participating countries
(Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji and
Papua New Guinea) have produced a number of PA materials and have
conducted numerous PA activities (Table 1). Since the start of the project
in 2002, the community-based organizations (CBOs) of the 25 pilot sites,
with the help of their
respective country
implementing agencies, have
produced 140 public
awareness materials
comprising of popular
articles in local and national
newspapers, agricultural
magazines, technoguides,
books and scientific journals.
Furthermore, 54 farmers’
field days (i.e., six to seven
per participating country)
have also been conducted by During the project, events like field visits and field days
the CBOs in the communities were usually covered by the local media. This provided
the opportunity for the project implementers to widely
to showcase the publicize the activities and outputs of the CBOs. Here,
achievements of the farmer- Dr Pons Batugal, Project Coordinator, is shown being
and women-participants of interviewed by PacificTV, a local television station in
Wori, Indonesia
452
the project. The local broadcast media, particularly in Vietnam, Indonesia

and India, covered some of these field days. Representative staffs of the
implementing agencies have also made presentations about the project
in national and international conferences and meetings. The communities
themselves have also participated in product exhibitions, just like in the
Philippines during the National Coconut Week celebrations sponsored
by the Philippine Coconut Authority. To exemplify the initial impact of
the project on the lives of the household beneficiaries,128 success stories
have been documented and generated from the 24 project communities
in the eight participating countries.
With an effective PA strategy, COGENT was able to generate technical
and financial support for the project, especially in the regional and
international arenas. The external resources generated by COGENT
enabled its Secretariat to contract experts in various coconut-based
income-generating technologies, resulting in the production of 14 training
manuals that have been distributed to the participating communities.
These manuals were condensed and translated into the local language
by some of the country implementing agencies and given to the CBOs.
Additionally, the network has produced a three-volume series of
publications on the PRCGC project: Volume I: The Framework and Project
Plan, which documents the framework of the project as well as the country
workplans and budgets; Volume II: Mobilizing for Action, which which
contains the capacity building-related activities to prepare the project
participants undertake income-generating activities; and Volume III:
Project Achievements and Impact, the final instalment in the series, which
features the accomplishments and initial impact the project has achieved
in the participating countries. This publication also contains 128 success
stories as documented in the project sites. These publications aim to
provide an over-all perspective of the project, as well as provide insights
and lessons to people and institutions interested to undertake or support
a similar project (Batugal and Oliver 2005).
Table 1. Summary table of PA materials produced and farmers’ field days conducted,
by project participating country
Number of PA materials
Number of farmer field days
Country produced and PA activities
conducted
conducted*
Bangladesh 14 7
India 63 7
Sri Lanka 7 7
Philippines 26 7
Indonesia 5 7
Vietnam 17 7
Fiji 5 6
Papua New Guinea 3 6
TOTAL for all countries 140 54
*including media (TV and radio) coverage
453
References
Batugal, P. 2005. COGENT: Its history and achievements. APCC, Jakarta,
Indonesia. Cord Journal 21 (2):51-62.
Batugal, P and J Oliver (eds). 2003. Poverty reduction in coconut grow-
ing communities, Volume I: The framework and project plan. IPGRI-
ing communities, Volume III: Project achievements and impact. IPGRI-
Batugal, P and R Coronel (eds). 2004. Poverty reduction in coconut grow-
ing communities, Volume II: Mobilizing for action. IPGRI-APO,
Smallholders. Project reports and related papers of the multilocation
trials to identify suitable coconut hybrids and varieties for Africa,
Latin America and the Caribbean. CFC Technical Paper No. 42.
IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Batugal, P, R Bourdeix and L Baudouin. Coconut breeding. In Breeding
plantation tree crops: Improving productivity and sustainability. (in
press)
Batugal, PA and F Engelmann (eds). 1998. Coconut embryo in vitro cul-
ture. Papers presented at a Workshop on Embryo Culture, 27-31
Batugal, PA, V Ramanatha Rao and C Bong (eds). 1998. Promoting multi-
purpose uses and competitiveness of the coconut. Proceedings of a
workshop, 26-29 September 1996, Chumphon, Thailand. IPGRI-APO,
Batugal, P, V Ramanatha Rao and J Oliver. Coconut genetic resources.
IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. (In press).
Diekmann, M (ed). 1997. Viroid-like sequences of coconut. Proceedings
of a meeting, 21-23 April 1997, Kajang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, Canberra,
Australia/IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
Eyzaguirre, PB and P Batugal (eds). 1999. Farmer participatory research
on coconut diversity: Workshop report on methods and field proto-
cols. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Ikin, R and P Batugal (eds). 2004. Germplasm health management for
COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut Genebank. IPGRI-APO,
454
Ramanatha Rao, V and PA Batugal (eds). 1998. Proceedings of the

COGENT regional coconut genebank planning workshop, 26-28 Feb-
Selangor, Malaysia.
Santos GA, PA Batugal, A Othman, L Baudouin and JP Labouisse (eds).
1996. Manual on Standardized Research Techniques in Coconut
Breeding. IPGRI-APO, Orange Road, Singapore.
Stapleton, P, P Batugal and J Oliver (eds). 2004. Manual on technical
writing, public awareness, seminar presentation and proposal prepa-
ration for coconut researchers. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Ma-
laysia.
455

Standardized catalogues of coconut
germplasm: Catalogue of conserved
germplasm and farmers’ varieties
R Bourdeix1 and P Batugal2
1
le Développement (CIRAD), Cedex 5, Montpellier, France
2
Coordinator, COGENT, and Senior Scientist, International Plant Genetic Resources
Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
Coconut genetic diversity is essential to ensure sustainable coconut
production. This diversity is vital for breeding improved varieties and
hybrids which are high-yielding and possessing other traits which are
preferred by smallholder producers and adapted to biotic and abiotic
stresses. Unfortunately, most of the 38 member countries of the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) do not
have, individually, a wide range of coconut genetic diversity. Breeding
programmes in some of these countries use a limited range of germplasm,
which may not be suitable or adequate to effectively achieve their breeding
objectives. Many of them are not fully aware of the characteristics of
many coconut accessions worldwide. This constraint has been partly
alleviated through the development and dissemination of COGENT’s
International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD). At present,
there are 1416 coconut accessions conserved in 25 COGENT member
countries. This collection is not exhaustive, as more varieties exist in
farmers’ fields which have recently been identified and characterized
under various COGENT-coordinated projects. While some of these are
described in the CGRD, the data contained therein do not sufficiently
describe the origin, history and morphological and agronomic
characteristics of the varieties; other relevant information like conservation
sites and global distribution are also non-existent. These data, if
incorporated, would be useful not only to coconut breeders but also to
other researchers, students and industry players who are working to
promote the conservation and use of coconut genetic diversity to benefit
smallholders.
Illustrated descriptions of coconut varieties were initially published
by a few authors such as Pruhdhomme (1906) and Liyanage (1958). In
their papers, a few full pages of drawings or photographs of coconut
456
fruits of different shape and sizes are shown. In some documents related
to surveys, characterization or exploration of coconut germplasm, there
are also a few pictures and drawings describing various coconut varieties
(Whitehead 1966; Le saint et al. 1983; Sangare et al. 1984; Foale 1987;
N’Cho et al. 1988). However, such publications are limited in number.
The first catalogue of coconut germplasm entitled, ‘Coconut descriptors’,
was published in India in 1995 (Ratnambal et al. 1995). In this publication,
a variety is described using colour plates of its different parts and two
pages of textual information following standardized descriptors (IBPGR
1995). However, this book was mainly designated and written for
scientists and researchers, without any ethnobotanical, economical or
historical description of the varieties. The second volume of the publication
was published in 2001 and distributed in CD-ROM.
To address the situation, COGENT and the Centre de Cooperation
Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement
(CIRAD), initiated the development of two catalogues: the Catalogue of
Conserved Coconut Germplasm and the Catalogue of Farmers’ Coconut
Varieties. The former contains textual and pictorial description of coconut
varieties conserved in genebanks of COGENT member countries, while
the latter describes coconut varieties that have been identified in farmers’
fields under the previous Asian Development Bank (ADB)- and the current
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-funded ‘Poverty
reduction in coconut growing communities’ projects. The idea of making
these fully-illustrated catalogues as printed materials was approved in
the 2000 COGENT Steering Committee meeting held in Bangkok,
Thailand.
Since then, COGENT and CIRAD have been collaborating to develop
and publish these two high-quality catalogues. The objective of this effort
is not only to showcase as many referenced varieties as possible, but also
to provide comprehensive information (pictures and text) to help
stakeholders identify and select the appropriate coconut varieties either
for their breeding work or replanting programme. The information in
the catalogues is presented to make them attractive and understandable
to the general public while retaining their technical soundness to be
appreciated by scientists and researchers, thereby appealing to a much
wider spectrum of audiences.
In this catalogue, each variety is described using one-page picture
plate and one-page text, as detailed below:
Textual information
In the textual description (Annex 1), each variety is described following
the headings below:
• The international name and abbreviation of the variety;
457
• The author(s) of the text;

• History and description: Historical, botanical and morphologi-
cal data of the variety;
• Identification: Description of the traits that differentiate the va-
riety described from other varieties. This part also has informa-
tion on the relationship of the variety to other varieties with which
it is commonly confused;
• Yield and production: Contains data on production of fruits,
copra or toddy, depending on the uses;
• Other topics: Any other interesting facts about the variety, in-
cluding common pests and diseases and breeding techniques; and
• References for additional information regarding the variety.
The picture plate

In the picture plate (Annex 2), the international name and abbreviation
of the variety are located on the top right hand side of the sheet. Each
plate is a composite of the following six pictures for each entry:
1. Whole palm. This picture of coconut palm in the field shows the
entire tree from the bole to the tip of its leaves. Dry leaves and
weeds in excess are removed before making the picture. If needed,
two to three leaves are also generally cut in order to have a better
view of bunches and fruits in the crown. Some of the pictures
could also show workers, farmers or researchers for ethnology,
and also as basis of comparison of the tree’s height.
2. Fruits (whole and split). This is a composite picture showing 12
fruits: three young fruits (9-10 month old), three fully-matured
fruits (12 month old) with brown-grey epidermis, three nuts split
longitudinally (vertically) and three nuts split equatorially (hori-
zontally). Each is arranged according to size (i.e., big, medium
and small) to give an idea of the existing phenotypical variation.
The three immature fruits are also chosen for their different col-
ours, if available, especially for the Talls. A measuring unit (20
cm) is also included for size comparison;
3. Fruit bunches. This shows fruit bunches or a single bunch on the
tree before all the fruits turns completely brown-grey. Most fruit
bunch photos show one mature bunch and a younger bunch, as
the latter may have traits that are also useful for varietal identifi-
cation;
4. Inflorescence. This shows a fully-opened inflorescence on the palm,
with one third to half of the male flowers already fallen and with
a representative number of female flowers. It will not be possible
to count the male nor the female flowers from the pictures but
458
the shape, colour and size of the inflorescence vary with the
number of female flowers and the stage of maturity;
5. Husked nuts. This picture is located at the top left of the page
next to the name of the variety, arranged as small, medium and
big. These pictures were included mainly because people, espe-
cially from the Northern Hemisphere, often know coconut only
as husked nuts. In addition, there is a strong genetic variation in
the size, the shape and the position of the three coconut ‘eyes’
that is not yet included in the IPGRI standard descriptors for co-
conut;
6. ‘Special’ picture. Oval-shaped, at the top right side of the plate,
this photo can show any additional, interesting or unique feature
of the variety (e.g. pink colour inside the husk, detail of inflores-
cence, special aspect of the young palm, ethnobotanical aspect,
etc) or could also show the whole crown of the palm.
This catalogue may not contain all of the varieties conserved in COGENT’s
member countries and countries participating in COGENT’s poverty
reduction project, but this certainly covers a vast majority of these
varieties. This catalogue is envisioned to serve the needs of researchers,
students, policy officers of national programmes and other players of the
coconut industry in general and help promote the coconut as a prime
economic commodity.
References
Bourdeix, R. 1999. Coconut varieties: Malayan Dwarf. In: COGENT
Newsletter 2:13.
Bourdeix, R, JL Konan and JP Labouisse. 2000. Coconut cultivars: The
Rennell Island Tall. In: COGENT Newsletter 3:10-11.
Bourdeix R, V Tuia, LM Fili and V Kumar. 2002. Coconut varieties of
‘Niu Kafa’. COGENT Newsletter 5:14-15.
Foale, MA. 1987. Coconut germplasm in the South Pacific Islands. ACIAR
Technical Report, Series No. 4.
Haile, NS. 1974. The quest for the mysterious coconut pearl. The Straits
Times Annual. pp 75-77, 159.
IBPGR. 1992. Descriptors for coconut. International Board for Plant Ge-
netic Resources, Rome. 61pp.
Konan JL, YP N’Cho, A Kullaya, R Bourdeix and P Batugal. 2000. West
African Tall. In: COGENT Newsletter 4:13.
Le Saint, JP, M de Nuce de Lamothe and A Sangare. 1983. The dwarf
coconut palms at Port Bouet (Ivory Coast) Part II. Sri Lanka Green
459
Dwarf, and additional information about Malayan Yellow and Red

Dwarfs, Equatorial Guinea Green Dwarf and Cameroon Red Dwarf.
Oléagineux 38:595- 606.
Liyanage, DV. 1958. Varieties and forms of the coconut palm grown in
Ceylon. Ceylon Coconut Quarterly 9: 1-10.
N’cho YP, JP Le Saint and A Sangare. 1988. The dwarf coconut palms at
Port Bouet (Ivory Coast) Part III. New Guinea Brown Dwarf, Thai-
land Green Dwarf, Polynesia Red Dwarf. Oléagineux 43: 55-66.
Prudhomme, E. 1906. Le cocotier, culture, industrie et commerce. Paris,
France.
Ratnambal, MJ, MK Nair, K Muralidharan, PM Kumaran, EVV Bhaskara
Rao and RV Pillai. 1995. Coconut descriptors, Part I. CPCRI,
Kasaragod, Kerala, India. 198pp.
Sangare, A, JP Le Saint and MW de Nuce de Lamothe. 1984. The tall
coconut palms at Port Bouet (Ivory Coast) Part III. Cambodia Tall,
Tonga Tall, Rotuman Tall. Oléagineux 39: 205-215.
germplasm in the Pacific Islands (30 May - 5 September 1964). Min-
istry of Overseas Development, HMSO, London.
460
Annex 1. Sample textual description (varietal writeup) (Malayan Red Dwarf)
Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD)

R Bourdeix, A Othman and JL Konan
History and description

The Dwarf palms of Malaysia – in red, green and yellow forms- were supposedly introduced
from Indonesia between 1890 to 1900. The colour of the seedling sprouts, the leaf stalks, the
inflorescence and the immature fruit is not really red but more like bright orange.
The palm generally has a thin stem, about 22 to 25 cm in diameter, with no bole. When
growing conditions are good, it may have a small bole (35 to 40 cm in diameter).
The youngest leaves at the top of the palm are quite soft. Its upper canopy resembles
dishevelled hair, compared, for example, with the Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD), which has
a straight and erect canopy.
Because of its short peduncle, the bunch is well supported by the leaf petioles. The
reproduction system has been described as direct autogamy. MRD characterization data
can be found in at least seven countries: Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Fiji, India, Philippines, Tanzania,
and Vanuatu.
Identification
More than 30 types of Red Dwarfs are referenced worldwide. Some of them look very
similar to the Malayan type: Red Dwarfs from Sri Lanka, from Chowgat in India, from Nias
in Indonesia, from Chumpon in Thailand, and even from Cuba. Molecular analysis
techniques will help to determine if these Red Dwarfs are identical or not.
Other Red Dwarfs can be easily distinguished from the Malayan type. CRD bears pear-
shaped fruits with paler orange colour. Some Red Dwarfs from the Pacific region produce
bunches with long peduncle and numerous smaller fruits having a more intense red-
orange colour (such as the Tahiti Red Dwarf). Fruits of some other Red Dwarfs from Papua
New Guinea have a tit or lug at the bottom.
Yield and production

MRD produces medium-sized, oblong fruits that are generally bigger than those of the
Malayan Yellow Dwarf. The average fruit weight ranges from 668 g (in Brazil) to 1080 g (in
Vanuatu). Inside the fruits, the nuts are almost spherical and weigh from 443 g to 755 g on
average.
Under ideal agronomic conditions, MRD starts flowering on the second to the third
year and may produce about 70-90 fruits per palm per year (without irrigation).
MRD is mainly an ornamental palm, planted in homegardens. Water from young nuts is
sweet and tasty, but not as sweet as some green Dwarfs. The albumen is thin and gives
rubbery copra. MRD is sensitive to drought and is subject to alternate bearing.
Other topics
The MRD is tolerant to the Lethal Yellowing Disease (LYD) of Jamaica (Romney 1980) but
sensitive to the LYD found in Tanzania and Ghana.
References
Nuce de Lamothe, MW de and F Rognon. 1977. Les cocotiers nains à Port Bouët (Côte
d’Ivoire). I. Nain Jaune Ghana, Nain Rouge Malaisie, Nain Vert Guinée Equatoriale et
Nain Rouge Cameroun. Oléagineux 32:367- 375.
Romney, DH. 1980. Agronomic performance of ‘Malayan Dwarf’ coconut in Jamaica.
Oléagineux 35 (12):551-554.
461
Annex 2. Sample picture plate (Malayan Red Dwarf)
462

Catalogue of high-value coconut products
K Jayashree
Scientific Assistant, COGENT, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - Regional
Office for Asia, thePacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
To complement ex situ conservation of coconut diversity, COGENT has

been trying to convince coconut farmers to conserve their ‘good’ local
coconut varieties in situ and on farm. This would have the advantage of
conserving already adapted germplasm and would promote natural
selection through use. However, farmers say that unless they earned
more from coconut, they would not be able to conserve their germplasm.
Recognizing this problem, COGENT developed and implemented a
strategy of increasing farmers’ incomes through the production and
marketing of high-value products from all parts of the coconut. Once
farmers could earn more, they were then ecnouraged to maintain and
propagate their local varieties. The strategy proved to be successful. The
COGENT-coordinated, Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded ‘Poverty
reduction in coconut growing communities’ project (2002-2004) increased
farmers’ income by up to 3-5 times. In this project, farmers also planted
over 50 000 seedlings of selected local varieties.
Using the same strategy, the International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute (IPGRI), through COGENT, is promoting the production and
marketing of high-value products from coconut meat, husk, shell, wood,
water and leaves to increase income of coconut farmers. To support this,
a ‘Catalogue of high-value-coconut products’ is being developed by
COGENT. The idea of product diversification derived from all parts of
the coconut will promote new value-added products and utilize the full
potential of the crop. The village-level technology provides opportunities
for resourceful communities with sufficient labour force to be productive,
creative and innovative in producing various high-value products. The
catalogue, which will be published in 2006, will contain illustrated, step-
by-step procedure and a textual description (with profitability data) to
produce various high-value products from the different parts of the
coconut. The simple procedures can be easily followed by farmers, women
and even the youth, using simple tools and equipment and do not require
heavy capital outlay.
Annex 1 presents a sample illustrated procedure for producing
coconut fibre-based animal-shaped doormat; Annex 2 shows the textual
description and other information for producing this high-value product
as it would appear in the catalogue.
463
Annex 1. Sample illustrated procedure (making animal-shaped

coconut fibre-based doormats in Sri Lanka and Vietnam) 1
Prepare double-ply fibre- About four to five meters Weave the double-ply
based ropes of double-ply rope are ropes following the
needed to produce a drawn pattern, using the
single dorrmat nails on the wooden
board as guides
Some samples of the Sew the mat horizontally Weave in the dye-
finished product and vertically to hold it coloured double-ply
together ropes according to the
design drawn on the
board
1
By Vo Van Long, Coconut Scientist, Oil Plant Institute of Vietnam (OPI), Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam; pictures courtesy of Ajith Samarajeewa, Research Officer, Coconut Research Institute
(CRI), Lunuwila, Sri Lanka
464
Annex 2. Sample writeup for making animal-shaped coconut

fibre-based doormats
Procedure for making animal-shaped doormat

Vo Van Long
Oil Plant Institute (OPI), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Animal-shaped doormat is just one of the many attractive products that can be
made from the coconut fibre. It is used either for wall decoration or as a mat placed
at the entrance of a house to wipe dirt from the shoes or slippers. In Vietnam and Sri
Lanka, these animal-shaped doormats are very popular among local and foreign
tourists and are mostly made for export.
Preparing the ‘twin-ropes’

Single-ply coconut ropes mixed with some jute ropes are used to make twin ropes.
The coconut rope is weaved around the jute rope to produce twin ropes of about 4-
5 meters long each. Depending on the design preferences of the customers, twin-
ropes can be dyed with different colours.
Weaving the doormat

The materials required include a wooden frame, nails, hammer, scissors, big needle
and chalk.
a. Draw the desired animal shape on the wooden frame using chalk.
b. Weave the twin ropes into the frame following the drawn animal shape.
Use nail and hammer as necessary to make the weave secure and compact.
Continue weaving the twin-ropes towards the inside of the pattern. For
design, use colored twin-ropes at the border first and working your way
into the pattern, securing the fibre rope into the shape with nail and hammer.
Remove nails as you weave from layer to layer into the shape.
c. Use coloured twin-ropes in the relevant portions of the doormat based on
the design.
d. When the doormat is completed, sew it horizontally and vertically using a
big needle and jute rope, making sure that the doormat will not fall apart
when taken out of the frame. Clean by cutting the extra fibres protruding
from the doormat.
Packaging
Finished products are usually packed in cartons or boxes for delivery to customers.
One doormat maker can produce an average of 10 animal-shaped doormats per

day. The estimated average production cost per doormat is US$0.57 (US$0.45 for
materials and US$0.12 for labour). At a selling price of US$0.78, one can earn a gross
profit of US$0.21 per piece or US$2.10 per day. Animal-shaped doormats could be
sold in handicraft and souvenir shops, flea markets, department stores and general
merchandise shops.
465

Catalogue of coconut food recipes
Zulyana MN
Programme Assistant, COGENT, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute –
Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor,
Malaysia
Introduction
COGENT firmly believes that one of the best ways to promote the
conservation of coconut is by promoting its domestic consumption,
particularly its use in food and related food products. It is a fact that in
many countries, coconut is widely used as an ingredient in food. Indeed,
for certain countries, a meal would not be complete without the spicy
curry or sweet dessert that has coconut milk as its main ingredient.
Nutritional value of coconut

Besides being widely used in cooking and in preparing food worldwide,
coconut is also used traditionally for medicinal purposes to increase and
improve the body’s internal and external health, which is widely practiced
in most coconut producing countries.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has been a lifesaver for many people. The health and
nutritional benefits derived from coconut oil are unique and compelling.
Medium chain triglyceride, a fraction of coconut oil has been identified
as an important, medically efficacious food. Indeed, diets for critically ill
children, premature infants and hospitalized patients contain medium
chain triglycerides as principle source of fat. Coconut oil, when used in
usual diets containing all classes of fat, proves to be hypocholesterolaemic.
Chemically, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids of 12 carbons or less, classified
as Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFA).
Coconut water
Coconut water is a health drink with proven therapeutic benefits for
those who are prone to high blood pressure. Because of its high glucose
and fructose content, coconut water serves as a good source of
intravenous fluid, and could also be used for oral rehydration.
Traditionally, some people drink coconut water not only to prevent
the formation of but also to facilitate the removal of kidney stones. In
some rural areas, drinking coconut water is also practiced to cure measles.
466
Coconut milk
Coconut milk has soothing and cooling effects on the body. It also
stimulates growth of hair. Some people use either raw or cooked coconut
milk as routine hair treatment or maintenance. Hair will become stronger;
thicker, shinier and generally healthier.
Coconut flour
Coconut flour has great value as an ingredient in health food. When
mixed with wheat flour, it supplies the amino acids which are lacking in
the latter. Coconut flour also has a high-fibre content which helps facilitate
the removal of harmful toxins from the body by promoting regular bowel
movement (Rethinam 2003)
The catalogue of coconut food recipes

In view of the above, COGENT decided to compile coconut food recipes
from its member countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia, South Pacific,
Africa and the Indian Ocean, and Latin America and the Caribbean (see
related article on COGENT’s history and achievements for a complete
list of the network’s member countries, this chapter). Under this activity,
COGENT will produce and disseminate worldwide a publication entitled,
‘Catalogue of Coconut Food Recipes’, which will contain the various
coconut food recipes as documented from its member countries. The
recipes featured in the collection will include those that are commonly
found in the households of coconut farmers in the rural areas of these
countries and which are easy to prepare and the ingredients are readily
available.
The catalogue aims to (1) promote the nutritional value of coconut
and coconut-based food products; (2) encourage the domestic use and
consumption of coconut, and, therefore, promote its conservation; and
(3) help generate employment and promote entrepreneurship especially
among farmers, women and the youth in food-related business, thereby
contributing to increasing household incomes.
COGENT will also feature the coconut recipes in the COGENT
Newsletter as part of its overall public awareness strategy to promote
the many uses of coconut, and in the COGENT webpage for a wider
access worldwide. The recipes will be also be provided to the local media
(i.e. newspapers and magazines) of the member countries, to nutrition/
home economics teachers and extensionists, and to associations of hotels
and restaurants worldwide.
The catalogue will have four general categories: (1) soups; (2) main
dishes; (3) snacks; and (4) desserts (see Annexes 1 to 4 for sample entries),
467
and further subdivided by country from where the recipe came from.
Each recipe entry will contain the following:
1. The country where the recipe was documented;
2. The local name of the dish and its English translation, if any;
3. The author or documenter of the recipe;
4. The specific place in the country where the dish is popular;
5. A picture of the dish;
6. The ingredients needed; and
7. The instructions for cooking or preparing the dish.
This compilation of indigenous coconut-based food recipes will be

published and distirbuted to target recipients in 2006.
References
Rethinam, P. 2003. Health and nutritional aspects of coconut. 155-167
In: KI Vasu and PK Thampan (eds). Coconut for rural prosperity.
APCC, Jakarta, Indonesia. 299p.
KI Vasu and PK Thampan (eds). 2003. Coconut for rural prosperity.
APCC, Jakarta, Indonesia. 299p.
468
Annex 1. Sample ‘Soup’ entry
Country: Malaysia
Local Name: Sup Ayam Herba
English Name: Herbal Chicken Soup in Coconut Pot
Author: Wong Thiam Lim

Place where dish is popular: All states of Malaysia
Type of dish: Soup Serves 1-2 persons
Ingredients:
1 big coconut
400 g chicken
5 g yuk chuk (Chinese herbs)
5 g Sa Sam (Chinese herbs),
5 g boxthorn fruit or qi zi (Chinese herbs)
1/4 tsp salt
500 ml boiled water
Cooking Instructions:
1. Dehusk the coconut; cut the top cleanly to open and drain away all the
coconut water.
2. Put all ingredients into the coconut with its meat intact.
3. Cover the top and tie with string.
4. Steam over low fire for 2 hours.
5. Serve while hot.
469
Annex 2. Sample ‘Main Dish’ recipe
Country: Thailand
Local Name: Phaneang Mu
English Name: Pork Curry with Vegetables
Author: Peyanoot Naka

Place where dish is popular: Bangkok
Type of dish: Main Dish Serves 4-5 persons
Ingredients:
1 cup sliced pork 1 ½ tablespoons red curry paste*
¾ cup coconut milk 1 cup coconut cream
1 ½ tablespoons fish sauce 1 tablespoon sugar
3 pcs Kaffir lime leaves, finely cut 1 green chili pepper, cut into thin strips
5-6 basil leaves 1 cup coconut palm heart, sliced
*Red Curry paste ingredients:

10 large dried hot peppers 1 ½ teaspoons shrimp paste
4 tablespoons garlic, chopped 3 tablespoons shallot, chopped
2 ½ tablespoons lemon grass, sliced 3 tablespoons siamese ginger, chopped
2 ½ teaspoons coriander seeds 1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon cumin (Yira) 1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon kaffir lime skin, chopped
1. Pound all the Red Curry paste ingredients together until the resulting mixture is
smooth.
2. Using a wok or pot, cook the coconut cream over low heat until oil appears. Add
red curry paste and stir for 2 minutes.
3. Add the sliced pork. Stir 2-3 times. Add fish sauce, sugar and coconut milk. Bring
to a boil. Cook for 5-10 minutes.
4. Put in green chili pepper. Remove from heat. Top with kaffir lime leaves and basil
leaves when serving. Serve with cooked rice or bread.
470
Annex 3. Sample ‘Snack’ entry
Country : Tanzania
Local Name : Kashata
English Name : -
Authors: Joyce Paul, V Chokala and V Kiwia

Place(s) where dish is popular: All regions along the coastal belt
Type of dish: Snack Serves 7-9 persons
Ingredients:
1kg white sugar
½ kg grated coconut
2 cups water
1. Mix sugar with water.
2. Boil sugar-water mixture until sugar melts.
3. Add the grated coconut to the sugar solution. Stir for 30–40 minutes until
solution thickens.
4. Spread the mixture evenly on an aluminium tray lined with oil.
5. While still hot, cut the mixture into bite-size pieces of desired shapes.
471
Annex 4. Sample ‘Dessert’ entry
Country: Vietnam
Local name: Banh Dau Do
English name: Red Bean and Coconut Pudding
Author: Oil Plant Institute of Vietnam

Place where dish is popular: Ho CHi Minh City
Type of dish: Dessert Serves 6-8 persons
Ingredients:
150g of red beans
3/4 cup of concentrated milk
300g of coconut water
140g of corn flour
1 1/3 of cups sugar
30 strips of white agar
1. Mix corn flour, fresh coconut water and concentrated milk together.
2. Soak agar for half hour. Drain.
3. Wash and boil red beans in 6 cups of water.
4. Simmer over low heat for 1½ hours until beans are soft.
5. Remove cooked beans from boiling water. Set aside boiled water.
6. Boil agar in 5 cups of of the red beans water until agar is dissolved.
7. Add sugar, then gradually pour in corn flour mixture. Keep stirring until
the mixture thickens.
8. Put in the red beans and bring to boil. Pour the boiled mixture in a basin.
9. Put in refrigerator.
10. Serve chilled.
472
CGIAR’s support to coconut research

GJ Persley
Doyle Foundation and Chair, Coconut Support Group, Consultative Group on
International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to summarize the past and present
international efforts in coconut research and discuss future perspectives
on international coconut research that would serve the needs of the
commodity and those who depend on it.
Historical perspective
The first recorded coconut research was conducted 250 years ago in
Indonesia, where a description of coconut cultivars was recorded in
literature. A brief chronology of coconut research over the last century is
given in Table 1.
The possibility of an international initiative in coconut research was
first discussed with the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC)
at its meeting in Bangkok in May 1989 and in a subsequent
APCC-sponsored workshop in Singapore in September 1989. The
attention of the international agricultural research community had been
drawn to coconut because of its importance as a multi-purpose tree, both
a local and an export commodity, grown largely by smallholders - often
in fragile environments where there were few prospects for other crops.
Coconut has been characterized by a ‘stop/start’ approach to research
that was under-funded at national, regional and international levels. The
need for international cooperation in coconut research to bring together
a critical mass of expertise and resources to solve some of the problems
facing the industry has long been recognized amongst coconut producing
countries, researchers and development agencies. Several proposals were
put forward in various international fora between 1960-1980, all of which
lapsed.
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research
(CGIAR) recognized the importance of coconut as the smallholder crop
most in need of international attention, in its review of priorities and
strategies in 1996. The long-term nature of coconut research, the history
of discontinuity and lack of adequate support in funding, the prospects
of a high return on research investments and the likely distribution of
benefits to smallholders and consumers in developing countries made
coconut a suitable target for international support.
473
The CGIAR requested its Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) in

1987 to undertake a consultative process to identify: 1) priority problems
that affect coconut production, 2) those problems that could be addressed
through research; and 3) new approaches to address those researchable
issues that are international in character, and beyond the scope of any
one country to resolve.
This process was undertaken in 1988-89 with the assistance of the
Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) and
other CGIAR members, APCC and the coconut research community.
The feasibility study on an international initiative in coconut research
identified: 1) the current status and future trends for coconut within the
world fats and oils market; 2) the importance of coconut as a smallholder
crop in coastal and island communities; 3) productivity constraints; 4)
current national, regional and international research efforts; 5) priority
problems requiring an international approach; 6) goals of an international
initiative; and 7) possible institutional options.
The findings of the feasibility study is given in detail in a publication
entitled ‘Replanting the Tree of Life: Towards an International Agenda
for Coconut Palm Research’ (Persley 1992). The key elements are
summarized below.
Constraints analysis
The constraints to coconut production were identified as: 1) Low
productivity of many trees due to age, and poor nutrition; 2) the lack of
success in many replanting programmes; 3) fluctuating productivity, due
to climatic and other events; 4) losses due to pests and diseases including
several lethal diseases of unknown etiology; and 5) inefficient handling
and processing with limited added-value products for national and export
markets.
Rationale for R&D

The rationale for further R&D is based on: 1) the importance of coconut
as a smallholder crop produced largely for domestic consumption, with
about 50 million people involved in its cultivation and a further 30 million
people in Asia directly involved in its processing and marketing; 2) the
growing demand for vegetable oils as populations increase; 3) the
predictions of decreasing production available for export; 4) the price
premiums paid for lauric acid oils for industrial uses; and 5) declining
competitiveness of coconut in relation to crops such as oilpalm and
rapeseed, where there have been major productivity gains, in the order
of 10% per year for oilplam and 7% for rapeseed.
Some of the constraints can be addressed through research to increase
474
the productivity of the crop and the coconut-growing lands and add
value to the commodity after harvest.
Research and development needs and opportunities

The major research and development needs are: 1) conservation of the
genetic resources, and selection and propagation of higher yielding local
varieties and hybrids that are locally adapted, and pest and disease
tolerant; 2) control of the major pests and diseases, especially the lethal
diseases that are killing millions of trees each year; 3) increasing the
productivity and sustainability of existing plantings by improved farming
systems; 4) development of more efficient means of handling and
processing; and 5) diversification of the products derived from coconut
and active promotion of new added-value products in the marketplace.
Implementation options
The advantages and disadvantages of various options for providing
additional international support were considered. The options included:
1) additional support for national programmes; 2) an international
coconut research center; 3) international/regional coconut research
networks; 4) an international coconut research council; and 5) a coconut
R&D consortium. These options included ones that could be incorporated
within the CGIAR system and others that could be conducted under
international auspices outside the CGIAR system.
TAC recommendations
TAC recommended to the CGIAR in 1990 that coconut be included in
the CGIAR portfolio of activities. TAC farther recommended that the
research areas that warranted international efforts were within the fields
of: 1) germplasm collecting, conservation, evaluation and enhancement;
2) the control of pests and diseases; 3) the productivity and sustainability
of coconut-based systems; 4) efficiency and added value in post harvest
handling and utilization; and 5) socioeconomic issues, especially the
factors that influence farmers’ participation in rehabilitation and
replanting coconut land.
With regard to implementation arrangements, TAC recognized a clear
need for networks with a strong enabling component to fund research.
TAC also recommended that an international germplasm research unit
be established in Asia, in association with an international network on
genetic resources, possibly managed by the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI). The programme of an international network
for coconut genetic resources was developed at an international workshop
held in Cipanas, Indonesia in 1991 (IBPGR 1992).
With regards to the important problems needing to be addressed
475
beyond germplasm-related issues (i.e., pests and disease control,

production systems, post-harvest technology and socioeconomics), TAC
noted the recent establishment of the Bureau for the Development of
Research in Tropical Perennial Oil Crops (BUROTROP), with its interests
in supporting and coordinating oilpalm and coconut research, and its
special interests in coconut improvement. It also recognized the ongoing
work of APCC as an intergovernmental agency in support of the coconut
industry, with particular interests in processing and value-added products
and socioeconomic issues as well as production issues.
TAC reiterated its earlier recommendations to the CGIAR for the inclusion
of coconut within the CGIAR portfolio by the inclusion of the
recommendations on coconut within the CGIAR report on Priorities and
Strategies (CGIAR 1990, 1992).
CGIAR decisions on international coconut research

In the light of the above recommendations from TAC, the CGIAR at its
meeting in Istanbul in 1992 formally agreed to the inclusion of coconut
within its portfolio as a CGIAR commodity. It further agreed with TAC’s
analysis and recommendations as to the above five priority areas
warranting additional international support. It decided that initial priority
should be given to genetic resources collecting, conservation,
characterization and utilization. Germplasm was considered to be the
research area most international in scope, most at risk and with widest
likely payoff for many countries. The CGIAR encouraged IPGRI to expand
its activities on coconut research and to host the newly-established
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT).
Critical elements in international initiatives

The wide consultative process sponsored by the CGIAR analyzed the
needs and opportunities and identified R&D priorities and
implementation options for international coconut research. The critical
elements identified for international initiatives were: 1) Identify a set of
priority problems of global significance; 2) provide international auspices
for a programme of genetic resources collecting, conservation, exchange
and utilization; 3) provide an enabling financing mechanism for research
on the priority problems able to be undertaken by scientists worldwide
on a contractual basis; and 4) provide a mechanism for continuity of
funding in coconut research.
476
Present status of international coconut research efforts

COGENT was established in 1992 with the goal of improving the
productivity and profitability of coconut through the better conservation,
collecting, characterization and utilization of germplasm. It has 38
member countries. COGENT is governed by a Steering Committee of
representatives of member countries and operates through regional and
sub-regional networks, and specific task forces. IPGRI provides a
secretariat through its Asia, Pacific and Oceania regional office in
Malaysia. COGENT’s budget in 2000 was US$ 2.6 million, comprised of
approximately US$ 1.4M from international sources and US$1.2M from
contributions of member countries to agreed international activities.
Since its inception, COGENT has evolved into a global network, both
in terms of its geographic coverage and its evolving agenda. The agreed
research agenda covers genetic resources collecting, conservation,
characterization and utilization.
International research collaboration has been established on embryo
culture, disease indexing, genome mapping, molecular markers, breeding
methodologies, farmer-participatory germplasm selection for local needs,
value-added coconut products and socioeconomics, including farmer
responses to hybrid utilization.
The aim of the utilization studies and pilot projects in 14 countries
are to find new ways to increase farmer incomes from coconut cultivation.
The progress and achievements of COGENT are summarized in a related
article in this chapter.
A major achievement is the COGENT/APCC initiative to establish a
multi-site international coconut genebank (ICG) to conserve coconut
genetic resources in perpetuity and facilitate their utilization. The first
ICG Host Country Agreement was signed by the Government of India,
FAO and lPGRI/COGENT in May 1999. The Governments of Indonesia,
Papua New Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire have now signed similar
agreements. The field genebanks, associated research facilities and
germplasm exchanges are now being developed.
Future perspectives
The global context

The world today is a rapidly changing environment. Important trends
that affect R&D include:
• The tensions between globalization and the aspirations of local
communities;
477
• International treaty obligations, for example on trade, biodiversity

and climate change;
• The changing roles of the public and private sector;
• The new developments in modem science, including biotechnology;
• The public debate as to the risks and opportunities in the use of
genetically modified organisms; and
• Environmental trends, with pressure on land, water and natural
resources.
New CGIAR vision and strategy

In the 1980s, the CGIAR was developing its new vision and strategy for
international agricultural research in the 21st century. Key elements of-
this strategy are to focus on:
• Regionally-determined priorities that contribute to poverty
alleviation;
• Greater emphasis to South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa;
• Use of all aspects of modem science, including modem
molecular biology and geographic information systems;
• Defining the ‘CGIAR heartland’, where international R&D
efforts have comparative advantage;
• Measuring impact of strategic research efforts; and
• Experiment with new means for implementation of R&D, with
a broader range of partners and greater flexibility.
Future prospects for coconut

The challenge is how to position coconut in the changing world scene
and the new vision and strategy that is developing for international
agricultural research. Coconut is well-positioned in that it is a
multipurpose crop of poor people and fragile environments.
New elements such as farmer participatory approaches are being
used in priority setting in some R&D programmes. Modem science is
being applied through the use of modem biotechnology. In terms of
research modalities, there is successful international cooperation involving
APCC, COGENT and BUROTROP.
In terms of new modalities for international agricultural research,
the strengths of COGENT are its committed participants, with 38 countries
participating in the various activities, nationally, regionally and
internationally and through a number of specific Task Forces. It also has
an active Steering Committee responsible for its programme and strategy,
There is potential to build on the success of COGENT in examining the
long term prospects for coconut research, teaming the lessons from past
experience while focusing on future needs and opportunities.
478
Future R&D needs and opportunities

The need is to ensure that future international R&D efforts meet the needs
of the coconut industry and add value to national efforts. New
investments are needed in both coconut research and development to
resolve some of the long term issues facing the industry. These investments
need to stem from the commitment of both public and private sector
commitments to coconut in producing countries. Potential investors in
R&D are the public and private sectors in coconut producing countries,
coconut export industry, both exporters and importers, bilateral and
multilateral donors and the multilateral development banks.
In terms of new international efforts there is a need to answer and
establish the following:
• What are the priorities for international research efforts over
the next decade?
• What is the R&D strategy?
• What will be the measurable indicators of success?
• What is the financing plan?
• Who will do the R&D?
• What partnerships and strategic alliances are necessary?
Conclusion
The lessons learned from past experience in international coconut efforts
are that the critical elements for the success of future international
initiatives are: 1) Identification of a set of priority problems of global
significance; 2) provision of an enabling financing mechanism by which
research on the priority problems may be undertaken by scientists
worldwide; 3) provision of international auspices for a program of genetic
resources collecting, conservation, exchange and utilization; and 4)
provision of a means for continuity of funding in coconut research.
Much progress has been made in international coconut R&D efforts
over the past decade. This has been the result of careful planning and
meaningful consultations. There is a need now to plan with similar care
for the next decade, determine a focused set of priorities and expected
outcomes, strengthen the partnerships and strategic alliances necessary
to achieve these outcomes, and mobilize the necessary finance, from
national and international resources.
Future national and international R&D efforts will then have a high
chance of success in alleviating the constraints affecting the coconut
industry today, contribute to increasing the long term profitability and
sustainability, and increase the competitiveness of coconut, for the benefit
of all who depend on the ‘Tree of Life’.
479
Table 1. Chronology of international coconut research (1900-2000)
1900-to date National programmes in several countries of varying size and

strength.
1940 onwards French-led international coconut breeding and improvement
programmes.
1960-1980s Many national/regional/bilateral research and development
projects, including replanting schemes
1986 Feasibility study of international coconut initiative agreed by TAC
and CGIAR.
1987-1990 CGIAR-sponsored consultations on coconut industry constraints
and R&D needs, leading to three papers prepared for TAC on
international R&D priorities and implementation options.
1989 APCC meeting, Bangkok endorsed CGIAR coconut initiative.
1989 APCC/ACIAR/IDRC sponsored Singapore workshop elaborated
on coconut R&D priorities and implementation options for
international initiative, as basis for TAC recommendations
1990 TAC recommendations to CGIAR on priority areas for international
support, within germplasm, pests and diseases, production
systems, post harvest technology and socioeconomics.
European initiative (BUROTROP) established to coordinate
research on oil palm and coconut. Established Board of
Administrators. Conducts coordination, programme and
information activities, including workshops in different regions.
1991 International workshop, Cipanas, Indonesia to elaborate
international program on genetic resources conservation,
utilization and related areas, including diseases affecting
international germplasm exchange.
1992 TAC reiterated recommendations to CGIAR for inclusion of coconut
in new CGIAR priorities and strategy. CGIAR formally accepts
coconut as a CGIAR commodity, with first priority for international
support and action on genetic resources collecting, conservation,
characterization and utilization.
1992 COGENT (International Coconut Genetic Resources Network)
established, with Steering Committee of representatives from
coconut producing countries. IPGRI to provide secretariat.
1992-1999 Thirty-five countries progressively became members of COGENT
Regional/sub-regional networks established in Asia/Pacific, Africa
and LAC.
1992 to date Annual meetings of COGENT Steering Committee, and meetings
of COGENT regional and sub-regional networks and task forces,
held in conjunction with BUROTROP and APCC.
Specific Task Forces on International Coconut Genebanks,
safe exchange of germplasm, farming systems and other topics
established under auspices of COGENT
Several specific research projects initiated, including: (1)
480
COGENT/IPGRI/ ADB inter-country project on genetic resources

(14 countries); and (2) COGENT/IPGRI/IFAD international project
on genetic resources utilization (20 countries).
International research collaboration established on disease
indexing, genome mapping, molecular markers, breeding
methodologies, farmer participatory germplasm selection for local
needs, value-added coconut products and socioeconomics,
including farmer responses to hybrid utilization
1998 First agreements on establishing an International Coconut
Genebank (ICG) signed (at CGIAR meeting Beijing May 1999), by
Government of India, FAO and IPGRI/COGENT, with India as
host country as part of COGENT’s initiative on multi-site ICG to
conserve coconut genetic resources in perpetuity and facilitate their
utilization
1998 Second agreement on the ICG signed by Government of Papua New
Guinea, FAO and IPGRI/COGENT.
1999 Two other ICG agreements signed by FAO, IPGRI and Governments
of Cote d’lvoire and Indonesia. Final agreement is under negotiation
with Government of Brazil.
2000 Annual meeting of COGENT Steering Committee and ICG
workshop held in conjunction with APCC’s International Coconut
Conference, Chennai, India (July 2000).
COGENT Annual workplan and budget approved by Steering
Committee. COGENT budget in 2000 is approximately US$ 1.2
million from COGENT member countries commitments to agreed
international activities, including the genebanks and US 1.4 million
from external sources (CGIAR donors and other development
agencies), making a total annual investment of about US$ 2.6
million. The estimated COGENT budget for 2001 is approximately
US$3 million.
After 2000 See related article on COGENT in this chapter
References
CGIAR. 1992. CGIAR priorities and strategies. CGIAR Technical
Advisory Committee Secretariat, FAO, Rome.
COGENT. 2000. COGENT Newsletter Nos. 1-3. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Persley, GJ. 1992. Replanting the tree of life: Towards an international
agenda for coconut palm research. CAB International,
Wallingford, UK. 156p.
481
The International Coconut Genetic Resources

Network (COGENT): Its history and
achievements
P Batugal
Institute – Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
The possibility of an international initiative in coconut research was first
discussed with the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) at its
meeting in Bangkok in May 1989 and at a subsequent meeting in
Singapore later that year. At about the same time, the Technical Advisory
Committee (TAC) was tasked by the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) to undertake a consultative process to
identify: 1) priority problems that affect coconut production; 2) those
problems that could be addressed through research; 3) new approaches
to address those researchable issues that are international in character
and beyond the scope of any one country to resolve. The priorities
identified for international effort were: 1) germplasm collecting,
conservation, evaluation and enhancement; 2) pests and diseases control,
especially the lethal diseases; 3) improving productivity and sustainability
of coconut-based systems; 4) increasing efficiency and added value in
post harvest handling and utilization; and 5) addressing socioeconomic
issues, such as the factors that influence farmers’ choices in replanting
coconut land.
On 8-11 October 1991, the International Board for Plant Genetic
Resources or IBPGR (renamed International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute or IPGRI in 1992) organized an international workshop on
coconut genetic resources in Cipanas, Indonesia involving leading
coconut researchers from 15 countries. The workshop participants
recommended that an international coconut genetic resources network
be established with IBPGR serving as the executing agency for Phase I
(first five years) of this network and nominated the initial members of
the Steering Committee. Based on the results of the TAC consultation
process, the CGIAR decided to include coconut in its research portfolio
in 1992 after studies indicated that international support and global
coordination of research in coconut is essential to make it more productive
and beneficial to smallholder coconut farmers. The CGIAR and TAC
recognized that international support to coconut research was needed
482
as many coconut-producing countries lacked both the human and

material resources to conduct expensive and time-consuming research.
Thus, it tasked IPGRI (then IBPGR) to undertake research on coconut
genetic resources which was one of the five identified priority research
areas that deserved international support. Accordingly, IPGRI included
coconut genetic resources in its plant genetic resources research
programme and organized the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (COGENT) to implement this mandate. Dr Gabrielle Persley,
then working with the Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research (ACIAR), and later with the Doyle Foundation, is credited with
making a major contribution to COGENT for supporting case studies
and organizing efforts to convince the CGIAR that coconut research need
international support; in commissioning external reviews to evaluate
the progress of COGENT and in developing its strategic plan; and in
organizing the CGIAR Coconut Support Group to generate support for
COGENT priority activities. To organize COGENT, IPGRI engaged Dr
Hugh Harries as a Consultant in 1991 who helped develop the first five-
year work plan and who eventually suggested the acronym ‘COGENT’
for the network. Mr Gerardo Santos served as the Acting Coordinator of
COGENT for a few months in early 1993. Dr Michel de Nuce followed
briefly as Coordinator for the rest of 1993. From thereon, Dr Pons Batugal
served as Coordinator for the last 11 years, i.e. from 1994 to date. Starting
with the 15 countries that participated in the Cipanas, Indonesia
workshop, COGENT has rapidly developed into an active global Network
currently involving 38 coconut producing countries (Table 1; see also
Annex 1 for list of partner institutions in COGENT member countries).

Southeast and East Africa/Indian Latin America/
South Asia South Pacific
Asia Ocean Caribbean
1. China 1. Bangladesh 1. Cooke Is. 1. Benin 1. Brazil

2. Indonesia 2. India 2. Fiji 2. Cote d’Ivoire 2. Colombia
6. Thailand 5. Solomon Is. 6. Mozambique 6. Haiti
10. Trinidad-
Tobago
483
Goal, objectives and organizational structure

COGENT’s goal is to improve coconut production on a sustainable basis
and increase incomes in developing countries, through improved
cultivation of the coconut and efficient utilization of its products and by-
products. The objectives of COGENT are to: 1) establish and maintain an
international coconut database on existing and future germplasm
collections; 2) encourage the protection and use of existing germplasm
collections; 3) identify and secure additional threatened diversity by
developing and adopting suitable technologies and conservations
strategies; 4) promote greater collaboration among research groups in
producer countries and advance technology sources in the exchange of
germplasm and the development of new conservation techniques; 5)
conduct appropriate training, information dissemination; and 6) secure
necessary funding for network activities. To achieve this goal, COGENT
organized its Steering Committee (SC) with two representatives from
each geographical region, the Executive Director of the APCC and the
COGENT Coordinator who serve as non-voting members, with the latter
also serving as SC Secretary. Five sub-regional/regional networks were
also organized: South Asia; Southeast and East Asia; South Pacific; Africa
and the Indian Ocean; and Latin America and the Caribbean. Each
member country designates an experienced coconut scientist as COGENT
Country Coordinator to coordinate COGENT-supported programme =in
the country, and a Project Leader for every COGENT-supported project
or activity that the country undertakes.
IPGRI continues to be the executing agency for COGENT and provides
funding for the secretariat and technical and administrative support.
The SC decides on the priority research and training activities. In 1995,
Dr Persley organized the CGIAR Coconut Support Group, comprised of
donors and partner institutions, which reviews the identified priority
projects of COGENT for possible funding support.
Achievements in the last 14 years
Capacity development
To strengthen the coconut research capability of COGENT member
countries, the COGENT Secretariat and IPGRI have organized 39 country
need assessment missions and conducted 41 workshops and meetings
involving 994 coconut researchers to share information and technologies,
discuss issues and common problems and opportunities and how to
address them; conducted 40 training courses involving 765 participants
from 41 countries; supported 274 research and training/capacity building
activities in 30 countries; and led the establishment of the Global Coconut
Research for Development Programme (PROCORD).
484
International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD)

To equip member countries with relevant information and technologies
for coconut research, COGENT, in collaboration with Centre de
Développement (CIRAD) and with funding from the French Government
from 1996 to 2003, developed the CGRD. To date, it contains the passport
and characterization data (including some molecular marker data and
pictures) of 1416 coconut accessions worldwide (Table 2). CIRAD has
incorporated in the CGRD and its associated software, a management
system endowed with functions that can be used to carry out all the
necessary operations on the data it contains. Individual countries can
now update their database as they generate data from their genebank
collections. This database helps coconut breeders to effectively select
materials for developing improved varieties.
Conservation in national coconut genebanks

World coconut production is declining due to ageing palms, natural
calamities, inadequate replanting programme, lack of suitable planting
materials, poor crop management, population pressures causing crop
shifts, and lack of capital for farmers to invest in coconut production.
The development and use of improved coconut cultivars can markedly
help solve these problems and promote increased coconut production.
However, the landraces of coconut (ecotypes), which contain important
genetic characters for yield, disease and pest resistance and adaptation,
are under treat to genetic erosion and need to be collected, conserved,
evaluated and shared more widely to develop improved varieties.
Under the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project (1998-
2000), an additional 541 coconut populations were collected in 20 Asia
Pacific countries and these were conserved in 16 national coconut
genebanks. The conserved accessions are currently being evaluated and
characterization data are registered in the CGRD.
Globally, COGENT supported member countries and partner
institutions to conserve and upgrade 1416 accessions in national coconut
genebanks and collections in 28 sites in 23 countries (Table 2). These
collections include coconut genetic resources collected in respective
countries and introduced from other countries which have potential use
in developing improved varieties. Some of these germplasm have
important traits for the production of high-value products or for the
development of high-value varieties, i.e. high-oil content, aromatic, good
tendernut flavor, soft-endosperm, high-sap content, big-sized nut, thick
shell and high-husk content, and resistance to drought and diseases. It is
imperative that these varieties are conserved on farm and used, as they
are the basis for sustainable coconut production.
485
Table 2. COGENT’s International Coconut Genetic Resources Database

With
No. of With
Site 25<P≤75 25<E≤75 molecular
accessions pictures
data
CNRA Marc Delorme Research Station, Port- 99 92 71 73 67
Bouët, Côte d'Ivoire
Coconut Programme, OPRI, Sekondi, Ghana 16 4 15 14
CRC, Sémé Podji, Benin 4 4 4 4 3
National Coconut Development Programme, Dar 72 71 69 35 33
Es Salaam, Tanzania
AFRICAN REGION 191 103 148 127 117
Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan, 20 20 1 1 2
Merida, Mexico
Coconut Industry Board, Kingston, Jamaica 60 16 58 32 36
EMBRAPA, Aracaju, Betume-Brazil 16 16 16 10 10

LATIN AMERICA-CARIBBEAN REGION 96 52 75 43 48
BARI, Gazipur, Bangladesh 40 18 37
Coconut Research Institute, Lunuwilla, Sri Lanka 78 78 64 5 10
CPCRI, Kasaragod, India 212 141 211 76 52
RS, Islamabad, Pakistan 32
SOUTH ASIAN REGION 362 237 312 81 62
Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute, Rabaul, 3 3 5 30
Papua New Guinea
Stewart Research Station, Madang, Papua New 54 31 54 3 2
Guinea
Ministry of Agriculture, Nuku’alofa, Tonga 7 1 2 2
Saraoutou Research Station, Santo, Vanuatu 79 71 11 48 53
Taveuni Coconut Centre, Taveuni, Fiji 11 8 7 5 5
Olomanu Coconut Seed Garden, RS, Apia, 9 9 4 3
Samoa
RS, Yandina, Solomon Islands 21 4 21 10 11
SOUTH PACIFIC REGION 184 114 106 77 106
Coconut Research Institute, Wenchang, China 17 15 17 14
Department of Agriculture, Sabah, Malaysia 45 23 30 23 19
MARDI, Hilir, Perak &Terengganu, Malaysia 44 34 39 40 38
Bone Bone Experimental Garden, Manado, S. 41 35 41
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Mapanget Experimental Garden, Manado, N. 74 74 45 14 17
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Pakuwon Experimental Garden, W. Java, 25 22 25 8 10
Indonesia
Sikijang Experimental Garden, Pekanbaru, 30 30 30 3 5
Indonesia
Philippine Coconut Authority, Zamboanga, 224 221 219 194 51
Philippines
Chumphon Horticultural Research Centre, 52 42 52 9 8
Chumphon, Thailand
Dong Go Experimental Center, Ben Tre Province, 31 30 16 9 8
Vietnam
SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION 583 526 514 300 170
TOTAL FOR ALL REGIONS 1416 1032 1155 628 503
486
Since its establishment, COGENT has helped its member countries

upgrade and evaluate their collections and the new accessions that have
been collected under the auspices of the ADB-funded project. The
publication of the COGENT Standardized Research Techniques in
Coconut Breeding or STANTECH manual (Santos et. al. 1996) has greatly
facilitated much desired order into the collections and the streamlining
of their management. In the past, lack of well trained coconut researchers
had hampered coconut germplasm conservation and use. This constraint
was addressed through two STANTECH regional trainers’ courses, which
included several aspects of field genebank management.

Genebank
While national coconut field genebanks are important sources of
germplasm for exchange among COGENT member countries, there are
many constraints needing attention. First, many countries do not have
the capacity to maintain their conserved germplasm due to lack of
economic and technical capacity. Second, many countries do not have
the capacity to evaluate the agronomic performance of their germplasm
and if ever there were evaluation trials, data obtained are often not
comparable. Third, multi-country negotiations for obtaining germplasm
are often difficult for national breeding programmes that would like to
import germplasm that belong to several countries. Fourth, many
researchers who may want to share their germplasm do not have the
needed policy cover and their countries lack the facilities for ensuring
the safe movement of coconut accessions.
To provide double security for conserved germplasm in national
genebanks and to promote effective access and safe germplasm movement,
the COGENT Steering Committee decided to establish a multi-site
International Coconut Genebank (ICG) in 1995, consisting of regional
genebanks hosted by India for South Asia, Indonesia for Southeast and
East Asia, Papua New Guinea for the South Pacific and Côte d’Ivoire for
Africa and the Indian Ocean. Negotiations are underway for Brazil to
host the ICG for Latin America and the Caribbean (Rao and Batugal
1994). To date, 224 accessions have been conserved (Table 3). These
collections are part of the international ex situ collections under the
Undertaking on International Plant Genetic Resources. Memoranda of
agreements for hosting the ICG have been signed by the hosting country
governments, IPGRI on behalf of COGENT, and the Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO) of the United Nations serving as trustee.
The four host countries are currently importing additional germplasm
from the member countries in their respective regions. These will be grown
487
Table 3. Germplasm conserved in the International Coconut Genebank

Initial number Designated
Date when MOA in list of germplasm
Name of Genebank
germplasm conserved*
1. International Coconut Genebank for the South 30 September 1998 55 50
Pacific (Papua New Guinea)
2. International Coconut Genebank for Southeast 26 May 1999 52 29

Asia (Indonesia)
3. International Coconut Genebank for Africa and 14 October 1999 49 99

The Indian Ocean (Côte d'Ivoire)
4. International Coconut Genebank for South 30 October 1998 49 46

Asia (India)
Total 205 224
*Additional accessions were added to the initial list of designated germplasm.
in vitro in the embryo culture laboratory, raised in the nursery and

transplanted in the ICG when ready.
It is envisioned that the ICG for each region will conserve in field
genebanks about 200 important accessions. They are being established
and managed by the national programmes under the oversight of
COGENT and IPGRI. With funding from the ACIAR, IPGRI/COGENT
has published a Manual on Germplasm Health Management for the
COGENT’s International Coconut Genebank (Ikin and Batugal 2004)
which will serve as the guide for national genebank managers and the
quarantine service in managing the ICG and the movement of germplasm
worldwide.
ICG laboratories and facilities will also be developed and upgraded
which will be used to further locate diversity, identify and eliminate
duplicates, conduct disease indexing, process pollen and embryos for
export, conduct cryopreservation and train coconut researchers from
member countries in evaluating, conserving and using germplasm. Thus,
the ICGs will be developed as Centers of Excellence as part of the IPGRI
intiative on upgrading and capacity building of its partner institutions.
The conserved germplasm in the field genebanks is covered by a
Material Transfer Agreement obliging each ICG to provide access to
their conserved germplasm to all coconut producing countries, not to
patent conserved germplasm and to pass the later obligation to third
parties receiving the germplasm. The inclusion of coconut in the list of
commodity crops under the International Treaty for Food and Agriculture
will further accelerate the sharing of coconut germplasm among the
488
In situ and on-farm conservation

COGENT realizes that despite the intensive efforts on collecting and
conserving coconut genetic diversity ex situ, the major part will remain
in situ, in the yards or gardens of small-scale farmers, undisturbed tropical
sea coasts and uninhabited islands. Many of these farmers’ varieties are
in danger of being lost resulting in genetic erosion of some of the most
adapted and needed germplasm for sustainable coconut production.
Thus, COGENT has developed a protocol for genetic erosion study and
has pre-tested it in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Kiribati. Initial results
indicated that the threats to genetic erosion, caused by urbanization,
shifts to other more profitable crops, calamities such as drought, typhoons,
pests and diseases, are real and need to be addressed.
In situ conservation had been previously proposed as a method for
conservation as it has the distinct advantage of conserving already
adapted germplasm that have naturally evolved in niche environments.
COGENT has developed and implemented a diversity-linked ‘Poverty
reduction in coconut growing communities’ (PRCGC) project that
addresses both in situ and on-farm conservation through a farmer
participatory approach (Batugal and Oliver 2004; Batugal and Coronel
2004; and Batugal and Oliver 2005). Under this project, three pilot
coconut growing communities in each participating country tested the
viability of four coconut-based income generating strategies: 1) production
and marketing of high-value products from all parts of the coconut; 2)
intercropping cash and food security crops; 3) livestock/fodder
production; and 4) production and selling of high-quality coconut
seedlings which are raised in community-managed nurseries. The
community-managed nurseries propagate seednuts for on-farm
conservation from identified local varieties which are selected based on
farmer participatory rapid appraisal of community genetic resources
(Eyzaguirre and Batugal 1998) and during coconut diversity fairs. Mother
palms of these selected varieties are paint-marked for in situ conservation
and as sources of seednuts for propagation. Each project participant in
the 24 community pilot models is .encouraged to plant at least five
seedlings purchased from the community-managed nursery per year.
Introduced high-value varieties are also propagated in the same nursery
to increase the coconut diversity. This ADB-funded project, which was
successfully implemented in eight Asia Pacific countries (Bangladesh,
India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Fiji and Papua
New Guinea) from 2002 to 2004, produced 65 505 seedlings from 89
farmers’ varieties which were conserved on farm. Initial results indicate
that it is a sustainable ‘conservation through use’ strategy (see Annex 2
for list of national coconut research agencies, non-governmental
489
organizations (NGOs) and CBOs that participated under the ADB-funded

PRCGC project).
Developing strategies and technologies for germplasm conserva-

tion and use
Conservation in field genebanks is the most popular and practical method
of ex situ conservation but it is expensive and requires a large land area
that many national programmes do not have. Thus, COGENT is
supporting the development of complementary conservation strategies
and technologies. In 1997, COGENT supported the development of
coconut in vitro embryo culture techniques to facilitate collecting and the
exchange of materials between partners and make such exchange safe
from pests and diseases. A workshop was organized in Albay, Philippines
involving eight countries to discuss the status of coconut embryo culture
technology and to develop a collaborative research to upgrade the
technology (Batugal and Engelmann 1998). COGENT awarded research
grants to 12 countries to upgrade the technology, and in 2001,
participants met in a workshop in Merida, Mexico to report on the results
of their findings (Engelmann and Batugal 2002). These research results
are published and disseminated to coconut researchers worldwide.
For long-term conservation, preliminary experiments have led to the
development of a cryopreservation protocol, which has been successfully
applied to zygotic embryos of four different genotypes. COGENT has
collaborated with the International Research for Development (IRD,
formerly ORSTOM) and national partners in upgrading the
cryopreservation technology and in conducting two cryopreservation
workshops to train the coconut researchers on the updated technology.
Five coconut researchers were trained in the cryopreservation course at
the National Board for Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in India in 2002
and another five in a similar course at IRD in Montpellier in 2003. All
trainees were required to develop re-entry work plans to validate
techniques learned using their local accessions and laboratories.
The potential of somatic embryogenesis as a tool to promote accelerated
coconut germplasm conservation and use has been explored. If successful,
it could be used to rapidly multiply identified parent materials to provide
adequate number of plants for breeding or replanting by COGENT
member countries. Mass propagation by means of somatic embryogenesis
was studied and clonal plantlets were produced for some genotypes in a
reproducible manner. However, this study, which was funded by the
European Union and involving five major advanced laboratories, was
initially limited by its low recovery rate of embryos. Nevertheless, the
recent report of work on embryo culture of the Centro Investigacion
490
Cientifico de Yucatan (CICY) in Mexico at the Coconut and Oil Palm

Biotechnology Meeting in Manila in April 2004 indicated substantial
progress. Using improved techniques developed by CICY, it was reported
that about 100 000 embryos could be produced from a single plumule.
COGENT is arranging for this upgraded technology to be downstreamed
to the ICGs, and funding is being sought for the conduct of a workshop
to disseminate the upgraded technology for further validation and
refinement.
There is a need to develop and use molecular marker methods to
characterize coconut germplasm, identify key physiological and
agronomic parameters and their interactions with the environment, and
to tag the desired traits for breeding. This will increase their predictive
value in breeding for high-yielding, adapted and high-value varieties.
For this purpose, COGENT collaborated with CIRAD in developing
molecular marker methods for studying coconut diversity which
produced a microsatellite kit, which 10 COGENT member countries are
now using to characterize their conserved germplasm and farmers’
varieties.
Given these developments, it should not be long before these new
technologies can be exploited to complement the field genebanks and in
situ/on-farm conservation for the medium and long-term conservation
of coconut.
Germplasm evaluation
In 2001, COGENT and BUROTROP supported APCC in conducting a
survey on the performance of coconut hybrids and varieties, and farmers’
varietal preferences in 10 coconut producing countries. The results showed
that: 1) there are no universal hybrids, with each hybrid having their
specific niches where it performs well; 2) hybrids performed better than
traditional varieties under adequate rainfall and good soil conditions; 3)
under optimum growing conditions and management, the coconut
hybrids tested could produce up to 5 tonnes of copra per hectare per
year compared to the 1-2 tonnes obtained from traditional varieties; and
4) farmers were not interested in high yields per se but also in other
characteristics such as low input-requiring varieties and varieties with
special characteristics for producing high-value products.
In 1999-2004, COGENT conducted a CFC-funded hybrid
multilocation trial involving three African countries (Côte d’Ivoire, Benin
and Tanzania) and three Latin American and Caribbean countries (Brazil,
Mexico and Jamaica) to identify suitable hybrids and varieties for
smallholders. Each of the six countries compared six common multi-site
hybrids produced and shipped from Côte d’Ivoire with their local hybrids.
491
The imported test materials were four Dwarf x Tall and two Tall x Tall
hybrids which have been proven to have good yield potential in other
separate trials. Included in each country location trial are 4-8 promising
local hybrids/ varieties as local control. The Government of Portugal
funded a similar project involving the evaluation of the same six multi-
site hybrid controls and four local hybrids in Mozambique. This brought
to 38 the total number of test hybrids/ varieties (including both the local
and imported hybrids) being evaluated, making this project the most
comprehensive coconut hybrid trial worldwide.
The most important initial result of the project is the identification of
19 early bearing and potentially high-yielding new coconut hybrids.
Nineteen out of the 38 coconut hybrids in the first trial started to flower
and produce fruits in Brazil, Jamaica and Mexico in 2.5-3.0 years after
planting compared to the seven years it would normally take for the
traditional Tall varieties to reach the fruiting stage. On the other hand,
flowering was not observed in the hybrids planted in Benin, Côte d’Ivoire
and Tanzania during the same period. These results suggest that the
drought in Africa and the generally drier conditions in that region
compared to those in Latin America and the Caribbean had a negative
effect on the early flowering of the hybrids. This germplasm x environment
interaction could be verified with the vegetative and reproductive plant
measurements, and biotic and abiotic data to be gathered and analyzed
in the next five years. Based on the yield projection of the 19 fruiting
hybrids on their fourth year, they have the potential to produce up to 5
tonnes of copra (dried kernel) per hectare per year at the peak of
production (at 10-12 years) compared to the 1-2 tonnes of copra produced
by the traditional coconut varieties. The results of this hybrid evaluation
and other hybrid performance observations around the world are
presented in the COGENT publication entitled, ‘Coconut Hybrids for
Smallholders’ (Batugal et al. 2005).
Developing platforms for a wider research and development

programme
The value of coconut conservation is not maximized unless appropriate
platforms are developed to deploy COGENT’s conserved germplasm to
promote germplasm utilization. COGENT has documented the breeding
programmes of member countries (Batugal and Rao 1998) and is currently
developing a proposal for a globally coordinated coconut breeding
programme. The breeding programme shall focus on the regional/global
needs of COGENT member countries instead of merely those of individual
countries and will adopt participatory plant breeding approach to
incorporate farmers’ varietal preference. Specifically, the programme
492
initially aims to: 1) characterize conserved germplasm and farmers’

varieties using morphometric and molecular techniques; 2) screen and
identify ecotypes tolerant or resistant to the lethal yellowing disease and
drought ; 3) improve yields for specific uses and adaptation; 4) develop
varieties which are suitable for the production of high-value products
from husk, fiber, shell, meat, water, wood and leaves; 5) develop technical
support systems for national breeding programmes (i.e. information,
pollen and embryo provision, etc.); and 6) provide a platform to promote
the dissemination and use of the results of the above-mentioned coconut
breeding projects to achieve socioeconomic and environmental impact.
Ultimately, the programme should be able to significantly increase the
choice of hybrid cultivars among coconut growing countries, by
maximizing the use of available genetic resources for breeding purposes,
and improve the quality of the planting materials for distribution to users
or farmers.
To provide a wider R & D platform for the utilization of COGENT’s
conserved germplasm and to enhance the impact of COGENT’s current
and future outputs, IPGRI/COGENT, the APCC and the Bureau for the
Development of Research on Perennial Tropical Oil Crops or BUROTROP
initiated the establishment of the Global Coconut Research for
Development Programme (PROCORD), a global alliance to coordinate
and promote global coconut research. The formal launching of PROCORD
in 2002 provided a mechanism for an integrated approach to coconut
research for development initiatives worldwide as envisioned in the
original priority areas of coconut research as identified by the CGIAR. In
the implementation of PROCORD, the lead role for coconut genetic
resources conservation and improvement, and socioeconomic and policy
support were assigned to COGENT; for coconut-based farming systems
and crop protection, to BUROTROP; and for processing and marketing,
to APCC. Due to the dissolution of BUROPTROP in 2003, the Centre de
Cooperation Internationale en Researche Agronomique pour le
Development (CIRAD) took over the functions of BUROTROP in this
global research alliance, bringing its experience, expertise and resources
to enhance the program.
Strategic public awareness and publications

In its effort to help disseminate strategies, technologies, public awareness
materials and other information to promote coconut conservation and
use, COGENT has produced and disseminated strategically selected
publications (see Oliver, this chapter). It has also regularly published the
COGENT Newsletter to serve as the information medium for updating
members about the COGENT current and future activities; and
493
Table 4. Project grants provided to COGENT member countries

LOA funding National funding
Country No of LOAs*
(US$) (US$)
1. Bangladesh 17 83 796 36 770
2. India 28 158 475 150 625
3. Pakistan 2 14 487 5 000
4. Sri Lanka 26 137 453 64 835
5. China 5 34 373 28 000
6. Indonesia 26 179 850 178 672
7. Malaysia 6 61 800 103 000
8. Philippines 30 175 815 237 127
9. Thailand 9 70 626 539 343
10. Vietnam 20 137 356 83 104
11. Fiji 12 88 785 131 106
12. Papua New Guinea 20 111 189 300 371
13. Samoa 5 55 000 52 581
14. Solomon Islands 5 61 000 94 600
15. Tonga 5 60 200 24 500
16. Vanuatu 5 55 000 74 900
17. Cook Islands 1 11 000 6875
18. Kiribati 1 11 000 6875
19. Marshall Islands 1 11 000 6875
20. Tuvalu 1 11 000 6875
21. Benin 4 39 083 25 000
22. Côte d' Ivoire 10 310 590 96 566
23. Tanzania 9 59 833 49 916
24. Brazil 7 53 333 44 166
25. Jamaica 7 45 583 36 583
26. Mexico 8 57 333 48 666
27. Cuba 1 5000 6350
28. Ghana 1 1500 750
29. Mozambique 1 11 500 6000
30. Portugal 1 8250 4000
GRAND TOTAL 274 2 121 210 2 450 031
*LOA - Letter of Agreement of member country with IPGRI/COGENT indicating project terms, activities
and funding
494
established and maintained the COGENT webpage (http://

www.ipgri.cgiar.org/networks/cogent). COGENT also published a book
on technical writing, seminar presentation, public awareness and
proposal preparation, and distributed this to all COGENT member
countries to help coconut researchers worldwide effectively write and
publish and present the results of their research (Stapleton et al. 2004).
Technical and financial support to member countries and partner in-

stitutions
To support regional and global projects, COGENT and IPGRI provided
funds and technical backstopping to national programmes and partner
institutions in 30 countries (Table 4). This enabled them to conduct 274
research projects, trainings, meetings and workshop activities in support
of research with regional and global significance. For these activities,
COGENT/IPGRI and its donor agencies provided 46% (US$2,121,210)
of the funding requirements and the national programmes, 54%
(US$2,450,031).
Conclusion
The establishment of COGENT addressed the need for an internationally
coordinated research programme on coconut genetic resources in support
of the smallholder coconut farmers and the coconut industry. To ensure
the sustainability of the programme, the member countries agreed to
reciprocal access to germplasm, information and technology; sharing of
resources to implement agreed activities; and to collaborate in solving
common problems and promoting common opportunities. The public
and private sectors have high expectations for COGENT to help improve
coconut profitability in a sustainable manner and to provide benefits to
the coconut smallholder farmers. These expectations have been partly
achieved with many substantive achievements of COGENT since its
establishment 12 years ago. Support of partner institutions and donors is
strong. However, in the final analysis, the success of COGENT will
depend mostly on the commitment and political will of the member
countries to help themselves.
References
Batugal, P, V Ramanatha Rao and C Bong, editors. 1998. Promoting
multi-purpose uses and competitiveness of the coconut. Proceedings
of workshop held in Chumpon Thailand on 26-29 September 1996.
IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia. 190p.
Batugal, PA and V Ramanatha Rao (eds). 1998. Coconut breeding. Papers
presented at a Workshop on Standardization of Coconut Breeding
495
Research Techniques, 20-25 June 1994, Port Bouet, Côte d’Ivoire.

IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia. 150p.
Batugal, PA and F Engelmann (eds). 1998. Coconut embryo in vitro
culture. Papers presented at a Workshop on Embryo Culture, 27-31
Serdang, Malaysia. 164p.
communities, Volume I: The framework and project plan. IPGRI-APO,
Serdang, Malaysia. 337pp.
Batugal, P and R Coronel (eds). 2004. Poverty reduction in coconut
growing communities, Volume II: Mobilizing for action. IPGRI-APO,
communities, Volume III: Project achievements and impact. IPGRI-
APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. 270p.
smallholders. CFC Technical Paper No. 42. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia. 235p.
vitro culture: Part II. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. 192p.
on coconut diversity: Workshop report on methods and field
protocols. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. 120p.
Ikin, R and P Batugal (eds). 2004. Germplasm health management for
COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut Genebank. IPGRI-APO,
Rao, V Ramanatha and PA Batugal (eds). 1998. Proceedings of the
COGENT regional coconut genebank planning workshop, 26-28
February 1996, Pekanbaru, Riau, Indonesia. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Santos, GA, PA Batugal, A Othman, L Baudouin and JP Labouisse (eds).
1996. Manual on standardized research techniques in coconut
breeding. IPGRI-APO, Singapore. 46p.
Stapleton, P, P Batugal and J Oliver (eds). 2004. Manual on technical
writing, public awareness, seminar presentation and proposal
preparation for coconut researchers. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
496
Annex 1. Partner institutions in COGENT member countries
1. Coconut Research Institute (CRI), China

2. Indonesian Center for Estate Crops Research and Development
(ICECRD), Indonesia
3. Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
(MARDI), Malaysia
4. Department of Agriculture Planning (DAP), Ministry of Agriculture,
Myanmar
6. Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), Department of Agriculture,
Thailand
10. Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), Pakistan
12. Ministry of Agriculture (MA), Cook Islands
14. Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Kiribati
15. Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CRI), Papua New Guinea
16. Ministry of Agriculture and Primary Industries (MAPI), Solomon
Island
17. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Tonga
18. Division of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Vanuatu
19. Ministry of Agriculture, Forest, Fisheries and Meteorology (MAFFM),
Western Samoa
20. Institut National des Reserches Agricoles du Benin (INRAB), Benin
21. Centre National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA), Cote d’Ivoire
22. Oil Palm Research Institute (OPRI), Ghana
23. Kenyan Agricultural Research Institute (KARI), Kenya
24. Société Sambava Voanio (SOAVOANIO), Madagascar
25. Instituto Nacional de Investigacao Agronomica (INIA), Mozambique
26. Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Nigeria
27. Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources (MAMR), Seychelles
28. Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute (MARI), Tanzania
29. Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), Brazil
30. Corporacion Colombiana de Investigacion Agropecuaria
(CORPOICO), Colombia
497
Annex 2. National coconut research agencies, non-govern-

mental organizations and community-based organizations that
participated in the ADB-funded Poverty Reduction in Coconut
Growing Communities project
National Research Institute (NRIs)

4. Indonesian Center for Estate Crops Research and Development
(ICECRD), Indonesia
8. Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI), Papua New Guinea
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

1. Banchte Shekha Foundation
2. Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation
3. Siyath Foundation
Community-based organizations (CBOs)
Bangladesh
1. Bandabila Coconut Community, Bandabila, Jessore
2. Chandrapara Coconut Community, Chandrapara, Barisal
3. Banchte Shekha (BS) Coconut Community, Jamira
India
4. Ariyankuppam Commune Coconut Farmers Association,
Ariyankuppam
5. Pallikkara Community Coconut Development Centre, Pallikkara
6. Vayalar Community Development Project, Vayalar, Kerala
Sri Lanka
7. Thuthipiritigama Entrepreneurship Development Society,
Thuthipiritigama, Hettipola
8. Womens Savings Effort, Wilpotha
9. Dodanduwa Womens Collective, Dodanduwa
Indonesia
10. Kelompok Tani Kelapa Harapan Wori, Wori, Wori District, Minahasa
Regent
498
11. Kelompok Tani Kelapa Momosad Nonapan I, Nonapan, Poigor

District, Bolaang Mongondow Regent
12. Kelompok Tani Kelapa Huyula Huntu, Bongomeme/Huntu
Bongomeme District, Donggala Regent
Philippines
13. Malapad Integrated Livelihood Cooperative, Malapad, Real, Quezon
14. Bahay Patol Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-purpose
Cooperative, Caliling, Cauayan, Negros Occidental
15. Linabu Coconut Planters Association, Linabu, Misamis Oriental
16. Fleischer Estate Integrated marketing Cooperative, Old Poblacion,
Maitum, Saranggani (associated CBO)
Vietnam
17. Hung Phong/Phong Nam Coconut Community, Hung Phong and
Phong Nam, Giong Trom District, Ben Tre Province
18. Xuan Dong Coconut Community, Xuan Dong District, Tien Giang
Province
19. Tam Quan Nam Coconut Community, Tam Quan District, Binh Dinh
Province
Fiji
20. Tukavesi Development Association, Tukavesi
21. Belego Multiracial Farmers Association, Belego, Wailevo
22. Cicia Women’s Group, Cicia Island
Papua New Guinea

23. Murukanam Community Association, Murukanam
24. Transgogol Community Association, Transgogol
25. Last Karkar Community Association, Last Karkar
499
The Coconut Research for Development

Programme (PROCORD)
P Batugal1 and J Oliver2
1
Coordinator and 2Communications Assistant, COGENT, International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute – Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO),
Background
Coconut farmers, 96% of whom are smallholders (tending less than 4
hectares), are suffering because of declining farm productivity and
unstable markets for their traditional coconut products which are copra
(dried kernel) and coconut oil. On the average, coconut farmers earn a
gross income of about US$150-$200 per hectare per year which income
is below the poverty line. The problems include declining yields and farm
productivity, pests and diseases, poor farm management practices, lack
of improved varieties, inappropriate processing technologies, inadequate
access to information and markets and lack of understanding of the
socioeconomic problems of the coconut farmer. Inadequate funding and
institutional support to enable the research community to effectively
address the major problems and opportunities of resource-poor
smallholder coconut farmers have also contributed to the suffering.
In the past 12 years, the Bureau for the Development of Research on
Tropical Perennial Oil Crops (BUROTROP) and the Asian and Pacific
Coconut Community (APCC) have identified several of these major
constraints of the coconut growing countries, but due to inadequate and
discontinuous funding, they could only address these problems in limited
ways. Since its establishment by the International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute (IPGRI ) 14 years ago, the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Network (COGENT) has effectively implemented its mandate
to promote the conservation and use of coconut genetic resources to
increase the income of smallholders. However, its mandate has been
limited to genetic resources conservation and use. Cognizant of these
constraints, in May 2000, BUROTROP in collaboration with COGENT,
presented a proposal for the establishment of a global coconut research
programme along the commodity chain approach (from production to
consumption) which was favourably received during the meeting of the
Global Forum on International Agricultural Research (GFAR) in Dresden,
Germany. Subsequently, national programme representatives from 34
coconut producing countries who attended the International Coconut
Conference/COCOTECH meeting in Chennai, India in July 2000
500
recommended that a well-coordinated and well-supported coconut global

research programme be developed along the commodity chain approach
to address the other research areas that seriously limited coconut
productivity and income.
The four other priority research areas needing international support
in addition to coconut genetic resources, as identified by the Technical
Advisory Committee (TAC) of the Consultative Group on International
Agricultural Research (CGIAR) in 1991, to be addressed by the proposed
programme include: 1) control of diseases (lethal or otherwise) and pests;
2) productivity and sustainability of coconut-based agroforestry systems;
3) efficiency and added value in postharvest handling and utilization of
coconut; and 4) the socioeconomic issues influencing farmers’
participation in rehabilitation and replanting of crops. The proposal to
support research in these areas was presented by IPGRI at the
International Coconut Conference in Chennai, India on 17–22 July 2000.
At that meeting the participants identified an initial research agenda
partly based on the identified priorities selected by TAC for coconut
research in 1991 and recommended that further consultations with
stakeholders on programme content, organization and management be
conducted by COGENT in collaboration with the APCC, the inter-
governmental organization of 14 coconut producing countries, and
BUROTROP, the French-based research organization dealing with
coconut and oil palm. At the completion of the consultation process,
positive endorsements have been received from IPGRI, the COGENT
Steering committee, APCC and BUROTROP.
In June 2001, the APCC Executive Director, BUROTROP Board of
Administrators and the COGENT Steering Committee recommended that
COGENT’s mandate be expanded so that it could lead the initial
coordination of the proposed Coconut Research for Development
Programme (PROCORD) with the following justifications: 1) There is a
need to create a platform for a wider range of coconut research and
development activities which could effectively utilize the present and
future outputs of COGENT; 2) there is no technology and research
funding support from the private sector for the needs of smallholder
coconut farmers; 3) there is no international commodity centre to take
care of international research beyond coconut genetic resources; 4) there
exists a demonstrated network approach that has proved to be a cost-
effective mechanism of implementing a coconut global research
collaboration, i.e. the COGENT network which is coordinated by IPGRI
effectively collaborates with NARS institutions which actually implement
projects and a similar mechanism could be used to effectively implement
an expanded global programme; 5) there is a request from national
501
programmes and partner institutions for the CGIAR to enable IPGRI/

COGENT to lead the coordination of the programme; and 6) there is a
need to provide an experimental model for the CGIAR to deal with the
inter-disciplinary needs of projects affecting resource-poor farmers within
the limited mandates of existing CGIAR centres. This approach has
created an impact through COGENT and it could also create a similar
impact in the four other priority areas of coconut research identified by
TAC.
In recognition of the above, the four organizations (including IPGRI)
have agreed that COGENT will initially coordinate the programme. As
a follow up action, the COGENT Coordinator, BUROTROP Director and
the APCC Executive Director met and agreed on the following activities
to accelerate the establishment of the programme: 1) refine the priority
research areas as identified in specific sessions of the COCOTECH meeting
in Chennai; 2) identify stakeholders to be involved in the proposed
programme; 3) identify prospective members to serve in a Steering/
Coordination Committee for the proposed global programme; and 4)
identify possible members for the proposed technical working groups. In
undertaking the above activities, the lead role for coconut genetic
resources and improvement was assigned to COGENT; coconut-based
farming systems and crop protection, to BUROTROP; and processing
and marketing, to APCC.
In 2004, due to the dissolution of BUROTROP and in consultation
with and agreement among the representatives of APCC, BUROTROP
and COGENT, it was decided that the Centre de Cooperation
Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Development
(CIRAD) will take over the functions of BUROTROP in PROCORD.
Goal and objectives

The goal of PROCORD is to improve the returns on coconut to coconut
growing farmers, communities and countries. Its objectives are:
1. Improve productivity - To improve productivity of coconut through
the development of improved coconut varieties, the control of pests
and diseases, the development of coconut-based ecosystems, the
improvement of processing techniques, the production of value-
added coconut products, and the study of socio-economic and
policy issues affecting the coconut sector;
2. Strengthen partnerships - To strengthen and stimulate partnerships
among stakeholders of the coconut community to foster the more
efficient identification and application of research results to the
needs of coconut growers;
3. Enhance information access and dissemination - To enhance access
502
to information and promote the effective documentation and

dissemination of research findings;
4. Promote capacity building - To generate training opportunities for
researchers and technicians to improve their knowledge and skills
and foster the development of centres of excellence in various
aspects of coconut research and development; and
5. Generate support - To provide effective coordination of research
and the generation of institutional and funding support for priority
research areas of global significance.
Priority research areas

In the last 10 years, APCC, BUROTROP and COGENT have conducted
consultations with their respective stakeholders to identify problems and
opportunities and needed research priority research projects to address
them. In 1991, the Technical Advisory Committee of (TAC) of the
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)
identified priority research areas that need international support. At the
International Coconut Conference/COCOTECH meeting in Chennai in
July 2000 which was attended by representatives from 34 countries, the
participants reviewed the research priority areas identified by TAC in
1991 and recommended research topics to be considered under each
priority area. These were further refined by representatives of APCC,
BUROTROP and COGENT and will be updated periodically as needed
(with CIRAD replacing BUROTROP). Individually and collectively,
APCC, CIRAD, COGENT and national and international partners are
already undertaking research in these areas. It will be the role of
PROCORD to identify the gaps, update priority areas and integrate the
various research aspects to promote greater impact.
The broad priority areas are:

1. Germplasm collecting, conservation, evaluation and improvement;
2. Socioeconomics and policy support;
3. Control of diseases and pests especially the lethal diseases;
4. Productivity and sustainability of coconut-based agro-forestry
systems;
5. Improvement of the efficiency and value-added benefits in post
harvest processing and utilization; and
6. Marketing.
The details of these research areas are shown in Annex 1.
Research projects to be undertaken under this collaboration will be

regional and global in scope so that location- and situation-specific
503
research projects will be addressed by national programmes which will

be more suited and equipped to effectively undertake them.
Organizational structure
As agreed by the four organizations and their stakeholders, PROCORD
will operate through a Coconut Stakeholders’ Group, a Coconut Support
Group, a Coordinating Committee and six Technical Working Groups.
The membership and mandates of these groups are described below.
Coconut Stakeholders’ Group – All interested Inter-Government

organizations, coconut farmers’ organizations, research and development
organizations from the public and private sectors, companies utilizing
coconut either in processing, manufacturing or trading and NGOs. The
mandate of the Group is to discuss problems, opportunities and issues
affecting coconut producers and users, and provide advice and support
on how these concerns can be addressed through prioritized research
projects.
Coconut Support Group – All duly designated representatives of donors,

development organizations and coconut producing countries which
contribute funding and institutional support to coconut research. The
mandate of this Group is to review research priorities and research
projects identified by the Coconut Stakeholders Group and by the
Coordinating Committee and to encourage its members to provide
funding and institutional support to specific priority projects and activities
on coconut.
Coordinating Committee – The members are the Chair and Executive

Director of APCC; the Chair of the Board of Administrators and Director
of CIRAD; the Chair of the COGENT Steering Committee; and the
COGENT Coordinator. The mandates of the Committee are to address
the priorities identified by the Stakeholders’ Group and the Coconut
Support Group; and to coordinate the planning, monitoring, evaluation,
reporting of and fund generation for priority research projects. It will be
assisted by the PROCORD Coordinator and a Secretariat. The Chair of
the coordinating organization of PROCORD serves as the Chair of the
Coordinating Committee.
Technical Working Groups – Specialists in six priority research areas will

constitute the Groups: 1) coconut genetic resources and improvement; 2)
socio-economics and policy support; 3) agronomy and coconut-based
farming systems; 4) crop protection; 5) processing; and 6) marketing.
504
The mandates of the Groups are to identify priority research areas,

develop priority regional and global project proposals on a competitive
basis for submission to the Coordinating Committee and recommend the
experts and institutions to undertake the work. The priorities and project
proposals are submitted to the Coordinating Committee for review and
endorsement to donors.
Programme coordination
APCC, CIRAD and COGENT may decide to rotate the coordination of
PROCORD. The coordinating organization will provide the Secretariat
and chairs the Coordinating Committee. COGENT coordinated
PROCORD from 2002 to 2004. At the 13th COGENT Steering Committee
meeting on November 2004, the three organizations approved the
continuation of the coordination of PROCORD by COGENT.
Since PROCORD is being coordinated by COGENT, the COGENT
Coordinator also serves as the coordinator of the programme and is
responsible to the Coordinating Committee; IPGRI through COGENT
provides the Secretariat and administrative support for the programme.
The six programme areas have been assigned to APCC, CIRAD and
COGENT as their lead responsibilities: COGENT: 1) Genetic resources
and improvement, 2) Socioeconomics and policy support; CIRAD: 3)
Agronomy and coconut-based farming systems and 4) Crop protection;
and APCC: 5) Processing and 6) Marketing.
Although two research areas are assigned to each institution, this
does not mean that each organization will be limited in mandate only to
these assigned research areas in PROCORD. Their total mandate and
research activities are decided by their policy bodies, i.e. Steering
Committee and IPGRI for COGENT; Board of Administrators for CIRAD
and the Session for APCC. Any of the three organizations can thus
conduct research in any of the six areas, consistent with the decisions of
their respective policy bodies. However, for PROCORD, their main
responsibility will be to coordinate the two research areas they are
assigned to lead. They should thus lead in the development and
coordination of PROCORD projects in their assigned research areas,
based on the identified priorities of the Stakeholders’ Group and the
Coconut Support Group which will be fleshed out by their respective
Technical Working Groups and endorsed by the Coordinating Committee.
They could submit proposals and serve as executing agencies for these
projects for their respective organizations. The proposed PROCORD
Coordinating Committee will thus integrate and coordinate the work in
the six areas to ensure that there is no unnecessary duplication of work,
and that there is complementation and synergy of activities and sharing
of resources.
505
Meetings
PROCORD will adopt the COCOTECH meetings as one of the venues of
its stakeholders meetings and may have other complementary meetings
as needed. The COCOTECH meets annually with representatives of
government and non-governmental organizations and the private sector
from 20-30 countries attending.
The CGIAR Coconut Support Group meets annually to review
activities and priority research areas for coconut. The CGIAR Coconut
Support Group annual meetings serve as the annual meetings of the
PROCORD Coconut Support Group.
APCC, CIRAD and COGENT have joint meetings annually. Any of
these joint meetings can be arranged so that the PROCORD Coordinating
Committee can meet annually. This way, the Coordinating Committee
could meet annually using existing resources.
Each of the three organizations can arrange for their respective
Technical Working Groups to meet in coordination with their
organizations’ annual meetings or allied functions.
Launching of PROCORD and meeting of the Coordinating Commit-

tee
The programme was officially launched during the COCOTECH meeting
of the APCC in Pattaya, Thailand on 5 July 2002 which also served as
the first PROCORD Coconut Stakeholders’ Group meeting. During the
launching, a Memorandum of Agreement was signed by the respective
Chairpersons of APCC, BUROTROP and COGENT and the Director
General of IPGRI which spells out the details of collaboration among the
three organizations implementing PROCORD. At this meeting, the
priority research areas of PROCORD were presented. Immediately after
the launching, the PROCORD Coordinating Committee held its first
meeting.
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Annex 1. PROCORD priority research areas
Germplasm collecting, conservation, evaluation and improvement

Support the conservation, evaluation and utilization of coconut genetic
resources by:
• Collecting and conserving genetic resources, especially through
the international coconut genebanks
• Developing effective strategies and techniques for conservation
and the safe international exchange of germplasm
• Promoting inter-country exchange and evaluation of germplasm
using common methodologies
• Developing new biotechnologies to shorten the breeding cycle and
introduce useful new characteristics
• Establishing a global breeding scheme and support
• Developing a range of improved planting materials with a wide
genetic base and consumer acceptability available to NARS and
farmers
Socioeconomics and policy support

Identify the socioeconomic constraints affecting the coconut industry and
developing opportunities for improving farmer productivity by:
• Identifying social and economic constraints to participation by
smallholders in replanting and/or rehabilitation programmes
• Understanding the factors affecting adoption/non-adoption of
new technologies
• Identifying and addressing market constraints and opportunities
• Identifying institutional development needs
• Developing poverty reduction strategies in poor rural communities
• Addressing policy constraints and recommending needed policy
regulations
• Identifying and promoting the health, nutritional and
environmental benefits of coconut
Control of diseases and pests especially the lethal diseases

Obtain the necessary basic scientific information to control major lethal
diseases by:
• Identifying the causal agents of lethal diseases of unknown
etiology in Asia, Africa and the Americas
• Improving diagnostic techniques for phytoplasmas
• Indexing protocols for virus/viroid diseases to facilitate the safe
international exchange of coconut germplasm
• Epidemiological studies of lethal diseases, transmission
507
mechanisms, insect vectors

• Developing improved resistant varieties
Foster integrated pest management by:

• Developing cultural practices which favour integrated pest
management
• Conducting surveys and inter-country exchange of natural
enemies against major pests
• Identifying improved strains of viral and fungal pathogens for
biological control.
Productivity and sustainability of coconut-based agro-forestry sys-

tems
To understand the principles of coconut-based ecosystems which govern
the following:
• Functioning and physiology of the coconut agro-system
• Nutrient supply, through nutrient recycling
• Light interception and carbon balance, through adjusting tree
density to maximise light use by intercrops
• Water relations, through interaction between coconut and its
intercrops
• Multi-storey systems, to understand the principles of successful
multi-cropping
Improvement of the efficiency and value-added benefits in post har-

vest processing and utilization
To improve the efficiency and quality of copra and coconut oil production,
and increase the added-value on coconut processing by:
• Improving small-scale processing methods for copra and coconut
oil production
• Improving fruit processing for large-scale users
• Increasing quality of value-added products such as desiccated
coconut, coconut cream, coconut water, shell and stem
• Increasing the uses, quality and value of by-products derived from
the kernel, husk, shell, sap, leaves and stem.
Marketing
To enlarge and diversify markets and promote consumption and use by:
• Conducting market studies to identify regional and global markets
for major traditional and non-traditional coconut products
(demand, prospects, consumer preference, utilization pattern)
• Developing market channels and strategic marketing techniques
for coconut products
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• Promoting the use of coconut in the food and non-food commercial

and industrial sectors
• Conducting world product exhibitions and trade fairs for coconut
products
• Promoting public awareness on coconut including coconut as
health food e.g. through brochures and promotional materials
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CHAPTER 8: COGENT’s regional network reports
Chapter 8
COGENT’s regional
network reports
511
512
Research on coconut genetic resources in the

South Pacific
T Osborne
Agriculture Adviser, Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji
Introduction
The South Pacific Island nations are collectively one of the major
producers and exporters of copra. Copra and coconut products continue
to be important commodities for both the local and export markets,
earning for these countries substantial foreign exchange. Coconuts are
also important for household food security and the many uses of coconuts
make them an essential part of life in the Pacific. Moreover, the
environmental benefits of coconut palms are vital in maintaining the
fragile ecologies of the Pacific Islands. Coconut trees prevent soil and
beach erosion, recycle soil nutrients, act as windbreaks to prevent wind
erosion and reduce the effect of typhoons and/or cyclones, and also
provide shade to reduce soil temperatures.

Historically, coconuts have played an important role in the economic
development of the region. The early trade and investment in the region
was largely based on coconuts. However, the coconut boom ended with
the decline in the copra prices, which lead to the neglect of coconuts.
Since the drop in copra prices in the international markets, many coconut
plantations in the Pacific have not been maintained and senile trees have
not been replanted in many places. In addition, the high cost of transport
from remote islands to export markets increases costs for exporters.
Coconuts have also been felled to make way for other high value crops
and fruit trees. In some remote islands, coconuts are still the main source
of cash income, but with the low and unstable price of copra, incomes
and living standards for those dependent on the crop have generally
declined.
In addition to economic constraints, pests and diseases are considered
threats but not a major concern in most areas. There are also limitations
in government support policy and human resources devoted to coconut
development. This is compounded by the lack of training and
development support for the coconut industry.
Given the above constraints to developing the coconut industry in
the South Pacific, there is a need to:
1. Focus on coconut-based farming systems to make possible
intercropping and replanting of coconuts;
513
2. Develop new and encourage traditional coconut value-adding

opportunities for households, import substitution, tourist markets
and export;
3. Adopt new coconut cultivars specifically suited for specialty
markets like tender green coconuts;
4. Establish national coconut development committees consisting of
public and private sector; and
5. Train staff for coconut research and development activities.
Coconut research and development activities/ outputs in the

South Pacific and their significance
The projects and activities of the IPGRI’s (International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute) International Coconut Genetic Resources Network
(COGENT’s) in the region in collaboration with the Centre Institut de
Recherche pour le Développement (CIRAD), the Asian and Pacific
Coconut Community (APCC) and the Bureau for the Development of
Research on Perennial Tropical Oil Crops (BUROTROP), with funding
from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and
the Asian Development Bank (ADB), complement and strengthen existing
national coconut programmes. The Pacific countries included in the
projects are Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga
and Vanuatu. In recent years, valuable and threatened coconut
germplasm have been collected from the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall
Islands and Tuvalu. Though many countries have continued to work
individually on coconuts, COGENT’s projects which integrate technical
advice, training and logistical support have been vital in providing
concerned government agencies in the Pacific countries with funding
and support that would not otherwise be available. This support has
been a catalyst for action on coconuts in the region that is much
appreciated.
The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) is a regional technical
organization which is the focal point for many networks in the region,
including plant protection and quarantine, animal health, bananas, yams,
and taro, just to name a few. Similarly, the SPC is a key part of the coconut
network for the South Pacific. There is a strong rationale for a collective
regional approach to coconut development through SPC, IPGRI/
COGENT, CIRAD, APCC, and BUROTROP.
The focus of COGENT in the Pacific has been on two regional projects
and support for the International Coconut Genebank (ICG) in Papua
New Guinea. The funding provided by these projects exceeds US$ 450
000, with counterpart funding by the participating countries exceeding
US$ 650 000. Currently, there is the ADB- funded project on ‘Developing
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Sustainable Coconut Based Income Generating Technologies in Poor Rural

Communities’ that is being implemented in PNG and Fiji.
The other ADB-funded project ‘Coconut Genetic Resources Network
and Human Resources Strengthening in the Asia and Pacific’ has been
carried out in Fiji, PNG, Vanuatu, Samoa, Tonga, Solomon Islands. In
addition, some activities have also been initiated starting in 1999 in Cook
Island, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Tuvalu. Ethnic conflicts in the
Solomon Islands have inhibited the implementation of the project
activities since late 1999.
These projects are significant because funding, training and technical
assistance have been provided to national coconut researchers to
undertake vital R&D activities based on the local needs and opportunities.
In this way, the project outputs provide a basis for the implementation
of effective strategies for the coconut industry development in the region.
Coconut germplasm collecting and characterization

Coconut germplasm was collected and partially described in the small
island atoll countries of Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and
Tuvalu by Jean-Pierre Labouisse and Dr Roland Bourdeix of CIRAD.
This innovative regional activity was carried out under the auspices of
the ADB-funded Coconut Genetic Resources Network and Human
Resources Strengthening in Asia and the Pacific Region (CGRNAP) project
of COGENT, which started in 2000 and completed in 2001. Under the
project, coconut embryo cylinders were excised and transferred to the
Regional Germplasm Centre of SPC. The coconut embryos were grown
in vitro and then transferred to the ICG in Papua New Guinea in
December 2000 and February 2001. The losses (mortality of embryos)
were quite high because of a variety of reasons but the lessons learned
from this activity will help in the future movement and exchange of
coconut germplasm in the Pacific region. This was followed up with a
Coconut Embryo Training Workshop in February 2001 at the SPC’s
Regional Germplasm Centre, Fiji to provide the skills needed to facilitate
the movement of germplasm to the ICG-South Pacific. Other significant
activities carried out in the region, by country, include the following:
• Fiji: Twenty-one (21) high-yielding local varieties were identified
in farmer’s fields. Eight new local varieties were collected in the
last three years and planted in the field. Two cultivars from the
Lau group were described, collected and planted at the Taveuni
Coconut Center because they were in danger of being lost due to
genetic erosion. One of the cultivars bears 50-cm long, thick-
husked, elongated nuts, while the other variety yields 35 nuts per
bunch that contain very sweet water.
515
• Papua New Guinea: The Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute

(CCRI) has implemented a countrywide survey in which local
germplasm were identified, collected and conserved in a field
genebank located at the Institute’s Stewart Research Station near
Madang. The survey was carried out to identify local varieties
that are resistant or tolerant to insect pests as a result of natural
selection.
• Solomon Islands: During recent explorations, three distinct
varieties have been identified (one Dwarf and two Talls). One of
the local Talls identified is locally known as “Pine” and has a soft
sweet husk which could be extracted by just using one’s teeth
and chewed like the fruit of the Areca palm.
• Tonga: Twelve ecotypes have been collected and planted in the
collection plot. Four cultivars from the Vava’u group and three
varieties from other Tongan islands have been collected,
characterized and sown in the nursery.
• Samoa: A 1.22 ha coconut germplasm conservation site containing
11 local coconut varieties has been established.
• Vanuatu: A total of 87 coconut varieties have been identified in
farmer’s fields with 100 uses documented. So far, Vanuatu has
contributed 65 accession entries to the International Coconut
Genetic Resources Database (CGRD), composed of 18 exotic Talls,
18 local Talls and 29 Dwarfs.
In total, coconut germplasm collecting, characterization and conservation

efforts in the Pacific have resulted in information gathered for the CGRD
with passport data on 170 accessions and characterization data on 84
accessions. Data gathering for additional entries is ongoing.
Enhancing the National Agricultural Research System’s (NARS) ca-

pacity in participatory technology development in coconut conser-
vation and utilization
Using farmer-based Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques,
indigenous knowledge (IK) has been documented on certain coconut
varieties and their multi-purpose uses. To expand public awareness on
these IK, plans are underway to produce posters which would be
distributed to all South Pacific countries. Regarding the documentation
of IK, the following activities were implemented:
• Fiji: PRAs were conducted in six locations: in three villages on
Vanua Levu, two in the Lau group and one on Bua. Many uses of
coconuts were revealed including rope-making and the production
of vinegar from fermented coconut water, which is also used to
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preserve chillies. On the island of Komo, the primary source of

income is making fans from coconut husks. One of the major
findings of the PRAs was that the lack of knowledge of local
varieties, particularly by new generation farmers, was a factor
contributing to genetic erosion as palms are continuously being
felled to make way for other high-value crops, while old and senile
palms are not being replaced by new, high-yielding varieties.
Knowledge dissemination and in situ conservation are being
implemented to alleviate this problem in several locations.
• Vanuatu: Eight PRA surveys were conducted in seven islands,
resulting to the documentation of substantial information about
local names and uses of coconuts as well as the different coconut-
based farming systems. A total of 87 farmer’s varieties were
identified and about 100 different uses have been documented.
In these studies, it was found out that the most common constraint
facing coconut farmers in the islands was the high transport cost
due to the long distance to markets as well as the bulkiness of the
product.
• Samoa: PRAs were conducted in five villages on Upolo and Savii
where five farmer varieties were identified and 30 multiple uses
of coconuts in farm households were documented. The local Tall
‘Nui Samoa’ was identified as the most popular because of its
high yield, quality copra and sweet juice, though another variety,
‘Niu Kafa’, was cited for its use in producing fibre-based products,
particularly sinnet.
• Tonga: PRAs were conducted in three districts where farmers
identified 14 local coconut varieties. Farmers preferred the local
Tall Nui Tonga because of good yield and cyclone resistance.
Multiple uses of coconuts identified included baskets, rope, buttons,
firewood, lumber and roofing. Tonga is known for high quality
handicrafts made largely from the various parts of the coconut
palms.
Research on improving the income-generating potential of coconut

production systems and increasing the yields of local varieties and
hybrids
Vanuatu: Analysis of the coconut fruit of different hybrids and local
varieties were undertaken. The protocols and methods for oil content
analysis and oil extraction were refined. Fruit content, water, oil, and
fresh albumen analyses were conducted on five varieties and hybrids.
Initial results indicated that four varieties and hybrids gave higher copra
yields per nut than the local Vanuatu Red Dwarf.
517
Fiji: Trials are being conducted to compare the performance of the local
Fiji Tall with the hybrid progenies of MRDxRT, MRDxRIT, MYDxRT
and MYDxRIT.
PNG: Sixteen (16) hybrids are under evaluation for yield, early bearing,
and high oil content.
Enhancing incomes from high-value alternative coconut products and

suitable varieties
In Fiji, a survey of the entire marketing channel, including export markets,
for tender nuts was conducted. Results of the survey showed that there
is a promising market for tendernuts. Preferred local varieties for
tendernuts were determined and in situ conservation sites for the varieties
established. Analysis of the chemical properties of the coconut water
was undertaken for seven varieties.
Other coconut products

The cost and return analysis and the studies on socioeconomic benefits
have been completed for coconut chips and coconut fudge in Fiji.
Coconut-Based Farming Systems (CBFS)

Samoa: A survey evaluating coconut-based farming systems indicated
that the following are increasingly being intercropped with coconut:
bananas, giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza), taro (Colocasia esculenta), cocoa,
kava, yams, vegetables, and fruit trees. At the Nu’u Research Station, 14
types of fruit trees are being intercropped with coconuts to determine
their suitability for CBFS.
Tonga: A survey of CBFS indicated the gross income of several intercrops

including taro, sweet potatoes and tomatoes.
Summary of technical assistance/expert advice extended to all the

South Pacific sub-network of COGENT
1. Malcolm Hazelman, SPC-Assessment of R&D opportunities and
constraints, 1994
2. Gerry Santos, PCA - Assessment of R&D opportunities and
constraints, 1994
3. Malcolm Hazelman, SPC, and Gerry Santos, PCA - Site identification
for the ICG-SP
4. Gerry Santos, PCA - Project identification, 1997
5. Erlinda Rillo, PCA-Evaluation of the coconut embryo laboratory and
staff training at ICG-SP, 1999
6. L Baudouin, R Bourdeix, and J Ollivier, CIRAD-Evaluation of
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COGENT collecting strategy, identify gaps and recommend ways to

improve coconut conservation
7. Robert Ikin, Quarantine Specialist - Pest Risk Assessment for
movement of coconut germplasm to the ICGs, 1999
8. Roland Bourdeix, CIRAD - Assistance to Cook Island and Tuvalu for
coconut germplasm collecting, characterization, conservation, and
transfer to the ICG, 2000
9. Jean Pierre Labouisse, CIRAD - Assistance to Kiribati and Marshall
Islands for coconut germplasm collecting, characterization and
conservation and transfer to the ICG, 2000
10. Juan T Carlos, PCA - Cost and return protocols, 2001
11. Roland Bourdeix, CIRAD - Documentation of conserved germplasm
in PNG, Samoa, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu, 2001
12. Jean Pierre Labouisse, CIRAD - Coconut germplasm documentation
at the PNG ICG-SP, 2003
13. Pons Batugal, COGENT Coordinator - Bi-annual visits to the South
Pacific sub-network member countries for a review of project,
technical advice, and consultation on development of new projects
Summary of human resource development training workshops in the

South Pacific sub-network of COGENT
1. Coconut Germplasm Collecting and Conservation Course, Philippines
(1996)
2. Coconut Value Adding Workshop, PCA, Philippines (1997)
3. Regional STANTECH (Standardized Coconut Breeding Research
Techniques) Course for South Pacific (1996 and 1999)
4. Farmer Participatory Research on Coconut Diversity (1998) (14
participants representing five South Pacific countries)
5. Computer use, Documentation and Data Analysis (1998)
6. Technical Writing/Seminar Presentation and Proposal Writing
Course, Philippines (1999)
7. Coconut Data Analysis Course, Philippines (1999)
8. The ADB/IFAD funded project regional review meeting in Apia,
Samoa to share project outputs and presentation from seven Pacific
island countries (26-30 June 2000)
9. Coconut Embryo Culture Training Course, SPC Regional Germplasm
Centre, Fiji (26- 28 February 2001)
10. Workshop on Coconut Genetic Resource Management and Using
Microsatellite Kit and Dedicated Software, Montpellier, France (2002)
(PNG only)
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The International Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific (ICG-SP)

In Papua New Guinea, the Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute (CCRI)
is the institution mandated to carry out coconut research. The Stewart
Research Station of CCRI, located at Murunas in Madang Province,
conducts breeding and evaluation studies, as well as agronomy and
entomology research. CIRAD has played an important role in the
establishment of this research centre with staff, training, technical
assistance and funding. In 1998, the Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) establishing the ICG for the South Pacific (ICG-SP) in Papua New
Guinea was signed between PNG and IPGRI/COGENT, with the FAO
as trustee. The Stewart Research Station hosts the ICG-SP for the
conservation, evaluation and use of important germplasm from the South
Pacific region. Substantial progress has been made on the establishment
of the ICG including land clearing, renovation of the embryo culture
laboratory, training local staff, establishment of local and Dwarf
accessions. There are currently 41 local Tall, six local Dwarfs and five
exotic Dwarf populations in the ICG that are being characterized.
COGENT has played an important role in the establishment of the ICG
with feasibility studies, funding for the tissue culture laboratories, a
generator for the laboratory, and training.
The coconut embryo laboratory has been completed and it has received
shipments of embryos of 14 accessions from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati,
Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. These accessions are being established in
the screenhouse for planting in the field. Though this may seem to be a
small accomplishment, it represents the first actual transfer of coconut
germplasm from regional members to one of the ICGs under COGENT.
Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Training Centre (VARTC)

VARTC represents one of the centres of excellence for coconut research
in the Pacific. The research programme at VARTC was previously
managed and supported by CIRAD staff. However, management of
VARTC has recently been turned over to the governmental though CIRAD
continues to provide technical support and staff to the centre. Research
works in VARTC include coconut breeding and genetic improvement as
well as physiology of the coconut palm and optimization of the coconut-
based farming system. The breeding research focuses on the improvement
of the Vanuatu Tall x Rennell Island Tall (VTTxRIT) hybrid, which is
productive, resistant to the coconut foliar decay (CFD) viral disease and
has a good copra yield. In addition, the European Union (EU)-funded
Pacific Regional Agriculture Programme Project Phase 2 on the
‘Production and Dissemination of Improved Coconut Cultivars’ was
initiated in 1989. The project aimed to develop and test new coconut
520
hybrids on station before the new coconut hybrids can be disseminated.

For this purpose, 33 new hybrids were created by hand pollination while
seven trials were successfully established from 1992-1996, covering an
area of 46 ha with 7400 palms. Each trial consists of hybrids created
from crosses between Dwarf cultivars and Tall indigenous cultivars of
different countries in the region including Solomon Islands, Kiribati, Fiji,
PNG and Samoa. The results of these trials will be incorporated into a
database that will be useful to the region for the development of new
and better hybrids.
SPC Biofuels Project

The SPC Rural Energy Programme has worked in New Caledonia and
Fiji for the development and implementation of coconut biofuel projects
in isolated island communities. These projects are actually an integrated
development approach that includes electricity for the community, value
adding activities coupled with the replanting of coconuts. With the
decreasing prices of coconuts and the high price of fossil fuels, there is
considerable interest in this area. Results have so far been encouraging.
However, there have been pilot activities and the long-term sustainability
is still being studied. In 2002, a CIRAD team visited the Federated States
of Micronesia to determine if a pilot facility could be installed there. In
connection with this, a meeting was conducted in late 2002, with the
Energy, Agriculture and Planning Departments of the government, along
with community leaders, expressing a strong interest to expand the
biofuels project for energy and rural development.
Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network (PAPGREN)

An effective national and regional conservation and management
strategy is needed for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture
(PGRFA) coupled with an effective capacity for the implementation of
the strategy. The network will build on the existing PGRFA networks in
the region such as COGENT and provide a regional framework for PGRFA
that will be sustainable. It is expected that coconut will emerge as a
national and regional priority of the network and activities will be
developed to strengthen national and regional capacity to undertake
PGRFA and related activities.
Future directions
The impact of the previously discussed projects, both regional and national,
has been significant. Most of the coconut germplasm of the Pacific have
been collected, characterized and conserved. The ICG-SP has been
established and some threatened germplasm have been transferred to
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the ICG-SP for conservation. Human resources capacity for coconut

research and development has been improved through training, technical
advice and funding for activities. Linkages have been improved among
research, extension and the private sectors. Collaboration and information
sharing within and outside the region have been strengthened. These
accomplishments are quite remarkable for the Pacific and could not have
been accomplished without the strong collaboration of international,
regional and national partners in the South Pacific network of COGENT.
There is a strong interest in coconuts by all the Pacific Island countries.
There is a high level of national activities on coconuts that include seednut
production, processing, and local marketing of coconut products and
export of coconut products. Regional organizations such as the SPC and
the APCC are interested and committed to strengthening coconut
development in the South Pacific. There are international organizations
that share this interest and commitment to assist the Pacific, which include
COGENT, CIRAD and BUROTROP. The coconut industry is changing
and this requires that the coconut farmers and the private sector to change
with it. It also means that the Pacific Island countries will need assistance
in adapting to the change. To achieve this, a three-pronged strategy is
needed:
1. Increasing coconut yield through selected, adapted and high-
yielding local varieties and hybrids;
2. Increased income and food security through efficient coconut-
based farming systems; and
3. Increased income by production and marketing high-value
coconut products other than copra and coconut oil.
Value adding and producing a multitude of products from coconuts had

strong roots in the Pacific. More attention needs to be focused on how
traditional products could be made to better adapt for tourists and export
markets. At the same time, new products need to be developed to augment
farmers’ incomes in the coconut producing islands of the South Pacific.
Coconut research and development activities are still quite weak in
the Pacific. Training and technical assistance at the national and regional
levels are needed to develop appropriate efforts to foster the development
of the coconut industry. There is also a need for a full-time regional
coordinator to oversee and move activities in the region forward. By
strengthening national and regional efforts, a more sustainable South
Pacific sub-network could be created. Through a stronger sub-network,
the ICG-SP in PNG could become a more effective focal point for the
exchange of useful germplasm within the region as well as with other
countries in other regions.
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A number of coconut research and development strategies have

emerged in discussions among the Pacific island countries that will build
on previous projects and activities to help small-scale coconut farmers
increase their incomes and help alleviate their poverty. These concepts
were presented in a paper to the COGENT Steering Committee in 2002.
The components of future Pacific regional coconut research and
development consist of the following:
• Value-adding;
• Coconut-based farming systems;
• Germplasm conservation and exchange;
• Indigenous coconut germplasm;
• Hybrid trials; and
• Synthetic varieties.
A partnership of national, regional and international organizations will

be necessary to further develop these elements into concrete projects and
activities with the assistance of COGENT, APCC and BUROTROP,
possibly under the Coconut Global Research for Development
Programme’s (PROCORD’s) umbrella. There is a bright future for small-
scale coconut farmers in the Pacific if this direction is taken.
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Research on coconut genetic resources in

South Asia
G Kalloo
Deputy Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Krishi
Bhawan, New Delhi, India
The South Asia (SA) sub-regional network of COGENT covers the

countries of India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan. After Southeast
and East Asia, the South Asia region is the world’s second largest producer
of coconut.
Status of coconut genetic resources research
India
Importation and growing of designated germplasm from COGENT mem-

ber countries for conservation in the International Coconut Genebank
for South Asia (ICG-SA)
UnderPhase 1 of the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project
on coconut genetic resources and human resources strengthening for
Asia and the Pacific region, 15 accessions were collected during 1997 as
embryos from the Indian Ocean Islands of Mauritius (6 accessions),
Madagascar (4 accessions) and Seychelles (5 accessions). Under Phase 2
of the same project, eight accessions were collected from Maldives, five
accessions from Comoros and three accessions from Reunion Island
during 2000. During February 2001, four accessions were collected from
Sri Lanka. These exotic collections were made in the form of zygotic
embryos and are being cultured in the laboratory.
It is envisaged that representative germplasm from India and other
South Asian countries will be conserved in the ICG-SA and shared with
other countries of the region. This project will strengthen the ICG-SA by
supporting the importation of germplasm from member countries of South
Asia for planting in ICG-SA.
Introduction of coconut germplasm from COGENT member countries into

the ICG-SA (DFID-funded))
This project was an extension of the DFID Phase –1 Project on
Improvement of in vitro techniques for collecting and exchange of coconut
germplasm. Its objectives were:
1. Arrange with the COGENT member countries to send at least
300 embryos to ICG-SA;
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2. Arrange for import and quarantine permits for the introduction

of germplasm;
3. Grow the embryos in vitro using updated embryo culture protocol
as agreed during 2nd International Coconut embryo culture
workshop in Merida in 2000 or any suitable modifications;
4. Successfully transplant and acclimatize at least 120 embryo
derived plants for each accessions and grow them until ready for
field planting at ICG-SA.
Gemplasm collected as embryos from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka were cultured in
vitro for obtaining plantlets for planting in the ICG-SA (Table 1).
Table 1. Number of embryo-retrieved

plantlets transferred to ICG-SA for
field planting in 2003
No. of plantlets
Country
retrieved
Maldives 40
Comoros Islands 20
Reunion Island 7
Sri Lanka 118
Bangladesh 73
TOTAL 258
Developing sustainable coconut-based income generating technologies

in poor rural communities in India
To help Indian coconut farmers, COGENT collaborated with the Central
Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) in implementing the ADB-
funded ‘Poverty reduction in coconut-growing communities’ project from
January 2002 to December 2004. Three pilot sites were chosen: Pallikkare
and Ariankuppam communities in Kerala State, West Coast Region; and
Vayalar community in Pondicherry District, East Coast Region.
Farmers in the project sites were organized into community-based
organizations (CBOs): Pallikkare Community Coconut Development
Centre (PCCDC), Ariankuppam Community Coconut Farmers
Association (ACCFA) and Vayalar Community Development Centre
(VCDC). As a prerequisite to joining, Pallikkare and Ariankuppam
farmers had to pay a one-time membership fee of Rs 50 (US$ 1.08), while
those in Vayalar had to shell out Rs 109 (US$ 2.39). Officers were elected
and the CBOs were subsequently registered with the concerned
government agencies. As of project end in December 2004, there were
1642 active CBO members, all of whom had been trained in CBO/
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cooperative and microcredit system management. With the help of

CPCRI, the CBOs conducted market surveys to identify marketable
products that the communities could produce, as well as markets where
these could be sold. Based on the results of these market surveys, the
communities developed farmers’ and women’s action plans for the
duration of the project.
Aside from CBO and microcredit system management, farmers were
also trained on seedling nursery management, coconut pests and diseases
management, intercropping, livestock rearing and local feed formulation,
production of kernel-based products (coconut candy, coconut chips,
cookies, nata de coco, chutney powder, coconut oil, coconut soap and
virgin oil), coconut water-based products (vinegar, tendernut and ‘snow
ball’), fiber-based products (ropes, doormats, geotextile, brush, coir dust
for planting material and body scrub), shell-handicrafts (cutleries/
utensils), and marketing. Some were also trained on vermicomposting
and mushroom production. A total of 3269 male and female participants
have been trained, with some of them attending two or more training
courses.
To help the project beneficiaries undertake income-generating
activities, the project provided the CBOs with machineries, equipment
and seed money (US$ 7200) for their respective microcredit systems, which
was supplemented by the CBO membership fees. The microcredit system
provided members with the needed capital and resources to purchase
quality seeds or planting materials for intercropping such as pepper,
banana, colocasia, cowpea, yam, fodder grass, turmeric, pineapple,
cassava, vegetables, legumes, upland rice and others. The farmers also
borrowed from the fund to buy high-yielding coconut seedlings from the
community-managed nurseries and to procure livestock such as giriraja
poultry, turkey, chicken, ducks and goats. In Vayalar, the interest rate
for a member’s loan is fixed at 10% per annum, with an interest discount
of 2% for prompt repayment and a grace period of two months for
commencing repayment. In Pallikkare and Ariankuppam communities,
a minimal interest rate of 2% per year is charged against the loans of
CBO members. As of August 2004, the total loan released to the three
communities was US$ 12 860 and the amount recovered was US$ 5058,
generating a repayment rate of 39%.
To enhance the communities’ coconut germplasm resources, 15
community-managed seedling nurseries, involving 27 farmers, were
established in the three sites. The seedlings raised in these nurseries came
from seednuts of 15 local farmers’ varieties that had been previously
identified as suitable and desirable based on a farmer participatory
characterization protocol undertaken during the farmer diversity fairs.
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The mother palms of these selected varieties were conserved in situ and
paint-marked for identification. So far, 5600 seednuts have been
propagated and sold from these nurseries. CBO members have also
planted 8800 new seedlings bought from these nurseries and those
provided directly by CPCRI.
To supplement their farm incomes, 759 CBO members are currently
involved in intercropping trials; 370 are engaged in livestock production;
and 615 are into the production of diversified high-value coconut-based
products. Of the total 1744 CBO members engaged in various income
generating activities, 43% are women. CPCRI observed that these
interventions have increased farmers’ incomes by three to five times based
on the average pre-project farm earnings of US $ 200/year.
To fully help the farmers, CPCRI sought the assistance of various
partners, including: the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kerala Agricultural
University, Department of Animal Husbandry, State Department of
Agriculture, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, National Bank for
Agricultural Rural Development, District Cooperative Bank State
Planning Board through the Kudumbashree Project and the Coconut
Development Board. Assistance extended by these partners ranged from
providing counterpart funding to providing resource persons for training
and assisting in marketing.
Sri Lanka

in poor rural communities in Sri Lanka
With support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), COGENT
coordinated ‘Poverty Reduction in Coconut Growing Communities’
project is being implemented by the Sri Lanka’s Coconut Research
Institute (CRI) in partnership with three community-based organizations
namely: Dodanduwa Womens Collective (DWC) in Dodanduwa, Galle,
(Southern Province), Womens Savings Effort (WSE), in Wilpotha,
Puttalam (Western Province) and Thuthtiripitigama Entrepreneurship
Development Society (TEDS) in Hettipola, Kurunugala (Northwestern
Province). All the CBOs are registered with Divisional Secretariat (Special
Act for NGO) of the Government of Sri Lanka.
The three CBOs had a combined membership of 716 farmers and
women. Over the two and half years of the project, around 1287
participants were trained on various income generating activities, on CBO
and microcredit management and on nursery management, with some
members attending two or more trainings. CBO and microcredit
management shared the highest number of participants (529 or 41%)
while only 5% of the participants were trained on nursery management.
527
A total of 328 CBO members have engaged in intercropping cash

and food security crops with coconut. One hundred ninety five members
are involved in: livestock production such as chickens, goats, cattle, quail,
ducks; hatching eggs and selling chicks; selling cow’s milk and milk
products; producing feedcrops; raising honeybees; and growing
mushrooms. Processing high-value coconut-based products such as
coconut virgin oil, soap, cooking oil, handicrafts from coconut shell, fibers,
leaves and bracts, and confectioneries involved 168 members. Around
90% of members involved in various income generating activities are
women. . These activities raised their average per capita income earned
during the period as of September 2004 by SLR 8000 to 8300 (US$80-83)
Six community-managed nurseries have been established, with an
aggregate value of SLR 413 020 (US$4130). Around 9900 seednuts and a
number of fruit trees and cash crops have been propagated in the
nurseries. So far, more than 5510 coconut seedlings have been planted
on farmer’s field and home gardens.
The three CBOs total revolving fund is US$60 710, of which US$14
886 (25%) was loaned from the project, US$10 824 (18%) is members
equity and US$35 000 (57%) derived from other external sources. The
CBOs’ microcredit system has so far loaned out US$32 000 to 538 member-
borrowers. So far, recovery rate for the total loans released is 82%. The
total combined assets of the CBOs amounted to SLR 7 369 000 (US$73
690).
The project through the CRI has published and disseminated six
scientific papers, featured five articles in local newspaper, distributed
three project fact sheets and conducted nine field days to increase public
awareness on the opportunities of increasing productivity of coconut
farming systems. The project staff had also presented activity-related
papers in seminars, conferences and meetings.
The Poverty Reduction project enabled effective collaborating with
over a dozen organizations, including local and international NGOs,
government agencies, rural banks, religious organizations, academe and
scientific society among others. The project strongly believed that other
stakeholders have important roles to play to accomplish its objectives.
These organizations have willingly provided technical support, planting
materials, animalstocks, organizational management and entrepreneurial
support, funds, facilities and equipment worth well over US$10 000.
The initial successes in the three pilot communities were well
recognized by the adjoining villagers prompting them to join the CBO.
The WSE, for example, has expanded its membership to include a
resettlement area in Puttalum District and the DWC has expanded its
membership to include 58 members from Karauwa and Mannagoda in
528
Pitigala, some 30km away from Dodanduwa. Government agencies are

looking at the project with great interest for possible adaptation to help
their Samurdhi programme beneficiaries to eventually survive on their
own.
Bangladesh

in poor rural communities in Bangladesh
Bangladesh produces an average of 90 000 tonnes of coconuts annually
from a land area of about 30 000 ha, comprised mostly of homesteads
with an average area of 350 sq m. The country presents a special case in
that the average coconut landholding could not even be considered as
‘farms’ but rather just ‘plots’, which is one of the main reasons Bangladeshi
farmers remain poor. It is under this condition that COGENT, in
coordination with the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI),
implemented the ADB-funded ‘Poverty reduction in coconut growing
communities’ project in 2002. The project aimed to demonstrate that even
with small ‘plots’ of land, these coconut ‘farms’ could be made more
productive and give farmers more income than they earned from copra.
In the first quarter of 2002, community-based organizations (CBOs)
were established in each of the selected pilot communities: Bandabila
Coconut Community in Bandabila, Jessore District; Chandrapara
Coconut Community in Chandrapara, Barisal District; and Banchte
Shekha (BS) Coconut Community in Jamira, Khulna District. These CBOs
have been registered under the Social Welfare Department of the
Government of Bangladesh. Farmers who joined the CBOs did not pay
membership fees but they were required to compulsory ‘save’ US$ 0.17 a
month, which goes to the members’ individual accounts and can be
tapped as a common funding pool. As of August 2004, the total CBO
membership has reached 300. With the support of BARI, the CBOs
conducted market surveys to identify potential marketable products that
they can produce. Based on the results of these surveys, farmers’ and
women’s action plans were developed.
The CBOs trained its members in various coconut-based income
generating technologies. As of August 2004, a total of 4980 farmers and
women participated in training on CBO and microcredit system
management, nursery management, coconut pests and diseases
management, livestock raising and local feed formulation, production of
kernel-based products (coconut candy, cookies and virgin oil), fiber-based
products (ropes and doormats), and product marketing.
As access to capital was one of the main constraints identified by the
farmers, the project established a microcredit system and provided the
529
communities with seed revolving funds in cash (US$ 7000) and in kind
(machineries and equipment).. So far, a total of 300 farmer-members
have benefited from small loans provided by the microcredit system for
intercropping, livestock rearing and processing of diversified high-value
coconut products. Loans have also been given to members for replanting
old and unproductive coconut trees. As of August 2004, the total loan
released to the three communities was US$ 6743 and the initial amount
recovered was US$ 1547, or 23% repayment rate.
Integral to the project is the improvement of coconut genetic diversity
in the pilot communities. To address this, nine community-managed
seedling nurseries have been established in the pilot sites involving 300
farmers. Seedlings raised and propagated in these nurseries came from
seednuts of 18 high-value and high-yielding local farmers’ varieties that
had been previously identified through coconut diversity fairs. The mother
palms of these identified varieties were conserved in-situ and paint-marked
for identification. In addition to maintaining and selling high-quality
coconut seedlings, the nurseries also produce quality planting materials
for intercrops. So far, 5100 seednuts have been propagated and sold by
these nurseries, from which 3473 seedlings have been bought and planted
by the CBO members on-farm.
To augment farm incomes, CBO members were encouraged to engage
in various income generating interventions. Currently, 133 farmers are
producing high-value coconut products like ropes, doormats, coconut
oil and coconut candy; 115 farmers are into intercropping; while 178
farmers are raising chickens, ducks, goats and cattle under coconut.
Recent surveys by BARI indicated that these interventions have increased
farmers’ incomes by three to five times based on their average pre-project
earnings of US $ 12/year from their small plots.
BARI partnered with various public and private sector agencies in
the country to effectively put in place a support system for the project.
These include: the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing, Krishi Katha-
Agricultural Information Services, The Daily Star Magazine, Department
of Cooperative, Directorate of Livestock, Directorate of Agricultural
Extension, Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Directorate of
Livestock, Northwest Bangladesh Crop Diversification Project, Regional
Agricultural Research Stations of BARI at Barisal and Jessore, On-Farm
Research Division of BARI in Khulna, Department of Social Welfare at
Khulna, Barisal and Jessore, and the Grameen Bank. Assistance provided
by these partners included financial and technical support and advice,
provision of resource persons for training, planting materials and animal
stocks, public awareness and marketing.
530
Pakistan
Varietal selection
Although plantations of coconut have been in existence in Karachi for a
long time, most of these are scattered and there is no organized plantation
with known varieties. Efforts to plant coconut in organized plantations
started in the late 1950s when groves were established in government
farms, which continued for some time but with very little success.
However, the survey conducted by national and international agencies
proved that coconut can be successfully grown in the coastal belt of Sindh
and Balochistan Provinces with proper management and constant
irrigation as the areas are prone to drought and temperature fluctuations.
The farmers in this area obtained seednuts from different countries, mainly
from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Malaysia but very little or no
attention was given to the specific variety, only that these are either Talls
or Dwarfs. In the late 1970s, varieties with known cultivar names and
characters were imported from Sri Lanka for evaluation. The activities
were later organized by Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
After the evaluation, more varieties and hybrids were imported from Sri
Lanka to be raised in government nurseries for distribution to farmers.
The Sindh Forest Department was also involved in these activities,
establishing their own plantation in forestlands near Thatta.
Results of the evaluation carried out by the two institutions
recommended Tall varieties for planting as these were more tolerant to
biotic and abiotic stresses and produce bigger nuts with better copra
quality. Some farmers, though, prefer Dwarf varieties as they bear more
fruits which are mainly used for coconut water and are easily marketed.
However, Pakistani coconut farmers do not like the Sri Lanka hybrid as
it was found to be easily damaged by stress due to conditions prevalent
in the country. The MAWA hybrid, on the other hand, impressed some
growers but could not be cultivated in larger areas because of similar
problems.
Orchard management
Orchard management activities focused on finding the most effective
and efficient fertilizer combination and requirement to grow coconuts
productively. It was a general impression that the coconut does not
require much fertilization and the growers used only Farmyard Manure
(FYM) in households as well as field plantations. Later on, trials
conducted proved that application of inorganic fertilizers improved the
health of palms and decreased flower and fruit drop resulting in higher
nut yield with better quality. The results of these trials proved that
531
application of 250 g N, 100 g P and 200 g K per plant was beneficial and
economical for improving growth, bearing and nut quality. Addition of
FYM also proved beneficial for soil improvement particularly in slightly
saline soils.
Irrigation was another important aspect under orchard management
as areas planted to coconut received very low rainfall and frequently
faced drought. Furthermore, many of these areas are characterized by
sandy soils. To address this situation, it was recommended that crops be
irrigated weekly during summer and fortnightly during winter.
It is a common practice in Pakistan to keep orchards clean and not to
grow any intercrops after the trees start bearing fruits. Recent studies,
however, concluded that it was possible to grow vegetables as intercrops
in a coconut farm as they did not affect the growth of the palms as earlier
believed and it was also proven to be a profitable venture to augment
farmers’ incomes.
Pests and diseases

Surveys were conducted in different coconut plantations to collect
information about the existence of pests and diseases. Results of the
surveys showed that the major diseases affecting coconuts in the country
include root rot, bole rot, bud rot, leaf blight, stem bleeding and lethal
yellowing. The intensity of these diseases greatly varied from place to
place and was also found to be correlated with orchard management,
with poorly managed plantations having more serious problems. Spraying
of recommended dosages and combinations of fungicides satisfactorily
controlled the spread of some of these diseases, except lethal yellowing.
The surveys also revealed the insect pests damaging coconut palms
in the country, which includes termites, red weevil, scales, black beetle
and coconut caterpillar. Initially, these pests were controlled by the use
of appropriate insecticides. Surveys on the extent of damage and detailed
studies related to the biology, epidemiology and control of these insect
pests have not been conducted and need to be made in the future.
Very little or no work has been done on the production and marketing
of alternative and high-value coconut products as overall yield was
relatively small and farmers did not have problems marketing the nuts.
The fruits are mainly used for coconut water and immature copra. The
coconut leaves are used as roofing materials in mud houses while the
stem has no known uses other than as firewood.
532

CB Carpio1, GA Santos2, EE Emmanuel3 and H Novarianto4
1
Deputy Administrator for Research, Development and Extension, Philippine Coconut
Authority (PCA), Elliptical Road, Quezon City, Philippines
2
Department Manager III and 3Science Research Specialist II, Philippine Coconut
Authority - Zamboanga Research Centre (PCA-ZRC), San Ramon, Zamboanga,
Philippines
4
Director, Indonesian Coconut and Other Palmae Research Institute (ICOPRI), Manado,
Indonesia
Introduction
The Southeast and East Asian (SEEA) region produces more than half of
the world’s coconuts (Table 1), and among the members of the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), the
Philippines and Indonesia have the largest collection of coconut
populations (Table 2). Other countries composing the Southeast and East
Asia sub-network are China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam
(Annex 1).
Table 1. Area and productionArea

of coconut in Southeast and East Asia
Copra Production (2002)
Export Value
Country
(ha) (tonnes) (US$ ‘000 000)
Indonesia 3 701 474 3 196 499 242.0
Vietnam 250 000 230 261 3.4
Malaysia 159 000 58 000 165.7
Thailand 327 000 61 210 13.9
China 70 000 67 403 not applicable
Philippines 3 100 000 1 475 000 352.6
TOTAL 7 607 474 5 088 373 777.6
Table 2. Number of accessions conserved in the Southeast Asian Region

(Source: COGENT Newsletter Issue No. 3, May 2000)
Country Conservation Sites No. of Accessions
Thailand Chumphon Horticultural Research Centre 52
Indonesia Bone Bone Experimental Garden, South Sulawesi 41

Mapanget Experimental Garden, North Sulawesi 65
Pakuwon Experimental Garden, West Java 25
Sikijang Experimental Garden, Riau Province 25
Philippines Philippine Coconut Authority-Zamboanga 224
Malaysia MARDI/Hilir Perak 44

Department of Agriculture/Sabah 48
Vietnam Dong Go Experimental Centre 31

TOTAL for Southeast Asia 555
533
Of the 11.9 million hectares of coconut grown in the world, eight million
hectares, or about 70% is in Southeast and East Asia, with Indonesia
and the Philippines together accounting for 90% of this hectarage. The
Philippines has the largest coconut collection in the world and remains
to be the foremost exporter of coconut oil in the world, while Indonesia
has the greatest potential of having the widest coconut diversity in the
region and possibly in the world. Thailand and Vietnam grow coconut
only in some of their provinces and that multiple uses of coconut from its
various parts (i.e. husk, shell and water) appear to be the main occupation
of coconut entrepreneurs, particularly catering to the export markets.
Malaysia is reportedly losing 3000 palms a year due to urbanization and
replacement with oil palms. However, coconuts still play a crucial role in
the lives of the Malaysian coconut farmers since Malaysia imports about
400 000 nuts a year for local consumption alone. On the other hand,
China is slowly developing its coconut industry, its Hainan Island is home
to some very interesting cultivars, specifically those that thrive in cold
temperatures. Efforts to develop the island’s coconut industry offer great
prospects of marketing coconut and coconut by-products to mainland
China.
Identification of the coconut varieties suitable for products with good
market value is a must in genebank management. In 1992, the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) through COGENT
initiated the development of the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Database (CGRD) in collaboration with the Centre de Cooperation
Internationale en Recherché Agronomique pour le Développement
(CIRAD). The database aimed to document and disseminate passport
and characterization data on conserved germplasm, facilitate international
information exchange and promote access to coconut varieties for the
breeders and other users. The CGRD software enables members of
COGENT to input their own data, access other members’ data and share
information.
Meanwhile the Coconut Data Management (CDM) software
developed by CIRAD makes it possible to print cartographic
representation of the palms in each field, enabling the display and
modification of palm characteristic on a map. The software was
introduced in a training course held in Montpellier in 2002. Included in
the course is the introduction of a microsatellite kit for analyzing the
DNA profiles of coconut germplasm in existing germplasm collections.
534
Status of coconut genetic resources and related research
Philippines
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) genebank in Zamboanga is
considered to be one of the most important germplasm repositories of
local and foreign coconut ecotypes in the world, where 224 coconut
accessions are being maintained. Eleven accessions are of foreign origin,
such as the West African Tall (WAT), Rennel Island Tall (RIT), Gazelle
Peninsula Tall (GPT), Markham Valley Tall (MVT), Vanuatu Tall (VTT),
Karkar Tall (KKT), Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD), Malayan Yellow Dwarf
(MYD), Equatorial Guinea Green Dwarf (EGD), Sri Lanka Green Dwarf
(SGD) and Aromatic Green Dwarf (AROD). The introduced materials
make it possible for the country to participate in the planned global
coconut-breeding programme of COGENT.
Like other countries, Tall varieties dominate the areas planted to
coconut. The major Tall populations grown in the country are Laguna
(LAGT), Bago-Oshiro (BAOT), Baybay (BAYT), Makapuno (GUZT), San
Ramon (SNRT), Tagnanan (TAGT) and Hijo Tall (HJT). The Dwarf
varieties include Catigan (CATD), Tacunan (TACD), Kinabalan (KIND)
and Aromatic (AROD).
Apart from the 11 introduced accessions, 22 are hybrid/line
collections. The first three locally-produced hybrids, namely PCA 15-1
(CATD x LAGT), PCA 15-2 (MRD x TAGT) and PCA 15-3 (MRD x BAYT),
were mass-produced using the assisted pollination breeding technique
for the planting/replanting programme of the PCA. Other hybrids
produced which were also registered with the National Seed Industry
Council (NSIC) are PCA 15-4 (CATD x TAGT), PCA 15-5 (CATD x
BAOT), PCA 15-6 (CATD x PYT), PCA 15-7 (MRD x PYT), PCA 15-8
(TACD x BAOT), PCA 15-9 (TACD x TAGT), PCA 15-10 (TACD x LAGT),
PCA 15-11 (TACD x WAT), PCA 15-12 TACD x RIT), PCA 15-13 (MRD
x LAGT), PCA 15-14 (MRD x BAOT) and PCA 15- 15 (CATD x BAYT).
These hybrids were selected based on their outstanding and stable yield
performance as well as economic profitability (Santos et al. 2000).
Registered local Dwarf and Tall varieties are CATD, TACD, BAYT, TAGT
and BAOT. The local Tall Baybay is recommended as planting material
while promising varieties like TACD, CATD, AROD, MRD, RIT and
Baybay are used for seednuts propagation.
In an attempt to try new breeding methods to produce an open-
pollinated variety (OPV), the PCA is introducing the Syn Var 001,
nicknamed ‘GMA Coconut Variety’, or technically known as Genetically
Multi-ancestored Farmers Coconut Variety, which is considered as the
hybrid of hybrids. The base populations are the F1 hybrids originating
535
from six Tall populations, which were found to possess good general
combining ability. GMA is an open or cross-pollinating population of
highly heterozygous individual palms. Farmers can use the succeeding
seed generation for subsequent planting and this will make the coconut
farmers more self-reliant in the production of their own hybrid seednuts.
Recently, two Philippine Dwarf varieties, Galas Green Dwarf (GALD)
and Tacunan Green Dwarf (TACD) passed the international standards
set by the C&A Products Co., Ltd. of Thailand for young tender coconut.
These were found to be better than the famous Thai aromatic varieties
Nam Hom (HOM) and Nam Wan (WAN). A recent addition to the PCA
genebank is a rare coconut called ‘Tutupaen’ or ‘Tupa’, whose shell is so
thick that it’s almost as thick as its meat. Nuts from the ‘Tutupaen’ are
not consumed due to superstitious belief that once eaten, the shell will
become brittle. Debris from the ‘Tupa’ tree is also buried for the same
reason (Calub 2002). ‘Tutupaen’ nuts are used solely for ‘Tupa’, a local
throw-and-hit game wherein the players involved try to hit the opponent’s
nut while it is rolling. The first nut to crack or break is declared the loser
regardless whether it is the roller’s or the hitter’s.
Indonesia
The Indonesia Coconut and Other Palmae Research Institute (ICOPRI)
was established to lead the country towards coconut industrialization.
Survey and collection of coconut genetic resources were done in several
parts of the country, including swampy and drought areas. New Dwarf
and Tall ecotypes were introduced to increase the genetic variability of
the present collection. ICOPRI has so far collected 165 coconut accessions
conserved in four of its experimental stations.
All collected germplasm are conserved in several field genebanks,
but since this method was found to be quite expensive, especially the
field maintenance (Novarianto et al. 1994), cryopreservation technology
is being considered as a feasible alternative to conserving the country’s
coconut germplasm. Characterization of germplasm had been done
intensively at the Mapanget experimental garden as a component of the
coconut improvement programme in Indonesia. The first four best
populations namely, Nias Yellow Dwarf (GKN) from Nias Island (North
Sumatera), Tenga Tall (DTA) from Tenga Village (north Sulawesi), Palu
Tall (DPU) from Bangga Village (Central Sulawesi) and Bali Tall (DBI)
from Pulukan Estate (Bali Island) had been chosen.
Most of the coconuts grown in the country are Tall types. Dwarf
types are not commonly planted in large areas, although Nias Yellow
Dwarf was used as a female parent in a breeding programme and planted
in 1856 ha. The coconut hybrid PB 121 from Port Bouet, Côte d’Ivoire
536
has also been introduced in the country sometime in 1975. In 1984, the
government released local hybrids KHINA-1 (GKN x Tenga Tall or DTA0,
KHINA -2 (GKN x Bali Tall or DBI) and KHINA-3 (GKN x Palu Tall or
DPU). Likewise, Tall x Tall hybrids were released, namely KB-1 (32 x
32), KB-2 (32 x 2), KB-3 (32 x 83) and KB-4 (32 x 99).
Indonesia’s coconut genetic resources include ‘unique coconuts’ as
these have unusual morphological traits. Kopyor, the soft-endosperm
coconut which is comparable to the Makapuno of the Philippines, has
long been used in food preparation. Other unique varieties include
Takome and Santongbolang Tall (having remarkable number of fruits
per bunch, Igoduku Tall (oblong-shaped), Palapi and Dodo Tall (big fruit
and nut), Mamuaya Tall (round fruit with very thin, reddish husk), Shinta
Red Dwarf (large bole), Kapal and Pini Tall (pink at the base of the fruit)
and Suckering Coconut (suckers grow up from the surface near the base
of the trunk). These ‘unique’ coconuts are among the 40 accessions
identified during an exploration activity in the Moluccas Islands, East
Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and North Sulawesi, areas that
have large coconut diversity (Novarianto et al. 2000).
Tall coconut palms are the source of young tendernuts, which is
gaining popularity in Southeast Asia. This is mainly due to the fact that
the bulk of plantations are growing mainly Tall palms for copra making
and oil extraction (Rethinam 2002). However, the cultivation of Dwarf
varieties is more appropriate for tendernuts since it is easy to harvest the
nuts with little damage. The Salak Dwarf and Nias Green Dwarf are the
two coconut varieties recommended by Indonesia for tendernut
production. Indonesia and Thailand have also initiated collaborative
research on coconut palm sugar production to improve the technology
for village-level commercial production and to evaluate coconut
germplasm for high sap and sugar production.
Vietnam
Coconuts provide the primary source of income to the thousands of
farmers, especially those living in the Mekong River Delta in the south
and along the coastal areas in the Central region where coconut planting
started several years back. Little attention is given to coconut as most of
the coconut farmers prefer intensive farming involving other commodities
(i.e., fish, shrimps, swine, fruit crops, etc.) (Long 1994). Coconut is widely
used for culinary purposes and some of it is converted into copra and oil
for industrial use while the rest is exported.
Coconut research activities in Vietnam were officially initiated in 1980
with the establishment of the Institute for Research on Oils and Oil Plants,
now known as the Oil Plants Institute of Vietnam (OPI). Coconut
537
germplasm were planted in OPI’s Dong Go Station, in Ben Tre Province,

and in Trang Bang Station in Tay Ninh Province. The field genebank in
Trang Bang Station was closed in 1994 due to budgetary constraints.
The collected local exotic and foreign varieties, including four hybrids
from the Institut de Recherchés pour les Huiles et Oleagineux (IRHO),
adapted well to the ecological condition of the region.
Aside from the four hybrids from IRHO, OPI’s earliest hybrids
consisted of two indigenous hybrids Eo x TA and Tam Quan x Ta, two
hybrids from the Philippines (JVA1 or MYD x Hijo Green Tall and JVA2
or MRD x Hijo Green Tall) and one hybrid from Sri Lanka (CRI65).
Introduced varieties, which showed good performance, include CATD,
SGD, MYD, WAT, SNRT and Hijo Tall. Soon after, hybrids were produced
locally using the available genetic materials PB121, PB141, JVA1, JVA2,
Tam Quan x Hijo Tall, MYD x Ta Tall, MYD x Palu Tall, and MYD x
Rennel.
Coconut germplasm collecting is a continuous activity of OPI as it
aims to collect all possible types of coconut. Wide genetic diversity can be
observed in the country. The Tall types consist of Ta, Dau, Giay and Bi or
Bung varieties while the Dwarf types include Ea, Xiem and Tam Quan.
Cultivars with special characters were also classified according to their
distinct feature such as Sap (Makapuno), Ngot (sweet) Dua (aromatic)
and Soc (stripe). At present, Vietnam utilizes these varieties in promoting
marketing as tendernuts for consumption as an alternative way to
alleviate the poverty of coconut growers.
In 2001, the Vietnamese Government allotted US$ 800 000 for a 4-
year national project on the ‘Production and Deployment of High-Yielding
Varieties (HYVs)’. Under this project, four crosses (CATD x LAGT), (MRD
x BAOT), (MYD x WAT) and (MYD x BAOT) were produced with pollen
coming from the Philippines. About 1000 seednuts are expected from
these combinations. This complements an earlier trial wherein three
demonstration sites of HYVs from MYD x WAT, MYD x BAO and MYD
x BAO were established. About 1000 Makapuno and AROD embryos
are cultured in the laboratory.
As of 2001, around 230 000 ha of land is under coconut cultivation
in Vietnam, with about 700 000 poor farm families relying on coconut
for their livelihood (Long 2002). The ADB-funded/COGENT-coordinated
project on ‘Reducing Poverty in Coconut Growing Communities in
Vietnam’ has effectively supplemented ongoing hunger eradication and
poverty reduction programme by the government. This project is being
implemented in three coconut-producing communities: Hung Phong,
Xuan Dong and Tam Quan Nam. Three other communities will be
implementing the follow up COGENT project funded by IFAD.
538
Promotional efforts for marketing newer products made from other

raw materials from coconut influences the price of coconut in the country
(Rethinam 2002). OPI was commissioned by COGENT to conduct a
feasibility study on the production and marketing of coconut fibre
products from coconut husk, and coconut handicrafts from coconut shell;
and to procure coconut fibre processing equipment for pilot testing to
other participating countries.
Thailand
Coconut is an important subsistence crop in Thailand. Over 200 000 farm
families are directly or partially dependent on the coconut industry for
their livelihood. The total area under coconut is about 376 000 ha, which
are predominantly planted with local Tall even though high yielding
coconut varieties have been released to farmers since 1982.
Coconut research in Thailand started in 1960 with the establishment
of the Sawi Horticultural Experiment Station in Amphoe Sawi,
Chumphon Province, later renamed Chumphon Horticultural Research
Centre (CHRC), Thailand’s main coconut research centre. Over 50
coconut accessions are conserved at CHRC, which include local and
exotic varieties. The first hybrid experiment was set up in 1975. The
hybrids performed very well under local conditions and a coconut
seedgarden was established simultaneously to keep pace with the demand
for planting materials. The first variety was Sawi Hybrid No 1, a cross
between MYD and WAT, otherwise known as MAWA hybrid. The hybrid
was released to farmers in 1982. Two more hybrids, Chumphon Hybrid
No. 60, a cross between Thai Tall and WAT (THT x WAT) or Maphrao
Yai and West African Tall, and Chumphon Hybrid No.2, a cross between
Malayan Yellow Dwarf and Maphrao Yai, were recommended in 1987
and 1995, respectively. Chumphon 60 (named to commemorate the Thai
King’s 60th birthday) has medium to big size fruit. Potential copra yield
per fruit is about 260-300 g. Chumphon 2 has a medium-sized fruit,
relatively uniform fruit size and is more precocious than Chumphon 60.
Copra yield per nut is about 250 g. Most farmers who had planted hybrid
varieties preferred Chumphon 2.
Coconut products such as coconut cream and young tendernut have
become important export products of Thailand, becoming the largest
exporter of coconut cream to the United States, earning for the country
over 2 billion baht (about US$ 40 000 000) each year. Young tendernut is
another product gaining popularity, the most famous of which is the
Thai Aromatic Green Dwarf (Nam Hon) variety, which is known for its
unique sweet and aromatic (“pandan”) water. Other varieties include
the Thung Khled and Pathiu. The quality and shelf life of fresh nuts have
539
been enhanced, ensuring that the nuts remain in good condition up to

45 days after processing.
Other promising coconut products that are gaining market recognition
include coconut sugar and inflorescence sap for bottled soft drink.
Handicrafts and novelties from coconut shell are also fast-growing
industries that provide the main source of income to some farmer groups,
especially in the rural areas of Thailand.
China
The Coconut Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical
Sciences (CRICATAS) introduced into China a host of elite varieties from
Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Malaysian and Cote
d’Ivoire (e.g., West African Tall, Rennel Island Tall), most of which have
been planted in the Institute’s seedgarden in Hainan Island. They have
also conducted R&D studies on fertilizer application, nutrition diagnosis,
cultural systems, intercropping, nut processing and coconut milk
preservation.
The country’s breeding programme is ongoing, mainly based on MYD
x LT crosses. In addition, high-yielding varieties like the MAWA, Thai
Green Dwarf and MYD x LT have been deployed. Collecting of indigenous
and exotic varieties is continuing to enlarge the stock of parental materials
for breeding and screening for cold tolerant varieties. To build up its
human resources on coconut genetics research, China continues to send
technical staff for related training in other COGENT countries.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, coconut ranks the fourth most important crop in terms of
area planted, after oil palm, rubber and rice, respectively. In 1981, the
total area planted to coconut was 409 348 hectares, but in 1995 it
drastically declined to 248 380 hectares, which represent about 5% of
the country’s total agricultural land area. As in the rest of the countries
in the Asia and Pacific region, smallholders, with an average farm size
of 2.8ha, dominate coconut production in the country, producing about
93% of the total coconuts in the country. It is estimated that a total of 90
000 farm families are involved in coconut production.
The local demand for the crop is mainly in the form of fresh nuts,
coconut oil and processed products such as desiccated coconut and
coconut cream. Despite the shrinkage of the area under coconut, the
country is still a net exporter of coconut products. In 1995, exports were
valued at about RM 165.2 million (US$ 43.5 million), primarily in the
form of coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra and fresh whole nuts.
Imports of coconut and related products, on the other hand, amounted
540
to RM 77 million (US$ 20.3 million). However, over the years, the

international prices of copra dropped, which resulted in a corresponding
decrease in coconut cultivation and production. The competition for land
for oil palm planting and infrastructure development also significantly
contributed to the reduction of coconut hectarage in the country. All of
these factors have, therefore, endangered the coconut genetic resources
of the country.
To mitigate this situation, the Malaysian Government, primarily
through the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
(MARDI), collaborated with a number of international coconut R&D
organizations, particularly IPGRI/COGENT, to undertake research and
development activities aimed at improving the country’s coconut genetic
resources.
For a comprehensive listing of completed and ongoing projects in the

Southeast and East Asia region, see Annex 2.
Recommendations from member countries

1. Mass propagate unique varieties (i.e., tender coconut, sugar coconut)
in farmer’s fields under a coconut-based farming system which would
also serve as demonstration sites for other coconut farmers;
2. The current ADB-funded ‘Poverty Reduction in Coconut Growing
Communities’ project of COGENT should be replicated in more
communities in more countries;
3. The global Coconut Research for Development Programme
(PROCORD) should be fully implemented after the dissolution of
BUROTROP and subsequent replacement by CIRAD in this research
alliance; and
4. The relationship of coconut diversity to environmental protection and
human nutrition should receive priority attention from IPGRI/
COGENT.
Common constraints and opportunities of the region in relation

to coconut genetic resources
Constraints
1. Insufficient varieties that meet product standards for processing into
high-value products, also lack of efficient processing techniques and
product diversification;
2. Prevalence of pests and diseases, especially Brontispa (in Vietnam
and China) and Cadang-cadang (in the Philippines); and
3. Lack of available funds for conducting research and development,
541
training of staff and procurement of state of the art facilities, including

maintenance of field genebanks.
Opportunities
1. The ADB/IFAD-assisted coconut-based poverty reduction projects
of COGENT offer a good venue to pursue all regional activities;
2. Vietnam adopted a programme to improve the farming systems
common in the Mekong Delta from rice monoculture to diversified
crops with high value and marketable agricultural crops; and
3. China is aiming to produce coconut milk juice to meet the huge
demand in the country and the international market.
References:
Baudouin, L, R Bourdeix, F Bonnot, CH Hamelin and A Rouziere. 2000.
COGENT establishes an international coconut genetic resources
database (CGRD). COGENT Newsletter 3:1-2.
Calub, DJ. 2002. Do you know that? COGENT Newsletter 6:10.
Carpio, CB. 2003. Sub-network report for Southeast and East Asia. Paper
presented at the 12th COGENT Steering Committee Meeting, 10-12
Nov. 2003, Merida, Mexico.
Long, VV. 2002. Reducing poverty in coconut growing communities in
Vietnam. COGENT Newsletter 6:14.
Novarianto, H and Miftahorrachman. 2000. Unique coconuts of
Indonesia. COGENT Newsletter 4:14-15.
Rethinam, P. 2002. Poverty Reduction through tendernut production:
COGENT to develop tendernut varieties/hybrids. COGENT
Newsletter 5:7.
Santos, GA, RL Rivera and SM Rivera. 2000. Collection and evaluation
of coconut cultivars and conservation of genetic resources.
Research, Development and Extension Branch, Philippine Coconut
Authority (RDEB-PCA). Annual Report 2000. P. 2.
542
Annex 1. Member countries of the COGENT SEEA Network,

lead agencies and country coordinators
Country Lead Agencies Coordinators
China • Wenchang Coconut Research Institute China Prof Ma Zitong

Academy of Tropical Agricultural Science Prof Tang Longxiang
Indonesia • Indonesian Coconut and Other Palmae Dr H Novarianto

Research Institute
Malaysia • Stesen MARDI Kemaman Mr Abdullah Othman

Myanmar • Department of Agricultural Planning, Ministry of Mr U Tin Htut Oo
Agriculture
Philippines • Philippine Coconut Authority Mr CB Carpio

Mr G Santos
Thailand • Horticulture Research Institute Department of Mr P Anupunt
Agriculture Mr C Petchpiroon
• Chumpon Horticultural Research Centre Ms Peyanoot Naka
Vietnam • Oil Plant Institute of Vietnam Mr Vo Van Long
543
Annex 2. List of completed and ongoing coconut projects in the

Southeast and East Asian region by country
Country Project Title
a) Collecting, conservation and evaluation of cold-tolerant coconut germplasm in Hainan,

Yunnan and Guangdong Provinces
b) Development of coconut-based intercropping system to enhance germplasm
conservation and incomes of coconut farmers
China c) Study on the deployment of coconut diversity
d) Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for nationwide deployment of
coconut-based poverty reduction interventions in coconut growing communities using
COGENT's 3-pronged strategy in China
a) Collecting, conservation and characterization of coconut genetic resources in Moluccas
and Nusa Tenggara Provinces of Indonesia
b) Exploration and collecting coconut germplasm from Moluccas East Timor and West
Nusa Tenggara
c) Strengthening the biotechnology and embryo culture capability of International Coconut
Genebank in Southeast Asia host country (Indonesia for Southeast Asia)
d) Improvement of in vitro techniques for collecting and exchange of coconut germplasm
e) Evaluation of coconut varieties for sap yield sugar production
f) Assessment of performance of coconut hybrids and farmers' varietal preferences
g) Feasibility study on the establishment of small-scale coconut husk and sugar producing
units
Indonesia h) Study on the deployment of coconut diversity
i) Catalogue of conserved coconut germplasm
j) Importation and growing of designated germplasm from COGENT member countries for
conservation in the International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia (ICG-
SEA)
k) Coconut embryo culture research to develop effective technology for the production of
coconut seedlings from the high quality value soft endosperm ‘Kopyor’
l) Introduction of coconut germplasm from COGENT member countries into the
International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia
m) Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for nationwide deployment of
COGENT's 3-pronged strategy in Indonesia
a) Coconut varieties for young nuts (fresh consumption)

b) Development of varieties and production technologies for young tender coconuts
c) Establishment of a Regional Germplasm Centre for young coconut
Malaysia d) Assessment of performance of coconut hybrids and farmers varietal preferences
e) Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for nationwide deployment of
COGENT's 3-pronged strategy in Malaysia
a) Collecting, evaluation and conservation of coconut genetic resources in the Philippines

using a systematic sampling strategy
b) Application of standard protocols on coconut genomic DNA isolation, embryo culture and
microsatellite SSR molecular markers to support genetic diversity studies and
germplasm conservation programs in the Philippines
c) Testing of coconut-based farming system (CBFS) to promote conservation in 3 strategic
sites
d) Refinement of coconut embryo culture technology
e) Assessment of performance of coconut hybrids and farmers varietal preferences
f) Study on the development of coconut diversity
g) Testing the upgraded embryo culture technology to reduce cost of producing embryo-
derived makapuno coconut and deployment of resulting seedlings to resource-poor
Philippines
coconut farmers
h) Feasibility study on the village scale production and marketing of high vale products
(coconut flour and white oil) from fresh coconut meat and identification of suitable
varieties for these uses
i) Catalogue of conserved coconut germplasm
j) Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for nationwide deployment of
COGENT's 3-pronged strategy in the Philippines
k) Coconut embryo culture research to develop effective technology for the production of
coconut seedlings from high value soft-endosperm coconut variety "Lono"
l) Mass production of Dwarf x Makapuno F1 hybrids and establishing of Regional
Makapuno seed farms
544
Country Project Title

p
m) Improvement of coconut embryo culture technology to promote germplasm collecting,
conservation and exchange
n) Utilization of embryo culture technology for germplasm conservation: Development of
medium term conservation of coconut zygotic embryos
o) Feasibility studies on the establishment of integrated coconut husk processing and
prototype makapuno production and processing projects in the province of Albay and
identification of coconut varieties suitable for the identified high value products
a) Coconut germplasm collecting and establishment in field genebank in Thailand
b) Varietal improvement for sap yield
c) Screening varieties for sugar production and improvement of the quality of granulated
sugar
d) Assessment of performance of coconut hybrids and farmers varietal preferences
Thailand e) Feasibility studies on coconut palm sugar and coconut shell handicrafts production
f) Catalogue of conserved coconut germplasm
g) Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for nationwide deployment of
COGENT's 3-pronged strategy in Thailand
a) Coconut germplasm collecting and strengthening of the coconut genebank in Thailand

b) Extension of coconut germplasm collection and conservation activities for effective
utilization
c) Village-level processing of coconut products and survey of varietal preferences
d) Assessment of performance of coconut hybrids and farmers varietal preferences
Vietnam e) Feasibility study of Vietnam and purchase and shipment of equipment
f) Catalogue of conserved coconut germplasm
g) Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for nationwide deployment of
COGENT's 3-pronged strategy in Vietnam
545

AK Kullaya1 and JL Konan2
1
2
Head, Coconut Research Programme, Marc Delorme Coconut Station, Centre National de
Recherche Agronomique (CNRA), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
History of coconut in Africa

The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), which is believed to have originated from
the South West Pacific region (Purseglove 1972; Child 1974), has a long
history in the African continent. Harries (1990) suggested that the
ancestral coconut may have originated from the Western Gondwanaland
before it broke-up into the present continents. He argued that during the
break-up, coconuts floated to islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans,
even as far as the east coast of Africa (but not into the Atlantic). The fact
that the two closest botanical relatives to the coconut, namely Jubaeopsis
caffra (Uhl and Dransfield 1987) and Voanioala gerardii (Dransfield 1989)
have been found in Southern Africa and Madagascar, respectively raises
the possibility that the wild type coconut might have existed on the fringes
of the Pacific and Indian Oceans since the earliest time (Schuiling 1991).
In that case, the coconut palm could be considered indigenous to the
coastal islands of East Africa.
In addition, Purseglove (1972) postulated that the Malaysian sea
rovers introduced the coconut to Madagascar in 1 AD, from where it
could have reached the coast of East Africa. Alternatively, it might have
been introduced even earlier by Arab traders because there was an
interchange of crops between East Africa and India at least 3000 years
ago. On the other hand, the early presence of coconuts on uninhabited
islands of Seychelles and Mauritius strongly suggests that the first coconuts
reached East Africa by floating and drifting (i.e., through natural
dispersal).
While the earliest history of the coconut in East Africa remains
uncertain (Schuiling 1991), it has been well documented that coconuts
did not reach West Africa until after 1499. According to Harries (1977),
Vasco da Gama, on his return from India in 1499, took coconuts from
East Africa to the west coast of the continent, with Cape Verde as the
most probable point of introduction.
The theory that the coconuts in East Africa originated from India is
supported by the fact that the common Tall varieties in East Africa are
late germinating, wild types similar to the coconuts on the Indian sub-
546
continent (Harries 1978, 1981). This theory is also supported by recent

results from molecular studies that show close genetic affinity of some
coconut varieties (Laccadive micro and Laccadive ordinary) from India
with the local coconut populations in East and West Africa (Rohde 1995;
Kullaya et al. 2002).
The coconut genetic diversity in Africa is reckoned to be narrow
compared to the Asian and Pacific regions. The most predominant Talls
found in Africa are the ‘Niu kafa type’, which according to Harries (1971)
have angular, thick-husked and slow germinating nuts. However, old
Tall coconut palms with round, thin-husked and early germinating nuts
have also been identified in Comoro. There are also yellow, red, brown
and green fruited Dwarf varieties which have been introduced into the
region at different times for a number of purposes. Furthermore, a number
of ecotypes that exhibit considerable differences in palm morphology,
fruit colour, size and shape have emerged as a result of introgression
between the different populations and adaptation, both of which are
constantly taking place.
Unfortunately, there have not been serious and consolidated efforts
in most African coconut producing countries to undertake systematic
exploration, collecting, conservation and characterization of the available
coconut genetic resources. This variability is currently reckoned to be
under threat of genetic erosion due to pest and disease incidences, storms,
drought, rising sea water, indiscriminate felling of palms due to
urbanization and infrastructure development.
Economic importance
The coconut is an important source of vegetable oil and income for many
communities in about 22 African countries. It also plays an important
role in environmental sustainability of the farming systems of the often
fragile ecosystems of the tropical coastal belt.
Africa accounts for only about 5% of the global area and production
of coconuts (Persley 1992). According to statistics from Asian and Pacific
Coconut Community (APCC 1990), the area under coconuts in Africa is
estimated to be about 396 000 ha (Persley 1992). However, data compiled
during the First and Second African Coconut Workshops organized by
the Bureau for the Development of Research on Tropical Perennial Oil
Crops (BUROTROP) in 1991 and 2000 suggest that the area under coconut
cultivation in Africa could be about 774 000 ha (Table 1). The largest
coconut producers in Africa include Tanzania, Madagascar,
Mozambique, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya. The crop is cultivated
under diverse climatic and edaphic conditions mainly by small-scale
farmers, accounting for about 95% of the total production.
547
Table 1. Area under coconut in different African countries

Country Area (‘000 ha) Country Area (‘000 ha)
Benin 10 Madagascar 82
Cameroon 4 Mauritius 3
Cape Verde 3 Mozambique 95
Comoro 30 Nigeria 10
Côte d'Ivoire 50 Sao Tome Principe 37
Guinea 10 Senegal 5
Ghana 43 Seychelles 19
Guinea 15 Sierra Leone 3
Guinea Bissau 25 Somalia 15
Kenya 42 Tanzania 252
Liberia 7 Togo 14
Total for Africa 774
The average coconut yield in the region is quite low (about 600 kg copra/
ha) but comparable to the world’s average. According to the findings of
two workshops organized by BUROTROP in 1991 and 2000 (Kullaya
1992; BUROTROP 2000), the major and most common production
constraints that account for the low coconut yields and productivity in
Africa include:
1. Presence of unfavourable weather conditions, in particular
inadequate rainfall coupled with unfavourable distribution in a
number of producing countries like Benin, Cape Verde, Kenya
and Tanzania;
2. Lack of improved planting materials that are adapted to local
conditions. The predominant planting materials in the different
countries are the local Tall coconut populations, which somehow
might be adapted to prevailing local conditions, but generally they
have low yield potential;
3. Incidence of serious pests in some countries, in particular:
• Oryctes beetle-The pest occurs in most African coconut
growing countries. Although efforts to control another species,
O. rhinoceros with Baculovirus have been successful in various
parts of the world, results of such biological control measures
under field conditions in countries like Tanzania and
Seychelles have been less successful;
• Coreid bug (Pseudotheraptus wayi) in East Africa appears to
be far more destructive than the West African species, P.
devastans;
• Eriophyid mite (Aceria guerreronis);
• Rodents, especially in Comoro and Seychelles where two
species are reported to occur; and
548
• Melitomma insulare, which is regarded as the most serious pest

in Seychelles.
4. Incidence of the following serious diseases, some of which are
lethal:
• Lethal Yellowing-type diseases (LYD) caused by phytoplasmas,
which are widespread over most of the coconut growing
regions on the west and eastern coasts, and they considered
to be the most important threat to coconut production in Africa
(Eden-Green 1995). These diseases are known by different
names in different countries. In West Africa, LYD occurs in
Ghana (known as Cape St Paul disease or CSPWD), Togo
(Kaincopé disease), Nigeria (Awka wilt), and Cameroon (Kribi
disease). Similarly, on the East coast, the disease occurs in
Tanzania (lethal disease), Kenya and Mozambique.
• Phytophthora katsurae that causes nutfall and spear rot in West
Africa, particularly in Côte d’Ivoire.
5. Poor extension and technical services to farmers, largely caused
by:
• Inadequately trained extension workers, particularly those
based in the villages;
• Lack of appropriate technology packages for dissemination;
and
• Inadequate support from the government to extension staff
(low salaries, poor housing and transport facilities, etc).
6. Poor crop husbandry practices. Coconut farmers are either
reluctant or can not afford to apply improved crop husbandry
practices, fertilizers, chemicals, etc; and
7. Lack of rehabilitation programmes to replace old and senile palms.
Coconut research and development programmes
National coconut research and development programmes

Only a few countries such as Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and
Tanzania have long-term R&D programmes and strategies to promote
the coconut sector. Coconut research stations in Benin and Côte d’Ivoire
were established about 50 years ago, which are the oldest in the region.
The general objective of these national coconut R&D programmes is to
promote the production and utilization of coconuts by addressing the
most important constraints. Current activities, which differ in scope from
country to country, include:
• Germplasm conservation, characterization and utilization;
• Breeding for high yield with improved precocity and adaptability
549
to local conditions. In this regard, Côte d’Ivoire has played an

important role in coconut breeding, for example, a number of
hybrids bred in Côte d’Ivoire have been planted in more than 40
countries worldwide;
• Agronomic trials, including, spacing, intercropping and fertilizer
trials with a view to develop improved coconut-based farming
systems;
• Studies on the aetiology, epidemiology and control of important
diseases such as Phytophthora in Côte d’Ivoire and LYD in Ghana,
Tanzania and Nigeria;
• Development of effective pest control strategies against major
pests, in particular the coreid bug (Pseudotheraptus spp.);
• Production and distribution of improved planting materials to
farmers for rehabilitation programmes; and
• Development and dissemination of improved small-scale coconut
processing technologies.
In the 1980s, some initiatives to rehabilitate the coconut industry were

taken in Comoro, Seychelles, Mozambique, Cape Verde and in other
countries by introducing high-yielding coconut hybrids, mainly PB 121
from Côte d’Ivoire. However, these efforts were not sustained after the
respective projects came to an end.
Meanwhile, plans are at an advanced stage in Ghana and
Mozambique to initiate coconut rehabilitation programmes with financial
support from France. The main components of the project to be conducted
in Mozambique include: development of control methods of LYD, training
of local staff and farmers, improvement of crop husbandry practices and
promotion of small-scale oil processing.
Regional coconut genetic resources activities

Prior to the involvement of BUROTROP and the International Coconut
Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), there were hardly any regional
coconut activities in Africa. Most activities were either confined to
individual countries or carried out on a bilateral basis, mainly in the area
of supply of genetic material for research or replanting purposes. With
the establishment of the two international bodies, there has been
significant progress with respect to regional collaboration and networking.
Table 2 gives the list of collaborative projects that have been initiated
through one or both organizations.
550
Table 2. List of regional projects initiated through BUROTROP and/or COGENT

Project Institutions and Countries Involved Status
Investigation in the aetiology and - Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute (MARI) Completed
control of lethal yellowing-type (Tanzania)
diseases - Ministry of Agriculture (Ghana)
- Marc Delorme Station/CNRA, Côte d'Ivoire
- Natural Resources Institute (NRI) – UK
- CIRAD – France
Promoting small-scale coconut oil - MARI (Tanzania) Completed

processing techniques - Ministry of Agriculture (Ghana)
- NRI (UK)
- Indonesia
Development of improved coconut- - MARI (Tanzania) Completed

based farming systems - Philippine Coconut Authority
- NRI (UK)
- CIRAD (France)
- Vanuatu
Improvement of coconut by - MARI (Tanzania) Completed

biotechnology: Application of DNA - Philippine Coconut Authority
marker technology to germplasm - Max-Planck-Institute for Plant Breeding (MPIZ) from
characterization and breeding Germany and
- NEIKER from Spain
Construction and exploitation of high- - MPIZ (Germany) Ongoing

density DNA marker and physical - NEIKER (Spain)
maps in the perennial tropical oil crops - CIRAD (France)
coconut and oil palm: from - Philippine Coconut Authority
biotechnology towards marker- - Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB)
assisted breeding (LINK2PALM) - Indonesia Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI)
- SOCFINDO (Indonesia)
- CICY (Mexico) –as sub-contractor
- MARI (Tanzania) - as sub-contractor
International Multilocation Variety Trial - National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRAB), Ongoing
Benin
- MARI (Tanzania)
- EMPRESA Brasileira de Pesquisa, Agropecuaria
(EMBRAPA) Brazil)
- Coconut Industry Board, Kingston, Jamaica;
- Instituto Nacional de Investigacion Forestales
Agricoles y Pecuario (INIFAP), Mexico
Establishing a framework and - 18 countries, including Tanzania and Ghana Completed

selecting project sites for a nationwide
deployment of coconut-based poverty
reduction interventions in coconut
growing communities using
COGENT’s three-pronged strategy
551
In 1996, the Coconut Genetic Resources Network for Africa and Indian
Ocean (CGRN-AIO) was formally established to promote collecting,
conservation, characterization, evaluation, use and exchange of coconut
genetic resources in the region, as sub regional network of COGENT. It
also aims to accelerate the development and use of improved coconut
varieties and hybrids. Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles and
Tanzania in East Africa, and Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Nigeria in
West Africa are the current members of the regional network.
Status of the International Coconut Genebank site for Africa

and Indian Ocean (ICG-AIO)
The Marc Delorme Station of the National Centre of Agronomic Research
(CNRA) of Côte d’Ivoire has been designated as the site for the
International Coconut Genebank for Africa and Indian Ocean (ICG-AIO)
countries. The ICG is about 200 ha and is situated about 15 km from the
ocean. It receives about 1600 to 1900 mm of rain, which falls in two
seasons. The soils are homogenous with a light texture (less than 40%
clay) which can allow the roots of coconut to penetrate beyond the depth
of four meters. The station hosts a collection of 53 coconut populations
from different parts of the world, out of which 49 accessions (Table 3)
have been included in the ICG-AIO. The memorandum of agreement
formalizing the establishment of the ICG-AIO was signed by the
Government of Côte d’Ivoire with IPGRI/COGENT in 1999. CNRA/Marc
Delorme Station uses its own resources to maintain, characterize, evaluate
and rejuvenate some of the populations that are becoming too tall.
The ICG, which has excellent infrastructure (greenhouses, field
genebank and laboratories), will be a centre of excellence for training
scientists from the region on coconut germplasm conservation,
characterization, evaluation and utilization. Emphasis in training will
be put on breeding techniques, embryo culture, methods for germplasm
prospecting and in molecular technologies for diversity assessment. In
addition to the 49 cultivars, the ICG-AIO intends to introduce different
germplasm from other countries in Africa and from the other regional
ICGs of COGENT.
Future activities
Taking into consideration the relatively high annual population growth
rate in Africa, the demand for vegetable oil is expected to increase
progressively in the coming decades. Appropriate actions must therefore
be taken to enable countries in Africa and the Indian Ocean meet this
increasing demand for vegetable oil.
During the Second International Coconut Workshop for Africa titled,
‘Helping the African Coconut Farmer into the 21st Century’ organized
552
Table 3. List of germplasm accessions covered by the agreement for the ICG–AIO
Source
International Cultivar Name Abbreviation (Code)
(Country of Origin)
1. Andaman Giant Tall AGT India
2. Andaman Ordinary Tall ADOT India
3. Baybay Tall BAYT Philippines
4. Cambodia Battambang Tall KAT09 Cambodia
5. Cambodia Koh Rong Tall KATIO Cambodia
6. Cambodia Ream Tall KAT07 Cambodia
7. Cambodia Sre Cham Tall KAT08 Cambodia
8. Cambodia Tuk Sap Tall KAT02 Cameroon
9. Cameroon Kribi Tall CKT Cameroon
10. Cameroon Red Dwarf CRD Cameroon
11. Catigan Green Dwarf CATD Philippines
12. Comoro Moheli Tall CMT Comoro
13. Equatorial Guinea Green Dwarf EGD Equatorial Guinea
14. Gazelle Peninsula Tall GPT Papua New Guinea
15. Kappadam Tall KPDT India
16. Karkar Tall KKT Papua New Guinea
17. Kinabalan Green Dwarf KIND Philippines
18. Laccadive Micro Tall LMT India
19. Laccadive Ordinary Tall LCT India
20. Madang Brown Dwarf MBD Papua New Guinea
21. Malayan Green Dwarf MGD Malaysia
22. Malayan Red Dwarf MRD Malaysia
23. Malayan Tall MLT Malaysia
24. Malayan Yellow Dwarf MYD Malaysia
25. Markham Valley Tall MVT Papua New Guinea
26. Mozambique Tall MZT Mozambique
27. Niu Leka Dwarf NLAD Fiji
28. Palu Tall PUT Indonesia
29. Pilipog Green Dwarf PILD Philippines
30. Rangiroa Tall RGT French Polynesia
31. Rennell Island Tall RIT Solomon Island
32. Rotuman Tall RTMT Fiji
33. Solomon Island Tall SIT Solomon Island
34. Sri Lanka Green Dwarf PGD Sri Lanka
35. Sri Lanka Tall Ambakelle SLT02 Sri Lanka
36. Tacunan Green Dwarf TACD Philippines
37. Tagnanan Tall TAGT Philippines
38. Tahitian Red Dwarf TRD French Polynesia
39. Tahitian Tall TAT French Polynesia
40. Takome Tall TKT Indonesia
41. Tonga Tall TGT Indonesia
42. Ternate Brown Dwarf TBD Indonesia
43. Thailand Green Dwarf THD Thailand
44. Thailand Tall Ko Samui THT04 Thailand
45. Thailand Tall Sawi THTO I Thailand
46. Tonga Tall TONT Tonga
47. West African Tall Akabo WAT03 Côte d’Ivoire
48. West African Tall Mensah WAT04 Côte d’Ivoire
49. West African Tall Ouidah WAT06 Benin
by BUROTROP in collaboration with the Coastal Development Authority

of Kenya from 8-12 May 2000 in Mombassa, the participants from Kenya,
Madagascar, Mozambique, Tanzania, Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and
Benin recommended that African coconut producing countries should
collaborate with regional and international organizations in order to
revive the coconut industry (BUROTROP 2000). More specifically the
participants agreed to:
1. Promote the collecting, conservation and exchange of
germplasm. Generally, there is inadequate information on the
553
extent and location of coconut genetic diversity in Africa. It is

therefore necessary to develop strategies for promoting coconut
genetic resources activities at both national and regional level.
There is a need to organize joint exploration and collecting missions
especially in the Eastern African countries and the adjacent islands
because of the much longer history of coconuts in this sub-region
as compared to West Africa. The genetic materials that will be
collected will have to be conserved in the national genebanks as
well as in the ICG-AIO. Efforts should also be made to characterize
and evaluate the germplasm in the national genebanks and in
the ICG-AIO, and to use the genetic materials in national breeding
programmes to address priority objectives such as improved yield,
resistance to LYD, drought tolerance and early bearing. In
pursuing the national breeding programmes due emphasis should
be given to the local germplasm. However, introduction of genetic
materials from other countries within and outside the region will
be inevitable because of the limited genetic variability that exists
in most countries in the region;
2. Promote national coconut germplasm conservation through
coconut-based farming systems and/or the use of high-value
added products. The conservation of coconut germplasm in field
genebanks is an expensive activity that cannot be achieved by all
countries in the region. It is therefore necessary to develop novel
strategies that will:
• Encourage in situ conservation;
• Improve productivity of the farming systems through
intercropping and integration of livestock; and
• Promote value-adding activities through small-scale
processing of different coconut products;
3. Utilize the international and national coconut germplasm
collections in screening for resistance to lethal yellowing-like
diseases, drought tolerance and other constraints. In view of the
fact that biotic and abiotic stresses continue to take a heavy toll
on coconut production in the region, regional efforts and
international collaboration are necessary in screening for resistance
against the different biotic and abiotic stresses; and
4. Foster technology transfer and strengthen research capacity of
national programmes on coconut germplasm conservation and
utilization. Many national programmes lack adequate human
and infrastructure resources. The Marc Delorme Station/CNRA
in collaboration with research programmes in other countries
would organize training workshops and courses for researchers
554
and technicians from the other coconut producing countries.

Emphasis will be on standardized coconut breeding techniques,
embryo culture, methods for germplasm prospecting and in
molecular technologies for diversity assessment.
References
APCC. 1990. Coconut statistical yearbook 1989. Asian and Pacific
Coconut Community, Jakarta, Indonesia.
BUROTROP. 2000. Proceedings of the 2 nd International Coconut
Workshop for Africa, 12-18 May 2000, Mombassa, Kenya.
Child, R. 1974. Coconuts. Longman and Green, London.
Dransfield, J. 1989. Voanioala (Areioideae; Cocoeae; Butiinae). A new
palm from Madagascar. Kew Bulletin 44:191-198.
Eden-Green, SJ. 1995. History, world distribution and present status of
lethal-yellowing-like diseases of palms. Pp. 9–25. In: Proceedings of
an International Workshop on Lethal Yellowing-Like Diseases of
Coconut, November 1995, Elmina, Ghana.
Harries, HC. 1977. The Cape Verde region (1499 to 1549): Key to coconut
culture in the Western Hemisphere? Turrialba 27: 227-231.
Harries, HC. 1978. Lethal yellowing diseases of coconuts in global
perspective. Philippine Journal of Coconut Studies 3:1-4.
Harries, HC. 1981. Germination and taxonomy of coconut. Annals of
Botany 48: 873-883.
Harries, HC. 1990. Malesian origin for a domestic Cocos nucifera. Pp. 351-
357. In: P Baas, K Kalkman and R Geesink (eds). The plant diversity
of Malesia. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, The
Netherlands.
Kullaya, AK. 1992. State of coconut production in Africa. BUROTROP,
Kullaya, A, L Masumbuko, R Sallu and S Sinje. 2002. Assessment of
genetic variation in East African Tall coconut sub-populations from
Chambezi coconut germplasm collection using Random Amplified
Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Paper presented during the 2nd
National Workshop on Plant Genetic Resources and Biotechnology,
6-10 May 2002, Arusha, Tanzania (unpublished).
Persley, GJ. 1992. Replanting the tree of life: Towards an international
agenda for coconut palm research. Redwood Press Ltd, Melksham.
156p.
Purseglove, JW. 1972. Tropical crops. Monocotyledons. Longman,
London.
Rohde, W, A Kullaya, J Rodriguez and E Ritter. 1995. Genome analysis
555
of Cocos nucifera L. by PCR amplification of spacer sequences

separating a subset of copia-like EcoRI repetitive elements. Journal of
Genetics and Breeding 49:179-186.
Schuiling, M. 1991. The history of coconut growing and lethal disease in
the coastal districts of mainland Tanzania and its possible relevance
to disease resistance in the local East African Tall. National Coconut
Development Programme, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. (Unpublished).
Uhl, NW and J Dransfield. 1987. Genera Palmarum. A classification of
palms based on the work of Harod E Moore, Jr. Allen Press, Lawrence,
Kansas. Pp. 489-491.
556

D Zizumbo1, B Been2, E A Tupinamba3, R Castillo4 and C Oropeza1
1
Coconut Researchers, Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY), Mérida, México
2
Director of Research, Coconut Industry Board (CIB), Kingston, Jamaica
3
Coconut Researcher, Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA), Aracaju,
Brazil
4
Agricolas y Pecuarias, (INIFAP CIR-Golfo Centro), Huimanguillo, México
Introduction
The coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a very important crop in Latin America
and the Caribbean (LAC) for both cash and subsistence. It is not
indigenous to the Americas; it was introduced from the old world. The
first introductions originated from Cape Verde (West Africa) to the
Spaniola Island (now Haiti and Dominican Republic) in the Caribbean
(Bruman 1944; Harries 1977). Introductions to the west coast occurred
from the Solomon Islands around 1569 and from the Philippines to Mexico
in various occasions between 1571 and 1821 (Smith 1970; Zizumbo et al.
1993). Coconut was present in Panama from pre-Columbian times but
its origin and introduction date is unknown (Zizumbo and Quero 1998).
It was brought to the Americas for the establishment of plantations and
the fruit was used primarily for the production of wine and secondarily
for fresh consumption. Wine production from coconut was forbidden
and hence, from the second half of the 17th century to the second decade
of the 20th century the use of the fruit for fresh consumption became the
primary use. Then, during the 1920’s, copra became the main product
from coconut (Zizumbo et al. 1993). Nowadays, the trend is towards
product diversification.
Coconut is cultivated in every continental land from Brazil to Mexico
and in the Caribbean islands. Currently it is grown on about 500 000 ha,
or about one-twentieth of the coconut area in the Asia Pacific. The main
producers are Brazil (over 200 000 ha) and México (about 160 000 ha) in
the continent and Jamaica (14 000 ha) in the Caribbean. It is also abundant
in the Florida State in the USA, but for ornamental purposes.
Unfortunately, there are many problems with coconut cultivation
and industry, and most of them are common in every LAC country: (a)
use of low-yielding varieties; (b) ageing of palms; (c) losses due to diseases
and pests; (d) adverse climatic conditions; (e) inadequate management
practices; (f) stagnation and/or declining prices of products; (g) under
utilization of the crop and limited diversity of products; and (h) unstable
557
markets.
The problems (a) to (c) are directly related to the features of the
presently cultivated palms, hence there is a lot of interest in research
related to germplasm and in particular the identification of genotypes
resistant to the phytoplasma-associated disease lethal yellowing (LY).
The LY is currently the most worrying problem of the coconut cultivators.
Problems (f), (g) and (h) are particularly related to copra production and
can be approached by promoting utilization of by-products and product
diversification. Problem (d) is generally beyond human control. However,
in the case of hurricanes that unfortunately occur every year, in the
Caribbean region in particular, the use of coconuts that can resist strong
winds can be very useful. Then again, this is a germplasm-related
approach. In the case of problem (e), it is very likely that neglect of
plantations may result from the effect of the other problems; therefore, if
they are properly solved, farmers would be interested in investing in their
plantations.
Genetic resources research and achievements

As mentioned above, the disease LY is a major concern among the coconut
farmers, and of the coconut industry as a whole. Hence, in most producing
countries in LAC there is a lot of interest on LY research. Currently, the
principal management tool against LY is the use of resistant germplasm
(Been 1995a). The present section focuses on those aspects of research
related to coconut genetic resources in the LAC region, including the
search for LY resistant genotypes. A wider review on research on LY is
presented in Chapter 6.
Search for suitable lethal yellowing resistant coconut germplasm

Trials evaluating coconut genetic resources for LY resistance, have been
performed in Jamaica by the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) since the
1960s (Been 1981). When LY appeared in the main coconut growing
region of the island in 1961, selection and breeding focused on disease
resistance. Local varieties were identified, characterized and tested. At
the same time, exotic materials were introduced and tested. Resistance
was found in some of these materials, including the Malayan Dwarf (MD)
varieties. Seeds of these varieties were released to farmers for replanting.
The Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) variety was subsequently used as a
parent for F1 hybrid production because of its good resistance although
it has certain undesirable agronomic characteristics. Hybrids produced
with MYD as one of the parents had a level of resistance sufficient to be
used for commercial planting. In 1971, it became clear that two-parent
hybrid seed gardens were inadequate for large-scale seed production.
558
Before mass controlled pollination could be introduced, research had to

be done on how to produce large quantities of viable pollen. This having
being completed, work was done on emasculation and pollination
techniques to obtain maximum seed set. Routine procedures were
established including the use of a mobile pollen workshop (Been 1995b).
In 1974, the MayPan, a cross between the MYD and the Panama Tall,
was released to the farmers. It possessed the hardiness of the Panama
Tall and LY resistance of the MYD. In 1974, a 52-hectare hybrid seed
farm was established in an isolated area, using the MYD as mother palm.
The breeding programme has continued. Palms of cultivars other than
MYD which have survived LY were sib-pollinated and F1 hybrids of such
crosses were field tested. It is now possible to test for the presence of
phytoplasmas by using PCR analysis.
In Mexico, LY appeared in 1977 (McCoy et al. 1982) and immediately
after, following Jamaica’s findings, the Instituto Nacional de
Investigaciones Forestales, Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) started the
production of hybrids using MYD that had been introduced to the country
a few years before and the Pacific Tall (PT) coconuts that were introduced
during the 16th to 19th centuries. These hybrids survived LY and some of
them proved to be very high yielders (INIFAP 2005, unpublished).
A few years later, in order to increase the genetic base of LY resistant
coconuts, a search for LY resistant germplasm began in Mexico. Centro
de Investigación Científica de Yucatán (CICY) collected 18 coconut
populations mostly from the Pacific coastal areas of Mexico in 1989, where
LY was not present. With these populations, resistance trials were
established in Yucatan in an LY affected area. These populations were
grouped into three ecotypes: Pacific Tall 1 (PT1), Pacific Tall 2 (PT2), and
Pacific Tall 3 (PT3). After more than ten years of testing, new LY highly
resistant germplasm have been identified, namely PT 1 and PT 2 (Zizumbo
et al. 1999). They are also surviving in their original planting locations
(CICY 2005, unpublished) where they co-exist with different LY
phytoplasma strains (Harrison et al. 2002). These varieties were also
evaluated for other traits including: germination rate, growth rate, early
bearing, productivity, adaptation to prevailing local conditions and
hurricane tolerance; and good performing individual palms were
identified. They are currently being used for improvement and replanting
programmes in Mexico and Honduras. Testing of these ecotypes and
their Tall x Tall progenies started in Jamaica three years ago to determine
if they could survive the resurgence of LY outbreaks in the country.
In addition, testing of MYD x PT hybrids started in Mexico in 2000
within a project coordinated by the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Network (COGENT). In this multi-country project, Empresa
559
Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA, Brazil), CIB (Jamaica),

and INIFAP and CICY (Mexico) are partners representing LAC. The
objectives are: to assist each of the six countries involved in the project to
identify suitable high-yielding varieties/hybrids with high adaptation to
prevailing local conditions; and to estimate genotype x environment
interaction. Each country is testing six common hybrids (produced by
Centre National de Recherche Agronomique or CNRA in Cote d’Ivoire),
and additional materials, mostly hybrids of particular interest for each
country. Evaluation includes traits of agronomical interest such as yield
and adaptation to prevailing local conditions and survival to lethal
diseases, where applicable. The results will be very useful for each country
involved, but they could also serve as a guide applicable to other countries
with similar cultivation conditions.
The results obtained from the research in Jamaica and Mexico have
been very useful for farmers. In Jamaica, seeds of the MYD during the
1960s and of the MayPan hybrid during the 1970s were released to
farmers for extensive replanting programmes that continue even today.
These programmes of extensive replanting with the highly LY resistant
MYD and MayPan have been the basis of survival of the coconut industry
in Jamaica. In Mexico, the identification of LY resistant germplasm and
the production of Dwarf x Tall hybrids initiated replanting programmes
that have become stronger with the involvement of a national farmers
organization within the past two years. Both LY resistant materials from
Jamaica and Mexico, and the hybrid production technology from Jamaica
have also strengthened the national programmes for dealing with LY in
other countries in Central America and the Caribbean.
Unfortunately, unusual high losses of resistant MYD and MayPan
hybrid coconuts have been reported in Florida and Jamaica (Howard et
al. 1987), and recent outbreaks in northern Jamaica have killed up to
two thirds of MYD and MayPans (Harrison et al. 2002a). Therefore, a
future search for additional sources of resistance is top priority.
Fortunately, coconut genetic diversity is common occurrence in most LAC
countries. However, a precise identification or confirmation of the identity
of each genotype or population is needed in most cases (see Germplasm
characterization below).
Other diseases and pests

As reported by Dollet (1999), the other serious threats in LAC are: hartrot,
a trypanosome disease that has been observed in all the countries from
Brazil to Honduras, including Trinidad (where it is known as Cedros
wilt) and Costa Rica; Phytophthora bud rot, a disease that has reached
epidemic proportions not only in LAC but worldwide; and red ring caused
560
by the Rhadinaphelencus cocophilus nematode that is transmitted by the

palm weevil Rhynchophorus palmarum.
Another lethal disease of great concern is porroca or little leaf disease,
formerly restricted to areas around Cartagena, Colombia and the Panama-
Colombia border but recently entered an epidemic phase, spreading along
the Caribbean coast and inland to 40 km west of the Panama Canal
(Gilbert and Parker 2001). Dollet (1999) also pointed out the occurrence
of other diseases and various pests that similarly hinder coconut palm
development in the region: Castnia dedalus Cramer larvae that mine
galleries in the stem, Strategus aloeus L. that can kill young palms during
the first dry season of their planting, and the fungal diseases Lixa and
Queima das Folhas (particularly important in Brazil).
However, for Phytophthora spp. (Meerow 1997), R. palmarum
(Chinchilla et al. 1996), S. aloeus (Bustamante 2002) and trypanosomes
(Magán et al. 2004), chemical control (sometimes using mechanical
devices) is available. It is worth mentioning that research on some of
these diseases is carried out within LAC. In the case of porroca,
collaborative research has been carried out by the University of California,
Santa Cruz and the University of Florida in the United States studying
the case in Panama. In addition, potential cytotoxicity of the three new
triazolo-pyrimidine derivatives against plant trypanosomes has been
found in a study reported by the researchers from Universidad de
Granada in Spain and Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán in México
(Magán et al. 2004). In the case of R. palmarum, a control system based
on the use of pheromones and a mechanical trap was developed by
Chinchilla et al. (1996) in Costa Rica and it is since extensively used.
Hurricane tolerance
Jamaica is in the hurricane zone and over the years, hurricanes have
had a significant effect on the industry. The MayPan is more resistant to
windstorm than the Malayan Dwarf and starting with late generation
Fiji-Malayan cultivars, some progress is being made in producing a palm
possessing a thick trunk, early bearing, good yield stability and LY
resistance in tandem with good windstorm tolerance. In 2002, in the
Yucatan coast in Mexico, hurricane Isidoro fell large numbers of coconuts.
Analyses of data showed significant differences on the percentage of
palms of different genotypes that were affected: PT ecotypes 5%, Atlantic
Tall (AT) 35%, MYD x AT hybrid 27%, MYD x PT hybrid 34% and MYD
over 50% (CICY 2005, unpublished).
561
Germplasm characterization
In order to obtain the most out of the available germplasm in LAC and
other locations, it is very important to characterize them using different
techniques. The most powerful tool currently available for this purpose
is microsatellite markers. A kit of such markers was developed by Centre
de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le
Developpement (CIRAD, France) jointly with COGENT (Baudouin and
Lebrun 2002). Additional techniques such as morphological
characterization (Harries 1981) can be of great practical importance. An
immediate application of these techniques is to properly define the identity
of genotypes of interest for LY resistance screening within the known
germplasm diversity, as well as bringing in new genotypes from Asia.
Search for uncharacterized populations within the Pacific coasts of
Central and South America could also be initiated in a similar fashion as
it has been done before in Mexico (Zizumbo et al. 1993; 1999; 2002). The
initial selection of populations on the LAC Pacific coasts can be supported
with morphological characterization technique. Both the characterization
of newly discovered Pacific populations and the selection of Asian
genotypes can be supported by the use of microsatellites markers to assess
the genetic distance to already known and characterized LY resistant
genotypes.
In vitro culture techniques

There is another area of research that is complementary to those already
presented above: in vitro culture of coconut. It is necessary for two main
reasons. One is the need of protocols for zygotic embryo culture for the
safe movement of coconut germplasm. The participation of Mexico in a
COGENT-coordinated project allowed the country to develop such a
protocol as reported in Pech and Ake et al. (2002) and in its further
refinements (Pech and Ake et al. 2004). This protocol will be used to
bring genotypes of interest from Asia into Mexico as part of a Common
Fund for Commodities (CFC)-supported project. The other need for in
vitro culture is the massive and rapid propagation of genotypes and elite
individuals through micropropagation. Again, Mexico has been involved
in the development of protocols for such a need based on somatic
embryogenesis and the use of plumule explants. In 1998, Chan et al.
reported for the first time a protocol for coconut micropropagation that
was reproducible and quantifiable in terms of yields. However, efficiency
was very low, about ten somatic embryos and fewer plantlets could be
obtained per plumule explant (Azpeitia et al. 2003). Further improvements
based on secondary somatic embryogenesis and multiplication of
embryogenic callus have allowed obtaining tens of thousands of somatic
562
embryos from a single plumule explant (CICY 2005, unpublished). This

protocol still requires refinements but it can be envisaged that within
about three to five years, it will be ready for practical applications in
coconut producing countries. A more detailed account of coconut in vitro
culture can be found in Chapter 2.
Plant management
At the time of the LY outbreak in 1961 in Jamaica, research was conducted
in improving management for the Jamaica Tall cultivar as well as for
new LY resistant cultivars. Research initially concentrated on the use of
fertilizer, tillage, methods of managing bearing trees with different
incropping patterns and rat control. Great progress was made including
the development of a water-proof rat bait which was subsequently used
by the local farmers and in some other Caribbean countries (CIB 2005,
unpublished). When new varieties were produced, a new range of
experiments was needed to determine the best planting methods, most
desirable spacing, weed control, fertilizer and intercropping patterns.
Pioneering work was done on the use of herbicides in coconut cultivation
and routine herbicide recommendations were developed and adopted
by farmers in Jamaica and elsewhere (CIB 2005, unpublished). In
addition, technology has been developed on biofertilizer application for
Atlantic Talls in Mexico. The advantages of using biofertilizer are its low
cost and ease of application.
Other aspects of relevance
Utilization and marketing

These areas are of vital importance for the coconut industry in any
country. In LAC, the stronger countries in these areas are Brazil, Jamaica
and Mexico but the development and marketing of diversified coconut
products in these countries have yet to be fully developed; and in the
other producing countries of LAC, they are completely neglected. Just a
few years ago, it was common to find coconut used only for copra
production, but recently because of unstable market for copra and coconut
oil, the focus has shifted to the fresh coconut market. However, this is
not an action resulting from a well-planned strategy, which is lacking,
probably because in most countries of the region the coconut farmers
and processors are not organized, perhaps with the exception of Jamaica
where there is a coconut industry board and in Mexico where the farmers
also have organized themselves (see next section). There is a need for a
well-planned strategy for diversification in order to improve income,
particularly foreign revenues for non-traditional products and by-
563
products, including improvement of existing and new markets

(Punchihewa 1995). Fortunately, this view has been taken in the region
initially by Jamaica and by other countries including Brazil and Mexico,
and also in countries such as Dominican Republic where interest in
coconut is becoming stronger.
Collaboration and networking

Something very important in making progress in coconut cultivation and
utilization for the benefit of small-scale farmers and the coconut industry
as a whole is to collaborate with concerned local and international
agencies, and with other coconut growing countries. Fortunately, the
coconut community has COGENT, the Asian and Pacific Coconut
Community (APCC) and the Bureau for the Development of Research
on Tropical Perennial Oil Crops (BUROTROP) that promotes
collaborative efforts as part of their regular activities. COGENT does so
in the field of genetic resources and being itself a network, one of its
objectives is to promote networking or sub-networking for each of its
service geographic areas. As a result of COGENT support and guidance
in LAC, collaboration and joint activities among the 10 member countries
of the LAC-COGENT Sub-network and those outside it, is occurring and
steadily increasing. One aspect that is of particular interest in most
countries is dealing with LY, because either they are already affected by
the disease or threatened by its arrival. These activities include:
Exchange of germplasm. PT ecotypes and PT x PT hybrids from Mexico

were sent to Jamaica and Honduras in 2002, and Brazil Green Dwarf
(BGD), Brazil Tall (BT) and the BGD x BT hybrids were sent from Brazil
to Jamaica in 2004 for evaluation of resistance to local yellowing diseases.
Technical advice. Information on LY prevention and control has been

provided by Jamaica to other countries. Personnel from CIB visited Mexico
and countries in the Caribbean to provide technical advice on LY.
Guatemala and Honduras, countries affected by LY, requested support
from Cuba and Mexico whose consultants visited the requesting countries
in 2002-2003 to help establish comprehensive national coconut
programmes. Similarly, a consultant from Mexico visited Dominican
Republic in 2004 to evaluate the dispersion of LY in this country and
help in the preparation of a national coconut programme.
Training. Institutions from Jamaica, Honduras and Mexico provided

training in different subjects for dealing with LY to technicians from other
countries; and participated in workshops and theoretical and practical
564
courses in different countries already affected by LY within the Caribbean

and Central America. For instance, visits to countries in Central America
were carried out by CICY staff in 2002 to provide technical advice and
training to technicians and scientists. These visits were supported by the
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Collaboration and information exchange with countries outside the LAC

region. This occurred since the 70’s and continues with researchers from
the University of Florida (USA), Max Planck Institut für
Züchtungsforschung (MPIZ, Germany), Rothamsted Research (UK),
CIRAD and L’Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD, France),
among other institutions.
Joint research. Collaborative research has been carried out involving

institutions mainly from Jamaica, Cuba, Honduras and Mexico together
with those mentioned above from outside the LAC region. It has focused
on LY and in the next few years, it will become more intensive
particularly in response to the new and devastating LY outbreaks in
Jamaica for which no effective sources of resistance or control options
are currently known. A meeting with the participation of several experts
was held in Jamaica in January 2002 in order to implement a concerted
effort among several institutions in different countries. A project initiative
emerged entitled, ‘Sustainable Management of Coconut Lethal Yellowing
Disease’ with the aim of improving international collaboration and
support research on coconut lethal yellowing. It is directed at maintaining
and improving coconut production, in particular by smallholders, in a
sustainable manner. It intends to benefit coconut farmers in Central
America, the Caribbean, Africa and other regions. The project will
strengthen international collaboration, in particular in the Caribbean and
Central America, among countries affected by coconut lethal yellowing
and related diseases. It will provide urgently needed technical assistance
to research efforts aimed at identifying disease-resistant coconut
germplasm. It will also develop detection methods for the suspected
resistance-breaking new pathotype of the disease which are needed for
phytosanitary and research purposes. In addition, it will advance
knowledge on disease epidemiology, spread/transmission, and on
possible control options. Coconut farmers in outbreak areas will participate
in efforts to find sources of resistance and cultural control methods. It
will be carried by institutions from Jamaica, Mexico, and Honduras;
financed by government counterpart contributions and CFC; and
supervised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations (FAO).
565
Networking. Most of the activities mentioned above have been carried

out within the framework of the LAC COGENT sub-network. Also,
during the recent RedBio (Red de Cooperación Técnica en Biotecnología
Vegetal para América Latina y el Caribe)/FAO V Latin American and
Caribbean Meeting on Agricultural Biotechnology in Dominican Republic
in 2004, representatives of different LAC countries formed ‘The Latin
America and the Caribbean Lethal Yellowing Network’ (REDALC) to
promote research and development for LY in coconut and discuss a
regional LY research programme. REDALC is linked to COGENT and is
consistent with COGENT’s interest in the formation of a world thematic
group. Although this is a LAC network, one of its objectives is linking
with countries with similar interests in other continents. In addition,
national networks have been formed in Honduras (Red Wafaluma) and
Mexico (Red Mexicana de Investigación y Desarrollo del Cocotero) with
the participation of representatives of research institutions, government,
non-government organizations and farmers. These networks promote
different aspects that can help to improve coconut cultivation and
utilization although their main current concern is LY.
National farmer organizations. The lack of organized farmer associations

is a very significant shortcoming in LAC coconut producing countries,
with the exception of Jamaica with its CIB. The CIB is a well-structured
organization that was established in 1945 as a statutory corporation by
law to administer the coconut industry, under the Ministry for
Agriculture. The main objectives of the Board are to organize the orderly
disposal of the coconut products to the best advantage of the growers,
and to encourage and assist the farmers in all aspects of growing the
crop. It operates on the premise that there is an obligation to find a market
for the entire produce, and a duty to encourage the growing of coconuts
to meet the needs of the country (Been 1995c). In Mexico, a national
association of coconut farmers was recently formed. It is called ‘Consejo
Nacional del Coco’.
The way ahead

As already mentioned a key aspect for a substantial improvement of the
coconut cultivation and utilization for the benefit of farmers and the
industry as a whole, is collaboration at all levels: among farmers and
among all parties involved in the coconut industry that can affect it
positively, within and between countries. Therefore, the existence of
farmer organizations and national and international networks, and the
effective interaction among them, and with international organizations
such as COGENT and APCC, are top priorities. Specifically, there is a
566
need to consolidate particular actions on priority researches for coconut.

It is a must to characterize the existing coconut germplasm and to widen
the coconut genetic base by importing genotypes from other parts of the
world and searching for them within LAC, particularly for screening for
LY resistance. Attention should also be paid to other phytosanitary
threats. Protocols for massive propagation of disease resistant, high-
yielding, hurricane tolerant (among other traits) cultivars should be
developed and made available for rapid seedling production. It is also
very important to improve coconut management, utilization and
commercialization. In LAC, work is already in progress on these aspects,
but it is very important to ensure that this continues and that any
achievement is translated into benefits for the coconut industry as a whole.
Moreover, the best way to do it is, through a very strong LAC coconut
community that works very closely with the rest of the world coconut
community.
References
Azpeitia, A, JL Chan, L Sáenz and C Oropeza. 2003. Effect of 22(S),23(S)-
homobrassinolide on somatic embryogenesis in plumule explants of Cocos
nucifera (L.) cultured in vitro. J. Hort. Sci Biotech. 78:591-596.
and dedicated software for use with coconuts. Burotrop Bulletin.
17:16-20.
coconut varieties and hybrids in Jamaica. Oléagineux 36:9-11.
Been, BO. 1995a. Integrated pest management for the control of lethal
yellowing: quarantine, cultural practices and optimal use of hybrids.
Pp 101-110. In: C Oropeza, FW Howard and GR Ashburner (eds).
Lethal yellowing research and practical aspects. Kluwer Academic
Been, BO. 1995b. Production and advantages of coconut hybrids. Pp 187-
194. In: C Oropeza, FW Howard and GR Ashburner (eds). Lethal
Been, BO. 1995c. The Coconut Industry Board of Jamaica. Pp 225-228.
In: C Oropeza, FW Howard and GR Ashburner (eds). Lethal yellowing
Bruman, HJ. 1944. Some observations of the early history of coconut in
the New World. Acta Americana 2:200-243.
Bustamante, M. 2002. Ron-Ron de la palma, Strategus aloeus. Palm’s Ron-
567
Ron, Strategus aloeus. Resúmenes de la 48º Reunión Anual de la

Sociedad Interamericana de Horticultura Tropical. 7-11 Octubre, 2002,
Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Chinchilla, CML, C Oehlschlager and J Bulgarelli. 1996. A pheromone
based trapping system for Rhynchophorus palmarum and Metamasius
hemipterus. ASD Oil Palm Papers 12:11-17.
Dollet, M. 1997. Conventional and molecular approaches for detection
and diagnosis of plant diseases: Application to coconut. Pp 163-182.
In: C Oropeza, JL Verdeil, GR Ashburner, R Cardeña and JM
Santamaria (eds). Current advances in coconut biotechnology.
Gilbert, GS and IM Parker. 2001. Islands and connectivity in an epidemic
of an invasive palm disease in Kuna Yala, Panama. Paper presented
at the 15th Annual Meeting of the Society for Conservation Biology,
July 29-August 1, 2001, Panama.
Harries, HC. 1977. The Cape Verde Region (1499-1549): The key to
coconut culture in the Western Hemisphere? Turrialba 27:227-231.
Harries, HC. 1981. Practical identification of coconut varieties. Oleagineux
26:63-72.
Harrison, NA, W Myrie, P Jones, ML Carpio, MM Castillo, MM Doyle
and C Oropeza. 2002. 16s rRNA interoperon sequence heterogeneity
distinguishes strain populations of palm lethal yellowing phytoplasma
in the Caribbean region. Ann. Appl. Biol. 141:183-193.
Oropeza. 2002. First report of group 16 SrIV phytoplasmas infecting
México. New Dis. Rep. 5:1-2.
Howard, FW, R Atilano, CI Barrant, NA Harrison, WF Theobald and DS
Williams. 1987. Unusually high lethal yellowing incidence in Malayan
Dwarf coconut palms on localised sites in Jamaica and Florida. J.
Plant. Crops. 15:86-100.
Magán, R, C Marín, JM Salas, M Barrera-Pérez, MJ Rosales, M Sánchez-
Moreno. 2004. Isolated from Euphorbia characias. Memórias do
Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Fiocruz, Rio de
Janeiro 99:651-656.
McCoy, RE, RC Norris, G Vyera and S Delgado. 1982. México: Lethal
yellowing disease of coconut palm. FAO Plant Prot Bull 30:79-80.
Meerow, A. 1997. Betrocks Guide to Landscape Palms, Ball Publishing,
USA, 153pp.
Pech y Ake, A, JM Santamaría, R Souza, C Talavera, B Maust and C
Oropeza. 2002. Changes in culture conditions and medium
formulation to improve efficiency of in vitro of coconut embryos in
568
Mexico. Pp 122-137. In: F Engelman, P Batugal and JT Oliver (eds).

Coconut embryo in vitro culture: Part II. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Pech y Ake, A, R Souza, B Maust, JM Santamaría and C Oropeza. 2004.
Enhanced aerobic respiration improves in vitro coconut embryo
germination and culture. In Vitro Cell Develop. Biol. Plant. 40:90-94.
Punchihewa, PG. 1995. Coconut product diversification. Pp 229-248. In:
C Oropeza, FW Howard and GR Ashburner (eds). Lethal yellowing
Smith, RW. 1970. Mexico y Venezuela. In: FAO: Coconut breeding, Yearly
Progress Report of the FAO. Pp. 20-21.
Zizumbo, D. 1996. History of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) in México: 1539-
1810. Gen. Res. Crop. Evol. 43:505-515.
Zizumbo, D and HJ Quero. 1998. Re-evaluation of early observations on
coconut in the New World. Econ. Bot. 52:68-77.
Zizumbo, D, F Hernández-Roque and HC Harries. 1993. Coconut varieties
in Mexico. Econ. Bot. 47:65-78.
Zizumbo, D, M Fernández, N Torres and R Cardeña. 1999. Lethal
yellowing resistance in coconut germplasm from México. Pp 131-144.
In: C Oropeza, JL Verdeil, GR Ashburner, R Cardeña and JM
Santamaría (eds). Current advances in coconut biotechnology.
Zizumbo, D, R Cardeña and D Piñero. 2002. Diversity and phylogenetic
analysis in Cocos nucifera L. in Mexico. Gen. Res. Crop. Evol. 49:237-
245.
569
570
CHAPTER 9: Country reports on status of coconut genetic resources research
Chapter 9
Country reports on
status of coconut
genetic resources
research
571
572
South Asia
in India
V Rajagopal1, PM Kumaran2, S Arulraj2 and V Arunachalam3
Director, 2Principal Scientists and 3Scientist, Central Plantation Crops Research Institute
1
(CPCRI), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Kasaragod, India
Introduction
India, the world’s third largest producer of coconut, grows the crop in
four of its southern states: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh.
The crop is grown in wide range of agroclimatic and sociocultural-
economic conditions. Land area under coconut, primarily located at
latitude 23.830 N to 60 S and longitude 94.780 E to 600 E, is characterized
by ecosystems of high rainfall zones (Northeast) to regions with wide
differences in relative humidity (46% to 99%) and extremes of temperature
(40C to 350C). The management of the crop varies from monocropping
with sophisticated drip irrigation, to mixed gardening in home gardens
to wild stands in uninhabited islands. Planting density also vary - from
wide spacing of 150 palms per ha in some parts of Karnataka to highly
dense stands of nearly 400 palms per ha in the Lakshadweep islands.
The country’s coconut industry suffers from two main problems: Root
(wilt) disease, which is a major constraint crippling the coconut
production in central and southern districts of Kerala; and drought, as
the crop is mainly grown as rainfed crop or with limited irrigation. In
addition, Eriophyid mite has become a serious threat to coconut
cultivation in recent years. Price fluctuation for coconut and its products
is also another threat to coconut farmers.
India has a relatively well-developed coconut R&D network that
supports coconut farmers and the industry in general. The Central
Plantations Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) and many state agricultural
universities concentrate on research at the national and regional levels.
An All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms (AICRPP) plays a
crucial role in networking these organizations. The Coconut
Development Coir Board helps in implementing developmental
programmes on coconut and coir, in collaboration with the state
departments of agriculture, horticulture and oilseeds.
Genetic enhancement for crop productivity is an important activity
of the concerned research organizations, particularly by the CPCRI,
which spearheads coconut research and development in the country.
573
Germplasm collecting work in the country dates back to 1916, initiated

by the Central Coconut Research Station, CPCRI’s forerunner.
Research activities and outputs

Genetic improvement of coconut is carried out by systematic research on
collecting, evaluating, conserving and utilizing coconut diversity within
the country and abroad. Hybridization programmes evaluate various
hybrid combinations for increased yield. Genotypes are screened
simultaneously for tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress and other desirable
traits. The genetic architecture of coconut is also being investigated using
the half diallel experiments. Floral biology and mating system are being
studied in all accessions. Considering these research activities, coconut
breeding in India is geared to meet the growing needs of coconut growers
and the industry.
Collecting
CPCRI maintains the world’s largest coconut germplasm collection,
comprising of 86 exotic and 46 indigenous cultivars. The exotic collection
from 22 countries of South, Southeast Asia, Caribbean, the Pacific Islands
and Africa consist of 68 Talls, 16 Dwarfs, one semi-dwarf and one hybrid.
The indigenous collection, on the other hand, consists of 34 Talls and 12
Dwarfs. Sub-samples of these collections are also maintained at 10
different centres under AICRPP.
Under the ADB Phase 1 project of the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Network (COGENT), germplasm collecting was undertaken
from the three Indian Ocean islands of Seychelles, Madagascar and
Mauritius. Fifteen accessions were collected in the form of embryos. Under
the subsequent ADB Phase II project, eight accessions were collected from
Maldives and another eight accessions from the islands of Comoros and
Reunion. Eleven accessions from Bangladesh and four accessions from
Sri Lanka were later added to the germplasm holding.
Locally, under the National Agricultural Technology Project (NATP),
collecting within the country was intensified in recent years, with a focus
on Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep islands.
Extensive surveys and collecting of coconut germplasm were also
undertaken in the states of Kerala, Orissa, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu,
Goa, Maharashtra and Assam. At present, the national coconut genebank
has been enriched with many new accessions native to India and the
Indian Ocean islands, putting the total collection at 313 accessions (221
indigenous and 92 exotic accessions).
574
Off-shore quarantine
One of the main problems facing coconut importers is the risk of
introducing foreign pests and diseases into the country. Following are
some of the more prominent and potentially dangerous pests and
diseases: 1) Cadang Cadang viroid; 2) Tinangaja viroid disease; 3)
Coconut foliar decay virus; 4) Lethal yellowing caused by phytoplasma;
5) Red ring disease caused by nematode; and 6) Kalimantan wilt.
To prevent introduction and spread of these, CPCRI has established
an offshore station in the Andamans (The World Coconut Germplasm
Centre) where all exotic collections are planted. The palms are under
strict surveillance in the field for the occurrence of pests and diseases for
more than five years. Only nuts from healthy and disease free palms are
brought to the mainland for inclusion in the genebank.
Characterization and documentation

About 74 accessions have been characterized using various descriptors
and have been published in print and in electronic (CD-ROM) forms.
Descriptions of these accessions with brief notes per the International
Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)/COGENT specifications have
also been completed. Passport and characterization data have also been
submitted to the Centre Institut de Recherche Agronomique pour le
Développement (CIRAD) and shared with COGENT member countries
through the International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD).
Floral biology of 80 accessions were analysed for diversity using
principal component analysis (Ratnambal et al. 2003), which showed
that St. Kudat, is different from others being a spicata form from Indonesia.
Spicata is a mutant form, with unbranched inflorescence and produces
more female flowers than male. In addition, the principal component
analysis of morphological traits has been found to be useful in identifying
mutant forms in coconuts. Coco Gra Tall, a mutant form with jelly like
endosperm, was found to be quite different from the other 15 accessions
native to three Indian Ocean islands (Kumaran et al. 1999).
Under the NATP and in collaboration with the Department of
Biotechnology of the Government of India and COGENT, biochemical
and molecular characterization of coconut genotypes has been initiated
at CPCRI. Molecular markers are being used in characterizing coconut
germplasm, specifically using RAPD markers (Upadyay et al. 2000). AFLP
markers are being standardized for tagging root (wilt) tolerance genes.
Recently, eight SSR microsatellite primers have been used in
characterizing 40 germplasm accessions.
Morphological traits of mutant forms of coconut (androgena, bi-
spatheate, etc.) have been characterized (Arunachalam et al. 2001).
575
Variations in foliar polyphenols content, allozyme polymorphism for

esterase, peroxidase, MDH, AAADH, GOT were also determined.
A computer programme (CADMS) has been developed at CPCRI’s
Kayangulam Regional Station to manage the data of a pollination
programme being carried out at different villages to produce root (wilt)
disease-tolerant planting materials. A bioinformatics centre is also being
operated at CPCRI Kasaragod, which caters to information and training
needs as well as assists in digitizing the various documents in coconut
literature. More details about the initiative could be found online at http:/
/www.bioinfcpcri.org.
Conservation of coconut genetic resources

CPCRI is mandated to oversee the operation of the COGENT’s
International Coconut Genebank for South Asia (ICG-SA) because of its
national role in coconut research, its competence in terms of technical
staff, laboratory facilities and germplasm collection management
capability in its various stations. The present germplasm collection
contains a compact block of about 100 palms of each accession, which
would hold enough population for further study and supply germplasm
to other member countries as requested. With this objective, priority was
given to planting the conserved germplasm (Table 1) in the ICG-SA. As a
long-term storage method, cryopreservation of coconut embryos has also
been standardized at CPCRI.
Utilization
The germplasm obtained from India and foreign sources are being utilized
in the different breeding programmes of the country. Details of the
varieties and hybrids released for cultivation are given in Tables 2 and 3.
CGD palms in ‘hotspot’ areas of root (wilt) disease serve as a means
to evolve elite high-yielding planting materials tolerant to the disease in
the region. Khan et al. (2002) found that Fiji Tall was the most stable
variety among the six coconut varieties tested in three sites representing
different agroclimatic zones.
Four hybrids involving direct crosses between WCT and COD were
planted with four replications with six palms per plot in CPCRI under
rainfed condition. Tall x Dwarf hybrids produced significantly higher
cumulative nut yield, average nut yield and average number of female
flowers per year.
Poverty reduction and in situ conservation

Poverty has always been intertwined with plant genetic diversity. In order
to address the twin issues of poverty and in situ conservation, IPGRI-
576
Table 1. Cultivars conserved at the ICG-SA

Andaman Giant Barajaguli Tall Car Nicobar
Andaman Ordinary Benaulim Tall Ceylon Tall
Andaman Blanchissuse Chandan Nagar Green
Ranguchan Borneo Tall
Arasampati Tall British Solomon Islands Chowghat Green Dwarf
Auck Chung Calangute Chowghat Orange Dwarf
Ayiramkachi Cameroon Red Dwarf Cochin China
East Coast Tall Kulasekharam Green Philippines Lono
Federated Malay Dwarf Philippines Ordinary
States Kulasekharam Orange S.S. Apricot
Fiji Rotuma Dwarf S.S. Green
Fiji Tall Laccadive Micro Sakhigopal
Ghaighatta Tall Laccadive Ordinary San Ramon
Guam I Lifou Tall Sendagan Tall
Jamaican Sanblas Malayan Green Dwarf Spicata
Java Malayan Orange Dwarf St. Vincent
Kappadam Malayan Yellow Dwarf Standard Kudat
Kenya Tall Nadora Tall Tinisera
King coconut Niu Hako Tinisera
Kulasekaram Yellow Panama Tall Tiptur Tall
Dwarf Pao Pao West African Tall
West Coast Tall
Zanzibar
COGENT supported a project in three communities in India as pilot sites

to help poor coconut farmers alleviate their poverty. The project included
market research, feasibility studies on intercrops in a coconut-based
farming system, identification of high-yielding and adapted farmer’s
varieties, and implementation of village-level, income-generating coconut-
based processing technologies. Presently, the project is being carried-out
in Ariyankuppam Village at Pondicherry, and Pallikere Village of
Kasaragod Kerala, under the wings of CPCRI, and in Vayalar Village of
Alapuzha District of Kerala under the supervision of the Peekay Tree
Crops Foundation, a developmental non-government organization.
Community-managed nurseries, which have been established in these
sites, serve the twin needs of supplying the planting material demand of
farmers as well the on-farm conservation of the local farmers’ varieties.
Characterization of these landraces and farmers’ varieties along with
farmer-identified diversity has been completed with the help of diversity
fairs organized in these villages.
577
Table 2. Field performance of released coconut cultivars

Yield Copra yield
Cultivar
(nuts/palm/year) (g/nut)
Chandra Kalpa (Laccadive Ordinary) 98 195
Pratap (Banawali Green Round) 151 160
Philippines Ordinary (Kera Chandra) (Double Century) 110 198
VPM 3 (Andaman Ordinary) 92 162
Kamrup (Assam Tall) 106 162
Aliyarnagar 1 126
Chowghat Orange Dwarf 62
Local Tall (West Coast Tall) 80 180
Table 3. Field performance of released coconut hybrids

Annual Annual copra yield Oil
State where
Hybrids nut kg/ content
g/nut t/ha recommended
yield/palm palm (%)
Chandra Sankara (COD x 116 215 25 4.4 68.0 Kerala, Tamil Nadu
WCT) and Karnataka
Kera Sankara (WCT x 108 187 21 3.5 68.0 Kerala and
COD) Karnataka
Chandra Laksha (LCT x 109 195 21 3.7 69.0 Kerala and
COD) Karnataka
Laksha Ganga (LCT x 108 195 21 3.7 70.0 Kerala
GBGD)
Ananda Ganga (ADOT x 95 216 21 3.6 68.0 Kerala
GBGD)
Kera Ganga (WCT 100 201 21 3.5 69.0 Kerala
xGBGD)
Kera Sree (WCT x MYD) 112 216 24 4.2 66.0 Kerala
Kera Sowbagya (WCT x 130 195 25 4.3 65.0 Kerala
SSAT)
VHC-1 (ECT x MGD) 98 135 13 2.3 70.0 Tamil Nadu
VHC-2 (ECT x MYD) 107 152 16 2.9 69.0 Tamil Nadu
VHC-3 (ECT x MOD) 156 162 25.2 3.5 64.5 Tamil Nadu
Godhavari Ganga (ECT x 140 150 21 3.7 68.0 Andhra Pradesh
GBGD)
WCT (Control) 80 176 14 2.5 68.0
Legend: COD = Chowghat Orange Dwarf, WCT =West Coast Tall, LCT =Laccadive Ordinary Tall GBGD
= Gangabondom Green Dwarf, ADOT =Andaman Ordinary Tall, MYD =Malayan Yellow Dwarf, SSAT
= Straight Settlement Apricot Tall, ECT =East Coast Tall, MGD =Malayan Green Dwarf, MOD =Ma-
layan Orange Dwarf
Significance of research results

Results of the research work on genetic resources indicate the tremendous
value of germplasm diversity in development. Collecting missions resulted
in more than doubling of the germplasm holding. This broadened genetic
base fulfils the future needs for developing coconut genotypes tolerant to
biotic and abiotic stresses and suitable for producing diversified high-
value products. By hosting the ICG for South Asia, India’s role in assisting
regional partners has significantly increased.
Documentation of coconut germplasm carried out so far has resulted
in documenting relevant data that could be used by coconut breeders
578
and researchers to further develop the coconut genetic resources of the

country in more meaningful ways than it used to be.
Conservation strategies implemented within a poverty reduction
context not only preserve valuable coconut resources material for future
endeavours but also provide a concrete link between improving coconut
farmers’ lives with germplasm conservation.
Suggested next steps

Coconut genetic research in India, with CPCRI at the helm, would focus
on the following R & D activities within the next few years:
1. Development of more high-yielding varieties;
2. Development of suitable varieties for rainfed farming situations;
3. Development of drought-tolerant varieties;
4. Development of varieties tolerant to root (wilt) diseases;
5. Development of varieties tolerant to other biotic and abiotic
stresses;
6. Development of varieties that are suitable for tendernut produc-
tion and other products;
7. Conduct of further genetic studies to understand the combining
ability, gene action and heterosis for yield and other economic
traits;
8. Conduct of studies to understand the floral biology of various
coconut accessions;
9. In-depth analysis of the diversity of coconut accessions using
morphometric, molecular and biochemical markers;
10. Development of suitable varieties under the different agro-climatic
zones of India; and
11. Continue and expand support to the ICG.
References
Arunachalam, V, BA Jerard, M Elangovan, MJ Ratnambal, SK Rizal and
V Damodaran. 2001. Unexploited diversity in coconut palm (Cocos
nucifera L.). Plant Genetic Resources Newsletter 127:39-43.
Khan, HH, M Elangovan, V Arunachalam, PTN Nambiar, RV Reddy,
KS Prasanna Kumar, DD Nagwekar, S Suresh, S Giridharan, C
Natrajan, KUK Nampoothiri and VA Parthsarathy. 2002. Stability
of coconut yield in multilocation trials. Pp. 300-302. In: P Rethinam,
HH Khan, VM Reddy, PK Mandal and K Suresh (eds). Plantation
crops research and development in the new millennium. Coconut
Development Board, Cochin, India.
Kumaran, PM, PK Koshy, V Arunachalam, V Niral and VA
Parthasarathy. 2000. Biometric clustering of coconut populations from
579
three Indian Ocean islands. Pp. 73-81. In: N Muraleedharan and R

Rajkumar (eds). Recent advances in plantation crops. Proceedings of
Placrosym XIII. Allied Publishers, New Delhi, India.
Ratnambal, MJ, V Arunachalam and M Krishnan. 2003. Floral biology
of some coconut accessions. Journal of Plantation Crops 31(1): 14-22.
Upadhyay, A, J Jose, R Manimekalai and VA Parthasarathy. 2002. Mo-
lecular analysis of phylogenetic relationships among coconut acces-
sions. Pp. 61-66. In: JMM Engels, V Ramanatha Rao, AHD Brown
and MT Jackson (eds). Managing plant genetic diversity.CAB Inter-
national, Wallingford, UK, and IPGRI, Rome, Italy.
580
South Asia
Status of coconut genetic resources research in
Sri Lanka
AD Samarajeewa1, CK Bandaranayake2, CS Ranasinghe3, JMDT Everard4, LK
Weerakoon5, WMU Fernando6 and S Senarathne1
1
Agronomists, 2Plant Breeder, 3Senior Physiologist, 4Senior Geneticist, 5Senior Tissue
Culturist and 6Former Head of Genetic and Plant Breeding Division, Coconut Research
Institute of Sri Lanka (CRISL), Bandirippuwa Estate, Lunuwila, Sri Lanka
Introduction
Coconut is the most widespread plantation crop in Sri Lanka, occupying
20% of the cultivated land area. The total extent under coconut cultivation
is approximately 443 000 hectares. About 65-70% of the land is confined
to the coconut triangle encompassing the Kurunegala, Gampaha,
Colombo and Puttalam Districts.
Coconut is essentially a smallholder crop, with 80% of smallholdings
ranging from 2-4 ha. Coconut is also grown in home gardens. Annual
coconut production in Sri Lanka fluctuates within the range of 2500 -
3000M nuts. Of the total production, 70% is being consumed locally and
the balance available for coconut-based processing industries. Per capita
consumption of coconut in Sri Lanka is about 115 nuts per annum, making
it one of the highest per capita coconut consuming countries in the world.
Coconut is grown widely under rainfed conditions and as a result
national production largely depends on the annual rainfall pattern. The
most widely grown coconut cultivar is ordinary Tall (typical). The
coconut breeding programme has been in operation since the inception
of the Coconut Research Institute (CRISL) in 1929. The local Tall, being
a predominantly out-breeding crop with a long generation interval, and
in the absence of a proven method of vegetative propagation, mass
selection and hybridisation have been the major tools used in coconut
breeding in the country. Genetic improvement of coconut varieties had
commenced in early 1940’s by crossing selected Sri Lanka Talls to produce
the improved cultivars Tall x Tall (CRIC 60). Subsequently, production
program was also initiated concomitantly which produced the Dwarf x
Tall hybrid (CRIC 61), first introduced in 1965. The first isolated seed
garden for the mass production of improved cultivar CRIC 60 was
established in 1955. The coconut biotechnology programme was initiated
at CRISL in early 1970’s. The Tissue Culture Research Programme was
also developed as a successful embryo culture technique for germination
of Dikiri Coconut, a high-priced soft endosperm coconut.
581
Various projects carried out with the assistance of the International

Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) to complement the
existing coconut breeding programme of the institute are discussed in
this article.
Acceleration of collecting and conservation of the coconut

biodiversity at risk in Sri Lanka and evaluation of the existing coco-
nut populations for physiological adaptation and setting up of in situ
germplasm repositories at eco bank (WMU Fernando, 1 August 1994
– 31 July 1997)
Importance of the problem

There had been tremendous genetic erosion in coconut due to rapid
industrialization/urbanization that took place in the major coconut
growing areas of the country. Natural disasters such as cyclones and
droughts have also contributed to the loss of vital genetic material in
coconut. Therefore, the urgent need was to collect and conserve as much
diversity as possible within the country and utilize them more efficiently
in coconut breeding.
Problems and opportunities addressed

This project aimed to accelerate the ongoing conservation programme
with the view to conserve representative samples of all populations found
worth conserving, especially populations showing drought tolerance with
a view to include them in the breeding programme. It also aimed to set
up of ex situ genebanks in order to supplement the national regeneration
and reproduction programme.
Results or outputs of the activity

Based on random sampling, seven representative accessions were
collected from seven target provinces. In the process of biased sampling,
special emphasis was made on drought tolerance. A total of 20 accessions
from drought prone areas that withstood severe droughts and three
introduced populations were collected. Both materials collected as random
and biased samples were established in a third germplasm repository
consisting of 16 accessions. Maintenance and data collection of the
duplicate genebanks that were established during 1989-90 was carried
out successfully and data submitted for inclusion in COGENT’s coconut
genetic resources database (CGRD) was also updated. A systematic
germplasm evaluation trial consisting of nine distinct germplasm
accessions with 15 halfsib families per accession was established during
the project period. Four different progenies resulting from crosses between
putative drought tolerant germplasm accessions and Ambakelle Tall were
582
established in a range of agroecological conditions in order to evaluate

their potential.
Significance of the results and their impacts to the identified problem

The project selected populations that are putatively adapted to the
respective agroecology within the area, evaluated existing populations
for physiological adaptation, and set up in situ germplasm repositories
or ecobanks. Two types of populations were selected in the process and
a total of 10 populations were conserved for in situ conservation and to
provide seednuts for the National Replanting Programme. This would
strengthen the replanting programme of the country by providing diversity
to the existing improved cultivars. Five samples were from 10% of the
population from large estate populations in order to provide seed material
for their own planting programmes.

Arrangements have been made to study drought tolerance using the
materials collected using RAPD analyses, physiological drought tolerant
parameters and in-vitro screening of embryos under drought simulated
conditions.
RAPD-based characterization of conserved coconut bio-diversity in

Sri Lanka with emphasis on detection of markers linked to drought
tolerance (JMDT Everard, LK Weerakoon, CS Ranasinghe, 1998-2001)

The main component of the project was to develop RAPDs among
coconuts in Sri Lanka, that vary widely in their ability to withstand
moisture stress, with the long term objective of tagging molecular markers
for drought tolerance for use in marker-assisted breeding.

The specific objectives of the project were to screen the 20 individuals
each of 20 coconut germplasm accessions in the RAPD-PCR and detect
as many polymorphisms as possible while developing physiological and
in-vitro descriptors for measuring the level of drought tolerance in each
accession. Physiological parameters investigated are net assimilation rate,
stomatal diffusive resistance, leaf water potential and abscisic acid content
in the xylem sap. Tolerance of in vitro cultures to different levels of
polyethylene glycol was investigated as another indicator of drought
tolerance. In addition coconut germplasm conservation programme was
also extended to expand the number of accessions conserved ex-situ.
583

A total of 100 primers were generated and subsequently the best 20 out
of them were used to detect markers to distinguish the 20 coconut
accessions. RAPD profiles obtained revealed 84 strong polymorphic bands
and when these are initially analysed, the genetic relatedness of 20
accessions studied showed clear separation of populations into three
groups. The first constituted all Sri Lankan Tall accessions, the second
comprised San Ramon and Dwarf types and the third, hybrids of the
above two groups. However, as typical of the RAPD technique, most of
the polymorphisms did not appear consistently when assayed in
individuals. Therefore, three individuals from each group were subjected
for rigorous screening to obtain best RAPD markers with minimal cost.
This revealed 54 polymorphisms unique to any one or two of the three
groups assayed.
Under physiological and biochemical screening, it was possible to
separate the accessions into three groups: high, medium and low in terms
of the evaluarion parameters but the results were not conclusive due in
part to poor correlation of the parameters. In-vitro screening results clearly
showed the high susceptibility of dwarf types to drought. The hybrids
are slightly better while Tall types were the best having the highest level
of drought tolerance. The collecting, conservation, evaluation and
utilization of coconut were continued at a rapid pace, adding 20 more
accessions to the collection.

The project established F2 populations for carrying out segregation analysis
to find linkage between molecular markers and traits of drought tolerance.
Already established F2 population now serves as the base population of
mapping the coconut genome by RAPDs, as well as, microsatellite
polymorphisms that are being studied extensively. These findings lead to
developing a genome mapping programme and inclusion of useful
physiological and in-vitro parameters as descriptors for characterization
of coconut germplasm. Utilization of the conserved germplasm in general
have a very high potential as breeders’ material and for those with more
specific economic traits, for income generation of coconut growers.
Catalogue on conserved coconut germplasm in Sri Lanka (JMDT

Everard, 1999-2001)
A systematic programme for conservation of coconut germplasm was
initiated in Sri Lanka in 1984 and for over a 16-year period, 90 distinct
phenotypes and various ecotypes have been collected and conserved ex-
situ in CRISL genebanks. Even though various data in accordance with
584
coconut descriptors have already been collected, they were not in a proper
database format. Therefore under this project, the data was submitted to
COGENT’s CGRD for rapid, reliable and efficient information storage
and retrieval to assist in the utilization of germplasm worldwide.
The catalogue comprises a pictorial description and a small resume
of coconut genetic resources conserved ex-situ at CRISL.
Farmer participatory characterization of farmers’ coconut varieties

(JMDT Everard, February - September 2003)
Importance of the problem and opportunities addressed

Conservation of coconut germplasm in Sri Lanka in the past has been
mainly focused on ex-situ conservation of morphologically diverse
collections and randomly identified collections from the different parts
of the country. Not much emphasis was given to the identification and
conservation of farmers’ collections. To sustain coconut production and
increase income of coconut farmers as a means of poverty reduction in
rural farmers and among women, a strong need emerged to find coconut
varieties with greater adaptability, pest and disease resistance, high-value
uses and other desirable characters. The appropriate approach for
identification of such varieties is the participation of farmers who have
an intimate knowledge about the values of their cultivars and how they
could be grown for sustainable production. Such an approach provides
researchers and farmers the opportunity to learn together and extract
indigenous information for implementing poverty reduction initiatives.
The three sites selected for the COGENT-assisted poverty reduction
project: Wilpotha, Hettipola and Dodanduwa comprise rural
communities where coconut play a major role in the livelihood of villagers
either as a main or supporting income source. In these communities people
hardly utilize the potential of coconut as a multiple income source. Leaf
bract-based products in Wilpotha and coir products in Dodanduwa are
the only other uses of coconut noted in these communities at the initiation
of the project. The villagers had very little concern about the diversity of
coconut in their localities since Sri Lanka Tall, the most commonly found
coconut in Sri Lanka, shows very little variation in terms of tree
morphology and nut yield. However, whether farmers have any
preference for obtaining coconut seeds or a seedling for planting from
any locality or even a particular land, and reasons for such, is worth
investigating.
The study aimed to characterize existing coconut varieties in the
community from the point of view of the local farmers, ecology and uses;
identify the different uses and products derived by the local farmers from
585
the coconut; document the existing coconut farming system(s) in the

community and commonly used coconut cultivation systems; identify
the most preferred traits and non-preferred traits; identify local problems
faced by the farmers regarding their coconuts and solutions employed or
proposed; identify opportunities from coconut that can benefit the
farmers; and develop a catalogue of farmers’ varieties, a database of
farmer’s varieties and use value.

The farmers did not identify any specific location or a population of the
coconut in the Dodanduwa area as special. Hence, a single population
named Dadalla was considered as a representative population. In addition,
four new phenotypes of Sri Lanka coconuts were identified such as Ran
Pol, Thatin pol, Juan pol and Bothal thembili during the survey. The
farmers were able to identify three populations of Sri Lanka Tall, Kubuke
pol, Kadawala pol and Muhuriya pol, as varieties of choice for planting
at Wilpotha area. The same way, three varieties known as Nuwarakelle
pol, Tharana pol and Wariya pol were identied from Hettipola area for
planting.

The study generated useful results on farmers’ perspective of coconut
cultivation and uses. The strong need for better caring of coconut and
utilization of many uses of coconut arose from the study in all the three
pilot communities. Conservation of coconut diversity through farmers’
point of view was also identified as important. Rural farmers are reluctant
to grow high yielding coconuts with high or adequate inputs. Ex-situ
and in-situ conservation of farmers’ varieties appeared very important
since they have very important traits which could be used in breeding.

It appears that the identified forms of coconut are vastly different from
Sri Lanka Tall and that they are worthy candidates for heterosis breeding.
It is worth characterizing them using molecular markers to identify how
different they are from the local Tall coconut.
Enhancing the income and employment opportunities in the coconut

sector, through conservation and sustainable use of special coco-
nut ecotypes (CS Ranasinghe, WMU Fernando and CK
Bandaranayake, August 1998 - August 2000)
Component 1: Identification, multiplication, collection and in situ

conservation of thembili (King coconut) germplasm showing uniform
586
bearing and favourable biochemical constituents for industrial utilization.
Component 2: Development of technology to improve the shelf-life of

Thembili (king coconut) to cater to the overseas market.
Component 3: Farmer-participatory survey to identify multipurpose uses

of coconut, suitable varieties and production constraints.

King coconut (Thembili, Cocos nucifera var aurantiaca) is endemic to Sri
Lanka. The nut water, or liquid endosperm of young King coconut is a
nutritious, natural beverage as it is rich in sugars (mainly reducing sugars),
minerals (mainly K+), vitamins (mainly B & C) and amino acids. King
coconut suffers from the disadvantage that it is seasonal in bearing, and
improved planting material of this variety is lacking. Therefore, CRISL
places a major emphasis in the development of an improved King coconut
strain for stable yield and non-seasonal bearing in order to increase the
income of the grower and intensify national production.
King coconut can be easily and economically grown in almost all the
coconut growing lands in Sri Lanka. The price of a tender King coconut
in the local market varies from US$ 0.05 – 0.10 and is very much higher
in the overseas market (US$ 2-4). According to entrepreneurs, the nut
water of young King coconut has a high market potential overseas.
Furthermore, there is a higher demand for the whole King coconut
compared to processed or canned King coconut water. The young nut
can be successfully air-freighted in good condition to foreign markets
within a day or two. For large export volumes, sea freight would be more
economical, but requires 2-3 weeks shipping time. The major problem
with the export of tender King coconuts is the physio-chemical changes
that take place after harvest, and during the period of sea freight and
transport up to the point of sale. Tender King coconuts cannot be stored
more than one week at ambient temperature due to shrinkage and
discolouration of the orange coloured outer skin (epicarp), the fall of
perianth, fungal attack on the soft region under the perianth and
decomposition of the nut water. The content of invert sugars (glucose
and fructose) decreases from 5% to 1.8% and sucrose decreases from
0.16% to 0.03% within 10 days at ambient temperature (Ranasinghe et
al. 1999). Therefore, if technology could be developed to improve the
shelf-life of young King coconuts up to four to five weeks, an enormous
export potential exists to generate more income for the King coconut
growers.
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In the attempt to promote the use of young tender coconut as a high
value product for export market to enhance farmers’ income, the two
main problems that need to be addressed were the low production of
existing King coconut plantations due to senility and seasonality in
production and the short shelf-life of fresh nuts after harvesting.
Therefore, the project aimed to select King coconut mother palms with
desirable palatability and regular bearing potential to increase the
availability of good quality planting material and to develop a suitable
packaging technology to enhance the shelf-life of nuts that would retain
their cosmetic appearance and taste during sea freight and at the point
of sale. In addition, a farmer participatory survey was undertaken to
identify multipurpose uses of coconut in different regions of the country
and coconut varieties suitable for the above uses.

King coconut populations showing uniformity in bearing and desirable
palatability characters were identified for in situ conservation. Two
thousand five hundred polybagged King coconut seedlings were raised
from the seednuts obtained from two selected populations; Marandawila
and Walahapitiya. Seedlings were provided to plant 35 sites covering 1-
2 ha involving two farmer organizations. Planting was undertaken under
CRISL guidance.
For shelf-life improvement, the most suitable harvesting stage (seven
to eight months after pollination), disinfection method (0.6g per L Benlate),
temperature range for storage (13-15°C) and wrapping material
(Polypropylene cling film) were identified for improving the shelf-life of
young King coconuts for up to a period of 28-30 days. The commercial
viability of the technology was confirmed via a trial shipment and a
simulated shipment. A simple tool (tender coconut punch) for opening
the tender nut was developed by the CRISL in collaboration with National
Engineering Research and Development Centre of Sri Lanka (NERD).
A catalogue of farmers’ varieties identified was developed and in-
situ conservation of these varieties was encouraged. Two compendia on
multiple uses of coconut and coconut food recipes were prepared.

Good quality King coconut seedlings (non seasonal in bearing and
desirable palatability) provided to growers for on-farm conservation will
be used as main sources of King coconuts for export market. There is a
good demand for the shelf-life improvement technology. More than 60
coconut growers have obtained the technology from CRISL. They wanted
588
to send tender King coconut or green coconuts to several destinations

such as Japan, Korea, Middle East countries, United Kingdom,
Netherlands, USA, etc. via sea freight. Data collected on farmers’ coconut
varieties and their multiple uses were included in COGENT’s CGRD.
The details on multiple uses of coconut, and the people who are involved
in different industries were used as a source of basic information for
ongoing COGENT funded project on poverty reduction.

• Monitor the performance of progenies from selected King coconut
mother palms planted under experimental conditions and farmers’
fields; and
• Improve the technology to extend the shelf-life of tender king coco-
nuts up to eight weeks, enabling the growers to send the product to
countries like USA. Experiments are in progress at the Plant Physiol-
ogy Division of CRISL to achieve this target.
Coconut embryo culture research to develop effective technology

for the production of coconut seedlings from the high-value soft-
endosperm coconut variety “Dikiri pol” (LK Weerakoon, March 2001
- October 2002)
Importance of the project

Similar to Makapuno in the Philippines, Dikiri coconuts are characterized
by the soft, jelly-like endosperm, which gives an added value to
confectionery products. Dikiri-bearing palms are rare in the country
and they are mainly confined to a small area in the southern province of
Sri Lanka. In this area, Dikiri nuts are used in the confectionery industry
and are highly priced. Due to the economic benefits, the farmers are
keen to obtain good quality planting material to build up a population of
Dikiri plants.
Embryo culture technology can be used successfully to rescue Dikiri
embryos. The present project was undertaken with the aim of mass
propagating Dikiri coconut using the COGENT upgraded coconut embryo
culture protocol. Attempts were made to maximize recovery of Dikiri
embryos and minimize losses to ensure rapid distribution of good quality,
robust planting material to resource-poor farmers.
Objectives of the project

1. To develop effective technology for the production of coconut seed-
lings from the high-value soft-endosperm coconut variety ‘Dikiri pol’;
and
2. Use the upgraded embryo culture technology as agreed during the
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2nd International coconut embryo culture workshop in Merida, Mexico

in March 2000 or any suitable modifications.
Activities conducted (Culture initiation and maintenance)

Mature Dikiri nuts (11-12 months after pollination) were collected from
palms in the Weligama area. The embryos were excised from the kernel
and after sterilization; they were cultured in glass test tubes containing
10 ml of growth medium. The COGENT upgraded coconut embryo
culture protocol was used for initiation and maintenance of Dikiri embryo
cultures. When spontaneous rooting did not occur, the shoots were
dipped in a solution of Indoleacetic acid (IAA; 100 mM) for three days
followed by culture in an auxin-free medium, to induce rooting. The
embryos that did not germinate and the embryos that did not grow further
after sprouting were treated with GA3 (0.35 mM). GA3 was incorporated
into the liquid culture medium and the embryos were kept in this medium
until germination and further growth. Then they were transferred to
standard growth medium devoid of GA3. For acclimatization of in vitro-
raised Dikiri plants, the procedure that is routinely used at CRISL was
followed. The germination percentage of cultured embryos, growth
parameters of in vitro-raised plants and the rate of ex vitro survival were
recorded.
Results and outputs

A total of 483 Dikiri embryos were cultured within the reporting period.
The germination percentage varied in different batches of embryos
cultured from 87.4% to 63.6 %. Usually, germination of embryos occurred
within 5-8 weeks of culture initiation. A considerable number of
ungerminated embryos could be recovered by the application of GA3
(0.35 mM). Furthermore, some of the embryos that did not show any
signs of growth after sprouting grew vigorously after GA3 treatment.
Thus, it was possible to increase the recovery rate of cultured embryos by
this treatment. The in vitro growth of embryos at the time of transplanting
was found to be satisfactory. Usually, plants could be transferred to soil
within 6-9 months of culture initiation. The ex vitro survival of the first
batch of plants transplanted in soil was low (50.6 %). This was due to a
fungal attack (during initial phase of acclimatization) that resulted in
the loss of 35 plants. However, the survival rate of the other plants potted
was observed to be high. About 200 Dikiri plants were produced and
distributed among resource-poor farmers.
Constraints
Scarcity of Dikiri nuts from non-seasonal bearing palms was a major
constraint in propagating an adequate number of Dikiri plants. In a
590
single collecting mission, only a limited number of nuts could be collected

as Dikiri palms are restricted to a small region of the country. Furthermore,
severe drought conditions that prevailed in the year 2001 caused a
considerable drop in coconut yield. As a result, the availability of Dikiri
nuts for culture was reduced further.
Significance of the results

The main objective of the project was to produce high-value Dikiri plants
using upgraded embryo culture technology. Even with the limited
number of Dikiri nuts available, it was possible to produce a reasonable
number of Dikiri plants that were distributed to resource-poor farmers
as a poverty reduction intervention. The funds made available from the
project were used mainly to improve facilities available for in vitro
technology. It can be concluded that the project made a potential
valuable contribution towards poverty alleviation through increased
production of high-value Dikiri plants with the use of improved embryo
culture technology.

The propagation of Dikiri plants using the above protocol will be
continued to ensure a steady supply of Dikiri plants to resource-poor
farmers.
Increasing the efficiency of embryo culture technology to promote

coconut germplasm collection and exchange (K Weerakoon, May 1998
- November 1999)
Importance of the project

Collecting of coconut germplasm from other countries is an important
aspect of future breeding programmes. Thus, we need to be equipped
with efficient technologies for collection and exchange of germplasm.
Embryo culture technology is very important in this regard as a valuable
tool for efficient collecting, exchange and conservation of germplasm. It
can be employed successfully to eliminate diseased stocks from germplasm
material and also to cut down transport costs. Furthermore, it facilitates
rescuing embryos of non-germinating and economically important types
of coconut such as Dikiri. However, techniques used for in vitro culture
of embryos and ex vitro hardening of resulting plants have to be optimized
in order to achieve maximum possible success from recovery of embryos
to field establishment. Thus, the present embryo culture protocol used at
the CRISL has to be validated and refined in order to achieve the maximum
possible success rate.
591
Objectives of the project

(1) To validate selected protocols and improve the present protocol used
at the CRISL; (2) To evaluate the effect of added substrates on efficiency
of weaning; and (3) To evaluate the effect of ABA and / or osmoticum
and GA3 on the maturation and germination of embryos.
Activities conducted
Preliminary studies. The 2Y3 medium (modified Eeuwens Y3 liquid

medium at double strength) was routinely used at CRISL for mature
zygotic embryo culture of coconut since 1985. As most of the participating
countries under the DFID-funded embryo culture project use Eeuwens
Y3 medium at single strength, it was decided to test the performance of
embryos cultured in 2Y3 and Y3 using the cultivar Sri Lanka Tall (SLT).
Germination of embryos, plant vigor at the time of soil establishment
and ex vitro survival of plants raised in the two media were evaluated.
Validation of selected embryo culture protocols. Embryo culture media

used at CPCRI, India, UPLB, Philippines and Sri Lanka were tested to
select the best protocol. Mature embryos of the cultivar SLT and Sri
Lanka Green Dwarf (SLGD) were used and the germination and
subsequent growth of embryos and ex vitro survival of plants raised in
the 4 different media were evaluated. Based on the results of experiment,
Y3CRI was selected as the best protocol. Dikiri embryos were cultured
in Y3CRI medium and the germination and subsequent growth of
embryos and ex vitro survival of plants were recorded.
Addition of substrates to promote root development. An experiment

was initiated (using cultivar SLT) to test the feasibility of improving the
survival rate of in vitro-grown seedlings by the addition of several rooting
substrates into the growth medium. Three different rooting substrates
(coir fiber, vermiculite and absorbent cotton wool) were added to the
growth medium (2Y3CRI) at the final stage of in vitro culture and they
were tested against the control (without any rooting substrate).
Effect of GA3 on germination of embryos. The effect of three levels of

GA3 (0.046, 0.23, 0.46 mM) on embryo germination was tested using
embryos of SLT and Dikiri. Sterilization of GA3 was done by autoclaving
with the other media components. The embryos were cultured in media
containing different levels of GA 3 and after four weeks, they were
transferred to regular Y3CRI medium devoid of GA3. The germination of
embryos in different treatments was evaluated. In order to test whether
592
the mode of sterilization affects the activity of GA 3, a preliminary

experiment was conducted using filter sterilized GA3.
Effect of ABA on maturation of embryos. An experiment was conducted

to study the effect of ABA on maturation of embryos cultured in vitro.
Immature nuts (9 and 10 month-old) of the cultivar SLT were used and
three levels of ABA (5, 10, 20 mM) were tested against the control
(without any ABA). ABA (filter sterilized) was incorporated into Y3CRI
medium (both solid and liquid) and immature embryos were cultured
into different treatments. The effect of each treatment on germination of
embryos was evaluated. For acclimatization of in vitro-raised Dikiri
plants, the procedure that is routinely used at CRISL was followed.
Results and outputs

Results of preliminary investigations indicated that Y3CRI medium
(modified Eeuwens Y3 liquid medium at single strength) is superior to
2Y3CRI medium (modified Eeuwens Y3 liquid medium at double strength)
which was used routinely at CRISL. Comparison of the three media
used at CRISL (Y3), University of Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB),
Philippines and Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI),
India using the cultivar, Sri Lanka Tall (SLT) revealed that percentage
embryo germination, mean number of leaves/plant, percentage of plants
potted and survival of plants were not significantly different for the
three media. However, the mean number of roots/plant was significantly
higher in Y3CRI medium than in the other two media. The growth of
Dikiri embryos in Y3CRI medium was found to be satisfactory. The
preliminary results did not indicate any positive effect on root formation
by the addition of rooting substrates. No significant difference in embryo
germination was observed when mature embryos of SLT and Dikiri were
treated with 0.046, 0.23 and 0.46 mM of GA3 sterilized by autoclaving.
However, treatment of mature embryos of Dikiri with filter-sterilized GA3
at 0.23 mM markedly increased in embryo germination. Preliminary
results indicated that ABA has a positive effect on maturation of embryos,
when incorporated into solid medium.
Constraints
Scarcity of Dikiri nuts was a major constraint in conducting experiments
with this particular cultivar. Thus, the number of Dikiri embryos allocated
per treatment was low. This could have contributed to the high variation
observed in some of the experiments. High palm-to-palm variation and
variation within a bunch is inherent to coconut. This factor also
contributes to high coefficient of variation in certain experiments which
593
could some times mask the actual effect of certain treatments. High
contamination rates observed in certain experiments was also a problem
in evaluating the effects of various treatments. Due to heavy
contamination, some of the embryos had to be discarded. This resulted
in a reduction in the number of embryos available for evaluation.
Significance of the results

The main objective of the project was to validate and refine current embryo
culture protocol used at CRISL specially to be used for germplasm
collecting and exchange. The experiments carried out during the project
gave rise to important findings that could be applied to increase the
efficiency of the CRISL protocol.
The embryo culture medium that was used routinely at CRISL (before
commencing the present project) was 2Y3CRI. However, Y3CRI medium
was shown to be much better. With the use of Y3CRI medium, it was
possible to improve the in vitro growth and ex vitro survival of plants.
When the Y3CRI medium was compared with CPCRI and UPLB media,
there was no significant difference in most of the parameters tested.
Another important finding of the project was the positive effect of
GA3 on embryo germination especially when filter-sterilized GA3 was
used. This finding will make a significant contribution towards the
improvement of the current embryo culture protocol to maximize the
recovery of desired embryos.
The preliminary results on the effect of ABA on embryo maturation
also indicate the possibility of in vitro maturation of immature embryos
with the use of ABA. This could lead to the recovery of embryos from
immature nuts and enables capturing of maximum variability within
populations. It can be concluded that the findings of this project was
very valuable in improving the current embryo culture protocol used at
CRISL.

Mature embryos from several different varieties of coconut were brought
to Sri Lanka from India and PNG. The improved coconut embryo culture
protocol was used in raising these plants under in vitro conditions.
Furthermore, arrangements have already been made to bring coconut
germplasm from Cote d’Ivoire as well.
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Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities (Ajith

Samarajeewa and Sumith Senarathne, 2000 – 2005)
Activities
To increase incomes of coconut farmers, CRI participated in COGENT’s
diversity-linked ‘Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities’
project, involving eight Asia Pacific countries. The project deployed and
tested four income-generating technologies on: 1) production and
marketing of high-value products from all parts of the coconut; 2)
intercropping cash and food security crop; 3) livestock raising and feed/
fodder production; and 4) establishment of community-managed seedling
nurseries. The project was implemented in three coconut growing
communities, namely Wilpotha, Hettipola and Dodanduwa. The project
involved 168 participants in production of high-value coconut products,
328 in intercropping and 197 in animal/fodder production.
Significance of the project

The project increased the incomes of participants by 2- 5 times, enhanced
their food security and nutrition, and more than 3500 coconut seedlings
conserved on farm. A follow up project using the same strategy and
technologies was supported starting in 2005 to help tsunami victims in
Dodanduwa.
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South Asia
in Bangladesh
SA Bhuiyan1, A Rashid1, Md Nazirul Islam2 and BC Sarker3
1
Former Directors, Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), Bangladesh
2
Senior Scientific Officer and 3Scientific Officer, Bangladesh Agriculture Research
Institute (BARI), Jessore, Bangladesh
Introduction
In Bangladesh, coconut is considered as a crop with high economic
importance because of its variety of uses. The crop is commonly grown
in homesteads following a unique farming system that makes effective
and efficient utilization of land. Many households, which are generally
smallholders, depend on the coconut for their livelihood as it provides
regular income to growers (Eyzaguirre and Batugal 1999). Bangladeshi
Typica is the coconut variety commonly grown throughout the country,
which takes about six to eight years to flower and bear fruits after planting
(Tabibullah 1976; Ahmed 1982 and Rashid et al. 1987). The Typica has
acceptable nut quality and yield consistency (Islam 2002). Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) collected coconut germplasm from
home and abroad for research. Although, BARI recommended two
coconut varieties, BARI Narikel-1 and BARI Narikel-2, in 1996 for general
cultivation throughout the country, information on genetic diversity of
coconut of Bangladesh is meagre.
The southern part of the country contributes about 80% of total
production (BBS 2002). The national yield of coconut has been estimated
at 21 nuts/palm/year with a total production of 90 000 tonnes/year
from 30 000 ha planted to coconut (BBS 2002). Islam (2002) reported
that around 44% of production is consumed as tendernut and 40% as
mature nut for fresh consumption. Only 9% is processed in industries
while 7% is used for seedling purposes.
The maximization of income opportunities from coconut is being
hindered by the low productivity of coconut trees due to lack of diversified
uses, inadequate processing facilities and absence of community-based
organizations (CBOs) in coconut growing communities to establish village
level affordable processing units. Investing in village-level coconut
processing industries is considered risky because of inconsistent and low
nut production. However, in collaboration with the International Coconut
Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) of the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI), some of these constraints are being overcome.
596
Research activities supported by COGENT
Collecting characterization and conservation of coconut germplasm

in Bangladesh (1999-2001)
Infrastructure, such as land and human resources for coconut research
in Bangladesh is not adequate. Although, coarse grid sampling method
was used and 26 populations characterized in situ before collecting
seednuts, under limited resources conditions, only 10 to 30 seedlings of
each population could be collected and planted for ex situ conservation
in the BARI Research Stations. The genotypes identified, according to
the place of collections, are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Population name with geographical locations of identified sample sites for
in-situ characterization and collecting of coconut germplasms in Bangladesh
Location on
Accession Accepted
Population Accession coarse grid Latitude Longitude
size abbreviation
map
Babugonj Tall BG0015 30 BBGT G7S1 22°48´ 90°18´

Uzirpur Tall BG0016 30 UZT G7S2 22° 50´ 90° 15´
Agailjhara Tall BG0017 30 AGT F7S1 22° 58´ 90° 12´
Swarupkathi Tall BG0018 30 SWT F6S1 22° 43´ 90° 02´
Jhalakathi Tall BG0019 30 JLKT F6S2 22° 40´ 90° 40´
Kalapara Tall BG0020 30 KPAT G6S1 21° 0´ 90° 15´
Lebukhali Tall BG0021 30 LBUT G6S2 22° 27´ 90° 27´
Bhola Tall BG0022 30 BHOLT H6S1 22° 21´ 90° 52´
Kayemkola Tall BG0023 30 KAKOT D7S1 23° 08´ 89° 50´
Bagharpara Tall BG0024 30 BGPT D7S3 23° 19´ 89° 19´
Jhenaidah Tall BG0025 30 JHDT D8S1 23° 36´ 89° .76´
Kushtia Tall BG0026 30 KUST D9S1 23° 59´ 89° 06´
Atkapalia Tall BG0027 30 ATKPT I7S1 22° 16´ 91°04´
Buikara BG0028 30 BUKT D7S2 23° 14´ 89° 52´
Manikgonj Tall BG0029 30 MNGT F10S1 23° 49´ 89° 58´
Sherpur Tall BG0030 30 SPRT F13S1 25° 0´ 90° 01´
Muktagacha Tall BG0031 30 MKGT G12S1 24° 48´ 90° 07´
Goffargoan BG0032 30 GFGT G11S1 24° 28´ 90° 36´
Chinashukhania BG0033 30 CHNST G11S2 24° 11´ 90° 24´
Puthia Tall BG0034 30 PUTT C11S1 24° 24´ 88° 88´
Natore Tall BG0035 30 NATT D11S1 24° 19´ 88° 59´
Bogra Tall BG0036 30 BOGT D12S1 24° 48´ 89° 0´
Kishoreganj BG0037 30 KISGT H10S1 25° 01´ 89°58´
Razbari BG0038 30 RAJT E9S1 23° 41´ 89°43´
Bagerhat BG0039 30 BAHT E6S1 23°06´ 90° 20´
Chinasukania BG0040 10 CHNSD G11S2 24° 11´ 90° 24´
Coconut varieties conserved in the different regional and sub-stations of

BARI have also been characterized (Table 2).
Passport data of 26 collected populations as well as passport and
characterization data of 14 BARI-conserved varieties have been
submitted to the COGENT’s International Coconut Genetic Resources
Database (CGRD). Eleven populations have been deposited in the
International Coconut Genebank for South Asia (ICG-SA) in India for
long-term conservation and future use. A catalogue of conserved varieties
in Bangladesh has been prepared and submitted to COGENT.
597
Table 2. Coconut germplasm conserved in different stations of BARI

Location
on
Accession Other name/ Accepted Acquisition
Accession Name coarse Latitude Longitude
size ethnic name abbreviation date/Year
grid
map
BG0001 400 Rahmatpur BARI Narikel-1 RGTD G7 22°42′ 90°22′ 1965
Tall Deshi
BG0002 1200 Rahmatpur BARI Narikel-2 RGTM G7 22°42′ 90°22′ 1966
Tall
(Malayan)
BG0003 700 Rahmatpur Shinghali RGTS G7 22°42′ 90°22′ 1966
Tall
(Shinghali)
BG0004 200 Rahmatpur Malaysian RYD G7 22°42′ 90°22′ 1666
Yellow Dwarf
Dwarf
BG0005 300 Khairtala Deshi Narikel KHT D8 23°11′ 89°14′ 1969
Tall
BG0006 250 Rhaikhali Chandraghana RHT K6 22°22′ 92°51′ 1974
Tall
BG0007 200 Hathazari Chatgoan Tall HGT J6 22°17′ 91°35′ 1967
Tall
BG0008 35 Hathazari Chatgoan Red HRT J6 22°17′ 91°35′ 19607
Red Tall Tall
BG0009 7 Pahartali Chatgoan Red PRT 22°11′ 91°36′ 1975
Red Tall Tall
BG0010 150 Jamalpur Deshi Narikel JMT F12 24°56′ 89°55′ 1968
Tall
BG0011 200 Iswardi Tall Deshi Narikel ISDT D10 24°08′ 89°02′ 1966
BG0012 150 Poilanpur Deshi Narikel POT D10 24°2.6′ 89°02′ 1974
Tall
BG0013 250 Ramgarh Deshi Narikel RAGHT K8 23°38' 92°13' 1968
Tall
BG0014 300 Khagrachari Deshi Narikel KHAGT K8 23°10' 92°36' 1968
Tall
The information gathered so far indicates that the genotype found in

Chinasukania village appears to be very different from that of Buikara
and Bhola. Genotypes of Jhalakathi and Gafargaon were somewhat similar
to each other. Among the varieties conserved at different BARI stations,
the population of Khairtala Tall (KHAT) and BARI Narikel-2 seemed to
be similar. In the early 1960s, coconut germplasm were introduced and
planted in different BARI research stations, including Khairtala and
Rahmatpur (Rashid 1987; Islam and Hossain 2000). Therefore, the BARI
Narikel-2 and Khairtala Tall might be the same genotype. On the other
hand, the populations of Jamalpur and Ishurdi Talls were found to be
genetically similar to that of BARI Narikel-1. Razzaque et al. (2000)
mentioned that BARI Narikel-1 was a selection from local coconuts.
Therefore, it is possible that some similarities may exist in these three
genotypes. Nevertheless, a wide range of coconut germplasm variation
still exists in Bangladesh, which could be used for varietal improvement.
Identification, conservation and multiplication of tendernut varieties

and pilot marketing of tendernuts
At present, green tendernuts fetch the most income to smallholders on a
regular basis. Thousands of tendernuts are being used daily all over the
country as drinking water, particularly during hot summer days. Farmer
598
Participatory Rural Appraisal (FPRA) surveys, as well as farm and home

visits, were conducted to identify suitable varieties for tendernut and the
constraints to its production. Market surveys on tendernut were also
conducted to enhance its marketability and profitability. The studies
revealed that about 44% of nuts produced per annum were used as
tendernut. Yearly, about 3.07 million nuts are consumed in the capital
city of Dhaka alone. On the average, coconut growers earned Tk 401.24
(US$ 6.77) per 100 nuts and consumers paid Tk 1000 (US$ 16.88) per
100 nuts. March to May is the peak period for tendernut consumption.
The intermediaries in tendernut marketing include retailers, Pharia (people
who directly collect nuts from farmers), Bepari (those who collect nuts
from Pharia and farmers) and Aratder (persons who collect nuts from
Bepari). Thus, the farmers are not organized and they are not able to fix
the price and have no control over the markets. Hence, most of the benefits
go to the intermediaries (Islam, 2002a). Government intervention is
necessary to organize farmers to establish marketing chain to ensure
appropriate farm price.
FPRA survey on coconut diversity

Several FPRAs were conducted in coconut growing areas of the country
to identify and promote promising local ecotypes, identify opportunities
to augment farmers’ income and extend technical support to farmers to
undertake coconut-based enterprises. Results of the FPRAs revealed that
the most common variety grown in the communities was Typica and
that farmers generally were not aware of other elite coconut varieties.
Households consumed about 58% of the nuts produced. Lack of good
planting materials, high prices of inputs, lack of diversified products as
well as poor marketing channels for its products were identified as the
major constraints to coconut production. The communities opined that
vegetables and other high-value fruit crops could be effectively grown
under coconut. Thirty-five different ways of using coconut and its parts
in the communities were recorded. The absence of a marketing network
was identified as the major constraint to the production and consumption
of tendernuts. Farmers, in general, were not concerned about using
fertilizers on their coconut palms (Islam 2002a).
Documentation of socioeconomic benefits of using local coconut va-

rieties
The study was carried out to determine the impact of using farmer-
identified local varieties on the family (1 ha model), the community (100
ha) and the ecosystem (500 ha). Two communities, in Barisal and Jessore
Districts, were chosen as study sites. A total of 60 coconut farmers, 30
from each test site, were interviewed. The varieties of coconut grown by
599
the farmers for various household uses were identified and listed. Different
products and by-products from coconut and their methods of production
as well as the cost-effectiveness of farm-household/ecosystem levels on
the utilization of products were documented. Farm activities linked to
coconut were also identified.
The study revealed that total earnings from one ecotype were estimated
at Tk 37 992 000 (US$ 641 027) per year. There were six other areas in
the country where similar activities were practised, generating total
earnings of about Tk 227 952 000 (US$ 3 846 164) per year. In addition,
other sources of income such as other crops, livestock, poultry, fish,
business earned for growers about Tk 55 354 (US$ 934)/year/ha. Hence,
deployment of coconut-based farming system (CBFS) at community level
would help alleviate poverty (Islam 2002a).
Establishing a framework for a nationwide deployment of coconut-

based poverty reduction interventions
High-yielding landraces of coconut and value-added products from the
kernel, shell, husk and leaves as well as the adoption of a coconut-based
farming system could increase farm income by two to three times.
Extending support to undertake coconut-based enterprises is likely to
increase economic activities and augment coconut cultivation. Hence, a
survey was conducted in five selected coconut growing communities to
identify the socioeconomic profiles of coconut growers to find out the
problems and possibilities for technology intervention. The study revealed
that 50 farmers from each area were selected for interview. The Typica
was the only variety grown by the farmers. Variability in terms of nut
colour, size and taste of tendernut were mentioned by the farmers. Per
capita income of the respondents was about US$ 110, which was far
below the national average of US$ 289. As per cost basic need method
(income below TK 90 900 = US$ 159.49), the respondents were classified
as very poor and that they need help, particularly those heavily engaged
in coconut production (Islam 2002b).
Feasibility study on producing and marketing of coconut husk-based

products involving women beneficiaries
Producing fibre from coconut husk is a tedious and laborious job. Husk
is beaten using a wooden hammer to separate the fibre. Women and
children are usually involved in making coir from the husk. Various kinds
of ropes, doormats, brushes, etc. are produced from the fibre. Though it
is a tedious job, there is much demand for these products in the local
markets. Hence, a feasibility study on the mechanization of processing
husk into coir and producing various products from it was undertaken,
600
mainly involving women beneficiary groups. Women were trained in

making various products from coir and a production system was put in
place. Through these activities, the women-participants earned an
average of Tk 50-60 (US$ 0.84 –1.00) per day by producing ropes and
doormats. Husk from around 2000 nuts could be processed into fibre by
a COGENT-supplied decorticating machine, yielding an average of 260
kg of fibre. Cost of production and income from the activity were
estimated at Tk 1880 (US$ 31.72) and Tk 3250 (US$ 54.83), respectively.
Return on investments (ROI) in producing fibre and doormat were 72.87%
and 61.21%, respectively. Return on investment in making rope following
the traditional laborious method was only 28.33% (Islam 2002a). Hence,
the introduction of mechanical fibre processing unit could have a far-
reaching impact on coconut fibre industry in Bangladesh. Surplus labour
in agriculture sector of the country could be provided with employment
by deploying new technology under the coconut based farming systems.
Adoption of COGENT-upgraded coconut embryo culture protocol in

BARI
A study on the germination of coconut embryo of different ecotypes in
Bangladesh was carried out at the Biotech Division of BARI. The protocol
for embryo culture was standardized for two cultivars (Malayan Dwarf
and an unknown ecotype). The study result has increased the recovery
rate of seedlings from embryos which would enhance germplasm
collecting and conservation.
Project on ‘Developing Sustainable Coconut-Based Income Gener-

ating Technologies in Poor Rural Communities in Bangladesh’
To increase incomes of coconut farmers, BARI participated in COGENT’s
diversity-linked ‘Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities’
project, involving eight Asia Pacific countries. The project deployed and
tested four income generating technologies on: 1) production and
marketing of high-value products from all parts of the coconut; 2)
communities, namely Bandabila, Jessore; Chandrapara, Barisal; and
Jamira, Khulna. The project involved 210 participants in production of
high-value coconut products, 115 in intercropping, 185 in animal/fodder
production and 300 in nursery management and seedling production.
The project increased the incomes of the participants by 2- 5 times,
enhanced their food security and nutrition, and about 3500 coconut
seedlings have been conserved on farm.
601
Achievements
Despite the high potential of coconut in generating income and
employment, coconut smallholders in Bangladesh still suffer due to
declining yields and decreasing farm productivity. Thus, there is a need
to develop and disseminate improved high-yielding and adapted varieties.
Farmers who own varieties with special traits were encouraged to raise
seedlings of such varieties for planting in their own homestead as well as
for distribution to other farmers. Interested farmers started raising the
selected palms to meet the local demand. Dwarf types of natural hybrids
which are resistant to pests and diseases have been identified and selected
palms are being planted homesteads, especially for tendernut. Women
and youth participating in the BARI-COGENT collaborative projects in
Jessore and Jhenaidah districts are now earning around TK 40-50
(US$0.67-0.84) per day by making ropes and doormats, which they could
not have done two years ago. At least 66 palms have been identified in
different parts of the country with different outstanding attributes and
farmer-owners have been convinced to maintain these genotypes in their
homesteads. Community-managed nurseries have been started to raise
seedlings to increase income and productivity as well as to conserve
economically-important local ecotypes.
Conclusion
There is significant coconut diversity in Bangladesh and their effective
utilization can enhance the incomes of small-scale farmers. Introduction
and evaluation (both for adaptation as well as for economic feasibility)
of certain exotic germplasm such as Makapuno would not only enhance
local diversity but also help in improving the incomes of the coconut
growers.
At present, the establishment of a Coconut Research Institute is
urgently needed to sustain the achievements in germplasm collecting and
utilization. Introduction of affordable, village-level technologies for
processing coconut under the auspices of a CBO will empower
communities and improve the production and marketing of different
high-value products. At present, the infrastructure for research and
development on coconut is not strong enough to effectively utilize modern
production technologies. The potential seed multiplication garden at Ramu
in Cox’s Bazar District could be brought under research to maximize its
utilization.
References
Ahmed, KU. 1982. Gardener’s book on production and nutrition. Vol. 1
(1st ed.). Mrs Mumtaj Kamal, Bungalow 2, Farm Gate, Dhaka-15,
602
Bangladesh. Pp. 273-275.

BBS. 2002. Statistical year book of Bangladesh 1998. Bangladesh Bureau
of Statistical Division, Ministry of Planning and Evaluation, Govern-
ment of Bangladesh. 668 p.
on coconut diversity. Workshops report on methods and field
protocols. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. 120pp.
Islam, MN. 2002a. Final Technical Report, IFAD-funded project, CO-
GENT. Horticulture Research Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural Re-
search Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh. 194pp.
Islam, MN. 2002b. A survey on establishing a framework and selecting
project site for a nationwide deployment of coconut-based poverty
reduction intervention in coconut growing communities using CO-
GENT’s 3-pronged strategy in Bangladesh. Final Technical Report,
DFID-funded project, COGENT. Horticulture Research Centre, Bang-
ladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh.
47pp.
Islam, MN and AKM Amzad Hossain. 2000. National coconut pro-
gramme in Bangladesh. COGENT Newsletter. November 2000 4:10.
Rashid, MA, M Kader and Mofazzal Hossain. 1987. Bangladesher Phall
(Fruits of Bangladesh). Rashid Publishing House, BARI Campus,
Joydebpur, Gazipur-1701. Pp. 216-234.
Razzaque, MA (ed). 2000. Krishi Projukti Hatboi (Handbook on Agro-
technology), 2nd edition. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute,
Gazipur 1701, Bangladesh. Pp. 303-304.
Tabibullah, M and KU Ahmad. 1976. Performance of two exotic and
typica coconut cultivars as compared with a local one. Bangladesh
Hort. 4 2:11-17.
603
South Asia
in Pakistan
MH Laghari1 and AH Solangi2
Director and 2Senior Scientific Officer, Horticulture Research Centre (HRC), Pakistan
1
Introduction
Coconut is considered as one of the most important crops of the tropics.
It has multiple uses and every part of the crop is used for a variety of
purposes. In the early 1970s, the coconut was hardly grown on a
commercial scale in Pakistan. Later on, the potential of coconut to become
an economically-important crop, primarily as a source of edible oil, was
realized. Thereafter, it was included in the national government’s
agricultural programme as a priority crop for large-scale production,
especially in the coastal areas of the country.
The climatic and soil conditions in the country are not very well suited
for coconut cultivation as it requires well-drained fertile soils with well-
distributed rainfall under hot and humid climate. In Pakistan, the coastal
belt is characterized by sandy as well as saline soils. The climate is arid
with very low annual rainfall, ranging from 50 to 300 mm, and with
temperature extremes. However, the area is humid enough and with
proper attention and management, the crop could be successfully grown.
The coconut is not indigenous to Pakistan. The seedlings produced in
nurseries came from nuts imported from other countries, most of which
had no or very little information on variety or specific characters. In
addition, varieties grown in the country are facing pest and disease
problems. As such, research efforts on coconut in the country can be
categorized under the following:
• Selection and dissemination of varieties suited to existing
agroecologies;
• Orchard management practices particularly related to irrigation,
fertilizer requirements and intercropping; and
• Control of pests and diseases.
Research activities conducted and outputs
Varietal selection
Although plantations of coconut have been in existence in Karachi for a
long time, most of these are scattered and there is no organized plantation
with known varieties. Efforts to plant coconut in organized plantations
started in the late 1950s when groves were established in government
604
farms, which continued for some time but with very little success.
However, the surveys conducted by national and international agencies
proved that coconut can be successfully grown in the coastal belt of Sindh
and Balochistan provinces with proper management and constant
irrigation as the areas are prone to drought and temperature fluctuations.
The farmers in this area obtained seednuts from different countries, mainly
from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India and Malaysia but very little or no
attention was given to the specific varieties; the only thing that was
considered was whether these were Talls or Dwarfs. In the late 1970s,
varieties with known cultivar names and characters were imported from
Sri Lanka for evaluation. The varietal screening activities were later
spearheaded by the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC).
After this initial evaluation, more varieties and hybrids were imported
from Sri Lanka to be raised in government nurseries for distribution to
farmers. The Sindh Forest Department was also involved in these activities,
establishing their own plantation in forestlands near Thatta.
Results of the evaluation carried out by the two institutions
recommended Tall varieties for planting as these were more tolerant to
biotic and abiotic stresses and produced bigger nuts with better copra
quality. However, some farmers prefer Dwarf varieties as they bear more
fruits which are mainly used for coconut water and are easily marketed.
At the same time, Pakistani coconut farmers do not like the Sri Lanka
hybrid CRI65 as it was found to be easily damaged by stress conditions
prevalent in the country. The MAWA hybrid, on the other hand,
impressed some growers but could not be cultivated on larger areas
because of abiotic stresses.
Orchard management
Orchard management activities focused on finding the most effective
and efficient fertilizer rates for economic production. It was a general
impression that the coconut does not require much fertilization and
therefore, growers used only farmyard manure (FYM). Later on, trials
conducted proved that application of inorganic fertilizers improved the
health of palms, and decreased flower and fruit drop resulting in higher
nut yield with better quality. Results showed that application of 250 g N,
100 g P205and 200 g K20 per palm was beneficial and economical for
improving growth, bearing and nut quality. Addition of FYM also proved
beneficial, particularly for soil improvement in slightly saline soils.
Irrigation was another important aspect under orchard management
as areas planted to coconut received very low rainfall and frequently
faced drought. Furthermore, many of these areas have sandy soils. To
address this situation, it was recommended that crops be irrigated weekly
605
during summer and fortnightly during winter.

It is a common practice in Pakistan to keep orchards clean and not to
grow any intercrops after the trees start bearing fruits. Recent studies,
however, showed that it was possible to grow vegetables as intercrops in
a coconut farm as they did not affect the growth of the palms as earlier
believed. It was also proven to be a profitable venture to augment the
farmers’ incomes.
Pests and diseases

Surveys were conducted in different coconut plantations to collect
information about the existence of pests and diseases. Results of the
surveys showed that the major diseases affecting coconuts in the country
include root rot, bole rot, bud rot, leaf blight, stem bleeding and lethal
yellowing. The intensity of these diseases greatly varied from place to
place and appeared to be correlated with orchard management, the
problems being more serious with poorly managed plantations. Spraying
of recommended dosages and combinations of fungicides satisfactorily
controlled the spread of some of these diseases, except lethal yellowing.
The insect pests damaging coconut palms in the country include
termites, red palm weevil, scales, black beetle and coconut caterpillar.
Initially, these pests were controlled by the use of appropriate insecticides.
Surveys on the extent of damage and detailed studies related to the
biology, epidemiology and control of these insect pests have not been
conducted and need to be made in the future.
Very little or no work has been done on the production and marketing
of alternative and high-value coconut products as overall yield was
relatively small and farmers did not have problems marketing the nuts.
The fruits are mainly used to extract coconut water and immature
albumen. The coconut leaves are used as roofing materials while the stem
has no known uses other than as firewood.
COGENT support to Pakistan’s coconut programme

In 1998, COGENT supported a 3-year project to identify and characterize
Pakistan’s coconut genetic resources. Under this project, the coastal
Agricultural Research station in Karachi identified and characterized
seven coconut populations and conserved them ex situ. The
characterization data were submitted and incorporated in COGENT’s
International Coconut Genetic Resources Database.
In 2000, COGENT also supported the scholarship of Abdul Hameed
Solangi for Master’s degrees at the University of the Philippines Los Baños.
Mr Solangi successfully completed his degree which has enhanced the
capability of PARC to conduct coconut research.
606
COGENT has also recommended that PARC conducts a thorough

study for the supply and demand of coconut, a yield performance and
profitability evaluation and, based on the results decide on whether to
recommend the comercial production of coconut in Pakistan.
Impact of outputs and suggested future steps

Coconuts in the country are mostly grown on small scale along the coastal
belt. Although there are some large plantations, most of the farmers
cultivate the crop in small landholdings or on small parcels of the farm.
It is estimated that on the average, farmers harvest about 40-50 nuts per
tree per year. The technologies developed and introduced to farmers are
expected to increase overall coconut production along with the incomes
derived from it. Although coconut farmers in Pakistan are generally
contented with the status quo, there is a need to make improvements so
that the commodity can be grown on a commercial scale and that
alternative high-value uses be found, developed and disseminated in
order to help improve the plight of the poor farmers.
The research endeavours made so far has resulted in the improvement
of coconut genetic resources but more efforts are required for its
development for commercial exploitation. In particular, the following
areas need priority attention:
• Introduction of high-yielding, high-value varieties suited to local
climatic conditions and tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses;
• Introduction and adoption of effective and efficient nursery and
orchard management particularly on plant nutrition, intercrop-
ping and pest and disease management; and
• Utilization of nuts and other plant parts to produce alternative
high-value products other than copra and coconut oil to increase
farmers’ income and improve their socioeconomic conditions.
607

in Indonesia
H Novarianto1, RH Akuba2, N Mashud2, E Tenda2 and J Kumaunang2
1
Director and 2Research Officers, Indonesian Coconut and Other Palmae Research Institute
(ICOPRI), Manado, Indonesia
Introduction
Indonesia, being the world’s largest producer of coconut, considers the
crop as a national strategic commodity. Coconut is one of the primary
sources of income for most Indonesian farmers and is processed into
various products like vegetable oil, raw material for food, industry,
construction, medicine, cosmetic and oleochemicals. Total land area
planted to coconut is about 3.7 million hectares, with 97% of overall
production coming from smallholder farmers. However, in many regions
of the country, productivity is declining because of old, senile palms. To
address this situation, parental germplasm must be improved, new high-
yielding varieties must be planted and an effective hybridization
programme must be put in place.
In some regions in Indonesia, coconut genetic resources are under
threat of genetic erosion due to rapid change in land utilization, natural
calamities, urbanization and other economic and environmental
pressures. Recent studies have indicated that the rate of genetic erosion
is higher than the present conservation rate. To mitigate this, coconut
genetic resources conservation through exploration, collecting and
utilization must be undertaken.
Research on coconut palms was initiated during the Dutch colonial
period and formal research was institutionally started in 1911. This
involved collecting some coconut ecotypes in the surrounding areas of
Java. From 1926 to 1927, Dr Tammes, a coconut scientist, identified and
selected 100 high-yielding Tall palms from populations in the Mapanget
District of North Sulawesi, which were planted at the Mapanget
Experimental Garden of the Indonesia Coconut and Other Palmae
Research Institute (ICOPRI). After Indonesia gained independence in
1945, coconut research activities were continued by the government. From
1956 to 1961, the Government of Indonesia contracted the services of a
German FAO expert, to characterize, select and cross the coconut
germplasm previously collected by Dr Tammes, with the aim of producing
high-yielding hybrids.
608
The genetic diversity of coconut germplasm is very important in a

breeding programme to improve the characteristics of coconut. The
exploration of coconut germplasm in Indonesia has yielded 131 conserved
accessions so far. A part of this collection has been utilized for breeding
and in other research programmes to support the coconut genetic
materials development programme of Indonesia.
Collecting, conserving and characterizing coconut genetic resources

The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) of the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) supported this
project in eight Asia Pacific countries, including Indonesia, where coconut
genetic resources have been considered in danger of being lost because
of genetic erosion. Identified germplasm were collected and conserved
in each participating countries’ field genebanks, augmenting and filling
up gaps in their present collections. The project was funded by the Asian
Development Bank (ADB) and implemented from 1996 to 1998. The
research project in Indonesia specifically aimed to identify existing coconut
populations in East Nusa Tenggara and Moluccas Provinces for
characterization and conservation and to collect the identified germplasm
materials for conservation and evaluation at the International Coconut
Genebank for Southeast and East Asia (ICG-SEEA) located at Sikijang,
Riau, Indonesia. During the exploration surveys at the different sites in
East Nusa Tenggara, seven ecotypes consisting of six Talls and one Dwarf
were selected. Results showed that the Tall populations could be
categorized into three groups based on a 70% genetic resemblance. Group
I consisted of Mokdale, Oenggauk, Kambaniru and Nita and Group II
and III had one accession each, Namangkewa and Batutua, respectively.
Nut samples from these populations were planted at the ICG-SEEA. Based
on banding pattern variability of peroxidase (PER), esterase (EST) and
glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) isozymes, accessions Nita,
Mokdale and Oebafok Talls from East Nusa Tenggara were different from
the other Tall accessions previously collected from North Sulawesi,
Kalimantan and West Sumatera. These three coconut accessions have
been identified and marked for ex situ conservation in Sikijang.
Further exploration, collecting and evaluation of coconut germplasm

This research activity was a continuation of the activity mentioned above.
A total of 20 COGENT-member countries participated, including
Indonesia, with ADB funding, in a project entitled, ‘Coconut genetic
resources network and human resources strengthening in Asia and the
Pacific region’ from 1998 to 2000. The project activities in Indonesia
609
covered Moluccas, North and Central Sulawesi and West Nusa Tenggara.
Its objectives were:
1. To identify and characterize existing coconut populations;
2. To collect representative genetic materials for conservation;
3. To evaluate coconut germplasm ex situ; and
4. To submit generated data to the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD) and submit the same to the Cata-
logue of Conserved Germplasm which is being developed by
COGENT.
Fifteen coconut accessions were characterized in situ and collected for

conservation ex situ at ICG-SEEA. In addition, 107 existing accessions
from ICOPRI’s different research stations (Mapanget - 54 accessions,
Pakuwon - 20 accessions and Sikijang - 33 accessions) were characterized,
and their passport and characterization data were submitted to the Centre
Institut de Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD)
and entered into the CGRD. Descriptive information on 60 accessions
was documented and submitted to COGENT for the Catalogue of
Conserved Germplasm.
Since 1927, exploration surveys in several provinces in Indonesia were
conducted to identify and evaluate the coconut genetic diversity of the
country. About 107 accessions have been collected and conserved in the
four experimental gardens of ICOPRI, including the ICG-SEEA (Table
1).
In a recent survey funded by ADB, one population, Mamuaya Tall,
which was collected from North Sulawesi, is now being used as genetic
material for breeding and distribution in seed gardens. Presently, this
population is conserved in Paniki, North Sulawesi.
Coconut embryo culture

As the host of the ICG-SEEA, Indonesia, through ICOPRI, has
participated in a number of Department for International Development
(DFID)- and ADB-funded activities on coconut embryo culture. DFID
funded two activities, the first on ‘Increasing the efficiency of embryo
culture technology to promote coconut germplasm, collecting,
conservation and exchange’, and the second on the ‘Introduction of
coconut germplasm from COGENT member countries into the
International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia’. It also
participated in two other ADB- funded projects, namely: ‘Strengthening
the embryo culture capability of the ICG-SEEA’ and the ‘Importation
and growing of designated germplasm from COGENT member countries
for conservation in the ICG-SEEA’.
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Table 1. Coconut accessions collected and their locations in Indonesia

Date of Surviving
No. Accessions Origin
Planting palms
A. Mapanget (North Sulawesi)
Dwarf type
1. Nias Yellow Dwarf North Sumatra Feb 77 77
2. Bali Yellow Dwarf Bali Island Feb 77 50
3. Nias Green Dwarf North Sumatra Nov 78 65
4. Jombang Green Dwarf East Jawa Nov 78 56
5. Tebing Tinggi Dwarf North Sumatra Dec 79 49
6. Malaysia red Dwarf Malaysia May 80 12
7. Raja Dwarf North Molucas Aug 80 43
8. Sagerat Orange Dwarf North Molucas May 87 18
9. Salak Dwarf South Kalimantan Aug 80 46
10. Waingapu Red Dwarf East Nusa Tenggara May 99 52
11. Malaysia Yellow Dwarf Malaysia 11
12. Shinta red Dwarf North Sulawesi Seedlings
13. Kapal (pink husk) Dwarf North Sulawesi Seedlings
Tall Type
1. Mapanget (Tammes collection) Tall North Sulawesi 1927/ 1928
2. Takome Tall North Molucas May 77 51
3. Bali Tall Bali island Nov 87 60
4. Jepara Tall Central Java Nov 87 58
5. Paslaten Tall North Sulawesi Nov 87 84
6. Solo Tall Central Sulawesi Seedlings
7. Palapi Tall Central Sulawesi Seedlings
8. Melangoane Tall North Sulawesi Seedlings
9. Makariki Tall North Molucas 1999 5
10. Spikata Tall Halmahera 1999 4
11. Ceylon King Tall Sri Lanka 1999 20
12. Tenga Tall North Sulawesi Nov 87 87
13. Banyuwangi Tall East Java Jan 79 39
14. Sawarna Tall North Sulawesi Aug 80 51
15. Mapanget No. 83 Tall North Sulawesi May 81 38
16. Mapanget No. 32 Tall North Sulawesi July 81 39
17. Lubuk Pakam Tall North Sulawesi May 81 61
18. Aertembaga Tall North Sulawesi Nov 81 37
19. Ilo-Ilo Tall North Sulawesi Nov 81 47
20. Pungkol Tall North Sulawesi Nov 81 53
21. Tontalete Tall North Sulawesi Nov 81 42
22. Kinabutuhan Tall North Sulawesi Nov 81 55
23. Talise Tall North Sulawesi Nov 81 21
24. Marinsow Tall North Sulawesi Nov 81 35
25. Sea Tall North Sulawesi Jan 82 46
26. Kalasey Tall North Sulawesi Jan 82 49
27. Wusa Tall North Sulawesi Jan 82 52
28. Palu Tall Central Sulawesi Nov 82 52
29. Pandu Tall North Sulawesi May 83 45
33. Igo Duku Tall North Molucas May 83 36
34. Igo Bulan Tall North Molucas May 83 19
35. Rennel Tall Solomon May 83 94
36. West African Tall Cote d’Ivoire May 83 115
37. Tahiti Tall Polynesia June 83 125
38. Mamuaya Tall North Sulawesi May 99 66
39. Dobo Tall North Molucas May 98 3
40. Sangtombolang Tall North Sulawesi Oct 2000 110
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Date of Surviving
Planting palms
B. Pakuwon (East Java)
Dwarf Type
1. Nias Yellow Dwarf North Sumatra Feb 77 61
2. Bali Yellow Dwarf Bali Island Feb 77 57
3. Jombang Yellow Dwarf East Java Nov 78 42
4. Jombang Green Dwarf East Java Nov 78 42
5. Nias Green Dwarf North Sumatra Nov 78 58
6. Malaysia Yellow Dwarf Malaysia May 80 67
7. Raja Dwarf North Molucas Aug 80 42
8. Salak Dwarf South Kalimantan Feb 88 250
Tall Type
1. Boyoali Tall Central Java Nov 78 55
2. Banyuwangi Tall East Java Nov 78 58
3. Jepara Tall Central Java Nov 78 50
4. Paslaten Tall North Sulawesi Apr 79 73
5. Bali Tall Bali Island Apr 79 66
6. Tenga Tall North Sulawesi Apr 79 71
7. Palu Tall Central Sulawesi Apr 79 59
8. Lubuk Pakam Tall North Sulawesi Oct 79 59
9. Sawarna Tall West Java Mar 80 100
10. Kar-Kar Tall Papua New Guinea Mar 80 96
11. Markham Valley Tall Papua New Guinea Mar 80 100
12. Pangandaran Tall West Java Aug 86 78
C. Sikijang Mati (Riau)
Dwarf Type
1. Nias Yellow Dwarf North Sulawesi Apr 97 84
2. Tebing Tinggi Dwarf North Sulawesi Apr 97 78
3. Salak Dwarf South Kalimantan Apr 97 74
4. Bali Yellow Dwarf Bali island Apr 97 74
5. Raja Dwarf North Molucas Apr 97 50
6. Jombang Green Dwarf East Java Dec 99 21
7. Jombang Yellow Dwarf East Java Dec 99 23
8. Jombang Yellow Dwarf East Java Dec 99 18
9. Jombang Brown Dwarf East Java Dec 99 23
Tall Type
1. Tenga Tall (Self) North Sulawesi Jan 99 30
2. Bali Tall (Self) Bali Island Jan 99 29
3. Palu Tall (Self) Central Sulawesi Jan 99 30
4. Sawarna Tall (Self) West Java Jan 99 57
5. Mapanget Tall (Self) North Sulawesi Jan 99 29
6. Wulurat Tall Southeast Molucas Jan 99 59
7. Ngilngof Tall Southeast Molucas Jan 99 57
8. Pulau Kelapa Tall Southeast Molucas Jan 99 87
9. Togawa Tall North Molucas Jan 99 89
10. Golatamo Tall North Molucas Jan 99 88
11. Kumo-B Tall North Molucas Jan 99 58
12. Babang Tall Bacan Island Apr 99 80
(Molucas)
13. Kupal Tall Bacan Island Apr 99 76
(Molucas)
14. Bibinoi Tall Bacan Island Apr 99 75
(Molucas)
15. Beber Tall West Nusa Tenggara Apr 99 72
16. Ijobalit Tall West Nusa Tenggara Apr 99 80
17. Tanjung Tall West Nusa Tenggara Apr 99 68
612
Date of Surviving
Planting palms
18. Rote Tall East Nusa Tenggara Sept 99 90
19. Palakahembing Tall East Nusa Tenggara Sept 99 82
20. Nita Tall East Nusa Tenggara Sept 99 80
21. Bawang Tall Riau Sept 99 11
22. Riau (Tekulai) Tall Riau Sept 99 90
23. Pangandaran Tall West Java Sept 99 90
24. Klambu Buruk Tall Riau Sept 99 80
Increasing the efficiency of embryo culture technology to promote

coconut germplasm collecting, conservation and exchange
A high percentage of mature embryos were lost due to browning. Results
showed that, regardless of the variety, the highest germination and
survival percentages of transplanted seedlings were noted using the
University of the Philippines at Los Baños (UPLB)-developed protocol.
However, Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD) embryos registered a high
germination percentage using the Central Plantation Crops Research
Institute (CPCRI) medium, showing a high number of roots among
surviving seedlings from in vitro transplants. Generally, the three coconut
varieties tested responded well with the UPLB protocol, especially on
the growth of germinated embryos. The incorporation of 60 ppm
gibberellic acid (GA)3 in the medium induced a higher percentage of
germination in transplanted seedling. The introduction of abscisic acid
(ABA) and GA3 into the medium resulted in increased germination in
mature embryos, but germination was lower in medium supplemented
with GA3 only.
The International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia

In its first meeting in 1992, COGENT’s Steering Committee proposed the
establishment of a multi-site ICG consisting of a regional genebank in
each of the five COGENT regions. One of the ICG site is located in Sikijang,
Pekanbaru, Riau Province, Indonesia, which would cater to the Southeast
and East Asia regions. The ICG is envisioned to:
1. Conserve the internationally, regionally and nationally identified
coconut genetic resources diversity;
2. Further assess the identified diversity, evaluate the performance
of the germplasm and distribute related information to COGENT
member countries;
3. Make available germplasm materials to interested COGENT
member countries in accordance with existing protocols; and
4. Conduct research and training to build up human resources
capacity related to coconut genetic resources development.
613
So far, 29 coconut accessions from eight provinces in Indonesia have

been established at the ICG-SEEA.
Strengthening the embryo culture capability for the ICG-SEEA

In terms of germination rate, embryos of different coconut varieties
responded differently as well. The highest germination percentage was
shown by the embryos of West African Tall (WAT), Polynesian Tall (PYT),
Rennel Tall (RLT), Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD), and Mapanget Tall (MPT)
using the UPLB protocol. However, the highest seedling survival rates
were recorded using the Philippines Coconut Authority (PCA) protocol.
Development of effective technology for the production of coconut

seedlings from the soft- endosperm ‘kopyor’
In March 2001, plant materials of Kopyor coconut were collected from
the farmers’ fields in Kalianda Region, Lampung Province. Forty seven
seednuts were harvested and sent as whole nuts to ICOPRI in Manado,
of which 40 embryos were found to be suitable for planting using culture
medium. These embryos were planted in the culture medium using the
upgraded embryo culture protocol. So far, eight seedlings produced are
ready for field planting.
Importation and growing of designated germplasm from COGENT

members countries for conservation in the ICG-SEEA
Activities undertaken included the preparation of chemicals, glassware,
equipment and labour for embryo culture work. ICOPRI received 927
coconut embryos of Malayan Green Dwarf (MGD) and Malayan Tall in
the form of cylindrical endosperm from MARDI on October 2002. The
MGD embryos have been cultured with a 70% germination rate. So far,
95 plantlets have been conserved in vitro, 95 embryos failed to germinate
while 84 embryos successfully germinated. On the other hand, 53 (73%)
of the Malayan Tall embryos have germinated while 73 remained
dormant. After hardening, these will be planted in the ICG-SEEA.
Farmer participatory research to identify varieties for multipurpose

uses, and evaluation of germplasm for sap and sugar production
This COGENT project, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD) aimed at identifying and conserving coconut genetic
resources to increase the small-scale farmers’ income and improve their
nutrition. Three main activities have been implemented: (1) farmer
participatory research to identify multipurpose uses of coconut and
suitable varieties for those uses, and identify production constraints to
enhancing farmer income; (2) promotion of smallholder production of
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sap from the hybrid PB 121 for sugar processing; and (3) evaluation of
coconut germplasm collection in Mapanget. For sap and sugar
production, farmer participatory research (FPR) was conducted in
Lampung, Riau, Central Sulawesi and North Sulawesi. Within the four
provinces surveyed, the local communities recognized 57 coconut
accessions, consisting of 37 Talls, 12 Dwarfs and 8 hybrids. Some
important opportunities identified include:
1. Potential diversified coconut-based high-value products;
2. Intercrops suitable for planting under coconut;
3. Genetic materials for coconut breeding and improvement
programmes; and
4. Local sources for high-quality planting materials.
Forty-one farmers’ varieties have been catalogued, 10 of which have good

potential for breeding and/or direct distribution. Improved technology
on sugar processing and packaging has also been developed in Lampung
Province which could increase farmers’ income by 4-5 times as compared
with the traditional income from copra production. Performance
evaluations of 12 varieties from Mapanget and Kima Atas Experimental
Garden in North Sulawesi were conducted on sugar processing. Two
accessions of the existing coconut germplasm evaluated exhibited high
potential for producing sap and sugar. These varieties are the Nias Green
Dwarf and Jombang Green Dwarf.
Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities

Based on socioeconomic surveys conducted among different coconut
growing communities in Indonesia, three were chosen as sites for the
implementation of an ADB-funded project on ‘Poverty reduction in
coconut growing communities’. The three pilot sites tested COGENT’s 3-
pronged strategy to reduce proverty, which includes:
• Increasing yields 3-5 times by introducing high-yielding and high-
value coconut varieties;
• Increasing incomes 5-10 times by producing high-value products
from the different parts of the coconut; and
• Increasing farm productivity 3-5 times through intercropping and
livestock/fodder production.
This was undertaken in three villages, namely Wori and Nonapan villages
in North Sulawesi Province and Huntu in Gorontalo Province, involving
748 farmers. Under the project, training was specifically geared towards
empowering resource-poor farmers and socioecomically disadvantaged
women, transforming them from being mere raw materials suppliers to
village-level entrepreneurs. Under the project, a total of 7504 local and
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introduced Tall (Mapanget) varieties from ICOPRI have been planted on

farm. For intercropping, the farmers planted corn, banana, peanut,
stringbean, egg plants, cacao, jackfruit, cassava, and pineapple. They
also produced poultry and livestock, especially swine and goats. Results
of the project showed that farmers increased their incomes by 2-3 times
through intercropping, livestock raising and producing high-value
products from coconut such as coconut virgin oil and nata de coco.
Production of hybrids
Tall x Tall Hybrids

A number of selected local Mapanget Talls (MPT) such as MPT no. 2,
MPT no 32, MPT no. 83 and MPT no. 99 have been crossed with each
other to produce high-yielding hybrids, primarily for copra production.
Some of these hybrids have been released in 1984 by the Ministry of
Agriculture, which include KB-1 (32 x 32), KB-2 (32 x 2), KB-3 (32x83)
and KB-4 (32 x 99). The other Tall x Tall hybrids produced were Tenga
Tall (TGT) x Tenga Tall (TGT), Tenga Tall (TGT) x Bali Tall (BAT), Tenga
Tall (TGT) x Palu Tall (PUT), Bali Tall (BAT) x Tenga Tall (TGT), Bali Tall
(BAT) x Bali Tall (BAT) and Bali Tall (BAT) x Palu Tall (PUT).
Dwarf x Tall Hybrids
KHINA hybrids
In order to produce coconut hybrids with high productivity and precocity,
the following crosses were made: Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD) x Tenga
Tall (TGT), Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD) x Bali Tall (BAT), Nias Yellow
Dwarf (NYD) x Palu Tall (PUT). These resulted in the KHINA hybrids,
namely: KHINA-1, KHINA-2 and KHINA-3, which were released in 1984
by the Ministry of Agriculture for distribution to farmers.
New coconut hybrids

To find coconut hybrids with high yield performance, early bearing and
require medium input, the following crosses were done: Raja Brown
Dwarf (RBD) x Mapanget Tall (MPT), Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD) x
Takome Tall (TKT), Bali Yellow Dwarf (BYD) x Mapanget Tall (MPT)
and Bali Yellow Dwarf (BYD) x Takome Tall (TKT).
Coconut hybrids suited to swampy areas

To find coconut hybrids with high yield performance, early bearing and
especially suited to swampy area conditions, the following crosses were
undertaken: Nias Yellow Dwarf (NYD) x Riau Tall (RUT), Tebing Tinggi
Dwarf (TTD) x RUT, and Salak Dwarf (SKD).
616
Coconut hybrids resistant to bud rot

Observations are being done on 25 coconut hybrids to assess their
resistance to the bud rot disease. Studies are still underway.
Looking ahead
A coconut breeding programme that would produce new varieties is the
priority of ICOPRI. The main objective of the programme is to produce
planting material on a large scale with desirable characteristics such as
early fruiting and high copra yield. The other preferred characters by
coconut farmers that will be incorporated into the genepool include: (1)
tolerance to drought; (2) adapted to tidal swampy area; and (3) resistance
to bud rot and nut fall diseases.
617

in Thailand
P Naka1 and K Jayashree2
1
Senior Scientist, Horticulture Research Institute (HRI), Department of Agriculture,
Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
2
Scientific Assistant, COGENT, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - Regional
Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
In Thailand, coconut plays an important role in the economy of the
country and in the daily life of the Thai people. Farmers use coconut in
various ways and maintain a wide range of varieties suited for different
uses. Its cultivation is a major source of employment, income and food,
especially for poor rural families. Owing to low income from traditional
products such as mature nut, copra and coconut oil, diversification into
alternative, high-value products is the country’s major approach in
helping increase farmers’ incomes.
Technical assistance for a coconut genetic resources network in Asia

and the Pacific Region (CGRNAP)
The technical assistance project was conducted from August 1994 to
July 1997 whereby the participating countries of the International
Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), including Thailand, had
to identify and collect important accessions, especially those that are at
risk to genetic erosion, and conserve these in their respective field
genebanks.
For Thailand, a total of 34 ecotypes were collected and conserved in
the national coconut genebank at Kanthuli, Thailand. Twenty existing
accessions in Chumphon Horticulture Research Centre (CHRC) were
also characterized and the data submitted to COGENT for inclusion in
the Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD).
Farmer participatory research on suitable varieties for multipurpose

uses, particularly for sap and sugar production to enhance farmer
incomes
In Thailand, coconut sugar is one of the most important ingredients in
local dishes and cannot be replaced by other similar products as it renders
a unique flavour. The purpose of this project was to refine the technology
618
for producing coconut sugar by enhancing its quality through: (1)

screening existing cultivars in farmers’ fields to identify suitable varieties;
and (2) evaluating Thailand’s national germplasm collection for high-
yielding sap for sugar production. The project had three components:
Component 1: Farmer participatory survey to identify production con-

straints, multipurpose uses and suitable varieties especially for sap and
sugar production
A farmer participatory survey was conducted in Samut Songkhram and
Samut Sakhon provinces where coconut sugar is mainly produced.
Among the Tall coconut varieties identified as suitable for sap and sugar
production were Thalaeba, Suricha and Saiboa, with an average yield
about four to six litres of fresh sap/palm/day, whereas Krati and Kheekai
variety produced three to four litres of sap/palm/day. These Tall varieties
were preferred by farmers due to their high sap yield per spathe as well
as for their strong leaf petiole to support tappers (sap collectors). Sawi
Hybrid No. 1 was also identified as a good variety for sugar production
because of its high number of spathe production and consistency of sap
yield. The survey also showed that Dwarf varieties such as Aromatic
and Green Dwarfs were also being grown for sap production.
Component 2: Improvement of technology for higher quality and produc-

tion of coconut sugar and technology dissemination to farmers
This activity was carried out to: (1) refine the existing coconut sugar
technology by improving the quality and production of granulated sugar
through improved packaging; and (2) train farmers in the production
and marketing of quality coconut sugar.
The study showed that with proper packaging, granulated coconut
sugar could retain its ideal moisture content and appearance for up to
60 days. It was also found that coconut sugar has higher Vitamin A and
sucrose content than sugar extracted from sugarcane. Under this
component, two economy-size kilns for sugar making were built in the
coconut farming communities of Village 5, Donyang Sub-district and
Village 6, Pakkhlong Sub-district. Farmers from these two villages were
successfully trained to produce and market quality coconut sugar.
Component 3: Evaluation of coconut germplasm accessions for sap and

sugar production
Under this component, Thailand’s national coconut germplasm
accessions were evaluated for sap and sugar production. They were also
characterized and the data submitted to COGENT’s Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD). Four coconut varieties (Thalaeba, CH60,
SW.1 and Nakhon) were further evaluated and compared for sap yield.
619
The results showed that Nakhon Tall and the hybrid SW.1 were the better
sap yielders of the four varieties studied.
Feasibility studies on coconut palm sugar and coconut shell handi-

crafts production and marketing
The studies were conducted from April to July 2000 by the Horticulture
Research Institute which assessed the technical feasibility, financial and
socioeconomic viability of producing and marketing coconut palm sugar
and coconut shell handicrafts. The aim was to come up with
recommendations for small- to medium-scale production modules for
high-value products that will directly benefit coconut farmers.
Coconut palm sugar

Coconut sugar in Thailand is produced for both the local and export
markets. Exports of the product have increased from 610 tonnes in 1995
to 1007 tonnes in 1999. Coconut sugar is exported to the United States,
Australia, Japan, United Kingdom, France, Canada, Saudi Arabia,
Germany, China (Hong Kong), Netherlands and Malaysia. Thus,
increased palm sugar production helps in boosting national economy.
In Thailand, coconut sugar is made mainly by home industries in
villages where coconut is grown. Coconut palms for sugar production
are mainly planted in the provinces of Samut Songkram (Amphoe
Ampawa, Bang kon tee, Muang), Samut Sakorn (Amphoe Ban paew),
Rajchaburi (Amphoe Wat pleng, Pagtoh) and Petchaburi (Amphoe Ban
Laem). The local varieties identified for coconut sugar include Moosri
(yellow and green), Aromatic coconut (Nam Hom), Nam Wan, Thale
Ba, Suricha, Saibuaw and Sawi Hybrid No.1. Coconut sugar production
is a labour-intensive industry with more than 54% of total cost attributed
to labour cost. According to field surveys conducted in Ratchburi and
Petchburi Provinces, it was found that the average gross income of a
coconut sugar farmer is about 25 071 baht/ha/year (US$ 604), with net
profit of 28% of gross sales. Based on the findings of this study, farmers
were encouraged to: (1) sell their product directly to the markets to cut
out the cost of intermediaries; (2) build a kiln to reduce labour costs; and
(3) plant suitable varieties that produce more sap or syrup.
Coconut shell handicraft

Coconut shell handicrafts such as necklaces, bracelets, bags, belts, ladles,
buttons, etc. are produced for both domestic and export markets. In 1999,
income from coconut shell handicraft production amounted to more than
45 million baht (US$ 1.1M). The main production areas of coconut shell
handicrafts are in Phattalung, Songkhla, Chumphon and Surat-thani.
620
Coconut shells for handicraft-making should be thick, round or globular

in shape. Among the suitable varieties for coconut shell handicraft-making
are Sawi Hybrid No.1, Thai Tall and West African Tall.
The feasibility study on the production and marketing of coconut
shell handicrafts carried out by the Khog Wuaw Group in Phattalung,
Thailand revealed that there was an increasing demand for coconut shell
handicraft especially in the international market. Coconut shell
handicrafts production had also contributed to the creation of more
employment opportunities for the people in rural areas and helped
increase their incomes, resulting to improved living standards in the
community (Naka 2000).
Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for a nation-

wide deployment of coconut-based poverty reduction interventions
in coconut growing communities
In 2001, surveys were conducted in coconut-growing regions of the
country to select project sites for deployment of coconut-based poverty
reduction interventions in coconut-growing communities using
COGENT’s 3-pronged strategy, which are: (1) to increase yields and
incomes by deploying high-yielding, high-value multi-purpose and
adapted coconut varieties and using locally produced seednuts and
embryo culture-derived seedlings; (2) to promote the production and
marketing of high-value coconut products from all parts of the coconut
and identify suitable varieties for these; and (3) to enhance food security
and nutrition through intercropping and livestock/fodder production
in a coconut-based farming system.
The site evaluators were required to ensure that the selected pilot
communities were poor but had the potential for poverty reduction
interventions. The pilot sites should preferably be characterized by low
economic development, extreme isolation and a very fragile ecology with
saline to brackish water, low soil nitrogen content, extreme agroclimatic
conditions and where coconuts were one of the main agricultural crops
grown.
Based on the criteria above, five communities were selected, namely:
(1) Ban Khog Wuaw coconut shell handicrafts production community,
Amphoe Muang, Phattalung Province; (2) Sang-Aron and Tapsakae
coconut farming community, Amphoe Taksakae, Prachab-kirikhan
Province; (3) Ban Chong Zai coconut shell handicrafts community,
Amphoe Muang, Chumphon Province; (4) Bangkrog coconut sugar
community, Amphoe Banleam, Petchaburi Province; and (5) Ban Kao
Roup Chang coconut shell handicrafts community, Amphoe Sadao,
Songkhla Province.
621
Enhancing incomes and reducing poverty in coconut growing com-

munities in Thailand
The main purpose of the project is to identify high-value products which
could generate income for resource-poor rural farmers and
socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Based on the technical,
financial, management and socioeconomic studies conducted under the
project, the five selected coconut communities in Thailand (Ban Khog
Wuaw Community, Sang-Aron Tapsakae Community, Ban Chong Zai
Community, Bangkrog Community and Ban Kao Roup Chang
Community) would serve as strategic model sites for training cum
demonstration of coconut-based income generating strategies for the
regional service area. The work was completed on 31 December 2000.
Three of these communities (Sang Arun Community in Prachab, Ban
Chong Zai Community in Chumphon and Ban Khog Community in
Phattalung) will be supported in the IFAD-funded poverty reduction
project of COGENT (2005-2008).
Application of COGENT’s upgraded coconut embryo culture proto-

col using three Thai coconut varieties
This project was carried out in June 2001 to undertake coconut embryo
culture and acclimatization research for three Thai coconut varieties;
and to further test the use of the upgraded coconut embryo culture
protocol. Under this project, Mr Somdej Woralakphakdee, a Thai
agronomist and coconut breeder, was trained on the use of the upgraded
protocol at the Albay Research Centre, the Philippines from 9 to 16
October 2000. Mr Somdej has further experienced the use of the upgraded
coconut embryo culture protocol to validate three Thai coconut varieties
(Thai Tall-Maphrao Yai, Thung Khled Dwarf and Chumphon hybrid
No. 2). Upon his return, he used skills gained to do embryo culture
research using local varieties.
Collecting, characterizing and conserving young tender coconut

ecotypes
A survey was conducted in 10 young tender coconut growing provinces
with the aim of collecting germplasm with diversified characteristics.
During the survey, it was found that two groups of the Green Dwarfs,
Aromatic coconut (Nam Hom) and Sweet water coconut (Nam Wan),
were widely grown on a commercial scale. However, other Dwarfs, such
as the Yellow, Red and Brown Dwarfs, were also found growing in home
gardens for drinking purpose. These varieties are considered rare and
endangered. A palm of the Nam Wan variety, characterized by a pink
mesocarp, was also found to be a rare variety. A total of 14 local Dwarf
622
accessions were collected and planted in the field at Chumphon

Horticulture Research Centre (CHRC).
References
Anonymous. 1987. The establishment of Khog Wuaw Group coconut
shell handcrafts community. Unpublished paper. 53p.
Centre for Agricultural Information. 2000. Cost of producing coconuts.
Office of Agricultural Economies, Bangkok, Thailand.
Chulapan Petchpiroon. 1995. Aromatic Coconut. Paper presented dur-
ing the ‘Young Tender Coconut Training Course’, 21 – 24 March
1995, Bangkok, Thailand.
Chomchalow, N. 1999. Amazing Thai coconut. Horticulture Research
Institute, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand.
Department of Agricultural Extension. 1995. Statistics of fruit trees.
Bangkok. Thailand.
Department of Agricultural Extension. 1999. Statistics of fruit trees.
Bangkok, Thailand.
Department of Business Economics. 2000. Export of Thailand: Palm sugar
statistics. Commerce Centre and the Thai Customs Department,
Bangkok, Thailand.
Department of Business Economics. 2000. List of palm sugar exporters.
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Department of Business Economics. 2000. List of coconut shell handi-
crafts exporters. Commerce Centre and the Export Promotion Cen-
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Department of Interior Trade. 2000. Wholesale price of coconut sugar in
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Kanchanapak, J. 2000. Feasibility study on marketing of Khog Wuaw
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nutrition of coconut smallholders in the Asia Pacific region. Unpub-
lished technical report. 35p.
Naka, P. 2000. Feasibility studies on coconut palm sugar and coconut
shell handicrafts production and marketing for Thailand coconut-
based processing and livelihood project, sustainable use of coconut
genetic resources to enhance incomes and nutrition of coconut
smallholders in the Asia-Pacific region. 56p.
623
Naka, P. 1996. Potential of producing sugar from coconut and require-

ment for varietal development. Paper presented during the work-
shop on the promotion of the multi-purpose uses and competitive-
ness of the coconut, 26-29 September 1996, Chumphon, Thailand.
Office of Banleam Agricultural Extension. 1996. Agricultural Develop-
ment in Amphoe Ban Leam, Petchaburi Province. Unpublished tech-
nical report.
Office of Banleam Agricultural Extension. 1999. Planning activity for
agricultural promotion in Amphoe Ban leam, Petchaburi Province.
Technical report. Department of Agriculture, Thailand.
Office of Wat Pleng Agricultural Extension. 1998. Agricultural informa-
tion on Amphoe of Wat Pleng, Rajchaburi Province. Technical re-
port. Department of Agriculture, Thailand.
Office of Trade. 1996. The variable cost of coconut sugar production.
Samut-Songkram, Thailand.
Office of Trade. 1999. List of melting coconut sugar plants and wholesal-
ers. Samut-Songkram, Thailand.
Petchpiroom, C and P Naka. 2000. Farmer participatory research on
farmer varieties and multipurpose uses and improvement of granu-
lated sugar quality from coconut to enhance farmer production lev-
els and incomes, and evaluation of coconut accessions for sap and
sugar production. Technical report submitted to IPGRI/COGENT.
Department of Agriculture, Thailand. 70p.
Supawadec. 2000. Production of young coconut. Department of Agri-
cultural Extension, Bangkok, Thailand. Pp. 16-17.
624

in Vietnam
VV Long
Director for Planning, Oil Plant Institute of Vietnam (OPI), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Introduction
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is considered the most important perennial
oil crop in Vietnam, with an estimated total cultivated land area of 250
000 ha. In Vietnam, the coconut and its by-products is the main source
of income for thousands of farmers and their families, especially in rural
areas. The crop is pivotal in the government’s national poverty reduction
programme and is considered as a strategic oil crop that has the potential
of earning much needed foreign exchange.
An average coconut holding in Vietnam is relatively small, about 0.2
– 0.3 ha. Coconut yields, as well as nut prices, are also quite low. Most
palms are currently affected by the coconut leaf beetle (Brontispa longissima
Gestro), resulting in low yields. Although a variety of high-value products
are being produced, marketing channels are not well-organized. Most
coconut farmers produce mostly whole nuts and copra and are suffering
due to low price of these traditional coconut products. Recently, the price
of coconut has been better because of the increased local demand (most
of which is then processed and exported) but even this price level is
unstable. High income generating technologies for producing high-value
products from the other parts of the coconut are not readily available for
all coconut growing communities. Another major problem facing coconut
producers and processors is the lack of access to capital for investing in
more modern and efficient coconut cultivation and processing
technologies.
On the other hand, Vietnam has a wide coconut genetic diversity
base with potential varieties for specific uses such as the Ta, Dau and
Bung Talls for oil production and making products by processing husk,
shell and water; and the Xiem and Tam Quan Dwarfs for tendernut
(drinking) production. High-value coconut varieties such as Sap
(Makapuno), Dua (Aromatic) also offer potential high-income
alternatives for coconut farmers.
Vietnamese farmers have extensive knowledge of and experience in
coconut cultivation under different agroecological conditions, especially
in the Mekong Delta. Most of them are organized into community-based
organizations (CBOs), which make the technology transfer of advanced
625
coconut-based farming system (CBFS) models and new high-income

generating, coconut-based techniques easier. Vietnamese farmers are also
very adept in producing high-value coconut fibre-based, shell-based and
wood-based products at the household and village levels.
Funds for coconut R&D activities are provided by the Vietnamese
Government annually. Coconut extension activities are also funded by
the central government as well as by the local or provincial government
units. International donor funding support for projects in Vietnam is
very important to help strengthen coconut research activities in the
country. Up to now, most funds from international donors like the Asian
Development Bank (ADB), the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD), and the Department for International Development
(DFID) have been provided through projects coordinated by the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute’s International Coconut
Genetic Resources Network (IPGRI-COGENT). Due to the vital role that
coconut plays in rural Vietnam, the Oil Plant Institute of Vietnam (OPI),
the government organization mandated to lead the development of the
coconut industry in the country, has been strongly supported by the
central and provincial governments as well as international organizations
like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to carry out various
coconut R&D programmes. Priority activities that OPI focuses on include:
breeding, germplasm conservation and management, improved
cultivation techniques and coconut-based farming system (CBFS), crop
protection and diversification of coconut-based products for sustainable
livelihoods and development.
Coconut germplasm collection and conservation

Forty-five coconut accessions have been conserved in the field genebank
in Dong Go Experiment Station following the guidelines provided by
IPGRI-COGENT. They include 11 exotic and 34 local accessions. Of these,
six are predominantly for oil and copra production adapted to alluvial
soils of the Mekong Delta; three for oil and copra production and tolerant
to the acid sulfate soil of the Mekong Delta; six for oil and copra
production in the sandy soil of the Central Vietnam’s coastline; six for oil
and copra production in the highlands and mountain areas of Central
Vietnam; four for oil and copra production in the industrial zones; one
for oil and copra production in the island area; four for drinking
(tendernut) for the Mekong Delta; and four rare and precious accessions.
In addition to ex situ conservation, in situ (on-farm) conservation has
also been applied to rare accessions.
626
Coconut embryo culture technique has been applied using COGENT’s

upgraded protocol for germplasm exchange and multiplication of the
true Makapuno nuts. Three local varieties: Eo Dwarf, Dua (Aromatic)
and Sap (Makapuno) were tested, showing that the protocol was suitable
for embryo culture of local coconut varieties. However, field planting of
the embryo culture-derived coconut plantlets has not been very successful.
Coconut germplasm characterization, evaluation and use

Passport and characterization data on all coconut accessions planted in
the field genebank have been collected and submitted to the International
Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD). Some of these germplasm
have been successfully used for producing high-yielding coconut hybrids
such as PB121, PB141, JVA1 and JVA2. Out of these four hybrids
produced by OPI, PB121, JVA1 and JVA 2 were recognized and approved
by the Vietnamese Government for large-scale dissemination to farmers
under its national coconut project.
Multipurpose uses of coconut germplasm and diversification of co-

conut-based products
Through ADB and IFAD-funded projects, the identification of suitable
coconut varieties for different purposes based on the market studies and
social research was conducted. Results showed that there were two main
purpose-specific uses of coconut in Vietnam: (1) oil extraction and by-
product processing; and (2) tendernut production (drinking). Suitable
coconut varieties for specific purposes or uses have been recommended
to farmers as a result of the germplasm characterization and evaluation
activities. The market survey of coconut-based products targeted three
main groups: consumers, enterprises and producers/sellers. The study
identified a close relationship among these market players. It also
identified the most marketable and acceptable high-value coconut
products derived from all parts of the coconut that can be produced by
the households and villages (products from coconut fibre such as doormat,
snowmat, geotextile, etc.; products from coconut wood such as
handicrafts; products from coconut shell such as handicrafts, shell
charcoal; products from coconut midribs such as basket, products from
coconut meat such as coconut candy, coconut paper etc.). OPI has also
helped in this area by recommending and disseminating to farmers
coconut varieties that are suitable for these identified products or use
such as the Xiem, Dua and Tam Quan (for drinking and for ecotourism),
and the Ta and Dau varieties (for oil production and by-product processing
listed above) as well as ecotypes and hybrids.
627
Meetings/ workshops
From 1999 to 2004, Vietnam has hosted five important COGENT-
sponsored meetings, including the annual meetings for the ADB and
IFAD-funded projects, the 8th COGENT Steering Committee meeting in
September 1999, the project inception and stakeholders’ meeting of the
ADB-funded ‘Poverty Reduction in Coconut Growing Communities
Project’ in February – March 2002 and the final ADB-funded project
meeting on Poverty Reduction in Coconut Growing Communities
(PRCGC) in September 2004. All these meetings were held in Ho Chi
Minh City and hosted by OPI.
Training and human resources development

From 1997 to 2004, four local OPI staff members were sponsored by
COGENT for capacity-building training in other countries on topics such
as coconut collecting and conservation, technical/proposal writing and
seminar presentation, coconut data analysis, embryo culture techniques,
standardized research techniques in coconut breeding (STANTECH), and
poverty reduction strategies in coconut growing communities. Two
project staff members were also given MSc and PhD scholarships related
to plant genetic resources (PGR). In 2001, six sets of Vietnamese- designed
coconut processing machineries were transferred to Bangladesh, the
Philippines, Indonesia, PNG with the help of consultants and to Kenya
and Malaysia. In 2003, one COGENT-sponsored training course was
conducted in Vietnam on ‘Communication, Documentation, Public
Awareness and Facilitation Skills Development’, which was held from
March 13-15 at OPI’s Headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City wherein 20
officers and staff from OPI and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural
Development (MARD) participated. Vietnam staff also conducted
training on coconut candy making in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines,
Fiji, PNG and Bangladesh.
Publications, scientific papers and public awareness materials

produced
Over the past years, a variety of papers and documents relating to coconut
genetic resources R&D and results of IPGRI-COGENT projects in Vietnam
have been compiled, published and widely disseminated for use in
training, public awareness and extension activities. These include posters,
brochures, handouts, books, video tapes, catalogues, manuals and
newspaper articles. The most notable include:
• Science report and catalogue of conserved coconut germplasm in
Vietnam;
• Catalogue of farmers’ coconut varieties in Vietnam;
628
• Manual and video on the production of high-value coconut fibre-

based products;
• Manual and video on the production of high-value coconut wood-
based products;
• Manual on the production of coconut-based candy and other con-
fectionaries;
• Catalogue of Vietnamese coconut food recipes;
• Brochures on recommended high-yielding and high-value coco-
nut varieties, models of intercropping and livestock production
and diversified coconut products from the meat, fibre, shell, wood
and leaves;
• Brochure on Brontispa longessima Gestro control on coconut;
• Manual on the techniques for coconut selection, nursery man-
agement and assisted pollination;
• Two videos on coconut production and processing; and
• Video documentation of the activities of the community-based
organizations (CBOs) participating in the ADB-funded PRCGC
project.
Assistance to Vietnam’s coconut genetic resources’ thrusts

From 1994 to 2000, five COGENT specialists visited Vietnam on five
technical assistance missions to:
• Assess the country’s coconut R&D capability and to assist the
national programmes in identifying common problems and op-
portunities for network collaboration;
• Identify marketable alternative coconut products and suitable
coconut varieties;
• Evaluate Vietnam’s coconut germplasm using COGENT’s collect-
ing and conservation strategies;
• Assist in setting up a laboratory and embryo culture experiments;
• Conduct studies to identify strategies and interventions to enhance
farmers’ incomes and reduce poverty in the coconut growing com-
munities of the country;
• Conduct training on technical writing, seminar presentation and
public awareness; and
• Conduct marketing survey on coconut high-value products.
In addition, COGENT also assisted Vietnam in preparing project

proposals and identified donors, including foreign embassies and
international organizations in Ha Noi, to replicate COGENT’s poverty
reduction project in the country.
629
Interpretation of significance or impact of outputs

The biggest impact of the COGENT projects’ outputs is that farmers now
believe in their coconut crop. They can get income higher than before by
doing many activities such as selecting and planting high yielding and
high-value coconut varieties (HV), intercropping, livestock production
(with biogas production), HV products from meat, fiber, shell, midribs,
as well as conserving their indigenous coconut germplasm for long term
use. The results were that income of coconut farmers in the project sites
increased 2-3 times (in some cases even by 4 times).
Government authorities, including departments of agricultures & rural
development, department of industry, trade and tourism, associations of
women and farmers, economic and social affairs, etc. really paid attention
with high appreciation to the COGENT – funded projects’ in Vietnam.
Actually, coconut is now classified as a commodity that have comparative
advantage to the country due to its significant contribution to the
economy, society and environment.
COGENT-funded project sites really became demonstration sites for
generating incomes from coconut and proved that coconut farmers need
not be poor even with limited resources if they applied COGENT’s 3-
pronged strategy on poverty reduction combined with their diligent
working and support from the community. Many foreign delegations
from Mexico, Malaysia, Ivory Coast, Kenya, PNG, the Philippines, etc.
and from international donors such as Inter-American Development Bank
(IADB) also visited and studied Vietnam’s experiences on coconut R&D.
Positive change in the way coconut is viewed in Vietnam from

the agricultural and industry sectors’ perspectives
The ‘picture’ of coconut in the country has changed considerably. Due
to continuous efforts and gains in coconut R&D through the different
initiatives of OPI and its partners, many people now consider coconut as
the ‘tree of prosperity’ because of the stable and increased incomes derived
from coconut production and processing activities. As a result, the
government has implemented measures to retain and even increase the
area devoted to coconut, thereby preserving precious coconut germplasm
that are otherwise in danger of genetic erosion (i.e., farmers have
previously cut down their coconut trees to give way to more valuable
fruit trees). In industries, demand for high-value products such as
desiccated coconut and activated shell charcoal, among others, in both
local and international markets has been so high that factories for these
products, particularly in Ben Tre and Tra Vinh Provinces (the first and
second largest coconut growing provinces in the country), have been
experiencing a shortage in coconut raw materials. In fact, two coconut
630
factories in Ben Tre Province alone use about 100 million coconuts per
year to sustain production levels! More factories are planned to be
established in other provinces, although the same raw material shortfall
scenario is expected.
Social, economic and psychological impact on coconut farmers

As support for coconut is increasing in the country and the crop’s
relevance to alleviating poverty in the rural areas is becoming more
evident, coconut farmers are now more and more convinced that coconut
is indeed the ‘tree of life and prosperity’. For them, coconut can provide
stable incomes throughout the year as compared to other fruit crops.
Hence, they do not want to cut down palms anymore as they previously
did when coconut prices and support were down. They are planting
more coconuts because they are now more aware of the crop’s economic,
social and ecological importance. Coconut farmers now understand that
they need not be poor as there is great potential for diversification of
coconut-based products which could give them more income and other
non-monetary benefits. In some areas of the country, particularly in the
Mekong Delta, the coconut tree is indispensable as it contributes
significantly to viable multi-cropping systems, especially those involving
shade-loving food security and cash crops.
Overall improvement of Vietnam’s coconut industry

Advancements in coconut R&D in the country, particularly on production
and processing, have translated to significant improvements in Vietnam’s
coconut industry. For example, VOCARIMEX, a state company
producing and trading in vegetable oils, has substituted 60% of its total
vegetable oil production with coconut oil. In addition, coconut has
increasingly contributed to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings from
exports of high-value coconut products to markets in Asia, Europe and
the United States. Ironically, this has led to problems in raw materials
supply, pushing the prices of coconuts up, which, in retrospect, is good
for coconut farmers as they now earn more from their crop.
Enhanced internal capacity (infrastructure and human resources) of

OPI
Through R&D activities and projects on coconut genetic resources as
supported by the national government and IPGRI-COGENT, human
resource capacity of OPI has considerably been improved through training
and post-graduate (MSc and PhD) degree programmes. This has helped
a lot in keeping coconut genetic resources-related activities in Vietnam
at par with neighbouring coconut growing countries. Likewise, research
631
facilities have also been upgraded consistent with the staff capacity level.
These have been decisive factors for the success of projects undertaken
by OPI in collaboration with its partners since 1994 and up to the present.
Contribution to global coconut research

Through IPGRI-COGENT, Vietnam has transferred coconut-based
processing technologies to other countries in the form of equipment,
machinery, publications and training. Vietnam has so far exported locally-
designed coconut fibre processing equipment and technologies to six
countries (Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea,
Malaysia and Kenya). Mexico is currently negotiating for one set of this
equipment for replication and distribution to its coconut farmers. Manuals
on the production of coconut fibre- and wood-based high-value products
as well as on coconut candy-making from the kernel have been provided
to COGENT for use in related training in the network’s 38 member
countries, particularly for coconut-based poverty alleviation interventions
in poor coconut growing communities.
Bilateral and multilateral cooperation have also been strengthened.
Projects have been initiated and/or completed between Vietnam and
other countries and international organizations such as the Australian
Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) on coconut
embryo culture for germplasm exchange, the FAO on coconut Brontispa
control, the FAO regional project on wet – processing coconut oil
(involving Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar), with Instituto Nacional
de Investigaciones Forestales Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP) of Mexico.

To sustain the gains achieved in coconut genetic resources R&D and its
applications in Vietnam, the following future endeavours are suggested:
1. Continue the support from international organizations for coco-
nut research and development activities in Vietnam. This would
help the country effectively maximize the available potential of
coconut, help improve the plight of poor coconut farmers and
enhance the sustainable development of coconut in particular and
Vietnam’s agricultural sector in general;
2. Continue the support for human resource capacity development
(long term and short term) in coconut R&D. This also includes
experience sharing and technology exchange particularly on co-
conut production and processing among coconut producing coun-
tries of COGENT;
3. Conduct more intensive and specialized coconut research activi-
ties (e.g. molecular marker, chemical research on food and non-
632
food coconut-based products, product diversification, etc);

4. Continue the support for maintaining and evaluating the avail-
able coconut germplasm in the existing genebanks as well as for
exploring and collecting more precious and rare coconut varie-
ties to complement the national coconut collection; and
5. Augmenting Vietnam’s coconut genetic resources through impor-
tation of desirable varieties for breeding from COGENT member
countries.
633

Malaysia
AW Fong 1, N Kalitu2 and 3K Jayashree
1
Research Officer, Ulu Dusun Agriculture Research Station, Department of Agriculture
(DOA), Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
2
Research Officer, Menumbok Coconut Station, Department of Agriculture (DOA),
Menumbok, Sabah, Malaysia
3
Scientific Assistant, COGENT, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - Re-
gional Office for Asia, the Pacific and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor,
Malaysia
Introduction
In Malaysia, coconut ranks the fourth most important crop in terms of
area planted, after oil palm, rubber and rice, respectively. In 1981, the
total area planted to coconut was 409 348 hectares, but in 1995 it
drastically declined to 248 380 hectares, which represent about 5% of
the country’s total agricultural land area. As in the rest of the countries
in the Asia and Pacific region, smallholders, with an average farm size
of 2.8 ha, dominate coconut production in the country, producing about
93% of the total coconuts in the country. It is estimated that a total of 90
000 farm families are involved in coconut production.
The local demand for the crop is mainly in the form of fresh nuts,
coconut oil and processed products such as desiccated coconut and
coconut cream. Despite the shrinkage of the area under coconut, the
country is still a net exporter of coconut products. In 1995, exports were
valued at about RM 165.2 million (US$ 43.5 million), primarily in the
form of coconut oil, desiccated coconut, copra and fresh whole nuts.
Imports of coconut and related products, on the other hand, amounted
to RM 77 million (US$ 20.3 million). However, over the years, the
international prices of copra dropped, which resulted in a corresponding
decrease in coconut cultivation and production. The competition for land
for oil palm planting and infrastructure development also significantly
contributed to the reduction of coconut hectarage in the country. All of
these factors have, therefore, endangered the coconut genetic resources
of the country.
To mitigate this situation, the Malaysian Government, primarily
through the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute
(MARDI), collaborated with a number of international coconut R&D
organizations, particularly International Plant Genetic Resources
Institute/International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (IPGRI/
634
COGENT), to undertake research and development activities aimed at

improving the country’s coconut genetic resources.
COGENT-coordinated research activities conducted and re-

sults/outputs produced
Further collecting and ex situ conservation of coconut germplasm

and characterization of existing germplasm collection
The main purposes of this collaborative activity were to: (1) train personnel
on collecting and characterization procedures according to the
Standardized Research Techniques in Coconut Breeding (STANTECH)
manual; (2) collect and conserve coconut germplasm in the states of
Kelantan and Terengganu; (3) collect and conserve coconut ecotypes from
drought areas in the state of Sabah; (4) characterize existing coconut
germplasm collection at MARDI-Hilir Perak Station and in the
Department of Agriculture (DOA)-Sabah; and (5) submit passport and
characterization data at the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Database (CGRD).
A research officer from DOA-Sabah was trained in the collecting
and characterization procedures for coconut germplasm based on the
STANTECH Manual in Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines from 30 August
to 10 September 1999. Seednuts of less known ecotypes, namely ‘kelapa
ringan’, ‘kelapa hijau’, sweethusk and spicata were collected in Kelantan
and Terengganu States and sown in MARDI’s Research Station in
Jerangau. Seven ecotypes of drought-tolerant Tall cultivars were collected
from Sabah, the seednuts of which were sown in polybags at the nursery
in Ulu Dusun Agriculture Research Station. Characterization data of 26
accessions from MARDI- Hilir Perak and 47 accessions from DOA-Sabah
have been submitted to the COGENT’s CGRD.
Sustainable use of coconut genetic resources to enhance incomes

and nutrition of coconut smallholders in the Asia-Pacific region
The project aimed to: (1) identify multipurpose uses of the coconut in
households, farms and domestic markets; (2) identify the varietal
preferences of coconut farmers; (3) identify coconut production
constraints; (4) undertake intercropping technologies and trials; (5)
conduct a market survey of coconut-based products; (6) conduct a
profitability analysis of different coconut-based intercropping models;
and (7) transfer improved technologies to farmers.
Kelapa hijau (green coconut), kelapa dadeh (same as Makapuno),
kelapa rambai (spicata), kelapa sabut manis (sweet-husked coconut) and
kelapa besar (big coconut) were identified as the preferred varieties of
635
farmers. It was also found out in the survey that the oil produced from
the green coconut has medicinal properties. The main constraints to
coconut production were senile coconut palms, low prices of coconut
and lack of workers in the farm. To address this, it was recommended
that a comprehensive replanting programme be implemented to replace
the old palms with high-yielding varieties and hybrids, and request the
government to peg the farmgate price for coconut. From the profitability
analysis and market survey, it was determined that banana, lime and
pineapple, in that order, are the best intercrops for coconuts. The
technologies generated from this project have been disseminated to
coconut farmers.
Deployment of coconut-based poverty reduction interventions in

coconut growing communities
In 2001, surveys were conducted nationwide to select project sites for a
nationwide deployment of coconut-based poverty reduction interventions
in coconut-growing communities using COGENT’s 3-pronged strategy
of:
1. Increasing yield and incomes through the deployment of high-
yielding, high-value multi-purpose and adapted coconut varie-
ties, and using locally-produced seednuts and embryo cultured
seedlings produced locally and internationally;
2. Promoting the production and marketing of high-value coconut
products from the meat, husk, shell, water, wood and leaves and
identifying suitable varieties for these uses; and
3. Enhancing food security and nutrition through intercropping and
livestock/fodder production.
The evaluation was carried out to ensure that the selected coconut-
producing communities were indeed poor but have the potential for
poverty reduction. The identified sites are economically underdeveloped,
isolated and ecologically fragile. The communities have saline and
brackish water, low nitrogen soil, high average temperature and prone
to typhoons. On the other hand, the coconut farmers interviewed in these
sites have shown much interest in the project and the interventions to be
introduced, particularly on the processing of coconuts into high-value
products. Based on the survey, eight communities were selected as pilot
project sites: Hutan Melintang, Telok Baru, Rungkup, and Bagan Datoh
in Perak; Kampung Baru and Kampung Tengah, in Selangor; and Sikuati
and Matunggung in Kudat, Sabah.
636
Validation of the COGENT-upgraded coconut embryo culture hybrid

protocol
Training and research grants were provided to five countries (Bangladesh,
Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines) to test and refine, under
local conditions, COGENT’s upgraded coconut embryo culture protocol
which was previously developed through the Department for
International Development (DFID) funding by combining the good
qualities of three protocols (developed in the University of the Philippines
at Los Baños and the Philippine Coconut Authority’s Albay Research
Centre, Philippines, and the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute,
India). The three local Malaysian coconut cultivars tested were supplied
by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) Sabah, namely Malayan Red
Dwarf (MRD), Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) and Sabah Local Tall
(SBT).
The research revealed that the germination rates of the embryos were
low for all the test cultivars. Non-germinating embryos were highest for
MRD (43.3%), followed by SBT (22%) and MYD (19.3%). Contamination
was high in all of the cultures and this problem needs to be addressed.
The plantlets that survived were transferred to polybags and sent to the
greenhouse. To date, the average survival rate in the greenhouse is about
12%. This high mortality rate in the greenhouse was due to inexperienced
handling of the acclimatization of coconut plantlets as this was the first
attempt to do such work.
Farmer participatory research on farmers’ varieties and multipurpose

uses of coconut, and evaluation of improved intercropping models
Farmer participatory research to identify multipurpose uses of coconut

and suitable varieties for these uses to enhance farmers’ income
Farmer Participatory Research was conducted to identify multiple uses,
varieties planted and production constraints of the coconut community
in Sabah. The identified coconut farmers’ varieties were documented and
a catalogue containing 60 coconut recipes was compiled to give general
information on how the use of coconut can be maximized.
Evaluating coconut-based intercropping technology models as potential

strategies for increasing farmers’ income and promoting germplasm con-
servation in coconut farms
An intercropping trial was established at Kg. Kumbatang Kudat with
the aim of increasing farm income and promoting in situ germplasm
conservation. Crops such as pineapple, vegetables, fruits, maize and
banana performed well as intercrops in a coconut-based farming system.
637
The experimental plot established at Sikuati also served as a demonstration

plot.
Future activities
Maintenance and evaluation of coconut germplasm. The existing
conserved population will be evaluated and propagated as planting
materials. Besides evaluating for their yields, traits or characters for
specific purposes will be assessed.
Maintenance and dissemination of the results. Dissemination of the

research results to the farming community will be intensified through
training and setting up of demonstration plot in the State of Sabah.
Improvement of coconut-based farming system. Integrated farming

system is one of the recommended strategies to improve the economic
status of the farmers. The economic feasibility of such integrated system
should be studied further. High- value crops should be identified and a
marketing system for the farm produce should be developed.
638

the Philippines
C Carpio1, E Manohar2, E Rillo3, C Cueto4, O Orense5, MB Areza-Ubaldo6 and AR
Alfiler7
1
Deputy Administrator for Research, Development and Extension, and 2Senior Science
Research Specialist, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Elliptical Road, Quezon
City, Philippines
3
Scientist, 4Senior Science Research Specialist, 5Coconut Breeder, 6Science Research
Specialist and 7Division Chief, Entomology - Epidemiology Division, Philippine
Coconut Authority – Albay Research Centre (PCA-ARC), Banao, Guinobatan, Albay,
Camarines Sur, Philippines
Introduction
The Philippines has a total land area of 300 000 sq km, stretching 1839
kilometres from north to south, and is located off the southeast coast of
Asia. Its 7107 islands make the Philippines one of the largest island groups
in the world.
The Philippine coconut industry for so many years now has been
heavily dependent on the production of traditional products mainly
copra, coconut oil and copra cake. In fact, 90% of the total production
goes to copra and coconut oil, which comes from only 35% of the whole
nut. The other 65% - the husk, water, and shell - are underutilized.
Processing procedures have been stagnant for decades and presently the
Philippine coconut industry is losing market ground to other vegetable
oils. Unless this trend is reversed, the Philippine coconut industry would
certainly be doomed. While major headways have been attained in the
area of agricultural research and development (R&D) especially on
increasing production through varietal improvement, integrated coconut-
based farming systems and integrated pest control, research efforts to
focus on new sources of income from product diversification, improved
product quality and new technologies to enhance the competitiveness of
the industry have been more of an academic exercise. As such, these
achievements in coconut R&D have not contributed meaningfully in
strengthening the market position of the industry, thus seriously putting
the industry’s growth and development in a precarious situation.
The Philippine’s coconut area is estimated at 4.09 million hectares,
with most areas comprised of small landholdings with an average farm
size of 3.6 ha. However, 72% of these landholdings are below 3.0 ha
(Batugal and Oliver 2003).
639
Coconut genetic resources in the Philippines

Currently, the Philippines has 224 coconut accessions listed in the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD) of the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT). The
Research, Development and Extension Branch of the Philippine Coconut
Authority (RDEB-PCA) reported that there are 16 coconut varieties
registered with the Philippine National Seed Industry Council (NSIC),
while there are 15 registered coconut hybrids.
The national coconut yield level is 39 nuts/tree per year or 0.781 t of
copra/ha per year (Table 1). Meanwhile, PCA’s Zamboanga Research
Centre (PCA-ZRC), in it’s RDEB Annual Report 2000, reported that tall
coconut populations attained copra yields ranging from 4.93 –13.68 t/
ha, with Salambuyan (SALT), Aguinaldo (AGDT), Baybay (BAYT) and
Gatusan (GATT) eclipsing the 10-tonne mark. Dwarf coconut population
achieved copra yields ranging from 5.58 – 13.78 t/ha with 10 Dwarf
accessions exceeding the 10 t mark. For the PCA-recommended hybrid
varieties, annual copra yield per hectare reached between 4.0-6.0 t.
Average nut production per tree per year in the farmers’ field is 52.
Table 1. Coconut area, number of bearing trees and total nuts gathered by region,
Philippines (CY 1999 - 2000)
(Source: Batugal and Oliver 2003)
Coconut area No. of bearing palms Total nuts harvested
REGION (in ‘000 ha) (in ‘000) (in ‘000 000)
1999 2000 1999 2000 1999 2000
CAR 0.23 0.23 48.00 48.00 0.73 0.68
Ilocos Region 10.58 10.72 2276.00 2284.00 17.81 19.02
Cagayan Valley 7.72 9.72 1333.00 1343.00 37.69 47.95
Central Luzon 3.13 3.45 177.00 218.00 5.59 5.51
Southern Tagalog 734.13 746.93 59 149.00 59 074.00 1999.25 1955.12
Bicol 667.08 655.49 28 233.00 28 233.00 1124.11 1146.84
Western Visayas 123.80 123.49 10 114.00 9678.00 342.57 400.87
Central Visayas 156.24 156.16 12 638.00 12 565.00 304.25 298.96
Eastern Visayas 618.88 619.02 53 793.00 53 793.00 1551.01 1544.81
Western Mindanao 404.18 402.86 35 024.00 35 267.00 1331.85 1378.14
Northern Mindanao 231.92 231.92 14 820.00 17 677.00 546.77 564.83
Southern Mindanao 491.12 491.11 43 857.00 43 857.00 3338.76 3323.44
Central Mindanao 118.34 118.34 11 416.00 11 416.00 425.03 419.70
CARAGA 265.21 261.88 16 417.00 16 354.00 519.67 491.86
ARMM 258.60 258.80 26 319.00 26 319.00 958.90 901.38
TOTAL 4091.16 4090.12 315 614.00 318 126.00 12 503.99 12 499.11
640
PCA’s genebank in Zamboanga is considered to be one of the most

important germplasm repositories of local and foreign coconut ecotypes
in the world, where 224 coconut accessions are being maintained. Eleven
accessions are of foreign origin, such as the West African Tall (WAT),
Rennel Island Tall (RIT), Gazelle Peninsula Tall (GPT), Markham Valley
Tall (MVT), Vanuatu Tall (VTT), Karkar Tall (KKT), Malayan Red Dwarf
(MRD), Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD), Equatorial Guinea Green Dwarf
(EGD), Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SGD) and Aromatic Green Dwarf
(AROD). The introduced materials make it possible for the country to
participate in the planned global coconut-breeding programme of
COGENT.
Like other countries, Tall varieties dominate the areas planted to
coconut. The major Tall populations grown in the country are Laguna
(LAGT), Bago-Oshiro (BAOT), Baybay (BAYT), Makapuno (GUZT), San
Ramon (SNRT), Tagnanan (TAGT) and Hijo Tall (HJT). The Dwarf
varieties include Catigan (CATD), Tacunan (TACD), Kinabalan (KIND)
and Aromatic (AROD).
Apart from the 11 introduced accessions, 22 are hybrid/line
collections. The first three locally-produced hybrids, namely PCA 15-1
(CATD x LAGT), PCA 15-2 (MRD x TAGT) and PCA 15-3 (MRD x BAYT),
were mass-produced using the assisted pollination breeding technique
for the planting/replanting programme of the PCA. Other hybrids
produced which were also registered with the National Seed Industry
Council (NSIC) are PCA 15-4 (CATD x TAGT), PCA 15-5 (CATD x
BAOT), PCA 15-6 (CATD x PYT), PCA 15-7 (MRD x PYT), PCA 15-8
(TACD x BAOT), PCA 15-9 (TACD x TAGT), PCA 15-10 (TACD x LAGT),
PCA 15-11 (TACD x WAT), PCA 15-12 TACD x RIT), PCA 15-13 (MRD
x LAGT), PCA 15-14 (MRD x BAOT) and PCA 15- 15 (CATD x BAYT).
These hybrids were selected based on their outstanding and stable yield
performance as well as economic profitability (Santos et al. 2000).
Registered local Dwarf and Tall varieties are CATD, TACD, BAYT, TAGT
and BAOT. The local Tall Baybay is recommended as planting material
while promising varieties like TACD, CATD, AROD, MRD, RIT and
Baybay are used for seednuts propagation.
In an attempt to try new breeding methods to produce an open-
pollinated variety (OPV), the PCA is introducing the Syn Var 001,
nicknamed ‘GMA Coconut Variety’, or technically known as Genetically
Multi-ancestored Farmers Coconut Variety, which is considered as the
hybrid of hybrids. The base populations are the F1 hybrids originating
from six Tall populations, which were found to possess good general
combining ability. GMA is an open or cross-pollinating population of
highly heterozygous individual palms. Farmers can use the succeeding
641
seed generation for subsequent planting and this will make the coconut
farmers more self-reliant in the production of their own hybrid seednuts.
Recently, two Philippine Dwarf varieties, Galas Green Dwarf (GALD)
and Tacunan Green Dwarf (TACD) passed the international standards
set by the C&A Products Co., Ltd. of Thailand for young tender coconut.
These were found to be better than the famous Thai aromatic varieties
Nam Hom (HOM) and Nam Wan (WAN). A recent addition to the PCA
genebank is a rare coconut called ‘Tutupaen’ or ‘Tupa’, whose shell is so
thick that it’s almost as thick as its meat. Nuts from the ‘Tutupaen’ are
not consumed due to superstitious belief that once eaten, the shell will
become brittle. Debris from the ‘Tupa’ tree is also buried for the same
reason (Calub 2002). ‘Tutupaen’ nuts are used solely for ‘Tupa’, a local
throw-and-hit game wherein the players involved try to hit the opponent’s
nut while it is rolling. The first nut to crack or break is declared the loser
regardless whether it is the roller’s or the hitter’s.
Research activities conducted and results/ outputs produced
Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities in the Philippines

In 2002, COGENT, in collaboration with PCA selected three pilot
communities in the Philippines to implement the ADB-funded ‘Poverty
Reduction in Coconut Growing Communities’ project. Subsequently, one
community-based organization (CBO) was identified in each community
to undertake the project’s component activities. The three selected
community-based organizations were: 1) Malapad Integrated Livelihood
Cooperative (MILCO) in Real, Quezon; 2) Bahay Patol Agrarian Reform
Beneficiaries-Multi-purpose Cooperative (BPARB MPC) in Caliling,
Negros Occidental; and 3) Linabu Coconut Planters Association (LCPA)
in Linabu, Misamis Oriental.
The three CBOs had a total of 383 members, 55% of which are female.
Another satellite community was added during the second year of project
implementation with the 357 members of the Fleischer Estate Integrated
Marketing Cooperative (FEIMCO) serving as project participants. This
satellite community was established in Maitum, Saranggani. Since 2002,
about 1496 participants attended various training on coconut nursery
management and plant propagation, CBO and microcredit management,
processing high-value coconut-based products, livestock /feed production
and intercropping, among others. Some farmers and women attended
two or more training activities.
Some 334 farmers and women were involved in livestock/poultry
production trials consisting of chickens, swine, cattle, and in raising
honeybees and fishes; 321 farmers and women are involved in
642
intercropping various food security and cash crops with coconut; and
219 are engaged in processing high-value coconut-based products such
as handicrafts and food products. Some farmers and women are engaged
in two or more income generating activities. Aside from copra, fresh nuts
and toddy, other new high-value coconut products being produced are
virgin coconut oil, shell handicrafts, pyroligneous alcohol, sugar, vinegar
and various food items from kernel like ‘buko-pie’, ‘bukayo’, boat tart
and macaroons. These activities have increased farmers’ incomes by 2-3
times.
More than 200 farmers and women were involved in the operations
of the community-based nurseries. There were seven community-
managed nurseries established during the project, five were solely coconut
nurseries and two were integrated nurseries for coconut, fruit trees and
other crops. These nurseries produced a total of 28 174 seednuts of various
coconut varieties, some were introductions from the government’s
Coconut Research Stations and others were taken from selected high-
value high-yielding coconut palms in the locality. These local varieties
were characterized, identified and paint-marked during the
characterization done with the help of PCA using a participatory farmers’
variety characterization process and COGENT’s standardized coconut
breeding techniques (STANTECH) protocol. About 23 000 seedlings have
been planted by the CBO members in the project sites as part of strategy
to promote on-farm conservation of coconut diversity. The nurseries have
also produced more than 7000 seedlings of mixed species of forest and
fruit trees.
The country project has published and distributed seven technoguides,
four CBO project fact sheets and published one article in a national
monthly magazine. It has made presentations and briefings to seven
meetings, conferences and televised interview. The project has distributed
12 technoguides from the PCA’s recent research outputs. This public
awareness campaign is envisaged to generate interest from the
government, private sector and other development organizations to
provide support, either in expansion of activities within the current project
sites or in replicating similar project in other coconut growing communities
in the country. It was also aimed at promoting viable technologies that
can help other farmers to increase their farm productivity and income.
Encouraged by the initial successes, the project will be replicated in Nabas,
Aklan; Tanjay, Negros Oriental; Sanchez Mira, Cagayan; and Biliran,
Biliran.
643
Coconut embryo culture and somatic embryogenesis

With the aim of improving, standardizing and upgrading the coconut
embryo culture protocol, the Tissue Culture Division of PCA at the Albay
Research Center led a COGENT-funded collaborative project to enable
the mass production of the soft-endosperm Makapuno; rescue of Lono
varieties; and develop a reliable protocol for micropropagation of superior
coconut palms through somatic embryogenesis.
The use of improved coconut embryo culture protocol ensured a
conversion rate of at least 50% from embryo to field-ready palms when
used for the mass production of Makapuno planting materials and rescue
of Lono embryos. Recent findings of Australian Center for International
Agricultural Rresearch (ACIAR)-funded project showed that three
months old embryo cultured coconuts are capable of autotrophic
development and can already be established ex vitro. The use of soil-coco
coir dust mix (1:1) as soil support and a humidity tent which provide
large headspace for the plants during soil establishment resulted to 100%
survival of three month old seedlings.
The establishment of selection criteria to identify highly competent
callus lines (HCCL) which possess high potential to convert into somatic
embryos had a significant result of the current research on clonal
propagation of coconut. Modification of the cultured media and cutting
of cultures into smaller pieces successfully multiplied the HCCL. The use
of higher sugar level resulted to clumps of individualized globular calli
which are deemed as desirable starting materials for induction of high
quality somatic embryos.
The increased success rate of Makapuno embryos through the
upgraded protocol, assured augmented supply of embryo-derived
Makapuno planting materials for the coconut farmers. Current activities
to shorten the Makapuno embryo culture cycle from 8-12 months to 6-9
months is expected to cut back the production cost by approximately
30%. This finding will reduce the current price of embryo cultured
Makapuno closer to the buying capability of small coconut farmers. The
continuous production of Lono bearing palms using embryo culture
technique will pave the way for establishing Lono type plantation in
PCA-Albay Research Center.
The establishment of selection criteria to identify HCCL will guide
researchers to pinpoint the correct cultures to nurture. The identification
of proper treatments to multiply and ensure desired development of these
HCCL and the ongoing search for media additives will ensure their
conversion to somatic embryos though a reliable micropropagation
protocol for coconut. Normal development is so far observed on field-
planted clones derived from inflorescence and plumule reducing the
644
probability of somaclonal variation on these clones. Once developed,

the clonal propagation protocol will pave the way for the availability of
superior coconut planting materials.
Development of molecular diagnostics for Coconut Cadang-cadang

Disease: Application of biotechnology to coconut crop protection in
the Philippines
Cadang-cadang is a fatal disease of coconut found mainly in the Bicol
Peninsula, Masbate, Catanduanes, Samar and in isolated areas in Quezon.
It is caused by a viroid referred to as the Coconut Cadang-cadang Viroid
(CCCVd). Economic losses arise from the cessation of nut production on
diseased palms. The presence of the disease has also caused problems in
international trade of coconut products from the Philippines.
There is no direct method of control for the CCCVd. As Cadang-cadang
develops slowly in coconut palms, diagnosis by symptoms alone is often
unreliable particularly at a single observation. Since viroids do not code
for any protein nor are they encapsidated by protein, serological methods
cannot be used for viroid screening. However, since viroid structure and
pathogenecity are governed by the nucleotide sequence, nucleic acid tests
are ideal for disease indexing.
Studies were done to develop diagnostic tests to facilitate studies
geared towards the establishment of appropriate preventive control
measures. Simple, sensitive and rapid assay techniques for sample
preparation, viroid purification and detection were developed and
standardized to achieve best results in Cadang-cadang diagnosis.
Electrophoretic techniques detect viroids on the bases of size and
thermodynamic properties. Modifications have been done to simplify/
miniaturize the procedure and at the same time improve its sensitivity.
Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) using slab gels allowed
optimum resolution of CCCVd and its sequence variants. Gel staining
using silver nitrate instead of toluidine blue increased detection sensitivity
more than 100 times.
A one-tube Reverse Transcriptase/Polymerase Chain Reaction (PT/
PCR) analysis has also been developed for CCCVd detection. A system
was designed where all the components necessary for both reverse
transcriptase and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are combined in a
single tube, and two reactions carried out sequentially in a single thermal
cycling programme. The antisense DNA primers selected for use in the
PCR also serve to prime specifically for the reverse transcription. Although
more expensive that the other techniques, it provides a rapid, specific
and highly sensitive diagnostic technique for detection of CCCVd and
related viroids.
645
The diagnostic techniques for CCCVd have been applied for regular
indexing of palms used in CCCVd transmission, epidemiology, molecular
variation, resistance screening and host range studies. Intensive
monitoring of CCCVd spread and distribution is now made easy even in
remote survey sites. The availability of simple, reliable and cost efficient
disease diagnosis techniques has facilitated the development of various
avenues for disease control. Early detection on symptom-less palms and
those at the very early stage of the disease have provided more accurate
epidemiological data. In the absence of specific control measures for
Cadang-cadang, early detection followed by eradication (cutting and
burning) of disease palms will help minimize the spread of infection.
CCCVd mutation in the field can be recognized and monitored effectively.
Exploration into disease resistance and tolerance, vector control and mild
strain protection can now be pursued.
The developed molecular techniques have also been used to satisfy
quarantine requirements related to Cadang-cadang (i.e. verification of
possible CCCVd contamination in coconut-based food and non-food
coconut products for export). Molecular hybridization assay confirmed
the absence in CCCVd in the solid and liquid endosperm as well as in
food products obtained from the coconut meat and water. Products and
by-products from the coconut meat and water, therefore, do not provide
any risk of disease transmission. Although CCCVd has been detected in
coconut husk, by-products from mature husk (coir and fiber) are also
risk-free as the husk is composed of practically dead tissues and the viroid
cannot survive the additional exposure to processing conditions.
References
ing communities, Volume III: Project achievements and impact. IPGRI-
APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia. Pp. 40-43.
COGENT. 2004. COGENT Newsletter Special PRCGC Edition, Septem-
ber 2004. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Hanold, D. 1998. Diagnostic methods applicable to viroids. Pp. 27-39.
In: D Hanold and J Randles (eds). Report on ACIAR-Funded Research
on Viroids and Viruses of Coconut Palm and Other Tropical Mono-
cotyledons, 1985-1993. ACIAR Working Paper No. 51, August 1998.
Canberra, Australia.
Namia, MTI, MJB Rodriguez and LP Estioko. 1998. Diagnosis of cadang-
cadang by rapid polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Pp. 40-43. In: D
Hanold and J Randles (eds). Report on ACIAR-Funded Research on
Viroids and Viruses of Coconut Palm and Other Tropical Monocoty-
646
ledons, 1985-1993. ACIAR Working Paper No. 51, August 1998.

Canberra, Australia.
Prudente, RA. 2003. Developing sustainable coconut-based income-gen-
erating technologies in poor rural communities in the Philippines.
Pp. 128-152. In: P Batugal and JT Oliver (eds). Poverty reduction in
coconut growing communities, Volume I: The framework and project
plan. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Rodriguez, MJB. 2002. Determination of CCCVd contamination in un-
processed/processed coconut export products. Paper presented dur-
ing the National Review on Cadang-cadang Researches, 16 May 2002,
PCA-Albay Research Center, Banao, Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines.
Rodriguez, MJB. 2002. Development of molecular diagnostic techniques
for Coconut Cadang-cadang Viroid (CCCVd). Paper presented dur-
ing the National Review on Cadang-cadang Researches, 16 May 2002,
PCA-Albay Research Center, Banao, Guinobatan, Albay, Philippines.
647

in China
L Tang1 and Z Ma2
Professor and 2Director, Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical
1
Agricultural Science (CRICATAS), Hainan Province, China
Introduction
In China, because of the cold weather, coconut palms can only grow in
the country’s southern parts, mainly in Hainan Province, parts of Yunnan
Province and in Guangdong Province. A few coconut palms are
sporadically distributed in Guangxi Province in the southwest and Fujian
Province in the southeast (Li Yuandao 1988). The total area under coconut
in the country is about 70 000 hectares.
Two main factors hinder the development of the coconut industry in
China: (1) the long and economically unproductive growing period; and
(2) the low economic return on a per unit area basis (Mao Zushun 1998).
Therefore, it is essential to breed improved varieties and to adopt a
sustainable farming system to strengthen the development of coconut.
Since 1994, some international collaborative projects spearheaded by
the Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical
Agricultural Science (CRICATAS) had been implemented in China, with
the support of the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute’s
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (IPGRI-COGENT),
with funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). These projects
include technical missions, training courses, meetings, workshops and
coconut-related research activities.
Research activities conducted

Under the projects supported by COGENT, 17 accessions of cold-tolerant
coconut germplasm in Hainan, Yunnan and Guangdong Provinces were
collected, evaluated and conserved. These accessions include 14 Hainan
Tall (HNT), two Yunnan Tall (YNT) and one Guangdong Tall (GDT).
Hainan Tall was collected from Hainan Island, considered the main
coconut growing area in China, which is close to the northern marginal
limit latitude 20oN for coconut palms. It is a site of particular interest to
coconut breeders for screening cold-tolerance. On the other hand, the
YNT materials came from Yunnan Province, one coming from Jinhong
City (22oN, precipitation 1148 mm, mean temperature of 22 oC) and
another from the Olive Dam area (21.7oN, precipitation 1540 mm, mean
648
temperature of 21.9oC). Most of the coconut palms in these areas have

good average yields, even higher than that in Hainan Island. The GDT
came from the southern part of Guangdong Province, close to Hainan
Island. There are a few districts in the province such as in Xuwen (20.2oN,
precipitation 1218 mm, mean temperature 23.2oC) where coconut palms
can grow normally. Their behaviour is almost similar to those growing
in Hainan Island, but palms in farther inland bear fewer nuts.
All the accessions mentioned above are conserved in the coconut
genebank of CRICATAS in Wenchang City of Hainan Island. Part of the
passport and characterization data has been submitted to the International
Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD). The rest of the data,
including molecular markers, would be submitted as soon as they are
completed.
With support from the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD), CRICATAS documented the different intercropping
practices in China as well as from other countries. These were aimed at
recommending suitable intercropping patterns, making a systematic
study and disseminating intercropping techniques to smallholder farmers
to enhance their on-farm incomes. Meanwhile, some of the more
successful intercropping technologies documented are being applied in
CRICATAS’ coconut genebank to generate financial support for the
genebank’s maintenance. This has resulted in a well-maintained and
expanded genebank which houses not only the cold-tolerant varieties
collected in China but also varieties obtained from other countries. Under
the IFAD-funded project, the following activities were undertaken:
1. Conducted a market survey to identify and quantify marketable
products from intercrops;
2. Reviewed and documented promising coconut intercropping prac-
tices in China and abroad, and based on these observations, for-
mulated suitable intercropping technologies for Hainan Island;
3. Established intercropping trials and evaluated the patterns of se-
lected intercropping technologies in the coconut seedgarden in
Wenchang;
4. Conducted a cost and return analysis of these intercropping tech-
nologies and formulated a recommendation on a coconut-based
farming system to generate funds to support the coconut
genebank as well as to help farmers’ increase their on-farm in-
comes;
5. Evaluated the social and economic benefits of the project to the
community;
6. Trained smallholders on different intercropping techniques in new
and existing coconut plantations;
649
7. Conserved and used newly collected cold-wind-resistant coco-

nut genetic resources by intercropping to make full use of land
and other farm resources; and
8. Disseminated and deployed economically-valuable coconut di-
versity, developed new and diversified high-value products and
recipes.
Under the project funded by Department for International Development

(DFID) of the UK, a framework was established and project sites were
selected for deployment of coconut-based poverty reduction interventions
in coconut growing communities using COGENT’s 3-pronged strategy
in Hainan, China.
In 1994, a coconut expert was sent by COGENT to China to assess
the country’s R&D capability as well as assist the national programme in
identifying common problems, opportunities and projects for network
collaboration. In addition, two CRICATAS technical staff were sponsored
by COGENT in 1999 and 2001 to undergo training in coconut data
analysis and on the use of the STANTECH (Standardized Research
Techniques in Coconut Breeding) manual, microsatellite kit and dedicated
software.
Project results/outputs
The results of ADB-funded COGENT projects show that the predominant
coconut varieties grown in China are the local Talls, which are
morphologically diverse. Further studies revealed that China did not have
local Dwarf types. Therefore, for purposes of hybrid production, some
high-yielding Dwarf varieties from other countries have been introduced
to be used as female parents.
Among the local Talls, green-brown is the common colour of the
seedling sprouts, leaf stalks, inflorescence and the immature fruits. When
the fruits are young (six to nine months), their colour is often pale green
or brown. These local Talls usually have the biggest nuts, thickest and
tallest stems, widest canopies and longest leaves among all the coconut
varieties found in the country. They are also very tolerant to diseases,
hurricanes and cold. The weight of fresh fruit ranges from 1.5 to 4 kg;
whereas the dried fruit is about 1 to 2.5 kg. The nut shape is round, with
most palms producing green-coloured fruits except a few that yield
reddish or brownish nuts (Mao Zushun 1986; Tang Longxiang 1999).
Luc Baudouin of the Centre Institut de Recherche Agronomique pour
le Developpement (CIRAD) analysed HNT as well as other Talls from
Southeast Asia, specially those from Vietnam, Thailand, Kampuchea and
Malaysia, using microsatellites (Baudouin 2002) .
650
In search for materials that are highly-tolerant to cold and/or drought,

it was recognized that no other coconut producing country in the world
has the same diverse ecological condition as that prevailing in Hainan.
The IFAD-funded projects helped to identify and establish effective
coconut-based farming systems and deploy coconut diversity through
the following activities:
1. Identification of marketable and profitable intercrops/ intercrop com-
binations under coconut such as cocoa, grass (as feed), vegetable,
horticultural flowers and plants, banana, areca, tea, areca, pepper,
maize, peanut, litchi and mango;
2. Establishment of coconut intercropping trials in the seedgardens of
CRICATAS. Different types of grass were interplanted between young
and mature coconut palms. Results showed that grass grew well under
coconut, and that the coconut palms also grew better compared with
non-intercropped palms. Other successful intercrops identified in-
clude vegetables, especially hot pepper (chillies). Under mature co-
conut palms (15 years old), cacao, which has a large potential de-
mand in China, grew well;
3. Conduct of studies on socioeconomics of intercropping, which re-
vealed the following:
• Provision of additional income. The long unproductive period
(5-7 years) before coconut palms start to bear fruits makes
intercropping more attractive as a feasible alternate and interim
source of income from young coconut plantations. Intercropping
also leads to a higher cash return than from pure stands of coco-
nut. Additional income from intercrops is particularly useful when
there is a loss in coconut yields due to drought, cold wave, pests
and diseases infestation, etc.
• Increased employment prospects. Labour required for maintain-
ing coconut is generally low, and therefore intercropping could
generate additional employment by increasing the utilization of
farm labour throughout the year.
• Safety net against market risks. The variety of crops introduced
by intercropping could ensure at least a partial guarantee against
market risks and price fluctuations of the coconut crop as farm-
ers would have more alternatives as to what type of crop could
be marketed profitably given a specific season or time of the year.
4. Conduct of agronomic desirability studies of coconut intercropping;
• Better water retention. Because of the shade provided by coco-
nut stands, evaporation of water is considerably reduced there-
fore allowing intercrops to survive better with less irrigation de-
mand.
651
• Improved soil fertility. Organic matter is built up in the soil by

the addition of coconut debris, leaf litter, pruned material and
post harvest by-products of intercrops. Benefits are more pro-
nounced in coconut/cocoa system, coconut/grass system and
coconut/vegetable system. These benefits are primarily due to the
increased activity of useful microbes in the soil such as phosphate
solubilizers and nitrogen fixers, which is heightened further by
the favourable eco-climate.
• Soil erosion control. In high rainfall areas, particularly in the
southeastern part of Hainan Island, intercropping proved to be
effective in checking soil erosion in coastal sandy soil, which com-
prises a large proportion of intercropped coconut holdings (about
80%) on the island.
• Better weed control. Intercropping better controls the spread of
weeds in the spaces between stands in coconut lands as the eco-
nomically useful crops replace the weeds and contributes to de-
creasing cost of cultivation.
• Coconut as a shade tree. Coconut palms, usually the Tall varie-
ties, often serve as an economic shade tree, particularly for shade-
loving crops such as cacao, coffee, black pepper, ginger and some
types of grass.
5. Publication of Catalogue of High-value Coconut Products, which
contains and discusses the main coconut-based products produced
in China, including their production processes and their marketing/
pricing; would accelerate technology adoption.
6. Identification of new project sites for replication of coconut-based
poverty reduction projects. Five coconut growing communities have
been selected as new project sites for deployment of coconut-based
poverty reduction interventions using COGENT’s 3-pronged strat-
egy. A total of 313 coconut farmer families were surveyed and socio-
economic data on these communities have been generated. Through
these surveys, the poverty situation, constraints, opportunities and
appropriate interventions have been defined and analyzed, which
will be addressed in the next COGENT-funded project.
Significance or impact of output

China’s coconut genetic resources, which are small compared to other
coconut-producing countries in the world, are nevertheless very important
because of their diversity. The collecting, evaluation and conservation of
the country’s indigenous and exotic coconut resources has enabled China,
through CRICATAS, to cooperate closely with the other member countries
of COGENT, contributing to the enrichment of available coconut breeding
materials.
652
Findings of agronomic and socioeconomic studies, particularly related

to on-farm technological interventions to increase coconut farm
production, would greatly enhance future projects focused on helping
coconut farmers increase their incomes and thereby reduce their poverty.
Results of intercropping studies would also significantly help coconut
producers make effective and efficient use of their land.

1. There is a need for China to increase its current coconut germplasm
collection in order to conduct more studies to develop the country’s
coconut genetic resources as well as to meet current and future breed-
ing requirements. Therefore, promising Dwarf varieties from other
countries, which could very well serve as female parent in breeding
and hybrids production, must be procured and introduced;
2. More characterization and evaluation data of local varieties, espe-
cially for cold and wind, would be collected and submitted to the
CGRD;
3. To help coconut farmers, successful intercropping technologies would
be deployed and new technologies to produce high-value coconut
products would be developed; and
4. Relevant international coconut meetings, workshops and training
courses should be organized in China.
References
Li Yuandao. 1988. Cultivation of coconut. Guangdong Science and Tech-
nology Press. Guangzhou, China.
Mao Zushun. 1986. Brief introduction of coconut varieties in Hainan
Island. Forum proceedings of Chinese tropical crops, Danzhou, China.
Mao Zushun. 1998. Coconut. Pp. 323-397. In: Cultivation of Chinese
tropical crops. Chinese Agriculture Press, Beijing, China.
Tang Longxiang. 1999. Development of coconut varieties in China. Sci-
ence and Technology of Tropical Crops 4:56-58.
Baudouin, L. 2002. Study on genetic resources status in Hainan-China,
Report of a visit, 12-18 December 2000. CP SIC No.1505. CIRAD-
CP, Montpellier, France.
653

in Côte d’Ivoire
JL Konan
Head, Coconut Research Programme, Centre National de Recherche Agronomique
(CNRA), Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Introduction
After the Second World War (1939-1945), there was an increased global
demand for oil. To meet this demand, many research institutes dealing
with oil crops were formed all over the world, particularly in Africa
(Benin, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania). In Côte d’Ivoire, the Centre
National de Recherche Agronomique (CNRA) is in charge of agronomic
research nationwide. Work conducted by CNRA concerns several crops
including coconut.
The Coconut Programme of CNRA is based at its Marc Delorme
Research Station in Abidjan in the southern part of the country. About
1000 ha are available for implementing research activities on coconut,
which include germplasm, breeding, agronomy and physiology, crop
protection, technology and biotechnology.
Much work was carried out in developing the coconut genetic
resources of the country, thereby making coconut one of the top perennial
crops in Côte d’Ivoire.
To achieve the objectives of the CNRA’s Coconut Programme, 53
coconut varieties were introduced from 1967 to 1986. Research activities
were implemented mainly in collaboration with the French Government.
The success of the projects carried out on coconut is attributed to factors
such as social and political stability as well as the absence of serious disease
infestations.
Since 1996, the germplasm collection in Côte d’Ivoire became the
centrepiece of the International Coconut Genebank for Africa and the
Indian Ocean (ICG-AIO). The memorandum of agreement formalizing
the establishment of this ICG was signed in 1999 between the International
Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) of the International Plant
Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire
through CNRA, with the Food and Agriculture organization of the United
Nations signing as trustee..
In 1970, the Côte d’Ivoire government initiated a nationwide
campaign to encourage farmers to plant more coconuts and maximize
654
the use of the crop. To date, the total area planted is estimated to be 50
000 ha. However, the development of the coconut sector has been
generally limited due to many constraints, such as:
• Resistance of farmers to adopt and utilize high-yielding coconut
hybrids;
• Non implementation of agronomic techniques developed by sci-
entists;
• Occurrence of drought in the eastern and the central parts of the
country where most coconuts are planted; and
• Lack of product diversification, especially for high-value prod-
ucts.
Based on these factors, CNRA set the objectives of its Coconut Programme
as follows:
• Select and promote adapted and high-yielding varieties, especially
those tolerant to biotic and abiotic stresses;
• Initiate appropriate agronomic and crop protection methods to
develop the potential of the coconut as a commodity crop;
• Develop appropriate techniques to promote product diversifica-
tion and processing into high-value products; and
• Provide technical assistance to coconut farmers and training to
students.
Research activities
To effectively implement its activities, the CNRA Coconut Programme
collaborates with many local and international institutes and
organizations such as with IPGRI/COGENT, the Bureau for the
Development of Research on Tropical Perennial Crops (BUROTROP) and
the Centre de coopération internationale en recherche agronomique pour
le développement (CIRAD) being its most strategic partners. Some of the
CNRA’s most significant projects on coconut genetic resources
development in recent years include the following:
• Management of coconut genetic resources. From 1967 to 1986, 53
varieties from the entire inter-tropical zone have been introduced.
The establishment of the ICG-AIO and exchange of genetic materials
proposed by countries like Sri Lanka are envisioned to increase the
number of accessions in the ICG. Presently, 92 accessions are con-
served in the field. Morphometric observations are regularly conducted
according to the guidelines set in the STANTECH (Standardized re-
search techniques in coconut breeding) Manual. A rehabilitation pro-
gramme to replace old and senile stands (20 to 30 years old) initiated
in 1988 is ongoing. Recently IPGRI/COGENT, with funding from
655
the Global Crop Diversity Trust, is supporting the regeneration of 50

accessions in the ICG-AIO.
• Improvement of coconut production. Based on recurrent reciprocal

selection, two types of hybrids have been developed: Dwarf x Tall
and Tall x Tall (Bourdeix et al. 1988, 1991). The general and specific
combining abilities of the main populations of the collection are be-
ing tested using the same scheme.
• Research for tolerance against Lethal Yellowing Disease (LYD).

Thirty (30) varieties and hybrids from CNRA have been tested for
resistance to LYD in collaboration with Ghana (under the country’s
coconut sector development project). So far, seven trials have been
conducted (Konan and Allou Kouassi 2002). Although the disease is
absent in Côte d’Ivoire, a team of scientists from CNRA regularly
visits the trials in Ghana to monitor the disease and to develop
strategies for control in the fields. In the future, more varieties and
hybrids from CNRA will be tested in infested zones in Ghana.
• Varietal improvement for drought tolerance. Physiological charac-

teristics and production performance under drought conditions of
young and old coconut varieties and hybrids are currently under study
at Marc Delorme Research Station (Konan 1997; Repellin 1994;
Repellin et al. 1994). Results of this study would help determine what
varieties or hybrids would be most appropriate for planting in
drought-stricken areas. Additional data from drier areas are still be-
ing collected to confirm initial results.
• Multilocation trials to identify suitable coconut hybrids and varie-

ties for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean (1999-2004): Seven
countries, namely: Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Tanzania, and Mozambique
in Africa; Mexico and Brazil in Latin America; and Jamaica in the
Caribbean, are involved in the implementation of this Common Fund
for Commodities (CFC)-funded project, which is a collaborative un-
dertaking between, IPGRI-COGENT, CFC and the Portuguese (fund-
ing Mozambique) Governments. As of 2003, all the participating coun-
tries have tested 10 hybrids, six of which were produced from Côte
d’Ivoire (Konan 2002). The project is aimed at identifying the hy-
brids or varieties suited to a particular agronomic condition existing
in a country.
• Improvement of collection and genetic data management. Data col-

lected from genetic resources experiments and germplasm evalua-
656
tions are registered in obsolete software (i.e., IGK and Predec). This
project aims to transfer these data into new, more efficient databases
(i.e., CGRD, CDM, Geneclass) developed by CIRAD. Current data
are now being entered into these new databases.
• Biotechnology. Activities concerning this area are conducted in col-

laboration with CIRAD and the Institut de Recherche pour le
Developpement (IRD) based in Montpellier, France. These involve
molecular characterization of genetic resource (Lebrun et al. 2001),
in vitro culture of embryos (Assy Bah 1986) and cryopreservation. In
April 2003, with funding from IPGRI/COGENT, Dr Jean-Louis
Konan, head of the CNRA Coconut Programme and Mr Jean-Noël
Kouame, a graduate student, were trained on coconut genetic re-
sources management and analysis using microsatellite kit and dedi-
cated statistical software. Through a research grant from IPGRI/
COGENT, the microsatellite technique is presently being applied at
the CNRA biotechnology laboratory. It is hoped that other regional
members of ICG-AIO would be trained on the use of the technique in
the future.
• Intercropping coconut with acacia. Since 1984, several leguminous

species were evaluated for soil fertility improvement in the coastal
areas. Studies have shown that Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis
are the best species to improve the fertility of sandy soils of such ar-
eas. Intercropping Acacia with the coconut hybrid PB121 increased
the production of coconuts by 10-fold (at least 10 000 nuts/ha) as
compared to 1000 nuts/ha yield without Acacia (Zakra et al. 1996).
The intercropping technique is being promoted to re-establish coco-
nut plantations along the coastal areas.
• Development of biological techniques against Oryctes monoceros.

Different chemicals have been traditionally used for controlling
Oryctes (Kouassi et al. 2002), which is very expensive for farmers and
dangerous to the environment. CNRA studies have shown that
pheromone could be used to control Oryctes in coconut fields, which
is more effective and cheaper than using inorganic products. A simi-
lar technique is being developed against Rynchophorus.
• Diversification of processed coconut products. Coconuts produced

in Côte d’Ivoire are mainly exported either as copra or as oil. Other
parts such as the husk, shell, water, wood and leaves are not being
fully utilized. Processing techniques are being developed to maximize
657
and diversify the use of these parts, specifically to produce high-value

products.
Research results/ outputs and their significance

• Research studies to increase coconut productivity in Côte d’Ivoire
have led to an increase in copra production per unit area from an
average of 0.6 t/ha/year to 4 t/ha/year in agro-industrial planta-
tion. In the research station, the production is now more than 5.5 t/
ha/year (Bourdeix et al. 1992);
• The high-yielding hybrid PB121, which was produced in the coun-
try, is believed to be the most widely adopted variety;
• Coconut experiments by CNRA have identified two varieties, Sri
Lanka Green Dwarf and Vanuatu Tall, as being highly tolerant to
LYD in Ghana. The CNRA is now producing hybrids using these
varieties as parents for propagation in Ghana to check the spread
and destruction of the disease;
• Based on the results of agronomic studies, Puerarria and Acacia are
being intercropped with coconut to increase production. Coconut
husks, which are traditionally regarded as farm waste, are now be-
ing used as mulch and organic fertilizer. These technologies are be-
ing transferred to farmers for eventual application in the field; and
• Many crop protection techniques developed in Côte d’Ivoire (e.g.
mechanical, chemical or biological controls, etc) have contributed to
increasing the productivity of the coconut.
Future plans
To further strengthen research activities to meet the increasing demand
of the coconut sector in the country, CNRA would undertake the
following activities in the next few years:
• Increase its collection by 200 accessions by procuring new mate-
rials from other countries;
• Increase the collection in the ICG-AIO through in vitro conserva-
tion and duplicate the site at Sassandra, located 300 km from the
present site;
• Continue with its multilocation hybrid trial to select high-yield-
ing hybrids adapted to different agro-climatic conditions;
• Continue to improve data collection and information manage-
ment system using CGRD, CDM and Geneclass databases;
• Conduct further studies to improve the tolerance of coconut
against LYD, in collaboration with Latin America and Caribbean
(LAC) countries affected by the disease (i.e., Ghana, Mozambique,
Tanzania, Jamaica and Mexico);
658
• Further promote the adoption of coconut-Acacia intercropping

systems to restore soil fertility and increase coconut productivity
in the country’s coastal areas;
• Conduct further studies to improve crop protection techniques
(i.e., use of pheromones against Oryctes, use of phosphoric acid
against Phytophthora, etc.);
• Introduce new techniques into coconut selection scheme;
• Develop new technologies to further promote the processing and
diversification of coconut products;
• Improve in vitro culture and cryopreservation techniques to main-
tain coconut germplasm health;
• Establish more collaboration and partnerships with national and
international organizations to further develop the country’s co-
conut sector;
• Develop new coconut seed production techniques suited to small-
scale farmers and communities; and
• Produce more publications and public awareness materials on
coconut to generate more support for research activities on the
crop.
References
Assy Bah, B. 1986. Culture in vitro d’embryons zygotiques de cocotier.
Oléagineux 41(7): 321-328.
Bourdeix, R. 1988. Efficacité de la sélection massale sur les composantes
du rendement chez le cocotier. Oléagineux 43: 283-285.
Bourdeix R., J Meunier and YP N’Cho. 1991. Une stratégie de sélection
du cocotier. II. Amélioration des hybrides Grand x Grand. Oléagi-
neux 46(7): 267-282.
Bourdeix, R, J Meunier and YP N’Cho. 1991. Une stratégie de sélection
du cocotier (Cocos Nucifera L.) III. Amélioration des hybrides Nain x
Grand. Oléagineux 46(10): 361-374.
Bourdeix, R, YP N’cho and A Sangare 1992. Le PB121 amélioré.
PALMECHOS 11p.
Konan, JL. 1997. Contribution à l’amélioration de l’adaptation à la
sécheresse du cocotier (Cocos Nucifera L.) par des études biologiques
et physiologiques ; thèse de doctorat, 94 pages. Université nationale
de Cote d’Ivoire.
Konan, JL. 2002. Multilocation trials to identify suitable hybrids and va-
rieties for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. Annual project
report submitted to COGENT. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Malaysia. 12p.
Konan, JL and A Kouassi. 2002. Jaunissement mortel du cocotier: Rap-
port de mission au Ghana projet FSP/PIC (4-10 Mars 2002). 19p.
659
Kouassi, A, JP Morin and D Rochat. 2002. Amélioration de piégeage

olfactif de Oryctes monoceros (Olivier) (Cleoptera, Dynastidae)
ravageur du cocotier et de palmier à huile en Côte d’Ivoire. Sixième
Conférence Internationale sur les Ravageurs en Agriculture, 4- 6
Décembre 2002, Agro Montpellier. Annals AFPP Tome I. Pp. 259-
302.
Lebrun, PL, L Baudouin, R Bourdeix, JL Konan, JHA Barker, C Aldam,
A Herran and E Ritter. 2001. Construction of linkage map of the
Rennell Island Tall coconut type and QTL analysis for field charac-
ter. Genome 44: 962-970.
Repellin, A. 1994. Influence du déficit hydrique sur la physiologie des
palmes de diverses variétés de cocotiers (Cocos Nucifera L.); évolution
des paramètres hydriques, des échanges gazeux et de la composition
lipidique des membranes. Thèse (Dr en Biologie végétale tropicale),
Université Paris, 7 Denis Diderot. 242p.
Repellin, A, C Daniel and Y Zuily Fodil. 1994. Intérêt des tests
physiologiques dans la caractérisation du comportement de différentes
variétés de cocotiers soumis à la sécheresse. Oléagineux 49(4): 155-
169.
Zakra, N, A.M. Domenach and A. Sangare. 1996. Bilan positif de
l’association cocotiers/Acacias pour la restitution de l’azote, de la
potasse et du magnésium. Plantation, Recherche, Développement 3
(1): 39-44.
660
Africa and Indian Ocean

in Ghana
SK Dery1, J Owusu Nipah2 and F Ofori3
1
Director of Crop Services, 2Breeder and 3Former Director of Crop Services, Ministry of
Food and Agriculture, Accra, Ghana
Introduction
The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) was introduced into Ghana probably
from the Cape Verde Island around the 15th century (Harries 1977). The
cultivation of coconut as an estate crop was initially concentrated around
Keta, in southeast Ghana, from where it spread to the rest of the country
(Wills 1962).
Coconut is considered to be a very important economic crop in the
coastal regions of Ghana, especially in the rural communities, and is fast
gaining popularity in many peri-urban communities where it is grown
mainly for its refreshing water.
has been a key player in efforts to enhance the conservation and utilization
of Ghana’s coconut genetic resources.
Research activities, results and significance
Training
COGENT’s involvement in Ghana’s coconut research and development
started in 1997 with the sponsorship of a coconut breeder (Mr Owusu
Nipah) to participate in the Regional STANTECH (Standardized research
techniques in coconut breeding) Trainer’s course for Africa in Abidjan,
Côte d’Ivoire. The course was very timely and important as the
characterization and even the nomenclature of coconut varieties in Ghana,
to say the least, were chaotic. Different departments were using different
characters to describe the same variety and then proceeded to give
different names. The course gave Ghana the opportunity and the
technical knowledge to harmonize research methodologies in breeding
and agronomy.
On his return, Mr Nipah organized two training courses for coconut
researchers and technical officers in Ghana on the use of the STANTECH
Manual and the International Coconut Genetic Resources Database
(CGRD). These training sessions formalized and unified terminologies
and methodologies in coconut R&D in Ghana. Information provided by
661
the CGRD, which is updated periodically by COGENT, has also given

the country’s researchers invaluable knowledge about coconut germplasm
around the world which can be easily accessed for coconut R&D needs
of the country. In the future, Ghana intends to characterize all of its
coconut germplasm and incorporate the data generated into the CGRD.
Technical assistance
In March 1998, COGENT sponsored a trip by a coconut expert, Dr YP
N’Cho, to Ghana to help the country identify its coconut research and
development needs, and to formulate an Africa/Indian Ocean coconut
regional project proposal, which led to the development of a research
proposal on Lethal Yellowing Disease (LYD).
In terms of coconut research, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture
has conducted research on drought resistance and started characterizing
the Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SGD) x Vanuatu Tall (VTT) hybrid which
Ghana is screening for LYD tolerance.
Although the regional project is yet to be launched, the
characterization of SGD x VTT is progressing steadily and should this
hybrid prove to be tolerant to LYD, its yield performance will be further
evaluated.
Completed/ongoing projects
In May 2001, Ghana, with support from COGENT, undertook a research
entitled ‘Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for the
nationwide deployment of coconut-based poverty reduction interventions
in coconut growing communities’ using COGENT’s 3-pronged strategy
for increasing farmers’ incomes. The project was funded by the
Department for International Development (DFID) and the Government
of Ghana.
This project was strategic as its objectives were to determine the
income levels of coconut farmers, the types of products they produce,
varieties cultivated and the farming systems in place. These were
determined to enable the deployment of appropriate technologies for
poverty alleviation in coconut farming communities.
The study showed that coconut farmers were mainly illiterate and
poor with incomes ranging from US$ 42.83 to US$ 142.32 a year. Reasons
for these low incomes were the low yields in farmers’ fields (in some
cases as low as 1.76 t/ha/yr) and that farmers produced only coconut
oil. Gender bias was also observed, with 84.7% of farm owners being
male. The study also identified high-value coconut products that farmers
were interested to produce to augment their incomes (Dery et al. 2001).
Based on the results of this study, a subsequent project entitled
‘Developing sustainable coconut-based income generating technologies
662
in poor rural communities in Ghana’ was prepared and submitted to

COGENT for funding (Dery and Ofori 2002). This would build upon the
findings of the previous study in developing appropriate means and
interventions to help farmers alleviate their poverty. The local government
units of the sites where this project is proposed to be carried out have
pledged their support to help this project succeed. While waiting for donor
funding, financial support will be sought from the Department of Local
Government to deploy some of the village-level technologies already
identified for high-value products production. To date, COGENT
supports the implementation of this project in one coconut growing
community with funding from the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD).
Other research activities
Exploration, collecting, characterization and conservation of coco-

nut genetic resources
The devastating spread of lethal yellowing disease (LYD) in Ghana poses
a serious threat to coconut germplasm in the country, especially in the
coastal zone where the disease is very prevalent (Dery and Ofori 2000).
As coconut was introduced into the country at different times and places
by sailor-traders who landed on the shores of Ghana, even the untrained
eye can see the significant variation among the unselected landrace
collectively called, West African Tall (WAT). Perhaps a consequence of
this is the fact that a field devastated by LYD is usually left with some
surviving trees. These may be mere ‘escapees’ or they could be tolerant
ecotypes.
With funding from the World Bank under the Agricultural Services
Sub-sector Investment Project (AgSSIP), Ghana has started a project to
explore devastated farms and collect the ‘escapees’ for screening for LYD
tolerance. Characterization of the different sub-populations of WAT will
also be done.
To safeguard Ghana’s germplasm, coconut varieties and identifiable
sub-populations of varieties from the coastal areas are being propagated
and transferred to a field genebank in the hinterlands, at the Oil Palm
Research Institute, where they are conserved. There is a plan to replicate
this genebank at a sister institute – the Plant Genetic Resources Centre.
This project is important because it aims to conserve farmers’ varieties,
with the added possible benefit of finding an ‘escapee’ population tolerant
to LYD.
663
Vanuatu Tall subpopulations

From LYD-resistance screening trials conducted since 1982, it has been
established that the VTT is relatively tolerant to LYD (also locally known
as Cape St. Paul Wilt disease or CSPWD) (Dery et al. 1995).
However, the VTT population in Ghana, which was introduced from
Côte d’Ivoire, is quite variable (Bourdeix 2000). Harries (1995) also
confirmed the general variability of VTT. Because of this variability, which
is clearly manifested within the 400 VTT parental palms in Côte d’Ivoire
from which the Ghana materials were derived, Bourdeix (2000) suspected
that not all of the 400 VTT palms in Côte d’Ivoire could be tolerant to the
disease. A full diallel crossing programme was thus designed to separate
the sub-populations and to subsequently screen the progenies for LYD
tolerance as well as to test their general combining abilities.
Since controlled pollination in coconut, in general, yields fewer nuts
per bunch, than the naturally pollinated ones, a modified-assisted
pollination method that involves emasculating all other palms in the
isolated field and pollinating the VTT palms with selected pollen was
carried out for a specific period. The identity of the pollen being used is
thus safeguarded without having to bag the inflorescence. The project is
being funded by Agence Francais de Developpment under the Coconut
Sector Development Project.
Evaluation of coconut progenies for high yield and tolerance to

CSPWD
This project involves introduction of new varieties, hybridization of
varieties and collection of survivors from devastated farms. These are
then screened for high yield and CSPWD tolerance. Presently a total of
38 coconut progenies and disease ‘escapes’ are being screened at seven
locations.
CSPWD epidemiology and vector studies

The management/control of the CSPWD requires a thorough
understanding of the disease. Studies are therefore being carried out on
the following:
• Vector identification;
• Alternate hosts of the CSPWD phytoplasma;
• CSPWD phytoplasma variability;
• CSPWD latent period; and
• Transmission of phytoplasma through the embryo
These studies are being conducted in collaboration with the Perenniel

Crops Department of CIRAD.
664
Coconut-based cropping systems

About 90% of mature coconut farms in Ghana are maintained as
monocrops, while intercropping is done only in the first 3-4 years of
planting. Thus, an intercropping project is being carried out both on
farm and on station. Systems being studied are:
• Coconut + Citrus
• Coconut + Rubber
• Coconut + Cocoa
• Coconut + food crops (cassava, maize, pepper)
There is also a study on coconut yield enhancement through the

application of rock phosphate
Coconut pest control

Two of the most important pests of coconut in Ghana are Oryctes
monoceros and termites. These are especially important in young palms
where mortality very often exceed 50% if no control measures are taken.
Trials are underway to develop appropriate control measures.
Preliminary results are very promising
Improvement of nuts/inflorescence in controlled pollination in coco-

nut.
The bagging of coconut inflorescence during controlled pollination usually
results in a few nuts/inflorescence. A researcher is carrying out
investigations to improve nut numbers during controlled pollination. The
thesis is being supervised by the University of Nothingham, UK.
Future plans
Climatic changes have resulted in hitherto favourable coconut growing
zones becoming drier. Competition with other crops, especially rubber
and oil palm, is also pushing the coconut into marginal zones where
drought conditions prevail. It is therefore planned to acquire more
coconut germplasm to screen for drought tolerant varieties suitable for
these zones.
The conservation of farmers’ varieties is very important if we are to
maintain the genetic diversity of coconut in Ghana. The Coconut
Programme intends to promote the multipurpose use of coconut to ensure
that each type of coconut is economically viable and therefore preserved
by farmers. This will reduce the need to establish expensive field
genebanks.
The purity of our coconut accessions will be investigated using the
microsatellite technique. This will be done in collaboration with CIRAD.
665
References
Bourdeix, R. 2000. Coconut sector development project: Report on
seednuts production component to the operator of the project (GREL).
CIRAD – CP, Montpellier, France.
Dery SK, YP N’Cho, A Sangare and ED Arkhurst. 1995. Cape St. Paul
Wilt disease: resistance screening and prospects for rehabilitating the
coconut industry in Ghana. Pp. 197-203. In: SJ Eden-Green and F
Ofori (eds). Proceedings of an international workshop on lethal yel-
lowing-like diseases of coconut, Elmina, Ghana. Natural Resources
Institute, Chatham, UK.
Dery, SK and F Ofori 2000. The coconut industry in Ghana: Constraints,
state of research and opportunities for development. Paper presented
at the Second International Coconut Workshop for Africa jointly or-
ganized by BUROTROP, Coast Development Authority of Kenya and
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, 8 – 12 May 2000. Mombasa,
Kenya.
Dery, SK, NKT Ghartey, CD Kontoh and F Ofori. 2001. Establishing a
framework and selecting project sites for a nationwide deployment
of coconut–based poverty reduction interventions in coconut grow-
ing communities using COGENT’S 3 – pronged strategy in Ghana.
Survey report submitted to IPGRI/COGENT. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Dery, SK and F Ofori 2002. Developing sustainable coconut-based in-
come generating technologies in poor rural communities in Ghana.
Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Directorate of Crop Services, Accra,
Ghana.
Harries, HC. 1977. The Cape Verde region (1499 to 1549): The key to
coconut culture in the Western Hemisphere. Turrialba 27:227 – 231.
Wills, JB. 1962. Land use and agriculture in Ghana. Oxford University
Press, London. Pp 353-357.
666

in Nigeria
CO Okwuagwu
Head, Biology and Crop Production Research, and Plant Breeder, Nigerian Institute for
Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), Benin-Akure Road, Benin City, Nigeria
Introduction
Although the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is not indigenous to Nigeria,
an estimated 15 000 hectares of land are under coconut cultivation in
the country, mostly in the coastal areas of Lagos State and the delta areas
of Rivers State. Another estimated 1.2 million hectares have been
identified as suitable for coconut cultivation. The crop is found mostly
along the sandy shores of the Atlantic coastlines where it occurs as dense
groves, as well as in the riverine areas of the delta regions and to a lesser
extent in the inland forest zone. More than 90% of the nation’s coconut
belt is a continuation of the plantations or groves along the West African
Coast, running from Cote d’Ivoire and southwards through Ghana, Togo
and Benin to Lagos State in Nigeria where it continues in a one-kilometer
wide strip of groves inland along some 200 kilometres of coastline.
Coconut cultivated outside these coastal groves is predominantly grown
as a compound or homestead crop, with a variety of crops interplanted
between the coconut stands to maximize land use. More than 50% of
the coconut area is planted to the Tall variety which can best be described
as adapted West African Tall (WAT) land races. Dwarf cultivars, on the
other hand, are planted mostly as ornamental compound trees.
Coconut holdings in Nigeria are characteristically low in productivity.
Virtually all plantings of the WAT varieties are low-yielding with annual
production of 3 – 4 metric tonnes (6000 – 8000 nuts) in contrast to the
improved hybrid (Dwarf x Tall) which yields 8 – 10 metric tonnes (16
000 – 20 000 nuts) per hectare per year. The low productivity of these
holdings are also the result of poor management practices, high density
plantings in the groves, poor soil fertility, lack of fertilizer use, prevalence
of diseases and high level of mismatched intercrops. Very limited area is
planted with improved coconut varieties. They are mostly grown on
traditional and family smallholdings, ranging from 0.5 to 1 ha. Recently,
however, there has been an increased awareness of the higher productivity
of the hybrid coconut varieties resulting in increased demand. Plantations
of up to 10 ha on individual or cooperatively-owned farms have been
established, mostly in Lagos State.
667

The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) is mandated to
carry out national research on coconut. NIFOR has identified the spread
of Awka Wilt lethal yellowing disease (LYD) as the major threat in the
development of the coconut industry in Nigeria. The incidence of the
disease is estimated at 8 – 10% in the inland areas and about 5% in the
coastal areas of Lagos State, an area hitherto considered to be free from
the disease. The control of the Akwa Wilt disease through the production
of resistant and highly productive hybrid cultivars; the development of
efficient production and post harvest processing methods, and sustainable
intercropping systems are the main focus of the institute’s coconut
research efforts. To this end research has been carried out on the following:
1. The control of Awka Wilt lethal yellowing disease through the
development of high-yielding, disease-resistant hybrid variet-
ies. The introduced Malayan Green Dwarf (MGD) cultivars in
the NIFOR programme has been found to be resistant while the
Tall cultivar is susceptible to Awka Wilt LYD. The parental source
of tolerant/resistant Tall cultivar is the present limitation in the
production of resistant hybrids.
2. Studies on the aetiology of the Awka Wilt disease and the de-
velopment of efficient screening techniques. The Awka Wilt
disease has been identified to have the same aetiology as the Cape
St. Paul Wilt of Ghana. Understanding the host-pathogen rela-
tionship is critical to the development of efficient screening tech-
niques. To this effect, the NIFOR is evolving close research col-
laboration with the Coconut Research Programme of Ghana to
enhance its capacity.
3. Studies of the fertility management on the coastal and inland
soils. Inorganic and organic fertilizer requirements of the coco-
nut on coastal and inland soils in Nigeria have been studied to a
great extent. On-farm adaptive research trials have been carried
out to facilitate the adoption of recommendations by farmers.
Because of the prohibitive cost of conventional chemical fertiliz-
ers, the current focus is on the development of the locally avail-
able mineral deposits as cheap sources of fertilizers and the de-
velopment of an integrated method of composting, easily adapt-
able to the farmers’ environment and socio-cultural and economic
conditions.
4. Development of sustainable coconut-based intercropping sys-
tems. Coconut-based food crop intercropping systems have been
shown to be the most economically-viable method of maximizing
the smallholdings of the coconut farmers. The most efficient se-
668
quence of intercropping with arable food crops, and water and

soil nutrient management methods for the various ecologies are
being developed to enhance sustainability of the intercropping
systems which the farmers already practice.
5. Development of efficient postharvest technologies. The devel-
opment of small-scale tools to enhance the efficiency of the farmer
and add value to his/her products and income is a major focus of
the NIFOR’s research thrust. To this end, the Institute has devel-
oped small-scale tools for efficient dehusking of the coconut, mat
weaving, meat grating, copra drying, crushing, oil extraction and
shell distillation.
Research constraints and opportunities

Despite limited research funding, the NIFOR’s coconut research
programme has recorded major achievements. However, future progress
will depend to a great extent on the Institute’s present effort to combat
the spread of the Awka Wilt LYD. The main research needs identified
include:
1. The expansion of the very limited genetic base of the NIFOR co-
conut breeding population to include new high-yielding MGD
genotypes and LYD-resistant Tall cultivars. Related to this, Nige-
ria must be involved in the International Coconut Genetic Re-
sources Network (COGENT)-coordinated international
programme on germplasm exchange and evaluation;
2. The basic infrastructure required for the LYD aetiology studies
are not available to NIFOR’s scientists. The Institute’s laboratory
facilities and equipment need urgent upgrading;
3. Nigerian coconut scientists need to undergo training and capac-
ity building to be acquainted with current developments in coco-
nut genetic resources research; and
4. The NIFOR tools workshop needs to be better equipped to effec-
tively support the post-harvest technology development
programme of the institute.

From 8 to 12 May 2000, the NIFOR participated in the Second
International Coconut Workshop for Africa in Mombassa, Kenya. At
this conference, a significant decision was made by stakeholders for
Nigeria, through NIFOR, to lead the interregional research on coconut
intercropping. It is hoped that this proposal will be realized in the coming
years.
669

in Tanzania
AK Kullaya
Introduction
The coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important perennial cash and
subsistence oil crop along the coastal belt of Tanzania, where about 25
million palms are cultivated on approximately 252 000 ha. The crop
supports the livelihood of more than 300 000 rural households, with an
average farm size of 0.5 to1 ha. The coconut is an agroforestry crop that
provides food, cash, shelter, job opportunities and conserves the fragile
coastal belt ecosystem. The crop is also cultivated inland especially in the
Morogoro region and along the shores of Lakes Nyasa, Tanganyika and
Victoria.
It is estimated that each household in traditional coconut growing
areas consume about three to four nuts per day. This high demand cannot
be met due to low and declining production that became more apparent
during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Some of the major constraints
that contributed to this decline include the presence of serious pests and
diseases, poor crop husbandry practices as a result of inadequate
extension services to growers, lack of improved planting materials, ageing
coconut palms, sub-optimal climatic conditions as well as lack of
institutional set-up to promote/support coconut research and
development activities.
It is against this background that the Government of Tanzania decided
to initiate the National Coconut Development Programme (NCDP) in
1979/80 with the mandate to promote coconut production and
utilization, and to improve the productivity of the coconut sector in the
country. The inception of the NCDP marked the beginning of the process
of institutionalizing coconut R&D in the country, which led to the
establishment of the Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute (MARI)
in 1996. Apart from implementing the NCDP, Tanzania has been
collaborating with regional and international organizations such as the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT) of the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), the Bureau for
the Development of Research in Tropical Perennial Oil Crops
(BUROTROP) and other donor agencies in the implementation of a
number of R&D projects on coconuts. This country report covers the
coconut projects that have been implemented or initiated since 1990.
670
Completed COGENT-assisted projects
Improvement of in vitro techniques for collecting and exchange of

coconut germplasm
MARI collaborated with 11 institutions from other countries from 1998
to 2001 in the development of improved and standardized embryo culture
and acclimatization techniques. The project was funded by the
Department for International Development (DFID) of the United
Kingdom . Through this project, MARI improved its efficiency and
capacity in in vitro coconut embryo culture techniques.
Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for a nationwide

deployment of coconut-based poverty reduction interventions
This is a project that was funded by DFID and implemented in 15 coconut
producing countries, including Tanzania, with the objective of defining
the poverty situation, constraints, opportunities and the technological
interventions required for diversity-linked poverty reduction interventions.
The country reports were further discussed in a workshop organized by
COGENT in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 25 February to 1 March
2002 and used to develop a project proposal titled ‘Overcoming poverty
in coconut growing communities’ as a strategy to promote poverty
reduction and on-farm conservation of coconut genetic resources for
funding submission to the International Fund for Agricultural
Development (IFAD). This project is now funded (2005-2008) for
implementation in one coconut growing community in Tanzania.
Multilocation variety trials (MLVT) to identify suitable hybrids/variet-

ies for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean
One of the major constraints to coconut production in Tanzania is the
lack of improved high-yielding planting materials that are adapted to
prevailing local conditions. To address this, Tanzania has embarked on
a national breeding programme, the overall objective of which is to
develop varieties with improved yield as well as high resistance or
tolerance to lethal disease and drought. Tanzania is also collaborating
with five other countries in an International Multilocation hybrid trial,
which is funded by the Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) and
coordinated by IPGRI/COGENT. The other participating countries are
Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Brazil, Mexico and Jamaica. Mozambique has also
joined in with financial support from the Government of Portugal. The
671
main objectives of this 5- year project are (2000-2005):

• To assist each participating country in identifying suitable high
yielding hybrids/varieties with high adaptation to prevailing lo-
cal conditions; and
• To estimate genotype x environment (GxE) interaction that would
serve as a guide to the application of the results to other countries
with similar cultivation conditions.
Each country compared four of its best local hybrids/varieties with six
common multi-site control hybrids produced in Côte d’Ivoire, and proven
to have good yield potential. The six multi-site imported hybrids (four
Dwarf x Tall and two Tall x Tall) and the four local hybrids planted in
Tanzania are listed in Table 1.
Table 1. List of multi-site imported hybrids and local genetic materials being evalu-
ated under the multilocation trials in Tanzania
Muti-site (imported) hybrids Local genetic materials
1
Malayan Yellow Dwarf x West African Tall East African Tall x Pemba Red Dwarf
Cameroon Red Dwarf x Rennell Island Tall East African Tall x Rennell Island Tall
Malayan Red Dwarf x Vanuatu Tall East African Tall x Vanuatu Tall
Malayan Red Dwarf x Tagnanan Tall East African Tall
Vanuatu Tall x Tagnanan Tall
Sri Lanka Tall x Tagnanan Tall
The cross PRD x EAT could not be produced due to lack of sufficient PRD palms as seed parent, so a decision
1
was made to produce the reciprocal of this cross instead
Each basic plot consists of 16 palms, planted in a triangular pattern at

9m between palms in a randomized complete block (RCB) design with
five replications. Data recorded include vegetative growth and
reproductive parameters. Samples for soil and leaf analysis were taken
one and three years after planting, and the results were used as basis for
fertilizer application.
Statistical analysis is being done at the country level to compare the
different genetic materials, while a combined analysis involving data of
all countries will be done after five more years to determine the genotype
x environment (GxE) interaction. The 5-year funding of CFC terminated
in 2004 but the Government of Tanzania will continue the trial using its
own budget. The plants in the trial are growing well and maintenance
and data gathering are ongoing.
Other completed projects

From 1990 to date, Tanzania has completed six coconut projects that
were initiated by or funded through other organizations, while two
projects are still being implemented.
672
Biotechnology improvement of coconut: Application to breeding and crop

protection (1994 – 1997)
In this research project the MARI collaborated with Max Planck Institute
for Plant Breeding (MPIZ), Cologne, Germany; the Basque Institute for
Agricultural Research and Development (NEIKER) in Spain; and the
Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) under the STD III Programme of
the European Union (EU). The main objective of this project was to develop
and use DNA marker technology for the characterization of different
coconut germplasm and for diagnosing important coconut diseases, in
particular the lethal yellowing-type diseases (LYD) caused by
phytoplasma and Cadang-cadang disease caused by viroids. The main
outputs were:
• Two mapping populations developed;
• DNA markers applied for the estimating the between and within
genetic diversity of coconut populations (Rohde et al. 1996, 1999);
• Preliminary linkage map of the coconut established;
• PCR techniques developed for the diagnosis of the coconut LYD
phytoplasma; and
• MARI’s biotechnology capacity enhanced through the provision
of laboratory facilities and short-term training of local research-
ers and technicians.
Sustainable coconut based-farming systems: Operational and economic

analysis models (1992 - 1998)
In this project, the NCDP collaborated with Centre de Coopération
Internationale en Recherche Agronomique (CIRAD) of France, the
Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of UK, PCA, the Philippines, Indonesia
and Vanuatu, which was funded by the EU under the STD III
Programme. The main objective of this project was to develop operational
and economic analysis models for improved coconut-based farming
systems. The main outputs of this project included:
• Assessment of the quantity and quality of light transmitted
through the coconut canopy in relation to the planting density;
• Development of an economic model for different intercropping
systems; and
• Graduate training of a Tanzanian agronomist at the PhD level.
Investigation into the aetiology and control of lethal yellowing type-

diseases (1992-1997)
This project aimed to develop molecular techniques for studying the
aetiology and epidemiology of LYD of the coconut palm. It was funded
by the EU under the STD III Programme, and implemented from 1992-
673
1997 by the following institutions: MARI, Tanzania; Natural Resources

Institute (NRI), UK as the coordinator; CIRAD, France; Ministry of
Agriculture, Ghana; and Marc Delorme Coconut Station, Côte d’Ivoire.
The main outputs were:
• DNA probes and PCR primers specific for the detection of LYD
phytoplasma;
• LYD strains from West Africa were found to be similar but ge-
netically different from those causing disease in East Africa and
the Caribbean region (Harrison et al. 1994; Tymon et al. 1997);
• LYD strains in Ghana and Nigeria were found to be genetically
identical, but different to the LYD strains in East Africa (Tymon
et al. 1997);
• Phytoplasma strains responsible for the disease in Kenya and Tan-
zania were found to be identical, but the isolate from Mozambique
was different, and was more related to the isolates from West
Africa (Mpunami 1997; Mpunami et al. 1999); and
• MARI’s biotechnology capacity further enhanced through im-
proved laboratory facilities, PhD training of a pathologist and
short-term training of technicians in molecular biology techniques.
Biotechnology improvement of coconut: Application of DNA marker tech-

nology to germplasm characterization and breeding (1997 – 2001)
The general objective of this research was to develop and use DNA marker
technology for the evaluation of biodiversity in coconut germplasm and
to assist breeding. It was funded by the EU under the International
Cooperation with Developing Countries (INCO-DC) programme from
1997-2001, in addition to the support from MARI, MPIPB, Germany,
NEIKER, Spain and the PCA, the Philippines. The major activities
included:
• Establishment of mapping population;
• Further development of the coconut linkage map;
• Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of the mapping population;
and
• Enhancement of MARI’s biotechnology capacity through provi-
sion of laboratory facilities and short-term training of local re-
searchers and technicians in molecular biology techniques.
Evaluation of the performance of hybrids and high-yielding varieties,

and farmers’ varietal preferences
Tanzania is one of the 18 countries which participated in a survey to
assess the performance of high-yielding coconut varieties grown by
farmers and larger holdings. This project was funded by IPGRI/COGENT,
674
the Asian and Pacific Coconut Community (APCC) and the BUROTROP.
The survey confirmed that the local East African Tall is the predominant
and most preferred coconut population in Tanzania. However, improved
hybrids with high yield potential proved to be more susceptible to drought
conditions caused by insufficient and unfavourable rainfall distribution.
This has discouraged framers from planting hybrids. The findings of the
survey have been published by APCC.
Improving the small–scale extraction of coconut oil

The NCDP collaborated with NRI, UK, and other institutions from Ghana,
Côte d’Ivoire, and India in a CFC-funded project aimed at developing
improved and appropriate small to medium-scale coconut oil processing
technologies. The main results of the project activities in Tanzania
included the:
• Development and use of a hand-operated rotary coconut grater,
which is more efficient in terms of oil extraction (up to 20% more
oil because the gratings are finer, Mpagalile et al.1998; Swetman
et al. 1998) and require less time for grating compared to the tra-
ditional single bladed grating tool; and
• Use of ram and screw (or bridge) press which improved oil ex-
traction efficiency and was beneficial to small-scale, village-based
oil processing women groups.
Other ongoing projects
National Coconut Development Programme (NCDP)

The purpose of the NCDP since its inception in 1979/80 is to improve
coconut production and utilization in Tanzania through a number of
R&D interventions. The NCDP is funded mainly by the Government of
the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) through the Germany Agency
for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and by the Government of Tanzania
using its own resources and a loan from the World Bank. The project is
planned to last for 26 years, and is being implemented in phases. The
specific objectives of the Phase VIII of the project (2001-2004) are:
• To consolidate the breeding activities for improved, high yield-
ing, disease resistant and drought tolerant coconut varieties;
• To develop and disseminate integrated crop protection measures
for economically important coconut pests and diseases;
• To establish appropriate agronomic and socioeconomic require-
ments of viable coconut-based farming systems and provide rec-
ommendations to farmers; and
• To improve research-extension-farmer linkages on coconut pro-
duction and processing.
675
Research results obtained as of 2004 can be summarized as follows:

• Lethal disease (LD), which has been confirmed to be caused by
phytoplasma, appears to be more severe in the southern coastal
belt than in the northern part (Schuiling and Mpunami 1990;
Schuiling et al. 1992). An impact study showed that the disease
had serious negative impacts on economic, socio-cultural and
environmental effects in coconut-based farming systems. The use
of molecular techniques has led to a better understanding of the
aetiology and epidemiology of the disease as well as the genetic
relationships between and within different coconut populations.
Further collaborative efforts in LD research, including the identi-
fication of molecular markers associated with LD resistance, are
necessary.
• With regard to breeding for improved planting materials with
good resistance to LD, there has not been any breakthrough as
yet. Progenies obtained by crossing individual palms of different
varieties that had survived the disease for more than 12 years
have also succumbed to lethal disease under heavy disease pres-
sure. However, there are indications that resistance might be found
within some of the local East African Tall sub-populations espe-
cially for areas with low- to medium-disease pressure.
• Dwarf (D) varieties continued to be more susceptible to drought
than Tall (T) varieties. All imported Dwarf, Tall, D x T, T x D and
T x T also proved to be more susceptible to drought than the local
coconut population. These differences are due to morpho-physi-
ological differences in terms of rooting systems, epicutical wax
content and stomata regulation especially during the dry period.
• An effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) package for the
control of Pseudotheraptus wayi, using the African red weaver ants
(Oecophylla longinoda) as a biological natural enemy, has been
developed and is now being disseminated to more coconut farm-
ers. The package includes intercropping coconuts with host plants
of O. longinoda (e.g. citrus) to enhance its establishment in the
field, the use of a chemical bait (Amdro) to control the antagonis-
tic ant Pheidole megacephalla, which is a natural enemy of the red
weaver ants; and facilitating the spread of the weaver ants in the
field by interconnecting palms using simple ropes.
• Economic analyses of different coconut-based farming models
revealed that intercropping of coconuts under wider spacing (10m
within and 15m between the rows) with sweet potato or cassava
gave the highest economic returns and benefit-cost ratio
(Mwinjaka 2000). Cassava is preferred as an intercrop for coco-
676
nuts because of its relatively stable yields and its growing demand
in urban markets. However, the areas cultivated for these inter
crops are normally small because both are labour demanding;
while the potential labour supply per household is limited to 2 - 3
people.
• Simple but more efficient small-scale processing technologies (e.g.
manually operated rotary graters and ram press) have been de-
veloped and disseminated to coconut farmers.
• Impact studies conducted over the years have revealed that the
project has been able to reverse the declining production and
improve farm productivity. The area under coconuts has been
increasing at an annual rate of 2%, yields have increased from
23-25 nuts/palm/year in 1980s to 30-40 to 2004 due to the fact
that more farmers are applying improved crop management
practices.
Construction and exploitation of high density DNA marker and physical

maps in the perennial tropical oil crops coconut and oil palm: from bio-
technology towards markers-assisted breeding (LINK2PALM)
This is a three-year project that started in August 2001 with financial
support from the EU under the INCO-DEV programme. The institutions
collaborating in this project as full partners include Max Planck Institute
for Plant Breeding - Germany as the coordinator, PCA, NEIKER - Spain,
CIRAD, France, the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Marc Delorme
Coconut Station - Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute
(IOPRI) and SOCFIN Indonesia. MARI and CICY of Mexico are
participating as sub-contractors to MPIZ. Its main objectives are:
• To provide the methodological basis and molecular tools for im-
proving the breeding efficiency in two perennial tropical oil crops
(coconut and oil palm);
• To develop DNA marker-based breeding strategies in collabora-
tion with the most important countries in coconut and oil palm
production, and to directly transfer to developing countries small-
scale technological solutions for the genetic improvement of these
two tropical oil crops;
• To perform QTL analysis of the mapping populations; and
• To disseminate the developed molecular marker technology
through training, workshops and laboratory courses.
677
Capacity building
Technical assistance /expert advice

In 1998, COGENT sponsored an expert from Côte d’Ivoire to visit 10
different coconut producing countries in Africa, including Tanzania, to
identify the coconut R&D needs of these countries and integrate these in
the formulation of an African and Indian Ocean coconut regional project
proposal. The proposal was further refined by incorporating the
recommendations of the 2nd International Coconut Workshop held in
Mombasa, Kenya in May 2000. This project was implemented as a CFC-
funded project (2000-2004).

From 1997 to 2002, four Tanzanian coconut researchers underwent staff
development training on COGENT’s standardized coconut breeding
techniques (STANTECH), embryo culture techniques and on the use of
the microsatellite kit and dedicated statistical software.
COGENT meetings/workshops
In 2001, Tanzania hosted the 2 nd CFC-funded Project Workshop/
Consultations on 11 to 12 June 2001, followed by the 10th COGENT
Steering Committee Meeting from 12 to 15 June. A participant from MARI
also attended the following:
• Project Inception and Stakeholders’ Meeting on ‘Poverty Reduc-
tion in Coconut growing communities’, 25 February – 1 March 2002,
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam;
• Midterm evaluation meeting for the ‘International multi-location
coconut hybrid trials’, 25 – 27 July 2002 in Kingston, Jamaica; and
• Project meeting on ‘Overcoming poverty in coconut growing com-
munities’ in Hat Yai, Thailand on 9 – 13 May 2005.
Financial support and funding

As far as funding support for projects initiated by COGENT in Tanzania
is concerned, CFC and DFID have so far provided a total of US$ 41 333,
while counterpart financing from the Government of Tanzania amounts
to US$ 39 083.
From 1990 to date, Tanzania also spent about US$ 8M from its own
sources and a loan from the World Bank, US$ 7.5M from the Government
of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and about US$ 631 500 from
the EU and CFC.
A summary of capacity building activities and projects in Tanzania
from 1990-2003 is given in Table 2.
678
Table 2. COGENT – Tanzania capacity building and projects factsheet

1. Capacity building
a) Technical assistance provided by COGENT to Tanzania

Expert Dates Purpose
P Y N’Cho Mar 1998 To identify research and development needs and to formulate
an Africa/Indian Ocean coconut regional project proposal
b) Local researchers trained in other countries

Name Dates / Country Training Course
Linus Issay Isaac 16 – 26 Jun 1997, Regional STANTECH Trainers' Course for Africa
Masumbuko Côte d’Ivoire
Kennedy Mkumbo 27 – 31 Oct 1997, Embryo Culture Workshop/Training
Philippines
th th
Raphael Sallu 16 to 28 May Workshop on Coconut Genetic Resources Management Using
Emmarold Mneney 2002, France Microsatellite Kit and Dedicated Statistical Software
c) IPGRI-COGENT meetings/workshops held in Tanzania

Date Activity Location
11-12 June 2001 CFC project workshop Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
th
13-15 June 2001 10 COGENT Steering Committee Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
meeting
2. Coconut Research Projects in Tanzania from 1990 -2003

Project Title Budget/
External
Expenditure National
Funding Status
(US$) Funding
Agency
(US$)
National Coconut Development Programme 7 500 000 FRG 8 000 000 Ongoing
(for 2000 – 2004)
International Multi-location Variety Trials to 34 833 CFC 33 333 Ongoing
identify suitable hybrids and varieties for
Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean
(MLVT) (1998-2004)
Improvement of in vitro techniques for 5000 DFID 5000 Completed
collecting and exchange of coconut
germplasm
Establishing a framework and selecting 1500 DFID 750 Completed
project sites for a nationwide deployment of
coconut-based poverty reduction
interventions in coconut growing communities
using COGENT’s 3-pronged strategy in
Tanzania
Construction and exploitation of high-density 7500 EU Ongoing
DNA marker and physical maps in the
perennial tropical oil crops coconut and oil
palm: from biotechnology towards marker-
assisted breeding (LINK2PALM) (2001-2004)
Biotechnology improvement of coconut: 98 000 EU Completed
Application to Breeding and Crop Protection
(1994 – 1997)
Biotechnology Improvement of Coconut: 134 500 EU Completed
Application of DNA Marker Technology to
Germplasm Characterization and Breeding
(1997 – 2001)
Sustainable coconut based-farming systems: 89 000 EU Completed
Operational and economic analysis models
(1992- 1998)
Investigation into the aetiology and control of 200 000 EU Completed
lethal yellowing type-diseases (1992- 1998)
Improving the small–scale extraction of 80 000 CFC Completed
coconut oil
TOTAL 8 150 333 8 039 083
679
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de Investigation Cientifica de Yucatan (CICY), Merida, Mexico.
Tymon, AM, P Jones and NA Harrison. 1997. Detection and differentia-
tion of African coconut phytoplasmas: RFLP analysis of PCR-ampli-
fied 16S rDNA and DNA hybridization. Annals of Applied Biology
680
131: 91-102.
Schuiling, M, DA Kaiza and A Mpunami. 1992. Lethal disease of coco-
nut palm in Tanzania II. History, distribution and epidemiology.
Oleagineux 47: 516-521.
Swetman, T, S Head and G Anstee. 1998. Comparison of small-scale
coconut processing technologies used in Tanzania. Pp 479-488. In:
CP Topper, PDS Caligari, AK Kullaya, SH Shomari, LJ Kasuga, PAL
Masawe and AA Mpunami (eds). Proceedings of the Cashew and
Coconut Conference: ‘Trees for Life – The Key to Development’.
681

in Kenya
FK Muniu1 and PK Kibet2
1
Head, Horticultural and Industrial Crops Programme, and 2Coconut Researcher, Kenya
Agriculture Research Institute (KARI), Horticulture and Industrial Crops Division,
Nairobi, Kenya
Introduction
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) was introduced to Kenya in the 16th century
by the Portuguese. Its cultivation spread rapidly and became a crop of
considerable economic importance. Arab traders and white settlers grew
the crop in large plantations until the end of the 19th century when
production and marketing shifted to small-scale farmers. Today, coconut
is mainly a small-scale farmer’s crop, with over 80% of coastal farm
households deriving their livelihood, either directly or indirectly, from
coconut.
In 1966, there was an estimated two million coconut trees planted in
Kenya as compared to 456 636 trees existing in 1914. Surveys indicated
that this might have risen to as many as 2.5 million trees in 1977 (Eijnatten
1977). Current estimates put the total number of palms at about 4.4
million. Ironically, the increase in the number of trees was not
accompanied by an increase in yield. The average yield of nuts has been
estimated at 1.5 t/ ha, though actual recorded yields of copra are as low
as 0.45 t/ha. Fruit component analysis done for some Mtwapa palms
showed an average fresh copra yield of 233g per nut (104 g of dry copra/
nut assuming 50% moisture content). Most of the coconut palms are
planted in dense clusters of 10-200 palms around homesteads of less than
0.5 ha (Sculling and Mpunami 1991). Except for one large plantation at
Msambweni in Kwale district, there are no large coconut plantations in
Kenya.
Research activities and outputs
Yield records of selected coconut palms

Research attempts have been made to improve coconut production in
the country. Three types of coconut palms have been described: the East
African Tall (EAT), Dwarf types and hybrids. EAT is most common along
the East African coast. EAT yields nuts with good quality copra and
toddy but their coconut water is not as good as that of Dwarf coconut
682
(Gethi and Malinga 1997). Selection of high-yielding mother palms of

EAT was done in Mtwapa from 1966 to 1967. Twelve trees with ages
varying between 15 and 25 years were selected and further yield recording
was continued from 1979 to 1980. Data gathered indicated that yields
ranged between 18 and 128 nuts per palm. Tree X-128 gave consistently
high yields of over 100 nuts. It was used to raise seedlings in the nursery.
Observations on Dwarf x Tall hybrids

Generally, the Dwarf types produce excellent immature nuts (for use as
tendernut) but little copra. The hybrid palms are usually crosses between
the EAT and introductions from West Africa and Malaysia. Thirty-five
Dwarf x Tall hybrids were imported from the Côte d’Ivoire and
established at Mtwapa (20 hybrids) and Msabaha (15 hybrids) in 1978.
They performed dismally and have since died because of lethal bole rot.
Attempts were made to identify Dwarf palms from different areas along
the coast to provide nuts for use in a hybridization programme. Seventy
palms were identified in the area between Mtwapa and Kilifi town.
Studies on germination period of Tall and Dwarf coconuts

Germination time of Tall and Dwarf coconut was studied (Eijnatten 1980).
The study showed that the most important period of germination of the
two types of coconut was within four months from time of planting. The
best month to establish seednuts was in October for them to germinate in
January and the seedlings would be ready for planting by April.
Coconut fertilizer experiments

Fertilizer trials were set up at Mtwapa and Matuga. Most of them were
abandoned due to plant variability and poor yields (Eijnatten 1979).
However, preliminary trials indicated that fertilized palms yielded more
especially when nitrogen was applied. In 1979, a fertilizer experiment
was set up to study the influence of NPK on the productivity of mature
Tall coconuts and to observe the influence of normal weed control (regular
slashing) of natural vegetation, ring weeding and mulching in a grassed
coconut plantation. No significant difference was noted among the
treatments. Coconut palms are known to respond slowly to application
of fertilizer. Nevertheless, the overall yield levels were low which may be
due to severe coreid bug attack (Omondi and Eijnatten 1980).
Survey on coconut diseases in coastal Kenya

Surveys done on lethal yellowing in Kenya have shown that palms found
in the country were relatively free of this disease. Sculling and Mpunami
(1991) suggested that selections could be made in Kenyan genotypes in
683
search of resistance to lethal yellowing. Long-term preventive solution to

this problem lies in the introduction of resistant varieties and strict
quarantine of seeds imported from lethal yellowing-infected countries or
regions.
The Second International Coconut Workshop for Africa

The Second International Coconut Workshop for Africa was held in
Mombasa, Kenya from 8 to 12 May 2000. The theme of the workshop
revolved around finding ways to help African coconut farmers in the
21st century. It was recommended that Kenya and Tanzania lead the
work on combating Rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes monoceros, in the region.
The following strategies were proposed to help Kenyan farmers to revive
the coconut industry: (1) produce high-value products from parts of the
coconut that are normally thrown away (husk, shell, water and wood);
(2) plant high yielding and adapted varieties; and (3) intercrop coconut
with high-value crops.
Diagnostic survey of the coconut industry in Kenya

In 2000, a survey was conducted to establish the status of the coconut
industry in Kenya (Muniu et al. 2000). It was found out that coconut
was ranked the most important perennial crop in Kilifi District. Peak
harvest period was determined to be in January. Yield of immature nuts
was 50 nuts/year while yield of mature nuts was 100-200 nuts/year.
On an average, farmers tapped 10-20 palms, yielding about 1-4 litres of
toddy per day. Marketed products included immature nuts, copra,
coconut leaves, brooms and toddy. The survey also revealed that the
most significant constraints to the development of the Kenyan coconut
industry were market-related, particularly the lack of reliable and
rewarding markets, marketing (transport) and pricing. Unreliable market
structures and low prices for most available products were quite
prominent. Lack of processing knowledge and processing capacity was
also noted as a major shortcoming in deriving maximum benefits from
the many opportunities available to the coconut industry. Low yields
were also common particularly in the dry zones, as well as aged (senile)
and poorly-managed trees. The genetic base of the Kenyan coconut was
also noted a narrow and limited to East African Tall varieties. Farmers
expressed the need to widen the range of varieties available to them for
planting. It was also determined that the Rhinoceros beetle was the major
pest of coconut in the region, including mites and termites.
The absence of farmer organizations dealing with coconut production
and marketing, as well as the lack of a national policy to support
production, processing, marketing and utilization of coconut products
684
hinders the development of the coconut industry in Kenya.
Generating income from coconut products in the coastal areas of

Kenya
With coordination from the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (COGENT), a Kenyan coconut scientist was sent to Vietnam
and Thailand in June 2003 to observe and learn the various technologies
for processing and utilizing coconut products. Upon return, the scientist
implemented a project aimed at promoting the production, processing,
and marketing of coconut products and by-products. Currently, a pilot
workshop for making products from coconut shell, husk and wood has
been established. The workshop is equipped with machine and tools
mostly acquired from Vietnam such as a decorticating machine, beating
machine, one- and two-ply rope-making equipment and doormat-making
equipment. Various value-added coconut products from shell such as
bangles, hair clips, lampshades cups, buttons and belts have already been
made. Over 20 community-based organizations have been identified and
scheduled for training on the various value-adding processing
technologies to scale up the project.
Institutions
The government should form a national body mandated to address
research and development issues in coconut. This national body should
prepare action plans and proposals aimed at addressing the identified
constraints and opportunities to improve the country’s coconut industry.
Coconut farmers should also form associations and federate these so
that they can address and air their concerns to relevant stakeholders
and/or policy makers.
Conservation of coconut genetic resources

The research institute mandated to carry out research on coconut should
undertake the following activities aimed at conserving and sustaining
coconut genetic diversity in Kenya:
• Establish a national coconut genebank;
• Promote the collecting, conservation and exchange of disease-free
germplasm in collaboration with COGENT’s International Coco-
nut Genebank for Africa and Indian Ocean (ICG-AIO);
• Promote coconut–based farming systems and the production and
use of high-value products so that the coconut germplasm is con-
served and used; and
685
• Screen for resistance against lethal yellowing-like diseases and

for tolerance to drought and other biotic and abiotic stresses.
Control of pests and diseases

The research institute should collaborate with other coconut R&D
organizations in other countries to investigate the epidemiology, etiology
and control of lethal yellowing disease.
The research institute should also evaluate, adapt and/or develop
effective methods to control the spread and damage caused by Rhinoceros
beetle, coconut mites and termites, and other pests.
Crop management
Develop coconut-based farming system research projects and collaborate
with other countries where common problems in this area exist.
Coconut product utilization

Develop technologies to maximize the utilization of and generate
additional income from the different parts of the coconut (such as the
husk, shell, water, wood and sap) other than copra.
International collaboration
Kenya should continue to be an active member of COGENT and
endeavour to become a member of other international coconut
development organizations like the Bureau for the Development of
Research of Tropical Perennial Oil Crops (BUROTROP) and the African
Oil Palm Development Association (AFOPDA).
Information
The research body to be established should link with various information
services within and outside the country in order to acquire necessary
information on coconut.
Funding
A mechanism should be established to raise funds for coconut
development. Possible methods include a levy on imported vegetable oils
such as that imposed on sugar as well as a levy on locally-produced
coconut products. International donors should also be tapped to fund
coconut R&D projects.
686
References
Eijnatten, CLM Van. 1979. Summary of information on coconut in coast
province and proposal for future work. CARS, Mtwapa, Communi-
cation No. 4. 31p.
Eijnatten, CLM. Van. 1980. Time of starting a coconut nursery. CARS
Newsletter 10: 3.
Eijnatten, CLM. Van, A.M. Gurnah and K.H. Niederstucke. 1977. A study
of coconuts in Kenya’s coastal strip. Technical Communication 19.
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of
Nairobi, Kenya.
Malinga, WK. 1995. Coconut growing in Kenya: A country report. Pro-
ceedings of the International Workshop on Lethal Yellowing-like Dis-
eases of Coconut, Elmina, Ghana. Natural Resources Institute,
Chatham, UK.
Gethi, JG and WK Malinga. 1997. Kenya coconuts: Past, present and
future. Pp. 155-158. In: CP Topper, PDS Caligari, AK Kullaya, SH
Shomari, PAL Masawe and A Mpunani (eds). Proceedings of the
International Cashew and Coconut Conference: ‘Trees for Life – Key
to Development’. Bio-Hybrids International, Reading, UK.
Muniu, FK, MK Danda and PO Odhiambo. 2002. Diagnostic survey report
on coconut industry in coastal Kenya. Internal Technical Report.
KARI, Mtwapa.
Omondi, OC and CLM Eijnatten. 1980. The coreid bug of coconut: A
review of literature. Communication No. 17. Coast Agricultural Re-
search Station. 13p.
Sculling, M and A Mpunani. 1991. Report on the visit to coastal Kenya
including the islands of Lamu and Pate (August 1991). National Co-
conut Development Programme, Disease control section, Dar es Sa-
laam, Tanzania. 4p.
Waaijenberg, H. 1994. Miji Kenda Agriculture in the coastal provinces
of Kenya: Peasants in between tradition ecology and policy.
Wageningen Agricultural University, Wageningen, Netherlands.
307p. (Unpublished PhD thesis).
687

in Mozambique
JS Cumbi
Research Assistant, Entomology, National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI),
Maputo, Mozambique
Introduction
Coconut in Mozambique is mostly grown along the coast with an
estimated production area of 16 000 ha. Coconut production is mainly a
family based enterprise with more than 60% of the stands located in
small landholdings. It is estimated that about 14% of the Mozambican
population depends on the crop as their main source of income and
nutrition or food. The country’s total production is about 60 000 tonnes
of copra-equivalent, of which 50% is consumed locally. Revenue from
coconut exports is about US$ 10 million annually.
Coconut production in Mozambique is mainly affected by the
following:
• Lack of improved germplasm;
• High incidence of pests and disease, particularly the Lethal Yel-
lowing Disease (LYD) which is presently devastating the indus-
try; and
• Lack of research capabilities, both human and infrastructure.
The extent of coconut germplasm diversity in Mozambique has not yet

been fully investigated. Most of the local cultivars are of Tall types that
fall under the general category of Mozambican Tall. Therefore, there is
an urgent need to characterize and conserve the country’s local
germplasm.
Some germplasm were introduced into the country in the early 1980’s
by the Madal Company in Zambezia Province. Some of the introduced
varieties included Brazilian Green Dwarf, Brazilian Yellow Dwarf,
Malaysian Red Dwarf and Malaysian Yellow Dwarf. These materials
were used in the production of hybrids by the Madal Company, primarily
for new plantings and rehabilitation of old stands.
Coconut genetic resources research and development

activities
Unfortunately, Mozambique has yet to have a national coconut research
programme. However, with support from the International Coconut
688
Genetic Resources Network (COGENT), the country has benefited from

collaborative activities that included:
1. Capacity building
a. Participation of one Mozambican coconut researcher in the
Regional STANTECH (Standardized research techniques in
coconut breeding) Trainer’s Course for Africa, which was held
in Côte d’Ivoire from 16-26 June 1997;
b. Participation of a coconut researcher to another training course
on Standardized Research Techniques in Coconut Breeding
which was held from 20-28 January 1998 in Côte d’Ivoire;
c. Technical assistance to identify research and developments
needs and to formulate an Africa-Indian Ocean coconut re-
gional project proposal (March 1998); and
d. Technical assistance to establish the multilocational trial project
(5-12 November 2002).
2. Project awareness
Dr Pons Batugal, COGENT Coordinator, visited the country in
2002 to discuss with concerned government officials the impor-
tance of collaboration between the country and COGENT in de-
veloping the coconut genetic resources of Mozambique.
3. Varietal trial
Through coordination of COGENT, an evaluation trial was con-
ducted to identify suitable coconut hybrids/varieties for Mozam-
bique. The project is being implemented by Grupo Madal and
funded by the Portuguese Government.
Other activities
1. In view of the severity of LYD in the northern and central parts of
the country, a national contingency strategy was developed in 2000.
Among its more significant activities included controlling the move-
ment of coconut plants from the affected zones and raising aware-
ness among coconut growers on LYD;
2. Conduct of workshops on LYD which were held in Zambezia and
Cabo Delgado Provinces;
3. Mapping and monitoring of LYD movement in the country, which
were carried out with support from the Centre Institut de Recherche
Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) of France;
4. Establishment of a French Development Agency-funded project to
increase coconut production in small coconut landholdings in
Zambezia Province. The project components include:
• Implementation of an LYD programme;
• Intensification of production programme in the areas not yet af-
689
fected by the LYD;

• Dissemination of improved drying techniques for copra;
• Development of related training programmes at local and national
levels; and
• Elaboration of the coconut development master plan.
Projects in progress
1. The National Agronomic Research Institute (NARI) is in the process
of establishing a national coconut research programme and COGENT
has been requested to assist in this process, specifically for training
and capacity-building;
2. With support from COGENT, the project on “Poverty Reduction in
Poor Coconut Growing Communities in Mozambique” has been de-
signed and submitted to relevant donors for funding;
3. Development of a Mozambique coconut genebank to address LYD;
and
4. Procurement and development of LYD-resistant, high-yielding and
high-value coconut varieties with technical support from COGENT.
690

in Seychelles
AM Moustache
Director General, Crop Development and Promotion Division, Ministry of Agriculture
and Marine Resources, Grand Anse, Victoria Mahe, Seychelles
Introduction
Scientific research on coconut had its heyday in Seychelles when the
export of copra was the mainstay of the economy until the tourism boom
in the early 1970s. Thereafter, research focused on the selection of better
performing varieties that are well adapted to the poor granitic soils and
which showed positive response to fertilizers and other inputs.
Most of the coconuts planted in the country are local Talls. These
Talls are made up of a number of different varieties characterized by
different nut sizes, shapes and productivity but with no apparent
differences in tree morphology. Among the common local varieties
planted are Coco Raisin, Coco le Haut, Coco le Rein and Coco Bleu.
In a bid to boost coconut production, Seychelles imported some 10
000 nuts from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) during 1906 -1911. Studies
conducted in 1935 found that these imported varieties were inferior to
the local Talls as they required far more intensive cultural practices and
were more prone to diseases. In 1931, Dwarf coconuts were introduced
from the Malay States, particularly the Malayan Yellow and Malayan
Red Dwarfs (MYD and MRD). Fruits of these varieties are mostly used
for decorative purposes and consumed locally or sold to tourists as
tendernuts for drinking.
Alternative uses of the coconut

In 1994, Pakistan, the last remaining importer of coconut and copra from
Seychelles at that time, ceased coconut-related transactions with the
country. This spelled doom for most coconut farmers and growers in
Seychelles who depended solely on the crop and did not have alternative
sources of income. Since then, national coconut research priority has
shifted to “finding new uses for an old product”.
There are hundreds of known and documented uses for the coconut.
Although the Tree of Life finds many uses in the everyday life of the
Seychellois, there is an urgent need to look at some of these products as
potential income earners. To this end, the Ministry of International
Business (MIB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and
691
Marine Resources (MAMR), organized a one-day workshop in March

2002 to review the situation of the coconut industry in the country and
to propose strategies to rehabilitate it. The workshop was attended by
major stakeholders from both the private and public sectors of the coconut
industry. Dr Pons Batugal, International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (COGENT) Coordinator, also attended, enlightening the
participants on the scientific and technical aspects of the coconut
industry. Some of the more economically feasible products for Seychelles
which were identified included:
1. Palm heart. In August 1972, a consignment of palm hearts was
sent to London whereby excellent prices were obtained. Recent
market surveys conducted by MAMR revealed that palm heart is
in high demand by both locals and tourists in the country. To
maximize the production of palm heart, the MAMR has set up
small, high density plantations for studies and trials for the pro-
duction of palm heart. The trials recommended a spacing of 2.5
m x 2.5 m and a harvesting period of three years after planting.
Early cropping results in better control of major pests particu-
larly the melittomma larvae and the Rhinoceros beetle. It also re-
lieves the pressure on endemic palms that are also in demand for
palm heart and are sometimes poached illegally. All indications
point that this delicacy could be a lucrative foreign exchange
earner for Seychelles.
2. Tendernuts. This yet untapped product holds great market po-
tential in the country as both locals and tourists usually prefer
such a healthy and tasty thirst quencher over commercial car-
bonated drinks.
3. Coconut milk/cream. Most Seychellois cuisine use coconut as a
main ingredient, particularly in the form of milk or cream. In the
late 1980s, the government, in partnership with a French com-
pany, established a factory that produces coconut cream in com-
mercial quantities. The venture was plagued by several prob-
lems, including equipment operation, the type of packaging ma-
terial used and, to a lesser extent, the inconsistent supply of raw
material. Though public response was good, the factory closed
down due to the problems mentioned.
4. Coconut cake and oil. Traditionally, every Seychellois home
raised local poultry for home consumption, which were predomi-
nantly fed with coconut cake. On a more commercial scale, the
Animal Feed Factory of the Seychelles Marketing Board produces
several livestock feed formulation which contained a reasonable
amount of coconut cake. Oil produced could easily be absorbed
692
by the local soap industry to replace the present imported coco-

nut oil. In 2000, imports of coconut-based products amounted to
SR 610 565 (US$ 119 719), while in 2001 the amount decreased
to about SR 458 558 (US$ 89 913).
5. Agro-processed products. Coconut-based confectionery and other
processed products could certainly replace some of the imported
materials used in agroindustries.
6. Craft items. With the recent ban by government on importation
of craft items for resale, it is envisioned that the use of local coco-
nut raw material will gain impetus.
Pests and diseases

An important aspect of coconut research identified in the country is in
the area of pests and diseases. Although very few coconut diseases exist
in Seychelles, some of them do significant damage to the coconut
industry.
The melittomma borer (Melittomma insulare) is by far the most
significant pest of economic importance in coconut in Seychelles. A
traditional method of controlling this pest involves gouging the base of
all bearing trees and applying a solution of tar and creosote.
Another major pest is the Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes monoceros) which
attacks the base and the growing point of the crop. Various control trials
have been undertaken and tested since the 1900s. In 1971, a virus
(Rhabdionvirus oryctes) was tested as a biological control agent against
the Rhinoceros beetle. Although field trials gave encouraging results, the
technology still needs to be further refined and disseminated.
Rats (Rattus rattus) are an ever present threat to coconut production.
Mealy bugs (Pseudocous adonidum) and scale insects are also present in
the country but are not considered as economic pests.
Future research considerations

Whatever coconut R&D developments take place in the country in future,
the following basic and inherent factors shall be taken into considerations:
Land. With the rapid rate of social development and competition for
land by other economic sectors such as tourism and manufacturing, there
is less and less land available for agriculture. Thus, future coconut
plantations may have to be of lesser acreage, planted more densely or
managed in complementation with another purpose (e.g. lending
aesthetic value to eco-tourism centres).
Labour. The present cost of labour will greatly affect the price of the
alternative high-value products from coconut. In the short run, such
693
products may not be economically competitive with imported products

but in the long run this would translate to greater foreign exchange savings
for the country. Therefore, there is a need to train and build-up the
capacity of farmers and growers and/or their families in producing high-
value coconut-based products so that they could compete with their
foreign counterparts.
Varietal selection. Additional technical research work and training

would be needed to match varieties with intended uses. It may be noted
that some varieties may produce better drinking nuts whereas others,
better palm heart. With the help of COGENT and the CNRA Marc
Delorme Station in Côte d’Ivoire, Seychelles obtained 50 seednuts of
Brazilian Green Dwarf, a highly priced variety for tendernuts. If suitable,
this variety will be propagated for wider plantings.
Education and awareness. Potential investors must be educated and be

made aware of business opportunities that exist in the country and
elsewhere in the world. Studies must be undertaken to understand the
true nature and trends in the demand for the various coconut-based
products and their derivatives.
Capital and technology. Any commercial-scale processing of any part

of the coconut would require significant initial capital investment.
Commercial production in Seychelles will be limited by its relatively small
domestic market. The technology chosen to process any added-value
coconut product must consider the issues of the market as well as
availability of a constant supply of raw materials.
The future of the coconut industry in Seychelles will depend largely
on sharp and innovative businessmen, a national policy to support the
industry, and sound technical skills and knowledge in coconut production
and coconut processing on the part of producers and growers.
694

in Brazil
EA Tupinambá, JF da Silva, Jr and WM Aragão
Coconut Researchers, Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Coastal
Tablelands, Av. Beira Mar, Aracaju, SE, Brazil
Introduction
Coconut growing is important for the economies of Northeastern and
Northern Brazil, accounting for approximately 82% of the country’s
production (IBGE 2003). Brazil ranks fifth among the coconut producing
countries in the world (FAO 2002). Coconuts are planted from the
Northern State of Roraima to the State of Paraná in the South, with high
concentrations in the coastal line from Pará to Rio de Janeiro. They are
cultivated in the most diverse soil, climate and management conditions.
The most utilized coconut parts are water from the green coconut
(tendernut) and the fresh meat from the mature nut. The use of coconut
by-products in Brazil is still very limited.
Populations of Tall coconut palms introduced by the Portuguese in
the 16th century spread through the northeastern coastal zone, adapting
themselves to different environmental conditions to create different
ecotypes (Ribeiro et al. 1999; 2000). The Brazilian Agricultural Research
Corporation (Embrapa) collected, characterized and conserved the
genetic variability of these populations, and used them for developing
superior hybrids with better production traits and quality, adapted to
different Brazilian agroecological zones. Brazil has established a coconut
genebank in the State of Sergipe to serve Embrapa´s coconut improvement
programme. There is now a commitment to upgrade this genebank to
become an International Coconut Genebank for Latin America and the
Caribbean (ICG-LAC) with the support of the International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute (IPGRI) and the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Network (COGENT).
Coconut production constraints in Brazil

The following are the major limitations to coconut production in Brazil:
1. Use of unimproved, low-yielding varieties;
2. Ageing palm populations and inadequate management practices;
3. Occurrence of diseases and pests;
4. Adverse climatic conditions;
695
5. Rising cost of inputs and stagnation and/or declining prices of

produce;
6. Underutilization of the crop and limited diversity of products;
and
7. Unstable markets for coconut and coconut products.
Coconut genetic resources in Brazil
Germplasm introduction
According to Siqueira et al. (2002), coconut was first introduced by the
Portuguese in 1553, in Bahia, from seeds of Tall coconuts originating
from Cabo Verde Island. A second introduction happened in 1939, in
Rio de Janeiro coastal area. A third was carried out by the Cocoa Authority
(CEPLAC) in 1978, again in Bahia, introducing the West African Tall
(WAT) from Côte d’Ivoire; in partnership with the Centre Institut
Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD). A fourth
introduction occurred in 1981, when Sococo, a coconut processing
company, imported seednuts of West African Tall (WAT), for planting
in a field in the state of Pará. A fifth introduction happened in 1983 by
Embrapa, with ecotypes from Côte d’Ivoire, which initiated the
establishment of the national coconut genebank in Neopolis-SE. The
populations introduced include WAT, Rennell Island Tall (RIT),
Polynesian Tall (PYT), Rotuma Tall (RTT), Tonga Tall (TONT), Vanuatu
(VTT) and Malaysian Tall (MLT) (Siqueira and França-Dantas 1984).
Populations of WAT, RIT, TONT, VTT and MLT were reintroduced in
1984, while those of RIT, PYT and of VTT were reintroduced in 1986
(Ribeiro and Siqueira 1995).
Dwarf types were first introduced in 1925, with seedlings procured
from India and distributed in Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro
(Siqueira et al. 2002). A second introduction of Dwarfs took place, in
1938 to Araruama and Cabo Frio, in the coastal area of Rio de Janeiro,
with seedlings of the Yellow Nyor Gading, originated from Malaysia. In
1939, Rio de Janeiro was the site of the third introduction of varieties of
Red and Green Dwarfs from Malaysia. In 1978, under an agreement
between the Comissão do Plano de Recuperação da Lavoura Cacaueira
(CEPLAC) and ex Institut de Recherche pour les Huiles en Oleagineux
(IRHO), actually CIRAD, seeds of Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) and
Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD) were imported and planted in Bahia. In
1981, the Sococo Company imported MYD seeds from Côte d’Ivoire and
planted them in Para. A sixth introduction was by Embrapa in 1982,
with varieties of MYD, MRD and CRD from Côte D‘Ivoire, for the
696
national genebank in Neopolis. Table 1 shows the list of introduced

accessions in Embrapa’s genebank in Neopolis-SE as of 2003.
Germplasm prospecting and collecting

As mentioned above, Embrapa‘s coconut germplasm research were
activities initiated in 1982 with the introduction of Tall and Dwarf coconut
palms from Côte d’Ivoire. At the same time, Embrapa initiated the
prospecting and collecting of germplasm of existing populations in Brazil.
From 1982 to 1995, Tall populations were identified and characterized
as legitimate and homogeneous populations at the following: Praia do
Forte - BA, Pacatuba – SE, Merepe and Santa Rita – PE, São José de
Mipibu, Baia Formosa and Georgino Avelino - RN. In relation to Dwarf
varieties, the following populations were identified, collected and
characterized between 1982 and 1983: Brazil Green Dwarf (BGD), Jiqui
(RN), Brazil Yellow Dwarf (BYD), Brazil Red Dwarf (BRD) and Gramame
(Table 2).
Several populations of Tall and Dwarf also had been identified from
other regions of the country but this effort had to cease due to lack of
funds.
Embrapa’s Coconut Genebank

Embrapa’s Coconut Genebank is located in the Experimental Station of
Betume, Neópolis, Sergipe-SE (10°25’22” S and 36°34‘31” W at an altitude
of 28 m). The terrain is coastal tableland type and the climate is
characterized by tropical rainy with dry summers (Köppen classification),
with rainfall, temperature and relative humidity average of 1200 mm,
25ºC and 70%, respectively. The soil is a Neossolo Quartzorênico (Brazilian
classification) or Ustic Quartzipsamment (American classification).
There are 19 accessions, with 13 Tall and 6 Dwarf types, totaling
3379 palms in the genebank as of 2003 (Tables 1 and 2).
Due to adverse soil conditions at the experimental station, Embrapa
decided to transfer the collection to the experimental station in
Itaporanga-SE in 2000, next to the capital city of Aracaju where Embrapa
Coastal Tablelands is located. This area is free of the predominant disease
of the coconut palm in Brazil, the ‘leaf rust’, caused by Botryodiplodia
theobromae. The new coconut genebank will have a total working area
of 15 ha when the transfer is completed.
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Table 1. Introduced accessions conserved in the Coconut Genebank of Embrapa as

of 2003
Accessions Country of origin Number of palms
Tall types
West African Tall (WAT) Côte d’Ivoire 218
Rennell Islands Tall (RIT) Rennell Islands – Solomon 94
Islands
Polynesian Tall (PYT) Tahiti 207
Rotuman Tall (RTMT) Fiji 94
Tonga Tall (TONT) Tonga 93
Vanuatu Tall (VTT) Vanuatu 35
Malayan Tall (MLT) Malaysia 34
Dwarf types
Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD) Malaysia 157
Malayan Red Dwarf (MRD) Malaysia 204
Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD) Cameroon 154
Table 2. Local germplasm accessions conserved in Embrapa’s genebank as of 2003

Number of
Accessions Origin
palms
Tall types
Brazilian Tall (BRT) - Praia do Forte Praia do Forte - Bahia 479
(BRTPF)
Brazilian Tall (BRT) - Merepe (BRTMe) Merepe – Pernambuco 149
Brazilian Tall (BRT) - São José de São José de Mipibu – Rio Grande 150
Mipibu (BRTSJM) do Norte
Brazilian Tall (BRT) - Baía Formosa Baía Formosa – Rio Grande do 102
(BRTBF) Norte
Brazilian Tall (BRT) - Santa Rita Santa Rita – Pernambuco 102
(BRTSR)
Brazilian Tall (BRT) - Pacatuba (BRTPc) Pacatuba - Sergipe 102
Dwarf types
Brazilian Green Dwarf - Jiqui (BGDJ) Jiqui – Rio Grande do Norte 340
Brazilian Red Dwarf - Gramame Gramame – Paraíba 491
(BRDG)
Brazilian Yellow Dwarf - Gramame Gramame - Paraíba 174
(BYDG)
Coconut research and development activities in Brazil
International Coconut Genebank for Latin American & the Caribbean

(ICG-LAC)
In 1999, a FAO/IPGRI/COGENT mission conducted a pest risk
assessment in Brazil with the view of establishing an International
Coconut Genebank for the Latin America and the Caribbean region (ICG-
LAC). A site adjacent to the capital city of Aracaju-SE was found to be
suitable for the ICG-LAC as it was found to be free of any lethal disease
or pests, not prone to earthquakes or typhoons, and easily accessible.
698
The ICG-LAC will have an area of 150 ha and will host some 200 coconut
accessions. The Brazilian Government, through Embrapa, has committed
to establish the ICG-LAC provided that stakeholders, particularly IPGRI-
COGENT, would share the cost of its establishment and maintenance.
International multilocation variety trials

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) through IPGRI/COGENT
provided technical and financial support for the project ‘Coconut
Germplasm Utilization and Conservation to Promote Sustainable Coconut
Production’. A component of this project, multilocation trials of coconut
hybrids, in which Brazil participated together with Mexico, Jamaica,
Benin, Côte d’Ivoire and Tanzania, tested six hybrids produced in Côte
d’Ivoire with 4–8 local hybrids. From the first batch of seeds received
from Côte d’Ivoire, two varietal trials were initiated in September 2000.
The first trial consisted of six treatments (three hybrids from Cote d’Ivoire,
two local hybrids and one local variety) with seven plants per plot
replicated five times. The second trial had 10 treatments (six hybrids from
Côte d’Ivoire, three local hybrids and one local variety, Praia do Forte
Tall), with four replications and five plants per plot. With the seedlings
from the second and third batch of seeds, one trial with 10 treatments,
five replications and 16 palms per plot was set in September 2003. All
these trials are planted at the Itaporanga field station of Embrapa Coastal
Tableland. The initial result of the 5-year trial showed that hybrids
flowered in 2.5-3.0 years from planting.
Training supported by COGENT

• One researcher from Embrapa Coastal Tableland participated in a
cryopreservation course in 2003.
• Two researchers from Embrapa/CENARGEN and Embrapa Coastal
Tableland participate in staff development training on the use of the
STANTECH (Standardized research technique in coconut breeding)
Manual and on the use of the microsatellite kit (molecular marker)
and dedicated statistical software in 2002.
• One researcher from Embrapa Coastal Tableland assisted in formu-
lating the LAC coconut regional project proposal in 1997.
Main activities supported by Embrapa and other Brazilian

stakeholders
Projects
1. Coconut Active Genebank (Embrapa)
2. Development of coconut palm suitable to different ecosystems of
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Brazil (Embrapa)
3. Improvement of the scientific knowledge and development of tech-
nologies for the control of the predominant diseases of the coco-
nut palm (Embrapa)
4. Production of hybrid seeds of coconut palm (National for Coun-
cil Scientific and Technological Development or CNPq)
5. Morphologic, chemical and sensorial characterization of water
and fresh meat of fruits of cultivated coconut palms (Bank of
Northeastern Brazil)
6. Fast production of seedlings of Talls and hybrid through tissue
culture (Bank of Northeastern Brazil)
7. Advances in technical-scientific knowledge for the production of
seedlings of Dwarf coconut palms (State of Sergipe Research Foun-
dation or FAP-SE)
8. Development and selection of suitable hybrids of coconut palm
under the different ecosystems of Sergipe (FAP-SE)
Training courses and meetings/ workshops

1. Course on the Production of the Coconut Palm (national and
annual)
2. National Symposium on Coconut Water, October 2001
3. Closed Courses on the Culture of the Coconut Palm for technical
assistance companies of Brazil (annual since 2003)
Results/ outputs
National Coconut Genebank

Passport and characterization data of accessions in the Active Germplasm
(or Bancos de Germoplasma - BAG), de Coco have been provided for the
International Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD). Four
populations of Tall ecotypes - Baía Formosa-RN, Merepe-PE, Pacatuba-
SE, São José de Mipibu-RN and Santa Rita-PE, were introduced into the
national coconut genebank. Prospecting activities of coconut palm
populations have been conducted in seven states of Northeastern Brazil
to obtain additional data.
Use of RAPD markers in diversity study

The RAPD technique was shown to be adequate for differentiating the
tested populations, which represented Tall ecotypes from BRT – Praia
do Forte, WAT and RIT. Cluster analyses based on Euclidian distance
among plants showed that WAT, BRT and RLT represented homogeneous
and distinct populations of Tall coconuts. In terms of genetic distance,
700
WAT and BRT were closer to each other than with RLT, and yet each of
these populations was still distinct (Wadt et al. 1999).
Use of microsatellite markers for genetic variability analysis

The objectives of this study were to develop and characterize microsatellite
markers for coconut and to analyze the genetic variability among and
within 10 Tall and Dwarf coconut ecotypes conserved at Embrapa’s
coconut genebank. Cluster analysis, unweighted pair-group method
analysis (UOGMA) was applied to three main groups: one containing
the Dwarf ecotypes samples, one with the Pacific Tall samples, and a
third group formed by the BRT and WAT ecotypes. Brazilian and Asian
Dwarf ecotypes appeared to be closer to Pacific Tall ecotypes than they
did to BRT ecotypes. These results corroborated the hypothesis of an Asian
origin for the Dwarf variety. Despite the fact that the BRT ecotypes are
not genetically and agronomically well characterized as the Pacific
ecotypes, crosses between the Dwarf genotypes and BRT genotypes,
which are genetically distant, could be basis for breeding programmes in
order to obtain higher genetic gains (Moretzsohn et al. 2001).
Development of the coconut hybrids/varieties

Under irrigated conditions, Embrapa is developing hybrids from its
genebank accessions. Genotypes of BGD, MYD and CRD were the most
precocious; flowering within an average of 2.5 years, while the most
delayed was MRD, which flowered after 2.9 years. The hybrids started
to flower between 3 years (BYD x BRT; BRD x PYT; BRD x WAT), 3.1
years (BYD x PYT; BYD x WAT; BGD x BRT and BRD x BRT) and 3.2
years (BRD x RIT). The coefficient of genotypic determination for bloom
was high (bp=0.96), indicating the possibility of success in the
improvement for this characteristic.
The production of fruits from hybrids in the first year after the
beginning of the bloom was high (73 fruits/plant/year), varying from
66 fruits/plant/year (BRD x BRT) to 87 fruits/plant/year (BGD x BRT).
In the second year, after the beginning of the bloom, the production was
very similar to the first year. There was no significant difference between
the hybrids and the Dwarfs.
Average fresh meat production of the hybrids was 400 g/fruit, varying
from 378 g/fruit (BGD x BRT) to 429 g/fruit (BRDG x RIT). The Dwarfs,
on the other hand, varied from 214 g/fruit (BGD) to 290 g/fruit (BRD),
which was lower than that of the hybrids. However, the Dwarfs presented
high genetic variability for this trait, with different plants producing above
350 g/fruit, which is quite suitable to Brazilian coconut agroindustry. In
addition, it was also found out that the fat content of fresh meat of Dwarfs
was low, with the values per variety recorded as BGD (25.8%), CRD
701
(26.5%) and MRD (32.1%). These results indicate that the fresh meat of
Dwarf coconuts is suitable for use and processing by light-food industries.
With regards to coconut water, the hybrids BGD x BRT (468.2 ml/
fruit), BYD x BRT (471.0 ml/fruit) and BRD x BRT (392.3 ml/fruit) were
higher in water content than their respective female parent, BGD (385.9
ml/fruit), BYD (348.5 ml/fruit) and BRD (382.0 ml/fruit).
All Dwarfs and hybrids are susceptible to mite infestation (Aceria
guerreronis) and to leaf diseases caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae,
Sphaerodothis acrocomiae and Phyllachora torrendiella.
In the State of Amapá, a region with high but well-distributed annual
rainfall (>2000 mm), the BYD, BGD and CRD flower well at 1.7, 1.8 and
2.0 years, respectively. Hybrids BYD x BRT and BRD x BRT, on the other
hand, flowered at 2.5 years; BGD x BRT at 2.6 years; and the giant BRT
at 3.4 years.
In the regions with annual rainfall of only about 1200 mm and
unevenly distributed as in the coastal state of Piauí, BRT, BGD, BGD x
BRT, BYD x BRT and BRD x BRT started to produce in the second and
third year after blooming, registering 17.2 and 44.8; 109.1 and 91.9; 68.5
and 76.0; 64.2 and 98.1; 92.7 and 75.8 fruits/plant/year, respectively.
The research activities described above are also being carried out under
different agroecosystems in the states of Alagoas, Pernambuco, Rio
Grande do Norte, Pará, Goiás, Mato Grosso, São Paulo, Minas Gerais,
Espirito Santo, Paraná and Distrito Federal, being part of the National
Net of Evaluation of Cultivars of Coconut Palm (RENAC). A second
RENAC is being implemented with other cultivars in the states of Sergipe,
Bahia, São Paulo, Paraná, Brasilia and, possibly Alagoas and Mato Grosso.
Future plans
The following would be undertaken by Embrapa in the near future to
further develop the coconut genetic resources in Brazil:
1. Establish the International Coconut Genebank for Latin America
and the Caribbean in Itaporanga-SE; and
2. Maintain the experiments of the international multilocation hy-
brids trial and disseminate their results.
References
FAO. 2002. Statistical databases: Agriculture 2002. Rome, Italy.
IBGE. 2001. Produção Agrícola Municipal. Rio de Janeiro. http://
www.sidra.ibge.gov.br
Moretzsohn, M de C, PJA. Coelho, ZP de S Amaral, A Hercos and EA
Tupinambá. 2001. Desenvolvimento e uso de marcadores
microssatélites na análise da variabilidade genética de ecótipos de
702
coqueiro (Cocos nucifera L.). Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e

Biotecnologia, Brasília (Boletim de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento, 16).
Ribeiro, FE and ER de Siqueira. 1995. Introdução, coleta e conservação
de germoplasma de coqueiro no Brasil. Embrapa-CPATC, Aracaju.
(Documentos, 3).
Ribeiro, FE, ER de Siqueira, WM Aragão and EA Tupinambá. 2000.
Ecótipos de coqueiro gigante no Brasil. Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros,
703

Mexico
R Castillo1 and C Oropeza2
1
Agricolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), Mexico
2
Coconut Researcher, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan (CICY), Mexico
Introduction
Mexico is the major coconut producing country in Latin America after
Brazil with 168 000 ha planted to coconut.
Since 1998, coconut farmers in the Latin America and Caribbean
(LAC) region have been facing serious problems that have diminished
their incomes due to the low prices of copra and the decrease in the yield
of old coconut palms. In Mexico, in the Gulf–Caribbean region, there are
about 30 000 ha of the Atlantic Tall coconut whose average yields have
fallen to 550 kg/ha due to the prevalence of Lethal Yellowing Disease
(LYD). In the last 16 years, LYD has devastated around 17 000 ha of
coconut stands in the country.
Coconut palms affected by LYD die within a couple of months after
infection. The common symptoms showed by an LYD-infected palm are
as follows:
1. Fruits fall prematurely, the ovaries miscarry and also fall;
2. Open inflorescences exhibit partial necrosis while developing ones
(after nutfall) exhibit total necrosis;
3. Mature leaves yellow and then turn brown. They later dry com-
pletely and hang limp from the shaft of the palm; and
4. The youngest leaves in the middle of the crown also die and fall
usually after the mature leaves fall off, leaving the tree bald and
with a telephone pole appearance.
Generally, it takes only about six months from the onset of the disease
until the tree dies and assumes the characteristic telephone pole
appearance (Figure 1). Mortality rate is 100% for palms infected by the
disease. At the moment, LYD is the most serious problem affecting not
only Mexico but also Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Belize in
Latin America; Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic and Trinidad-Tobago
in the Caribbean, as well as Tanzania, Ghana and Mozambique in Africa.
In some of these countries, it is suspected that the causal agent of the
disease could be a different strain of the Mycoplasm-Type Organism
(MTO), although this is yet to be proven. Due to its extensive and rapid
704
Figure 1. Atlantic Tall coconuts in South Mexico affected by LYD
spread, it is estimated that LYD would eventually infect and devastate

about 500 000 ha of coconut stands in these 12 countries. Currently,
cooperative efforts are underway among these countries to combat the
disease and to develop coconut varieties which are resistant to LYD.
Coconut research activities

Mexico and Jamaica are currently carrying out combined efforts to
develop technology to overcome LYD, which include projects on genetic
improvement, microsatellite analysis, in vitro multiplication and seed
production. So far, genetic improvement seems to be the most feasible
and effective measure against LYD. This involves the evaluation, selection
and recombination of coconut germplasm to identify resistant sources
which could be used in breeding programmes for LYD-resistant varieties.
Other significant coconut R&D projects in LAC are briefly described
below.
Multilocation trials to identify suitable coconut hybrids and varieties

for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean
Starting from year 2000, Mexico, Brazil and Jamaica participated in this
COGENT-supported project funded by Common Fund for Commodities
(CFC) to evaluate two groups of coconut hybrids where six were common
in the experiments of all participating countries and four are local hybrids
705
or varieties. It is envisioned that results obtained may be applied in other

coconut countries with similar environmental conditions. In case of
Mexico, eight local hybrids were evaluated:
• Malayan Red Dwarf x Panama Tall Aguadulce(MRD x PNT01)
• Malayan Red Dwarf x Panama Tall Monagre(MRD x PNT02)
• Malayan Yellow Dwarf x Mexican Pacific Tall 14 (MYD x MXPT14)
• Malayan Yellow Dwarf x Panama Tall Aguadulce (MYD x PNT01)
• Malayan Yellow Dwarf x Panama Tall Monagre (MYD x PNT02)
• Malayan Yellow Dwarf x Mexican Pacific Tall 10 (MYD x MXPT10 )
These hybrids have progenitors that demonstrated resistance to Lethal

Yellowing. The experiment was established in October 2002 in the coast
of Tabasco, Mexico. The results revealed that hybrids flowered in 2.5-
3.0 years after planting and have potential to benefit smallholders.
Establishing a framework and selecting project sites for the nation-

wide deployment of coconut-based poverty reduction interventions
in coconut growing communities using COGENT’s 3-pronged strat-
egy in Mexico
A socioeconomic study in five coconut growing communities in Mexico
was carried out to identify suitable pilot communities and groups that
could undertake poverty intervention projects. COGENT’s 3-pronged
strategy in helping poor coconut farmers, especially women, improve
their incomes and living standard, will be tested under this project in
one community. The project aims to::
1. Increase yields and incomes by deploying high-yielding; high-
value multipurpose and adapted coconut varieties and hybrids
using locally produced seednuts;
2. Increase incomes by promoting the production and marketing of
high-value products from the meat, husk, shell, water, wood and
leaves and identifying suitable varieties for these uses; and
3. Increase food security and incomes per unit area per unit time
through intercropping and livestock/fodder production.
Use of biofertilizers for sustainable production

Technology has been developed on biofertilizer application for Atlantic
Tall coconuts in Gulf of Mexico. The advantages of using biofertilizer are
its low cost and ease of application. This biofertilizer is being promoted
to help farmers increase yields and farm profitability.
706
Results/outputs and their significance

Zizumbo et al. (1998) conducted a 7-year evaluation of Tall-type coconuts
from the Atlantic and the Pacific in Mexico. The Tall cultivars Guerrero
2, Jalisco 1, Michoacan 2, Colima 1, Colima 2 and Colima 3 exhibited
some form of resistance to LYD. These genotypes were used as male
parents to develop new Dwarf x Tall hybrids, some of which are being
tested under the CFC-funded ‘Multilocation trials to identify suitable
coconut hybrids in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean’. Other
hybrids from these genotypes are being evaluated under two different
experiments with the same purpose of finding resistance to LYD. Carrillo
(1998) and Dominguez (1994), after nine years of evaluating the coconut
hybrid ‘Chactemal’, found that it has high resistance to LYD in trials
established in two Mexican towns. The hybrid is now being propagated
in four seed gardens for dissemination and planting in LYD-devastated
areas. However, as the current seednuts production can only cater to the
planting needs of approximately 700 ha per annum, it cannot keep up
with the rate of spread of the disease. Related to this, Dominguez et al.
(2003) developed a technology to produce Dwarf x Tall hybrids with a
productivity of 150 seednuts per palm per year. This technology,
developed under the project entitled, ‘Mixed Seed Garden Production of
Coconut Hybrids’ consists of using male and female parents in the same
field, cauterizing the spikelets after the emasculation and applying
Gibberellic acid at 100 ppm when concluding the pollination using bees.
Currently, about 3 200 ha in Mexico have been planted with LYD-resistant
hybrids and growing at a rate of 900 ha per year.
With regards to the rehabilitation of old Atlantic Tall stands, which
were abandoned when world copra prices dropped, Castillo et al. (2003)
found that with two applications per year of Micorriza + Azospirillum +
45-35-60 yield could be increased to 872 kg/ha, compared with the yield
of the plantation before the application of the treatments that was of 542
kg/ha. This represents a yield increment of 61%. The application of
Azospirillum with 816 kg/ha gave an increment of 50% yield. This
technology is very economical and could allow coconut farmers to increase
incomes as well as to conserve their precious genetic resources.

In Mexico, the following are the priority activities to develop the country’s
coconut genetic resources:
1. Identification, development and propagation of LYD-resistant Tall
coconut varieties using open pollination; and
2. Establishment of a coconut genebank in Tabasco dedicated to the
conservation and propagation of LYD-resistant hybrids/varieties.
707
References
Carrillo, RH. 1998. Lethal yellowing coconut in Mexico. Pp. 49-80. In
Memoirs of Masterful Conferences. First National Meeting of Coco-
nut Palm. Acapulco, Mexico. (In Spanish).
Castillo, GR, CE Dominguez and BP Ruiz. 2003. Evaluation of
biofertilizers and fertilizers of slow liberation in Atlantic Tall Coco-
nut. Final report. FOSIGOLFO, INIFAP. (In Spanish)
Been, BO. 1981. Observation on field resistance to lethal yellowing in
coconut varieties and hybrids in Jamaica. Oleagineux 36: 9-12.
Domínguez, CE, AJI Lopez and BP Ruiz. 1994. Preliminary evaluation
of the coconut hybrid Malayan Yellow Dwarf x Lazaro Cardenas
Tall in Tabasco. Pp. 14-16. In: Proceedings of the 7th Scientific Meet-
ing. SAGAR-INIFAP. Villahermosa, Tabasco. (In Spanish).
Domínguez, CE, GR Castillo and BP Ruiz. 2003. Mixed seed garden
production of coconut hybrids. Final report. FOSIGOLFO. INIFAP.
(In Spanish).
Harries, HC. 1973. Selection and breeding of coconuts for resistance to
diseases such as lethal yellowing. Oleagineux 28 8-9: 395-398.
Zizumbo, VD, BM Fernandez and LR Cardeña. 1998. Evaluation of the
resistance to lethal yellowing of the coconut germplasm in Mexico.
Pp. 87-98. In: Memoirs of Masterful conferences. First National
Meeting of Coconut Palm, Acapulco, Mexico. (In Spanish).
708

in Guyana
O Homenauth
Director, National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara,
Guyana
Introduction
In Guyana, coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) ranks third, next to rice and sugar,
among the most economically important crops. In spite of this, the
potential of the crop has been largely underexploited and poorly
developed. Coconuts contribute only approximately 1% to the total gross
domestic product (GDP) of the country, an under achievement,
considering its priority ranking in the agricultural sector.
It is estimated that there are 24 000 ha under coconut production,
with an average annual production of 92 million nuts. In order to increase
and sustain the current levels of production to meet market demand for
greater economic efficiency, it is imperative that the issue of increasing
coconut productivity be urgently addressed. According to Paul (1999),
varietal improvement is the most expedient approach to resolving low
productivity and consequent economic inefficiency. He further stated
that varietal enhancement necessitates an analysis of the genetic structure
(population level) and production potential of the diverse types, forms,
strains and varieties grown in Guyana.
This article describes the coconut varieties and forms, and pests and
diseases of economic importance in Guyana. A summary of the proposed
coconut R&D development project for Guyana is also discussed.
Coconut varieties and forms

Coconut is grown widely on the coastal regions of Guyana, primarily
along the Pomeroon River, in the Essequibo Coast, East Demerara, and
West Berbice and on the Corentyne Coast. Coconut is mainly processed
into cooking oil. Average copra yield from 100 nuts ranges from 13 to 16
kg. The use of tendernut as a nutritive beverage is very popular in Guyana.
Commercial holdings of coconut are mainly planted with two types
of the Tall variety and two types of the Dwarf variety. The Tall types are
the predominant source of copra, while the Dwarf variety is specially
grown for their sweet water. One variant of intermediate height, known
as ‘Bastard Nut’, is grown in the Pomeroon River area and is cultivated
for both copra production and for its sweet water, although its copra
yield is inferior to the Tall types.
709
Tall types
The most common Tall types existing in the country are the Jamaica Tall
and the Panama Tall, each consisting of two basic colour forms: green
and bronze. The Jamaica Tall bears long, angular nuts with distinct ridges
and a thick mesocarp. Dehusked, its nuts are also angular and pointed
at the end. On the other hand, the Panama Tall fruits are much more
spherical with thinner mesocarp. These two types may be considered
the ‘original’ Tall types in Guyana. Another variant of the Tall type found
on the Coastal Corentyne (No. 60 Village), as reported by Manthriratoa
(1980), is a type with spherical, medium-sized nuts but with a
pronounced dark pink mesocarp. Several variations in epicarp colour
forms have also been observed. Generally, commercial stands could not
be classified on this criterion alone. Farmers, however, could distinguish
between the two Tall types known as Clara Nut and Cocrit Nut. Clara
Nut is similar in character to the Panama Tall. Cocrit Nut, on the other
hand, seems to combine the nut characteristics of the Jamaican Tall and
the Panama Tall.
The Cocrit Nut is regarded as a ‘nut number’ type rather than a ‘nut
size’ type. Fruits of the Cocrit Nut are more spherical than oblong, with
a thin mesocarp and thick kernel. Nut size ranges from small to large,
with trees of larger nuts being less prolific. Commercial copra producers
prefer the ‘5-year’ (five years to begin production) nuts with an
intermediate nut size, high yield and precocity.
The Clara Nut is a ‘nut size’ type. Husked nuts are large and spherical,
with a high water capacity but thin kernel. The coconut water of this
type is described as sweet and is favoured over all the other types grown
for their coconut water. The hectarage devoted to Clara Nut, however,
is minuscule compared to those variants preferred for copra.
A preponderance of Tall types can generally be found in all commercial
holdings. However, in the Pomeroon River area, there is a higher
frequency of Dwarf types in commercial holdings. In all commercial
plantings, demand for new planting materials is generally for the Cocrit
Nut type.
Dwarf types
Commercial Dwarf types are mainly of the green and yellow ‘3-year’
(three years to begin production) variants. Manthriratoa (1980) described
the Green Dwarf as being similar to the Brazilian Green Dwarf in growth
habit, number of nut per bunch and size of nuts. The Yellow Dwarf,
however, is different from the Malaysian Yellow Dwarf, in having a larger
nut size and a less intense yellow colour in petioles and epicarps of the
nuts. A third Dwarf type variant is the Red Dwarf (Orange Dwarf),
restricted mainly to the Pomeroon River area. The Red Dwarf is similar
710
to the Red Dwarf of India and Sri Lanka and the Malaysian Dwarf.
Manthriratoa (1980) suggested that this variant may be a recent
introduction from a Caribbean Country. Another variant, the Bronze
Dwarf (so-called because of its bronze epicarp), is a relatively new find
of about four years ago. The Bronze Dwarf was reportedly introduced
from Surinam. Currently, there are only a few homesteads with this
variety, but the current demand suggests it has the potential to spread
rapidly to commercial holdings.
Bastard nut
Bastard Nut is predominately recognized in the Pomeroon River area.
Manthriratoa (1980) attributed the origin of this variant to natural cross
pollination between Dwarf and Tall types, being an apparent Dwarf x
Tall hybrid. Bastard Nuts show marked hybrid vigour in trunk and leaf
size, number of bunches produced per year and number of nuts per
bunch.
Pests and diseases

The major pests of coconuts in Guyana are the coconut caterpillar
(Brassolis sophorae L.); moth borer (Castnia daedalus Crammer); and Azteca
ant-scale complex. Of the three predominant coconut pests identified in
Guyana, the coconut caterpillar is considered the most destructive.
On the other hand, the major diseases of coconuts in Guyana are:
cedros wilt, red ring disease; and bud rot. None of these diseases poses
serious threats to the coconut industry in Guyana. It is also worthwhile
to note that there is no reported case of Lethal Yellowing Disease (LYD)
in Guyana.
Proposed coconut R & D projects for Guyana
Varietal improvement
Projects on varietal improvement shall address the immediate breeding
objectives of increased yields, early maturity and disease resistance,
especially against LYD. Breeding strategies shall include the following:
Standardization of evaluation techniques. Not much information is

documented in Guyana on the evaluation procedures for coconut. In
order to ensure that evaluation results be comparable with those obtained
by evaluation programmes in other coconut-producing countries, it would
be necessary to adopt the standard protocols for such evaluation
programmes.
711
Characterization of locally-adapted germplasm resources. To date,

monitoring of coconut germplasm resources in farmers’ fields has
established the location and prevalence of four Dwarf varieties. There
are obvious variants of the Tall types, especially those of the intermediate
or ‘Bastard’ types. However, unlike other crops cultivated in Guyana, it
is not the habit of farmers to assign names to prominent variants of
coconut. For this reason, assembling local coconut collections and
characterizing them through conventional agronomic and morphometric
methodologies could prove to be quite difficult.
Faced with a wide range of cultivated variants, it will be most
appropriate to focus on analysis relating the observed pattern of
traditional cultivation practices with the prevalence of coconut genetic
diversity. This is where the application of DNA marker technology, like
AFLP, becomes relevant. Elucidating the structure of molecular diversity,
for example of ‘Bastard Nuts’, will assist in establishing their genetic origin
and structure.
Hybrid coconut production. High-yielding varieties are the best way to

mitigate low crop production efficiencies; low productivity being the most
serious limitation to the viability of the coconut industry in the country.
Despite the relatively wide range of germplasm resources available locally,
it is apparent that the current rate of varietal improvement is still
inadequate to sustain the development of the coconut industry. The
solution is basically one of utilization. The performance of non-
conventional and conventional Dwarf x Tall hybrids, produced locally,
has been reported to be satisfactory. The potential genetic diversity of
locally available Tall, Dwarf and ‘Bastard Nut’ germplasm opens up the
possibility for testing a number of combinations. In addition, the
introduction of refined germplasm and superior accessions of known
performance suitable to Guyana’s growing conditions and production
circumstances will not only expand the genetic base of existing germplasm
but also greatly magnify the spectrum of possible hybrid combinations.
Networking with regional and international coconut R&D programmes
is therefore necessary. In this regard, three options for hybrid research
may be exploited:
• Introduction and evaluation of elite hybrids to identify hybrids
suitable to nut production in Guyana. It is anticipated that many
hybrids are presently available from the existing breeding pro-
grammes of other coconut growing countries that could be widely
tested, probably in a regional setting. This is intended to have a
continuous, medium-term impact;
• Development of hybrids using proven progenitors, the objec-
712
tive being to deliver potentially superior hybrids in the shortest

time possible. This option will require the application of DNA
markers; and
• Hybrid coconut development using combinations of superior
inbred Dwarf lines and Tall non-inbred progenitors. Some of
the progenitors will include the parental lines presented in the
first option. The objectives, in addition to developing hybrids, are
to determine the combining ability and heterotic pattern cum
grouping of adapted progenitors using DNA analysis; and to ob-
tain information on genetic diversity and structure of the local
coconut germplasm. This then will set the stage to better man-
aged and maintained high level on-farm coconut genetic resources
diversity. Specifically, the project will determine the level of in-
ter- and intra-varietal diversity, with the objective of establishing
a breeding population which ultimately will have to be a com-
prehensive national coconut breeding programme. A further ben-
efit of DNA typing of local coconut germplasm is that it will en-
able the determination of the requirements for infusing exotic
germplasm material. However, until DNA typing techniques be-
come accessible, in situ maintenance and monitoring will con-
tinue to be in the front line of the country’s coconut genetic re-
sources conservation strategy.
Development of disease indexing potential

In order to adopt a pre-emptive strategy to control LYD, the exchange of
exotic germplasm and development of disease indexing capability need
to be expedited. With minimum staff training and provision of the
necessary equipment and materials, the Tissue Culture Laboratory, in
conjunction with the Plant Protection Laboratories of the National
Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), can accommodate a LYD
screening facility. Of specific value is diagnosing the early occurrence of
LYD so that its potential damage can be mitigated.
Coconut tissue culture

As a useful complement to the conventional nursery method, embryo
culture technique has the potential of shortening the generation time to
establish hybrids and their progenitors. Moreover, this technique,
combined with disease indexing, will expedite the introduction of exotic
germplasm and in the long term establish the capability for cloning
superior palms through tissue culture. With adequate training, the tissue
culture facility of NARI can also facilitate this procedure.
713
Collaborative coconut quality evaluation

The importance of copra quality should not be neglected. Quality adds
value to copra. The experience of large-scale copra processors will be
invaluable in this aspect of research. The processing companies may see
it necessary to jointly finance this sector of coconut research in order
that they also fully profit from generated technologies.
References
Manthriratoa, MAPP. 1980. Rehabilitation of the coconut industry of
Guyana. Report to the Government of the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana and the FAO.
Paul, CR. 1999. Coconut growing ecologies and the status of coconut
germplasm resources in Guyana. Paper presented at the Laboratory
Course on the Application of Biotechnology to Plant Breeding and
Crop Potection in Coconut. CICY, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico.
714

in Jamaica
B Been
Director for Research, Coconut Industry Board (CIB), Kingston, Jamaica
Introduction
The coconut is not indigenous to Jamaica. The prevailing opinion is that
it was first introduced to the Caribbean and Atlantic coasts of South
America about the middle of the 16th century (Purseglove 1968). Initially,
coconuts seemed to have been planted near harbours and coastal
settlements but later, with the expansion of plantation agriculture, the
crop was grown inland and by 1681, when Hans Sloane visited Jamaica,
coconuts were widespread. By the end of the 19th century, the coconut
had become a plantation crop and flourished in many parts of Jamaica
especially on hillsides, which are not suitable for sugarcane, located mostly
in the wetter eastern section of the island.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the majority of the coconuts
grown commercially were of the Atlantic Tall (Jamaica Tall) variety but
old records showed that there were at least four other varieties, including
the King Coconut introduced from Sri Lanka in 1869. In 1973, Captain
Bligh brought coconuts along with breadfruit to Jamaica from Tahiti.
Following periods of severe hurricane activity in 1903, 1904, 1912-
1917, large numbers of nuts of the Panama Tall variety were imported
from the San Blas Islands. Again, in 1922, there was further importation
of nuts from Panama. In 1921, after the Panama Canal had been opened,
a small number of seednuts of the Niu Leka Dwarf variety were brought
to Jamaica from Fiji. The Niu Leka gave rise to two local populations:
Tulloch Dwarf and Fiji Dwarf. These have not been of much commercial
value. In 1933, 12 open-pollinated seednuts from two hybrids of Malayan
Dwarf x Niu Leka were introduced. The third and fourth generation
selections, locally known as Fiji-Malayans, are still being used in the
country’s breeding programme.
From 1938 to 1940, a few selected red-fruited Malayan Dwarf seednuts
were introduced from the Caribbean island of Trinidad and from these a
population of over 10 000 palms was established in the western part of
the island. It was in that plantation that resistance to lethal yellowing
was first documented. In 1939, about 150 seednuts from red- and yellow-
fruited Malayan Dwarfs were introduced from Florida. Large-scale
introductions of Malayan Dwarf seednuts (red, green and yellow colour
715
forms) were made from the island of St. Lucia in 1945 and 1951 following
severe hurricanes. A further introduction from the same source was made
in 1968 as a consequence of the lethal yellowing resistance possessed by
the Malayan Dwarf.
During the 1960s, in response to an outbreak of lethal yellowing
disease in the main coconut growing region, germplasm from most of
the countries in the Asia-Pacific region were introduced with international
assistance for screening. These included Bougainville Tall, Chowghat
Green Dwarf, Fijian Tall, Indian West Dwarf, King Coconut, Malayan
Tall, Malayan Red Dwarf, Malayan Yellow Dwarf, Malayan Green
Dwarf, Niu Leka Dwarf, Peru Tall, Rangiroa Red Dwarf, Rangiroa Tall,
Rennell Tall, Rotuma Tall, Samoan Tall, Sarawak Tall, Seychelles Tall,
Solomon Islands Tall, Spicata Tall, Spicata Red Dwarf, Tahitian Tall,
Thailand Tall, Tonga Tall, Vanuatu Tall and Yap Island Tall. In addition,
pollens of Cambodia Tall, Tahiti Tall, Mozambique Tall and Cameroon
Red Dwarf were obtained from Institut de Recherches pour les Huiles et
Oléagineux (IRHO).
As a part of the multilocation trial funded by the Common Fund for
Commodities (CFC), six F1 hybrids were introduced into Jamaica in 2000
and 2002. In 2001, seednuts from selected Panama Talls in Mexico and
of two locally produced F1 hybrids were imported into Jamaica.
Germplasm and hurricanes

Jamaica is located in the hurricane belt and during the period 1886-
1986, the island experienced 171 ‘events’ (hurricanes) of varying
intensities (Gray 1990). Over the years, multipurpose variety trials have
yielded useful data on windstorm damage. Following a hurricane in
1944, it was reported that 60% of 30 560 Jamaica Talls were destroyed
compared with only 6% of 5120 Panama Talls (Coconut Industry Board
1962). After another hurricane in 1980, it was observed that the Malayan
Dwarf was not as resistant to storm damage as the Panama Tall and the
F1 hybrids of Malayan Dwarf x Panama Tall and Malayan Dwarf x
Jamaica Tall. Yaps Talls, Seychelles Talls and late generation Fiji-Malayans
showed high windstorm resistance (Coconut Industry Board 1980). Data
collected from variety trials in six sites following a severe hurricane in
1989 showed that of the eleven varieties involved, the Malayan Dwarf
was the most susceptible and Malayan Dwarf x Panama Tall (Maypan),
the least damaged. Data gathered from wind-thrown palms that were
recovered suggested that canopy may be of less importance in determining
wind damage than trunk height and diameter of the bole (Johnson et al.
1994).
716
Germplasm and lethal yellowing

When lethal yellowing appeared in the main coconut belt in 1961, all
varieties being grown locally were tested for disease resistance.
Fortunately, the Malayan Dwarf, a variety introduced earlier, was found
to have good resistance. In addition, it was precocious and highly
productive under good conditions. Farmers were encouraged to replant
the variety in affected areas and in underplant areas not yet affected by
the disease. Unfortunately, the Malayan Dwarf had relatively low oil
content and did not do well under marginal conditions hence, the search
continued for other resistant varieties. With the assistance of the Overseas
Development Administration (ODA) and Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), germplasm was collected in
Southeast Asia and the Pacific. These were screened for resistance in
field trials. When it became obvious that none of the introductions was
more resistant than the Malayan Dwarf, a hybridization programme was
started in an attempt to combine in the F1 progeny the high disease
resistance of the Malayan Dwarf with the large fruit size and hardiness
of the Talls. One of the early crosses, Malayan Dwarf x Panama Tall,
called Maypan, was found to be productive and resistant. A system was
then devised to produce it commercially.
Screening of introductions for lethal yellowing resistance has been
ongoing and other F1 hybrids have been produced and tested (Been 1981),
but to date the Maypan remains the most popular variety accounting for
more than a half of the palms grown commercially.
During the mid 1990s it was observed that, in certain places, Malayan
Dwarf and Maypan palms were exhibiting lethal yellowing mortalities
at a rate higher than previously observed. The trend continued and now
the disease is destroying thousands of palms in the main coconut growing
areas. Work done on the pathogen suggests that the phytoplasma may
have mutated and/or exceptional environmental conditions may be
combining to produce situations, which are extremely favourable for the
development and spread of the disease.
Screening and breeding for lethal yellowing resistance will continue
with every effort being made to import new germplasm for further
evaluation on lethal yellowing resistance.
IPGRI/COGENT activities in Jamaica

Since the 1990s, the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute’s
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (IPGRI/COGENT) has
been supporting activities related to germplasm conservation and use in
Jamaica, especially in the areas of capacity building and research
undertakings.
717
In 1997, Jamaica received expert technical assistance in formulating

a coconut regional project proposal for Latin America and the Caribbean.
In the area of training and human resource development, a regional
STANTECH (Standardized research technique in coconut breeding)
training course was held in Jamaica in 1997 and the Botanist/Plant
Breeder of the Coconut Industry Board attended a similar regional course
in Africa. Two COGENT-sponsored meetings were hosted by Jamaica in
1997 and 2002.
Currently, Jamaica is participating in the Common Fund for
Commodities (CFC)-funded Multilocation Trials to identify suitable
coconut hybrids/varieties for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Department for International Development (DFID)-funded project
entitled ‘Establishing a Framework and Selecting Project Sites for a
Nationwide Deployment of Coconut-based Poverty Reduction
Interventions in Coconut Growing Communities using COGENT’s 3-
pronged strategy in Jamaica’ has also been completed.
The Coconut Industry Board has been the implementing agency for
both projects. The Board, a statutory body established in 1945, is
responsible for and advises the government on matters regarding the
Jamaican coconut industry. Prior to the establishment of a research
department in the Board, the Ministry of Agriculture was responsible for
coconut research and development.
Conclusion
The use of introduced germplasm has enabled the local coconut industry
to survive despite hurricanes and lethal yellowing disease, the two main
threats to the industry.
The resurgence of lethal yellowing necessitates a renewed search for
and use of germplasm with good resistance to this disease. The eventual
solution to the problem may lie in the realm of genetic engineering, but
until then, conventional breeding procedures would have to be used.
References
coconut varieties and hybrids in Jamaica. Oleagineux 36 1:9-12.
Coconut Industry Board. 1962. Second report of the Research Depart-
ment. Jamaica, West Indies.
Coconut Industry Board. 1980. Twentieth report of the Research De-
partment. Jamaica, West Indies.
Gray, CR. 1990. History of topical cyclones in Jamaica 1886-1986. Jamai-
can Journal of Science and Technology 1:29-48.
718
Johnson, CF, WJ Fielding and B Been. 1994. Hurricane damage to differ-

ent coconut varieties. Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad) 71 3:239-242.
Purseglove, JW. 1972. Tropical crops: Monocotyledons. Longmans, Lon-
don. 607p.
719
South Pacific
in the Cook Islands
W Wigmore1 and T Mataora2
Director of Research and 2Senior Research Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Rarotonga,
1
Cook Islands
Introduction
The Cook Islands consist of a group of 15 small islands scattered between
167o west and 8-23o south of the equator. Its total land area is 237 sq km,
and the country has one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the
Pacific Region covering approximately 1.8 million sq km of ocean. The
islands are geographically divided into two groups: the Northern Islands
and the Southern Islands. The two island groups have marked differences
in their agricultural activities. The Northern Islands group remains
relatively isolated from the Southern Islands, with the latter continuing
to indulge in more diversified agricultural practices. The Southern Islands
group has a cooler climate and more fertile soil enabling a wider variety
of agricultural production as compared with the Northern Islands where
the soil is relatively unfertile and has poor water holding capacity, thereby
limiting agriculture-related activities.
A census of agriculture in 2000 reports a total cultivated area of 1945
ha or 8.2% of the total land area, a drop of 3.3% from data collected in
the previous census in 1988. Coconut occupied 34.5 ha of the cultivated
land, which includes intercrops in a coconut-based farming system. The
proportion of land under coconuts is somewhat higher on the atolls.
Coconut is widely used, especially in the rural communities and the
Northern Islands, for food and other numerous purposes. Copra, in
previous years, constituted a major export commodity. However, as
international demand for the commodity dropped, copra production
became a non-viable venture.
In April 2000, Dr Roland Bourdeix, coconut palm geneticist and
breeder from the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche
Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) visited the Cook Islands,
with the support of COGENT, from 30 March to 13 April 2000 to collect
data on coconut genetic resources in Cook Islands. Tiara Mataora, Senior
Research Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture acted as the local project
leader. The coconut germplasm collecting, characterization and
conservation were conducted on the islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki.
The project aimed to survey and collect available data on diversity of
720
local coconut populations which will be used for breeding and to mitigate
genetic erosion due to population pressure, palm ageing and natural
hazards.
Collecting and characterization of coconut germplasm

The project’s specific objectives are as follows:
1. Train coconut researchers on germplasm collecting, and on coco-
nut breeding research techniques using the International Coco-
nut Genetic Resources Network’s (COGENT) standardized re-
search techniques in coconut breeding (STANTECH) Manual;
2. Collect germplasm initially from one or two sites then to another
three to seven sites;
3. Characterize germplasm collected from the sites to identify popu-
lations and conserve desirable germplasm;
4. Plant and manage collected germplasm in a genebank;
5. Characterize the collected germplasm and submit passport and
characterization data to COGENT’s International Coconut Ge-
netic Resources Database (CGRD); and
6. Send embryos of selected populations to the Secretariat of the
Pacific Community (SPC), which will culture the embryos and
subsequently transfer the resulting in vitro seedlings to the Inter-
national Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific (ICG-SP) in
Papua New Guinea.
Problems and opportunities addressed by the project

The Cook Islands lacks the necessary human resources, particularly a
coconut expert or a full-time coconut research staff, to carry out coconut
genetic resources research, limiting the exploitation of the potential of
coconuts and its products.
It is anticipated that further survey activities shall include populations
in the other islands of the country, such as the island of Pukapuka. The
inclusion of other islands should provide a better understanding of
coconut genetic diversity in the Cook Islands.
Training activities sponsored by COGENT

A regional training course was organized on standardized research
techniques in coconut breeding techniques which was held at the
Agricultural Research and Training Centre in Vanuatu from 29 June to
9 July 1999. The training course was part of the Asian Development
Bank-funded COGENT project entitled, ‘Coconut Genetic Resources
Network and Human Resources Strengthening in Asia and the Pacific
Region’. A researcher from the Cook Islands participated in this activity.
721
Results/ outputs of the germplasm survey

The islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki were surveyed. A visit to the island
of Pukapuka was initially planned; however, this was impossible as there
was no air link with the islands at the time of Dr Bourdeix’ visit. Pukapuka
is an atoll island and was chosen for its isolation from most other islands
and, therefore, may hold some unique coconut ecotypes. Aitutaki, on
the other hand, is both a volcanic and atoll island (usually referred to as
‘almost an atoll’).
Seednuts from seven populations were collected, taking into account
the results of the previous generalized sampling strategy and results of
the participatory survey in Aitutaki Island. Due to time constraints, it
was not possible to make all the required characterizations for the seven
populations.
Description of surveyed populations
Cook Islands Tall Seven-in-One (COKT01)

In the centre of Avarua, capital of the Island of Rarotonga is a group of
seven Tall palm trees growing in a circular and, what appears to be, a
singular clump. Old folks in the area believe that the ‘clump’ actually
originated from just one palm. However, several historians tell otherwise.
To settle the issue once and for all, seednuts and leaflets from the trees
were collected for DNA analysis to determine whether these palms are
real ‘septuplets’, full-siblings, half-siblings or are entirely unrelated. Some
105 seednuts were collected, but many either were pre-germinated on
the tree or are too young to harvest. Sixty albumen cylinders were obtained
that finally gave 52 excised embryos, which were cultivated in vitro at
SPC’s tissue culture laboratory in Fiji. The resulting in vitro seedlings were
later transplanted to the ICG-SP which is hosted by PNG.
The summary descriptions of the surveyed coconut population in
Cook Islands and related ongoing DNA analysis of the germplasm are
presented in Table 1.
Significance of the survey and impact on Cook Islands’ coconut ge-

netic resources
The results of the germplasm survey should assist with the assessment of
coconut diversity in Cook Islands. It is anticipated that further
exploration and collecting activities will include populations in other
islands of the Cook Islands group.
The collections made during this study will conserve precious
germplasm which could be used to develop better varieties for the atolls
and enrich the collection of the ICG-SP. The description and the molecular
722
Table 1. Description of the surveyed coconut populations in Cook Islands

Tree
Proposed Name and Abbreviation Origin Remarks
No.
1 Cook Islands Tall – Sweet Husk Rarotonga Husk from the nut can be removed
(COKT03) by hand. The internal part of the
husk is sweet.
2 to 13 Cook Islands Tall – Papaaroa Rarotonga One mature fruit and several leaflets
(COKT03) were harvested from each palm for
molecular analysis. Palm No.2 had
big, elongated brown nuts with a
relatively high proportion of husk.
14 Red Dwarf Rarotonga There were no seednuts harvested

for embryo extraction as similar
cultivars are available in Papua New
Guinea. Leaflets were collected for
DNA analysis.
15 to 29 Cook Islands Dwarf – Totokoitu Rarotonga Ten palms were sampled for fruits
(COKD01) and DNA analysis.
30 to 50 Cook Islands Tall – Vivi (COKT04) Aitutaki Seven or eight palms were sampled
for DNA analysis.
51 to 80 Cook Islands Tall – Golf (COKT05) Aitutaki Ten palms were sampled for leaf
analysis.
81 Cook Islands Dwarf – Vaikoa Aitutaki One palm was sampled for DNA
COKD02) analysis.
82 to 88 Cook Islands Tall – Seven-in-One Rarotonga Seven palms were sampled for DNA
(COKT01) analysis.
89 to 91 Cook Islands Tall – Papua River Rarotonga The palms are remnants of an old
(COKT06) inland plantation. Sampling was
done only for molecular analysis.
markers analysis of these populations will not only generate information

on genetic diversity within these collections but also improve the
knowledge on the origin and the dissemination of coconut in the Pacific
Islands, and help facilitate the exchange of important cultivars with other
countries.

The selected or identified populations of Tall and Dwarf coconuts with
good characteristics will be continuously observed and may be used for
further genetic breeding programmes. Selected populations of coconut
materials transferred via tissue culture to PNG where the conserved
genetic pool is located would continue to provide such materials for future
research, not only to Cook Islands but also to other South Pacific countries.
723
References
COGENT. 2003. COGENT Newsletter 7:9-12. IPGRI-APO, Serdang,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Ministry of Agriculture. 2000. Cook Islands Census of agriculture and
fisheries. Cook Islands Government.
Drew, OJ. 1985. Report on copra industry and potential copra crushing
industry in the Cook Islands. Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific, United Nations.
Foale, MA. 1987. Coconut germplasm in the South Pacific Islands. ACIAR
Technical Reports Series No. 4. 23p.
Foale, MA. 2003. The coconut odyssey: The bounteous possibilities of the
tree of life. Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research,
Monograph No. 101. 132p.
Labouisse, JP and R Bourdeix. 2003. Coconut germplasm collecting, char-
acterization, and conservation in Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Is-
lands and Tuvalu. Final report. March 2003. Vanuatu Agriculture
Research and Training Centre, Santo, Vanuatu.
Lombard, K. 2001. Reviewing the coconut (Cocos nucifera L.): The tree of
life. A paper presented for PSS 5326 Advanced Seed Science, Texas
Tech University, USA.
Taffin, G de. 1993. Report of a fact-finding visit on the coconut industry
of the Cook Islands. CIRAD, Montpellier, France.
724
South Pacific
in Fiji
V Kumar1 and T Kete2
1
Director of Research and 2Senior Research Officer, Ministry of Agriculture, Sugar and
Land Resettlement (MASLR), Fiji
Introduction
Coconut germplasm collecting, conservation and varietal description has
been an ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Sugar
and Land Resettlement (MASLR) and the International Plant Genetic
Resources Network (COGENT) since1994. Fiji has an established
germplasm collection consisting of initial eight accessions at the Taveuni
Coconut Center. These accessions have not been fully characterized. To
better utilize germplasm held in such collection characterization is vital.
Characterization carried out in this activity is limited to morphological
description using COGENT’s standardized techniques in coconut
breeding (STANTECH) manual. The data collected from the evaluation
were sent to the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche
Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) for inclusion in the
International Coconut Genetic Resources (CGRD) database.
COGENT consultants assisted our national projects by assessing our
R&D capacity and also in helping MASLR to identify projects and training
necessary and adapted to our situation.
COGENT initially provided training for developing the National
Coconut Research staff on using STANTECH. The knowledge and skills
acquired through this training was useful and complementary to their
existing skills. Also COGENT’s support in the evaluation of Fiji
germplasm collection enabled us to know better the performance of the
different accessions, which would assist us in recommending to farmers
and policy makers the best varieties to be used for planting.
Researchable problems and opportunities addressed by research

conducted in the country
Hybrid evaluation trial

The evaluation of Dwarf x Tall hybrids is one of the major activities carried
out. Four Dwarf by Tall hybrids consisting of Malayan Red Dwarf as
their female parents and Fiji Tall, Niu Leka, Rennell Island Tall and
Rotuman Tall as their male parents were used. These hybrids were
725
compared against Fiji Tall in a randomized complete block experiment.

Like the establishment and evaluation of the coconut germplasm, this
activity was established with the assistance of the European Community
and CIRAD. Through COGENT, we were able to continue the evaluation.
On a bi-monthly basis, yield in terms of the number of nuts per palm
were collected and a fruit component analysis was carried out. The results
of this trial were used in planning Fiji’s breeding and replanting
programmes.
New collections established

Several collections were made for varieties, which existed as non–
commercial varieties, but they had value-adding potentials. These
potentials were never exploited previously. Hence, under the Asian
Development Bank (ADB)-funded project, these varieties were collected
and conserved at Taveuni Coconut Center for future research activities.
On the other hand, several populations of Fiji Tall were studied for genetic
diversity. The results showed that there was not much difference between
the populations.
Diversification of coconut uses

In the farmer participatory research conducted by the Research Division,
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests, the constraints facing
coconut production in Fiji include lack of knowledge of farmer’s varieties
and uses especially by the younger generation. In this survey, 21 varieties
were identified and several uses. This reveal the potentials existing in
communities for value adding which are not being tapped.
Projects coordinated by COGENT in Fiji
Evaluation of coconut germplasm collection and hybrids in Fiji
Selection and breeding of high-yielding varieties (ADB/ COGENT PHASE

1)
The Taveuni Coconut Center was established in 1987 to look into Fiji’s
ailing coconut industry. To set up this station, the government purchased
384 ha of land for the construction of infrastructure and establishment
of seedgardens and trials. The programme was initiated to address the
declining production of coconuts through production of high yielding
hybrids seednuts and seedlings for rehabilitation. During this time,
COGENT coordinated an ADB-funded project to accomplish the following
objectives: 1) evaluate and characterize the existing germplasm collection
at Taveuni Coconut Center; 2) maintain and monitor performance of
726
four hybrids compared to Fiji Tall; and 3) monitor nine on-farm

demonstration plots.
The evaluation of the hybrids and also the germplasm collection
include data on yields in terms of copra per nut and per palm and also
cyclone resistance of the different accessions. The results are presented
in Table 1.
Collecting of coconut genetic resources in Fiji (ADB/COGENT Phase II)

The phase II project focused on the study of various populations of Fiji
Talls in all provinces of Fiji and collecting other cultivars which were not
previously considered and conserved, and were under threat of genetic
erosion. Twenty-four populations of Fiji Talls were studied in eight islands
and these include the three main islands namely Viti Levu, Vanua Levu
and Taveuni and other islands in the eastern division. The objective of
the study was to confirm the diversity that exists between the populations
of Fiji Tall so that appropriate conservation strategies can be designed
and implemented. The results revealed that there is not much difference
among populations. On the other hand, the new collections made
included Niu ni Magimagi, Niu Buludrau, Uto Gau, Niu Kitu and Stripped
variety. The passport data have been included in the CGRD. See Tables
2 and 3 for summary of collecting activities.
Sustainable use of coconut genetic resources to enhance incomes

and nutrition of coconut smallholders in the Asia and Pacific region
Component 1: Farmer participatory surveys

Farmer participatory surveys using participatory rapid appraisal (PRA)
tools were conducted in five villages selected from four islands in the
archipelago. The objective was to identify farmer’s varieties and
multipurpose uses of coconuts. The focus of the study went beyond the
above two themes (i.e., the general preoccupation of the community in
relation to coconut plus the impacts of coconuts in their respective
community). The five villages identified several cultivars and uses (Table
4).
Component 2: Evaluation and conservation of tendernut varieties

Three major activities were carried out:
1. Initial market survey - local and overseas (Australia);
2. Transferred seednuts of tendernut variety to the western division
for raising and distribution to farmers; and
3. Characterized tendernut varieties.
727
Table 1. Results of germplasm evaluation

Average yield copra /
Average number of ha (tonnes)
Average dried Copra /
Cultivar nuts produced per 10 x 10 m (triangular
nut (g)
palm per annum spacing) = 115 palms
/ha
Dwarf
Niu Leka 236 25 0.7
Malayan Green 152 43 0.8
Malayan Red 166 36 0.7
Malayan Yellow 179 41 0.8
Hybrids
MRD x FJT 213 29 0.7
MRD x NLAD 262 27 0.8
MRD x RIT 279 31 1.0
MRD x RTMT 269 33 1.0
Tall
Fiji Tall - Taveuni 240 24 0.7
Fiji Tall - Lakeba 248 29 0.8
Rotuman Tall 261 19 0.6
Renell Island Tall 355 15 0.6
Table 2. Fiji Tall population study sites

No. of samples
Date Locality Province
characterized
Nov-97 Cicia Island Lau 2
Jul-98 Taveuni Island Cakaudrove 2
Jul-98 Nawaca Bua 1
Aug-98 Lakeba Island Lau 1
Sep-98 Rotuma Island Rotuma 2
Sep-98 Navutulevu Serua 1
Sep-98 Navua Serua 1
Sep-98 Toga Rewa 1
Oct-98 Savusavu Cakaudrove 2
Apr-99 Saqani Cakaudrove 1
Apr-99 Levuka Lomaiviti 2
May-99 Natavea Naitasiri 1
May-99 Navunibitu Ra 1
May-99 Nailega Tailevu 2
Jul-99 Vanua Balavu Lau 2
Nov-99 Kadavu Kadavu 2
Table 3. Data of the new collections carried out nationally

Date of collection Collected from Variety No. of palms
November 1997 Cicia Niu ni Magimagi 30
November 1997 Cicia Niu Buludrau 35
September 1998 Rotuma Uto Gau 12
September 1998 Rotuma Stripped Nuts 15
July 1999 Vanua Balavu Niu ni Magimagi 7
July 1999 Vanua Balavu Niu Buludrau 21
August 1999 Cicia Niu ni Magimagi 142
August 1999 Cicia Niu Buludrau 20
728
Table 4. Coconut cultivars identified by the communities

Komo Bouma Kanacea Namuka- l- Lau Nawaca
Elders 10 9 7 11 12
Women 11 8 12
Married Men 11 6 11 9
Youth 11 6 9 6
The market study revealed the following:

1. Fiji Tall variety is the major source of green coconuts (90 – 95%)
and one of the problems encountered by farmers is difficulty of
harvesting due to the height of the palms;
2. Lack of diversity in the green coconut belt areas (Rakiraki and
Serua);
3. The stakeholders are unaware of the varieties of coconut locally
available; and
4. A demand that cannot be satisfied is bigger size drinking nuts for
overseas markets.
A nursery was established in the western division (Legalega Research

Station) to raise the first batch of seed nuts from Taveuni Coconut Center.
The seednuts were raised and established at the station as source of
planting materials for tendernuts. Four Dwarf varieties were
characterized for potential tendernut production and data sent to CIRAD
for inclusion in CGRD in 1998.
Developing sustainable coconut based income-generating technolo-

gies in poor rural communities in Fiji
To increase incomes of coconut farmers, MASLR participated in
COGENT’s diversity-linked ‘Poverty reduction in coconut growing
communities’ project, involving eight Asia Pacific countries. The project
deployed and tested four income generating technologies: 1) production
and marketing of high-value products from all parts of the coconut; 2)
communities, namely Belego, Tukavesi and Cicia. The project involved
17 participants in production of high-value coconut products, 454 in
intercropping and 32 in animal and feed/fodder production.
The project increased the incomes of participants by 2-5 times,
enhanced their food security and nutrition, and more than 1000 coconut
seedlings have been conserved on farm.
729
Training and capacity building

Two coconut research staff (Tevita N Kete and Vijendra Kumar) were
trained in Vanuatu in 1996 on STANTECH and the former attended this
training course through funding from French Embassy in Fiji. Apart from
the above, Fiji benefited from the visit of COGENT consultants (M
Hazelman and G Santos) who assessed the National R&D capability,
assisted the national program in identifying common problems,
opportunities and projects for network collaboration. COGENT also
supported the scholarship of Tevita Kete who obtained his Master’s degree
from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños.
Interpretation of significance or impact of output

1. The results obtained from the evaluation of the collections will be
useful for the coconut industry for rehabilitation programmes, espe-
cially the effect of the cyclone on varities. Current recommendation
for the rehabilitation programme is to use Fiji Tall, Rotuman Tall and
Niu Leka apart from hybrids of Rotuman Tall crossed with Malayan
Red Dwarf.
2. Coconut research staff trained to execute and implement coconut
research programs for the betterment of Fiji’s coconut industry.
3. Collecting of coconut cultivars were done and collected accessions
conserved for future use.
New collections
The new collections will be evaluated and characterized and multiplied
for future breeding work. Most of the new collections made are varieties
suitable for value adding, the potentials of which will be exploited.
Coconut rehabilitation
The results of the germplasm evaluation work will be used for selecting
materials for replanting, as the cyclone of 2003 served as a test in
determining the cyclone tolerance of the varieties existing in our
collection.
References
Marechal, H. 1928. Observation and preliminary experiments on the
coconut palm with a view to developing improved seed for Fiji. Fiji
Agri. Journal 1:16-45.
Mc Paul, JW. 1964. Coconut growing in Fiji. 2nd edition. Bulletin # 38,
Department of Agriculture, Fiji. 78p.
730
Parham, RW. 1960. Coconut and Breadfruit surveys of the South Pacific
Region. South Pacific Commission, Technical Information # 1,
Noumea, New Caledonia.
Harries, HC. 1978. Evolution, dissemination and classification of Cocos
nucifera L. Botanical Review. 44:265-320.
Manciot, R and P Sivan. 1988. Coconut hybrids for the South Pacific
Islands. In: Coconut breeding and management. Proceedings of the
National Symposium, 23-26 November 1988. Kerala Agricultural
University, Vellanikara, Trichur, India. 380p.
Vernon AJ, PN Emose and T Mudaliar. 1975. Coconut varietal selection
and breeding, Part 2: Recent work in Fiji. Fiji Agric. Journal 37:47-52.
Annual Coconut Research Reports. 1986-1999. MASLR, Fiji.
731
South Pacific
in Kiribati
M Tenang
Chief Agricultural Officer, Ministry of Natural Resources Development, Kiribati
Introduction
Coconut dominates agricultural production in Kiribati as the crop
provides one of the main components of the people’s daily diet as well as
drinks, copra for export, timber for construction, leaves for thatching,
string and materials for handicrafts (Trewen 1985; Edward 1989; Beenna
2001). Edward (1989) commented that the total number of indigenous
coconut plant species in Kiribati is very low, which is a reflection of the
isolated location of the islands coupled with the infertility of the soil.
Barr (1992) stated that 80% of the land area of the main Gilbert Group,
where 93% of the population lives, is covered with coconut. The
Agricultural Division has, for the last 30 years, conducted extensive
research on coconut with assistance from the British Government. The
emphasis on coconut improvement has been in response to the perceived
importance of the coconut and its products in the lives of the people of
Kiribati. The objective of most of the researches conducted has been
confined to increasing coconut yields. Hence, two large-scale coconut
plantation improvement schemes were devised; one aimed at improving
traditional palm groves and the other targeted at rehabilitation and
replanting.
These coconut plantation improvement schemes mainly involved
improving the quality of existing stands of traditional palm groves with
reasonable density (Barr 1992). Thinning of over-dense areas was done
by poisoning senile palms and non-productive ‘self-seeded’ younger
palms. The scheme was terminated in the early 1970s as it was exhausting
resources. In addition, data recording was very poor and could not be
used to justify the continuation of the activities.
Past coconut replanting schemes focused on replanting areas with
less than 49 palms per hectare. The result of the scheme was quite
disappointing as the actual production per hectare was far below
expectations (Barr 1992). The problem was aggravated by poor or
unsuitable planting sites, most of which were hard-pan or waterlogged.
732
Research activities conducted and results/ outputs
Experimental studies
Coconut management trials were carried out at different locations to
address the problems encountered in implementing the two plantation
improvement schemes previously mentioned. It was anticipated that the
resulting recommendations would then be demonstrated and transferred
to smallholder farmers to help them rehabilitate their old palms, including
replanted farms in order to increase yields (Trewen 1986; Barr 1992).
Spacing/density. Three triangle pattern spacing were tested and

conducted on a number of selected sites with variable rainfall, i.e. high
and very low rainfall. The trials aimed to determine the optimum spacing
for coconut growing. The results of the trials concluded that a spacing
pattern of 9 m and 8 m was ideal especially for areas with high rainfall
and good soil fertility.
Basic NPK requirements. Two trials were carried out to determine the
optimal NPK combinations for coconut growing in the atolls under
marginal and normal soil conditions. The treatments were combinations
of annual applications of 0, 1, 2, or 3 kg/palm of potassium chloride
(KCl) fertilizer; 0 or 1 kg/palm of triple superphosphate fertilizer; and 0,
1, 2, 3 kg/palm of IBDU (N) fertilizer. All palms tested also received a
trunk injection of iron sulphate at the start of the trial. The results
suggested that potassium was the most important nutrient for marginal
soil areas and K deficiency could be corrected within three years by
applying 1 kg KCl/palm/year. It was also found that nitrogen application
increased coconut yields.
Manganese, copper and zinc trials. The trial examined the requirement
for Mn (0 or 20 g/palm), Zn (0 or 8 g/palm), and Cu (0 or 3 g/palm)
when applied with Fe and their interactions with applications of NPK.
All the palms tested received a basal dressing of iron sulphate by trunk
injection at the start of the trial. The results showed that there should be
an optimum balance of Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu in order to promote good
plant growth and production. It was also found out that Cu interacts
with N to increase yields, while proper Cu and Mn combination improves
N assimilation.
Trace elements and application trial for coconut seedlings. The trial
investigated the optimum method for giving seedlings a long-term supply
of Fe at the time of planting and also examined whether other trace
733
elements are required other than Fe. The trace element compounds used
consisted of iron sulphate (75%), manganese sulphate (15%), zinc
sulphate (7%) and copper sulphate (3%).
The compounds were applied using two doses of FeSO4 (50 g and 375 g),
following two different methods of application (applied to the husk of a
seedling or buried near the seedling). For good growth, it was
recommended that 50 g of FeSO4 be applied to the husk while 200 g is
recommended if the soil-covered method was followed.
Iron application trial. The trial compared the effect of four different
iron compounds: iron sulphate, chelated iron, fritted iron (iron in glass)
and iron fillings. The results showed that chelated iron was the fastest
acting compound followed by iron sulphate, iron fillings and fritted iron.
Application of iron compounds corrected iron deficiency and improved
coconut growth.
Coconut demonstration project

The main objective of the project was to educate and assist farmers who
wish to improve their coconuts. Activities included establishing
demonstration plots on each island, organizing field days for farmers,
conducting radio programmes about coconut improvement, and
providing training on recommend crop management techniques.
Collaborative activities with the International Coconut Genetic

Resources Network (COGENT)
Establishment of genebanks
A genebank has been set up in the Central Nursery. The hybrids were
collected from different locations (islands) in Kiribati, including South
Tarawa. Since studies have shown that Tall varieties in the country are
not in danger of genetic erosion, the collecting focused more on Dwarf
cultivars found in the country. How Dwarf varieties were introduced
into the country remains a mystery. Some people surmise that these
varieties were brought in illegally from neighbouring countries, as
perceived from the local names given to these varieties. Dwarf varieties
are sought after because they flower early (most within three years), they
are suitable for making toddy and are high-yielding which can supply
tendernut for drinking and are easy to manage. Given these qualities,
selected Dwarf varieties are being used in breeding programmes to
produce Dwarf x Tall hybrids. It is envisioned that the genebank would
continue to supply planting materials to the public and serve as a
conservation area for the collected varieties.
734
Capacity building
A coconut expert visited the country to assist in training the national
coconut programme coordinator and to characterize existing coconut
germplasm collections and set up a coconut germplasm conservation site
in the country. Two local research officers have also been sponsored by
COGENT to undergo staff development training on the use of the
STANTECH (Standardized research techniques in coconut breeding)
Manual in 1996 and 1999.
Significance of research outputs

The result of the replanting and rehabilitation schemes resulted to an
increase in the land area for coconut. Various coconut researchers in
Kiribati reported that more than 80% of the land was occupied by coconut
alone (Trewen 1986; Edwards 1989; Barr 1992). The establishment of a
genebank for Dwarf varietal accessions is a very significant step for
coconut breeding, germplasm conservation and copra production
improvement programmes, which would lead to the enrichment of the
resource for the improvement of the culture and lives of I-Kiribati.

The introduction of new Dwarf varieties in vitro that could survive atoll
condition should be one of the priorities in developing the coconut
industry in Kiribati. Technical assistance from institutions such as
Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), International Plant Genetic
Resources Institute/International Coconut Genetic Resources Network
(IPGRI/COGENT), and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations (FAO) should be requested. Traditional methods of
planting coconuts should be further investigated and adapted to modern
technologies to improve and increase the production of coconut and the
products derived from it.
References
Barr, J. 1992. Coconut improvement in Kiribati. A guide to coconut re-
search development in Kiribati, 1960-1992. Ministry of Natural Re-
sources Development, Kiribati.
Beenna, TI. 2001. Studies on composts and the effects of composted or-
ganic matter applications on the productivity of a coralline soil. Uni-
versity of the South Pacific Library, Suva, Fiji.
Edwards, S. 1989. Annual technical report on coconut research in Kiribati
1988-1989. Ministry of Natural Resources Development. Kiribati.
Purseglove, JW. 1988. Tropical crops monocotyledons. Longman
735
Singapore Publishers Pte Ltd., Singapore.

Trewen, K. 1985. Crop research in Kiribati. Ministry of Natural Resources
Development, Kiribati
Trewen, K. 1986. Annual technical report on crop research in Kiribati.
Ministry of Natural Resources Development, Kiribati.
736
South Pacific
in Papua New Guinea
M Faure
Coconut Breeder, Cocoa and Coconut Institute (CCI), Stewart Research Station, Madang
Province, Papua New Guinea
Introduction
The PNG Cocoa and Coconut Research Institute (PNG-CCRI), established
in 1986, is the research arm of the cocoa and coconut industries in the
country. Priority research is currently focused on breeding, entomology,
downstream processing, agronomy and farming system.
In the 1970s, a number of exotic coconut populations were brought
into PNG, initially as planting material. These include Malayan Red and
Yellow Dwarf (MRD and MYD), Renell Island Tall (RIT), West African
Tall (WAT) and the Solomon Islands Tall populations. The MRD and
RIT populations were used to produce the MAREN hybrid which is known
to yield higher copra than either of its parents in the Solomon Islands
where it was initially developed (Foale 1987). The MAWA (PB121) hybrid
was also introduced for planting because of high yield performance as
observed in the Ivory Coast. Unfortunately, these two hybrids did not
perform well in PNG. The MAWA hybrid was not accepted by the
growers as it produced small nuts compared to the local populations.
They believe that large but fewer nuts involve less labour while still giving
similar copra yield as that from palm with smaller but more numerous
nuts. The local people have always preferred bigger fruits for drinking
and they also seem to prefer the solid endosperm of the local types, which
were considered sweeter and tastier than the MAWA hybrid.
When the MAREN hybrid was introduced to growers during the
1970s, it was found to be susceptible to three insect pests, namely: Scapanes
australis (beetle), Oryctes rhinoceros (rhinoceros beetle) and Rhynchophorus
bilineatus (black palm weevil). These three species are endemic only to
the island provinces of PNG where the bulk of the copra is produced.
The hybrid trial in the Gazelle Peninsula was devastated by these insect
pests. The growers then reverted to picking seednuts from the best palms
among the local open-pollinated Tall palms. Breeding work in the 1970s
developed Dwarf x Tall hybrids with local Tall, with Karkar Tall (KKT)
and Markham Valley Tall (MVT) as the pollen donors. These hybrids
were then planted out in progeny trials throughout the country using
the MAREN hybrid and RIT as controls. However, the results of the
737
progeny testing were inconclusive because the trials were terminated

prematurely due to lack of funds.
Germplasm collecting, conservation and utilization

In 1986, when PNG-CCRI was officially established, the institute took
over the research on cocoa and coconut from the Department of
Agriculture and Livestock (DAL). The main aim of the coconut breeding
programme is to develop better and improved varieties for distribution
to farmers. The coconut breeding related activities at that time were
focused on germplasm survey, identification of the best populations,
germplasm collecting and utilization in a national breeding programme
(Faure and Moxon 1998).
From 1987 to 1992, the Australian Centre for International
Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded and supported a national
‘Coconut Improvement Project’ main focus of which was on germplasm
survey, characterization and collecting (Ovasuru et al. 1993). By 1993,
seednuts and pollen of over 50 different Tall and Dwarf populations
from surveyed sites, PNG-CCRI’s collection in Rabaul and from DAL
research stations have been collected based on fruit component analysis
(FCA) data. The seednuts from these collections were raised and planted
at the Stewart Research Station (SRS) in Madang. Pollen from various
Tall populations was used in crosses with MRD, MYD and PNG Brown
Dwarf (PBD). The progenies are currently under test, predominantly for
general combining ability (GCA) for yield (kg copra/ha), with the aim of
selecting the best hybrids for distribution to farmers and growers. In
addition, the programme emphasizes further prospecting, collecting of
new germplasm and production and testing of Dwarf x Tall and Tall x
Tall hybrids.
Development of the regional coconut genetic resources centre: The

International Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific (ICG-SP)
In November 1998, the International Plant Genetic Resources Institute
(IPGRI) and the Government of PNG, through the Department of
Agriculture and Livestock, signed a Memorandum of Agreement
formalizing the establishment of the International Coconut Genebank
for the South Pacific (ICG-SP) with PNG-CCRI as host. The Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations also signed the
agreement in its capacity as trustee as witness. The ICG-SP is located at
the SRS, located south of the equator at 5o latitude and 146o longitude.
The major roles of the genebank include the collecting, conservation,
evaluation and utilization of selected and desirable coconut germplasm
in the South Pacific region. In addition, the ICG-SP will eventually become
738
a service centre to facilitate germplasm exchange and utilization amongst

the COGENT network countries, especially among the Pacific Island
Countries.
Other potential sources of germplasm
Research stations of the Department of Agriculture and Livestock

The research stations owned by DAL could hold introduced germplasm
which may have not been sampled by the current breeding programme.
These need to be visited and their germplasm collected for conservation
in the ICG-SP. If these accessions found on the research stations have
been listed in the designated list for introduction, they would be collected
immediately and hence, save costs in importation.
Farmers’ varieties
The use of farmers’ varieties in the national breeding programme has
great potential but is not fully explored, except under an ACIAR-funded
project on germplasm survey which was conducted from 1987 to 1992.
Potential local varieties will be surveyed and either pooled or catalogued
collections conserved on farm for future requirements. However, such
system of conservation is unpredictable as the farmer could replace the
accession with other varieties. One way to safeguard this would be to
enable the farmers to conserve the accession by providing some sort of
incentives like production of high-value products from the conserved
genetic materials.
The scattered coconut palms on the fringes of the mainland and
outlying atolls of the country are in danger of being swept away by rising
sea levels. These germplasm would be a priority for possible
characterization, collecting and conservation. The inhabitants of some
atolls depend on coconut for their entire livelihood, e.g., Motlok atolls in
North Solomon Province, and they have special varieties cultivated for
food and artefacts. The sweet husk variety is one of the varieties.
Some innovative farmers or large landholders have or may have done
their own selections of good performing varieties that need to be sampled
for direct use (pollen) or for conservation and further evaluation and
utilization. Such populations need to be considered in the national
breeding programme.
Synthetic varieties
The development of synthetic varieties is being explored to utilize the
promising Tall populations to generate Tall composite hybrids. Experience
and models for synthetic varieties developed in the Philippines will be
used in the PNG breeding programme. This programme will use the
739
outcome (results) of the germplasm currently being evaluated in the ICG-

SP.
Dwarf x Tall hybrids

The 78 series of Dwarf x Tall hybrids produced during 1992-1993 are
being field-tested. Additional four Dwarf and four Tall accessions have
been used to develop new progenies for GCA trials.
Research projects/activities conducted
Capacity building
Technical assistance
Since 1994, specialists, supported by COGENT/IPGRI, have provided
technical assistance missions to help CCI/CCRI enhance coconut
research. These missions included assessing the country’s coconut R&D
capability, identifying common problems and opportunities for network
collaboration, identifying a suitable site for the ICG-SP, evaluating embryo
culture laboratories, evaluating germplasm collecting and conservation
strategies, assessing the pest risks for the ICG, and assisting in the
establishment of ICG-SP.

From 1996 to 2002, five local coconut researchers were trained through
COGENT/IPGRI on various topics such as coconut germplasm
management, collecting and conservation methods, coconut data analysis,
computer use, documentation, coconut embryo in vitro culture techniques,
and the use of the microsatellite kit and dedicated statistical software.
COGENT meetings/workshops
In 1998, a meeting and a workshop were held in PNG, including the 7th
COGENT Steering Committee Meeting which was held in Madang. The
meeting further endorsed the country, through CCRI, as the host of the
ICG-SP.
Research projects
A total of 12 coconut research and development projects have either
been completed or are underway in the country, with CCRI as the lead
implementing agency.
740
Financial support and funding

Donor funding support generated by COGENT/IPGRI for the coconut
projects in PNG totals US$ 100 475, was mostly from the Asian
Development Bank (ADB), and the Department for International
Development (DFID). National government counterpart financing for
these projects amounted to US$ 295 831, mostly in the form of logistics
support by the implementing agency (CCRI).
Results/Outputs and benefits
Improved coconut embryo culture capability

As a result of the COGENT/IPGRI-sponsored coconut embryo culture
expert visit and training of CCRI staff, research capacity has been
improved. The laboratory facilities have also been upgraded and the
culture unit has been improved and now fully-functional. A research
officer has also been trained to run the coconut embryo culture laboratory.
Other COGENT-funded infrastructure development includes the building
of the embryo culture room and procurement of appropriate equipment,
acquisition of post-entry quarantine and acclimatization units, and
provision of stand-by generator.
Genebank personnel have also been trained on the approved embryo
culture protocol and now adopted in practice. The first generations of
plantlets using the approved protocol are now planted in polybags in
the nursery. In addition, other infrastructure funding by COGENT in
support of the ICG-SP has greatly benefited PNG. This includes mainly
the recognition of country’s role in coconut research and development in
the region, and the consequent greater attention from scientific community
to invest in PNG coconut programme (e.g. the Centre de Coopération
Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement or
CIRAD, and the Australian Centre for International Agricultural
Research or ACIAR) through donor-assisted projects.
ACIAR-funded project on coconut embryo quality studies

The ACIAR-funded project on ‘Coconut Tissue Culture for Clonal
Propagation and Safe Germplasm Exchange’ has been approved enabling
PNG to participate in the project. Although the project was originally
intended to start in July 2002, project activities, particularly experiments
on embryo quality studies, only started in April 2003. The results to date
are being reviewed and future directions are being discussed.
Current germplasm maintained at the ICG-SP

In 2003, the ICG-SP held 38 Tall and 11 Dwarf accessions, most of which
are national germplasm collections provided by CCI as stipulated in the
741
MOA establishing the ICG-SP. Since then, more accessions have been
collected and conserved in the regional genebank. In 2000, CIRAD, in
collaboration with the Secretariat of the South Pacific (SPC) and
COGENT, collected coconut germplasm from atolls of Cook Islands,
Marshall Islands, Kiribati and Tuvalu. These were cultured at SPC in Fiji
and transferred to ICG-SP for in vitro culture and eventual conservation.
If funds are available, PNG-CCRI will organize a collecting team to visit
other germplasm centres of the donor-member countries to collect their
designated germplasm.
Planned activities
Site establishment
A new area has been identified and being prepared as part of the PNG’s
commitment to expand the coconut breeding programme. Major field
preparation activities include brushing, felling, drainage and cover crop
planting.
Germplasm introduction and establishment

A total of 200 accessions are scheduled to be planted and conserved in
the ICG-SP in the next seven years (Table 1). The 7-year development
plan and the budget had been submitted to AusAID for possible funding.
Table 1. Schedule of germplasm planting in the ICG-SP for the next seven years
Year 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total
No. of 54 75 96 117 138 159 180 200 200
germplasm
Budget 1272 1776 2280 2784 3288 3792 4296 4800 4800
(US$)
Note: Zero year means germplasm currently conserved in the field genebank at ICG-SP
Germplasm management
This activity will include in vitro culture of imported germplasm, growth
and management in culture room until potting and acclimatization stage.
Also the poly bag nursery maintenance until the field planting stage.
Field genebank management includes weed control, pest management,
drainage and general field upkeep. Income generation from the sale of
dry nuts and intercrops is part of the management activities to augment
the ICG-Management Fund. The trust account is being organised for the
management fund and for future donor funding.
Other planned activities of the ICG-SP

1. Coconut leaf analysis to determine soil nutrient level at ICG
2. Germplasm survey in high risk areas, including the atolls
742
3. Survey and identification of farmers’ varieties

4. Evaluation of Dwarfs for tender nut drink and food production
5. Research and training for the ICG staff and those from the region
6. Conduct of income generation activities for the maintenance of the
genebank
References
Faure, MG and JE Moxon. 1998. Coconut Breeding. Pp. 73-18. In: PA
Batugal and V Ramanatha Rao (eds). Proceedings of a Workshop on
the Standardization of Coconut Breeding Research Techniques, 20-
25 June 1994. COGENT, IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Faure, MG. 2003. International Coconut Genebank Progress Report 2003.
Foale, MA. 1987. Coconut germplasm in the Pacific islands. ACIAR Tech-
nical Report Series No. 4. Australian Centre for International Agri-
cultural Research, Canberra, Australia.
Ovasuru, T, GY Tan and LA Bridgland. 1993. Coconut germplasm
collection in Papua New Guinea. Pp. 33-41. In: MK Nair, HH Khan,
P Gopalasundaran and EVV Bhaskara Rao (eds). Advances in coconut
research and development. Oxford and IBH, New Delhi, India.
743
South Pacific
Samoa
A Peters1 and K Jayashree2
1
Assistant Chief Executive Officer, Crop Division, Ministry of Agriculture, Forests,
Fishery and Meteorology, Apia, Samoa
2
Scientific Assistant, International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT),
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific
and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
Coconut is the most predominant crop grown in Samoa. Its traditional
value and multipurpose uses make it one of the most important crops in
the everyday lives of Samoans as an important source of food and cash.
In 1996, Samoa exported coconut food products such as coconut cream,
copra, copra meal and coconuts, worth SAT 3.598M (US$ 1.3M). The
Agricultural Census (1989) stated that 96% of farmers’ holdings grew
coconuts, which bring to a total land area of 27 692 ha. In Samoa, one of
the most important crop mixtures being identified is coconut intercropped
with cocoa, the others being crops like banana and taro (Agricultural
Census 1999). However, due to price fluctuations of coconuts all around
the world, there is a need to upgrade and improve approaches in coconut
farming and encourage adoption of new production and processing
technologies to enhance farmers’ incomes.
Project activities conducted and outputs
Farmer participatory research on the multipurpose uses of the coco-

nut and characterization of farmers’ varieties
Under this International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT)-
supported project, farmers’ coconut varieties were characterized,
documented and conserved on farm. Farmer participatory survey was
conducted in Siufaga Savaii where seven varieties were identified and
conserved in farmers’ fields. These varieties include the Samoan Tall
(SMOT), Samoan Tall Samatau (SMOT01), Niu Vai Tall (NVIT), Niu Afa
Tall Samoa (NAFT), Niu Lea Dwarf Samoa (NLAD02), Samoa Yellow
Dwarf (SYD) and Samoan Tall Siufaga Savaii (SMOT03). A database on
these farmers’ varieties has also been compiled.
744
Coconut food recipes

A total of 10 coconut food and five cocktail (beverage) recipes have been
compiled and submitted to COGENT for inclusion in the International
Catalogue of Coconut Food Recipes.
Coconut-based Farming System (CBFS) as strategies for enhancing

farmers’ incomes and conserving coconut germplasm
One experimental plot has been established at Nuu Crop Development
Centre where intercrops such as banana, guava, taro and taamu are
being grown under coconuts. The favourable initial results were used to
formulate new research on coconut-based farming system (CBFS).
Television promotional programmes on CBFS and production of post-

ers on value-added products from coconuts
In collaboration with the Televise Samoa Corporation under the ‘Atinae
Samoa’ Programme (Samoan Development Programme), three special
episodes on coconut were produced. The episodes, with 15 minutes run
time each, are on the following topics: (1) coconut-based farming systems;
(2) export potential of coconuts; and 3) the coconut breeding programme
at Olomanu Hybrid Seed Garden.
A poster was also prepared and printed to promote the potential
value-added products made from coconuts. Copies of the poster were
distributed to different government offices, schools, manufacturing
agencies and during special events such as the Coconut Day and the
World Food Day.
Compilation of coconut literature

A list of publications on coconuts has been compiled from several sources
such as the Nelson Memorial Library in Apia, University of the South
Pacific, Alafua Campus Library, the National University of Samoa
Toomatagi and others, which could be used by researchers in finding
relevant information on coconut. The compiled list includes the following
publications:
1. Asian Development Bank. 1985. Western Samoa Agriculture Sec-
tor Study, Volume II. Background and Sector Review. ADB, Ma-
nila, Philippines.
2. Bourdeix, R. 2001. Coconut cultivars in Samoa. Draft mission re-
port. Apia, Samoa.
3. Christophersen, E. 1935. Flowering Plants of Samoa. Bull. Bernice
P. Bishop Mus. 154.
4. Cumber, RA. 1957. The Rhinoceros Beetle in Western Samoa.
SPC Technical Paper, No. 107. Noumea, Fiji.
5. Curry, L. 1955. The physical geography of Western Samoa. NZ
745
Geographer, Vol. 11. 1:42.

6. Efu, S and SV Tuia. 2001. Fruit measurement and fruit compo-
nent analysis of Samoan Tall Siufaga Savaii (SMOT03). Unpub-
lished technical paper.
7. Efu, S and Pouono. 1996. Performance Trial of two hybrids and
three selected Talls under various agro-ecological zones. Unpub-
lished technical paper.
8. Fili, Manaia Lolo. 2000. Farmer participatory research on farm-
ers’ coconut varieties, multipurpose uses and evaluation of inter-
cropping technologies as strategies to promote germplasm con-
servation through increased farmer productivity. Project report
submitted to IFAD and COGENT. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor,
Malaysia.
9. Fili, Manaia Lolo. 2000. Collecting and conservation of coconut
germplasm from Vava’u Haapai and the Niua. In ADB Phase II
Project Report (October 1999-June 2000) submitted to COGENT.
IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
10. Fox, JW and KB Cumberland. 1962. Western Samoa: Land, Life
and Agriculture in tropical Polynesia (Whitcombe and Tombs,
editors). Christchurch, New Zealand.
11. Geographer, Vol.11, No.1. Pp. 42
12. Hamilton, WM and LI Grande. 1937. Report on the soils and ag-
riculture of Western Samoa. Department of Science and Indus-
trial Research Report to the Samoan Administration on New
Zealand Reparation Estates.
13. Hunter, David. 1998. Confirmation letter of statistical analysis
results for the comparison of coconut oil content of the Nu’u hy-
brid and Siumu’s local tall variety. Suva, Fiji.
14. Laufasi Ola. 1957. Field Control of Rhinoceros Beetle. Laufasi Ola.
2,5:4-5.
15. Mendoza and Efu. 1986. Early performance of Hybrid in Samoa.
CORD, APCC, Indonesia.
16. Ministry of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology and
the South Pacific Commission. Biological control of the Rhinoc-
eros Beetle. Suva, Fiji.
17. Peters, A, U Dkatulla, O Aukuso, S Meleisea and H Hammans.
The Coconut Hispid Beetle - Brontispa lingissima. Crop Protection
Leaflet No 2. Samoan German Crop Protection Project. Depart-
ment of Agriculture, Forests, Fisheries and Meteorology. Nuu,
Samoa.
18. Pouono, K and S Efu. 1996. Performance trials of two hybrid and
three selected Talls under various agro-ecological zones. Project
746
Progress Report (August 1994 - July 1996). Project technical re-

port submitted to COGENT. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor,
Malaysia.
19. Pouono, K and S Efu. 1998. Coconut germplasm collecting and
conservation in Samoa. ADB Phase 2 Project Progress Report
(November 1997 - September 1998). Project technical report sub-
mitted to COGENT. IPGRI-APO, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
20. Solomon Island Joint Coconut Research Scheme. 1974. Review of
the coconut breeding program (1971-1974).
21. Tilialo, Oscar. 1998. Olomanu hybrid coconut seed garden. An-
nual Report, 1997-1998.
22. Tuia, Saena Valerie. 2001. Fruit measurement and fruit compo-
nent analysis of Samoan Tall Spicata Kogau (SMOT02). (Unpub-
lished technical paper).
Future research and development strategies

The Ministry will continue to conduct surveys to identify and characterize
new ecotypes. Nuts of the new ecotypes will be collected for multiplication
and conservation in Olomanu Hybrid Seed Garden. In addition, two new
CBFS plots will be established on farmers’ field.
747
South Pacific
in Tonga
P Taufatofua1 and K Jayashree2
1
Head of Research, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vainani Research Division,
Nuku’alofa, Tonga
2
Scientific Assistant, International Coconut Genetic Resources Network (COGENT),
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute - Regional Office for Asia, the Pacific
and Oceania (IPGRI-APO), Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
Introduction
Coconut is an important crop which has supported the livelihoods of the
Tongan people for hundred of years. Lately, Tongan coconut farmers
have been suffering from declining productivity and unstable markets of
copra and coconut oil, traditional products derived from the coconut.
Tongan farming systems are basically multi-storied and agro-forestry
based, with root crops and other crops as the common intercrops. Farmers
in the country are willing to learn and adopt new and more efficient
farm management strategies and approaches to improve their existing
coconut-based farming system.
Collecting and conservation of coconut germplasm from Vava’u,

Ha’apai and the Niua Islands
Tonga has a coconut germplasm collection that was started six years
ago. Part of the collecting activity was carried out during Phase I of the
Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project entitled, ‘Collecting,
conserving and characterizing coconut genetic resources in eight Asia
Pacific countries’, which was coordinated by the International Plant
Genetic Resources Institute’s International Coconut Genetic Resources
Network (IPGRI/COGENT). The accessions collected came mainly from
the main island of Tongatapu. However, there is a need to explore and
collect the coconut genetic resources of the other islands, particularly
those in the north such as Vava’u, Ha’apai and the Niua Islands.
To date, four ecotypes, namely: Niu Kafa, Niu Vai, Niu ‘Utongau,
Niu Matakula and Niu Talokave, have been collected and characterized
from Vava’u, Utongau and Ha’apai. Data collected have been submitted
to COGENT and entered into the International Coconut Genetic
Resources Database (CGRD). These ecotypes have also been planted in
748
the genebank in Vaini Research Station for conservation and further

study.
Promoting germplasm conservation of Tonga’s coconut diversity

through increased farm productivity
This COGENT-assisted project aims to: (1) identify and describe the
multipurpose uses of coconut, and the local ecotypes grown by farmers
for these uses; (2) develop strategies for product utilization and to add
value to products from local varieties; (3) quantify marketable products
from coconut and to evaluate and promote technologies for
commercializing these; and (4) evaluate coconut-based farming system
technologies to enhance germplasm conservation and farmers’ incomes.
Farmer participatory survey to identify multipurpose uses and vari-

eties suitable for these uses and to promote germplasm conserva-
tion
The main purpose of this project component was to characterize,
document and conserve farmers’ coconut varieties. Farmer participatory
survey was conducted in Tongatapu where eight varieties were identified
and conserved in farmers’ fields. These varieties include: Niu Vai, Niu
Kafa, Niu Matakula, Niu Leka, Niu Ta’okave, Niu Loholohotaha, Niu
Mea and Tonga Talls.
During the participatory rural appraisal workshop, it was also found
out that one of the main problems of smallholder farmers was the limited
income-generating opportunities from coconut primarily caused by
irregular supply of raw materials and lack of markets (both domestic
and overseas). The irregular supply of raw materials was caused by low
crop productivity due to ageing palms, animal damage, seasonal
productivity, saltwater intrusion (sea spray) and water logging. Another
major contributor to low productivity was the close and dense planting
of coconut pamls resulting in competition for nutrients and moisture, as
well as difficulty in maintenance.
Evaluation of coconut-based intercropping technologies

Farmers preferred the Tonga Tall variety compared to others because of
its capacity to accommodate intercrops due to its greater spacing
requirement. Based on COGENT’s recommended strategy, farmers
planted squash, kava, watermelon, vanilla and root crops as intercrops
with coconut primarily for their export market potential. The project
found out that intercropping can be promoted to more farmers to further
enhance food security and expand export markets.
749
South Pacific
in Vanuatu
JP Labouisse1 and J Lahva2
1
le Développement - Vanuatu Agricultural Research and Technical Centre (CIRAD-
VARTC), Santo, Vanuatu
2
Agronomist, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Port-Villa, Vanuatu
Introduction
Vanuatu, formerly called New Hebrides, is an archipelago located in the
Southwest Pacific Ocean between the Solomon and Fiji Islands. It consists
of some 80 widely dispersed islands between the Torres Group (13°S) to
the uninhabited Matthew and Hunter islets (22°S). As in most of the
Pacific Island countries, coconut is widely planted and used by the rural
populations for food and for numerous other domestic purposes. The
production of copra started in the 1870s and was the mainstay of
Vanuatu’s economy until the 20th century. Even when world demand
and prices for the product declined, copra remained as the most important
export commodity of the country, with around 30 000 metric tonnes
exported annually. Coconut is grown in an estimated 90 000 ha,
representing nearly 60% of the total cultivated area in the country.
On the southeast coast of Espiritu Santo Island, near the village of
Saraoutou, a coconut research station was established in 1962. Up to
2001, the station was managed by the French research organization
Institut de Recherches pour les Huiles et Oléagineux (IRHO), which
became the Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche
Agronomique pour le Développement (CIRAD) in 1985. The Saraoutou
Research Centre is now called the Vanuatu Agricultural Research and
Technical Centre (VARTC).
Researchable problems and opportunities
Tolerance to coconut foliar decay

When the Saraoutou Station was created, the main objective of its research
work was to increase coconut productivity through agronomic and genetic
improvement, particularly by developing high-yielding and suitable
hybrids to replace the ageing established local varieties. A number of
exotic varieties were planted in a field genebank, but they quickly started
750
to succumb to a previously unseen wilt of unknown aetiology, while the

local Vanuatu Tall (VTT) variety, remained unaffected. This new wilt
was named ‘coconut foliar decay’ or CFDV, a viral disease transmitted
by the insect vector Myndus taffini (Julia 1982). Following this discovery,
tolerance to CFDV was decided as the main criterion for selecting and
developing coconut planting materials for Vanuatu.
Enrichment of VARTC field genebank and conservation of local co-

conut genetic resources
As the main source of CFDV tolerance, the use of the local Vanuatu Tall
was the central strategy for the coconut breeding programme. Before the
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute’s International Coconut
Genetic Resources Network (COGENT)-sponsored projects started, the
genetic diversity of local coconut genetic resources in Vanuatu was not
properly assessed and conserved. There was also a need to conduct a
survey to identify the different uses of coconut, other than copra. At that
time, the in situ management of coconut genetic resources by farmers
was still unexplored.
Improvement of coconut-based farming system

With the recent drop in world copra prices, it is urgent to find ways to
improve smallholders’ incomes. The coconut groves are senescent and
occupy large areas. The planting of precocious, high-yielding cultivars
created through research can optimize the landuse. However, the
dissemination of the improved planting material is expensive due to the
distant locations of the cultivated areas, and the difficulties and high
cost of transport around the archipelago. Diverse associations of coconut
with other crops have been observed during farmers’ participatory
surveys. The performance, the sustainability and market opportunities
of such associations must therefore be assessed.
Diversification of coconut uses

Even if a wide range of coconut by-products and uses have been observed
at rural household level, very few are marketed in the urban areas or
exported. The industrial processing for grated coconut, canned coconut
milk and other similar products is not profitable in Vanuatu due to the
limited domestic market, expensive inputs, high transport and labour
costs. Nevertheless, the marketing of fresh products (tender and mature
coconuts) and small-scale processed products (e.g. virgin oil) could be
developed. The use of copra oil as biofuel for vehicles shows promise.
Projects for the electrification of remote areas by using copra oil powered-
generators are also being explored.
751
Research and training activities conducted in the country

During the last 10 years (1994-2003), the Department of Agriculture and
Rural Development (DARD) and VARTC have actively participated in
the different projects and training activities coordinated by COGENT,
which are as follows:
Evaluation of selected coconut cultivars planted in farmers’ fields in

Vanuatu
The agronomic performance of three improved coconut cultivars,
distributed to farmers during the implementation of the Coconut
Development Project (CDP) between 1982 and 1993, were evaluated
through COGENT’s Asian Development Bank (ADB)-funded project. For
this purpose, observations were conducted on farmers’ plots and results
are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Comparative performance of three cultivars in Vanuatu for yield and copra
processing
VTT x VRD x
Characteristics VTT
RIT VTT
Average annual yield under farmers’ field conditions as evaluated 2.0 2.6 2.2
from 1994 to 1997 (tonnes)
Average copra content per nut as measured from 1994 to 2000 (in 199 258 134
grams)
Percentage of oil in albumen dry matter 66.2 66.0 65.4
Percentage of water in fresh albumen 47.4 50.8 55.8

Number of nuts needed for one tonne of copra 5555 4360 7600
Time to process these nuts 26.5 24 hours 37 hours

(comparison with VTT x RIT) hours (+ 55 %)
(+ 11%)
Quantity of copra obtained from one tonne of fresh kernel by hot air 467 447 415
drying process (in kg)
Legend: VTT = Vanuatu Tall RIT = Renelle Tall VRD = Vanuatu Red Dwarf
Collecting, evaluation and characterization of coconut genetic re-

sources in Vanuatu
The main purpose of this ADB-funded project was the evaluation and
the ex situ conservation of the genetic diversity of local coconut genetic
resources. Fourteen sites located in 10 different islands of the archipelago
were surveyed. Two hundred nuts each of the 12 populations were
collected. Eighteen variants showing special characteristics (spicata form,
unique nut colour, etc) were also collected but with smaller sample size.
They were all established in VARTC field genebank (Labouisse and Sileye
2001). As of 2003, the local germplasm collection of VARTC consists of
20 populations of Vanuatu Tall and the Vanuatu Red Dwarf (VRD).
752
Enhancing farmer incomes and germplasm conservation through

coconut- based farming system and identification of varieties for
multipurpose uses
This International Fund and Development (IFAD)-funded project
consisted of three components:
Component 1: Farmer participatory surveys

During the period July 1998 - December 2000, eight participatory rural
appraisal surveys (PRAS) were conducted on seven different islands
gathering substantial information about local names and uses of coconuts,
and different coconut-based farming systems. An average of 11 distinct
types (or variants) of coconuts per village were identified by the farmers
with numerous by-products and uses documented (Table 2). Some
variants are associated to specific uses (Lahva and Labouisse 2000). This
component is closely linked with the project on characterization and
conservation of local cultivars. Samples of leaves of some collected
populations were analyzed with the microsatellite kit developed by
CIRAD (Baudouin and Lebrun 2002) to assess the genetic diversity within
and between the populations.
The results of the PRAs were presented and discussed in a journal
article by Labouisse and Caillon (2001). A set of three posters in bislama
(Vanuatu’s official language) was prepared and posted in the rural
communities in order to make them aware of coconut genetic resources
conservation strategies.
Component 2: Feasibility of coconut based intercropping systems for

promoting coconut germplasm conservation through use
During the PRAs, the associations between coconuts and others crops
have been documented. The socioeconomic survey on marketable crops
produced in association with coconuts shows the opportunities and
constraints of the different crop varieties and present some data on costs
and returns (Bule 2000). The survey indicated that Xanthosoma
sagittifolium and Musa sp. are the most frequently cultivated crops under
coconuts, while Kava (Piper methysticum) is shown to be the most
profitable. It was also identified that high transportation costs from farms
to markets is the main productivity constraint.
Component 3: Evaluation of the improved cultivars used by farmers in

Vanuatu for processing
Under the ADB-funded Project, the agronomic performance of three
cultivars, (improved VTT, VRD x VTT hybrid, VTT hybrid x RIT hybrid,
were assessed in farmers’ fields (Labouisse and Buletare 1997). Under
753
Table 2. List of the common uses of and products from the coconut as surveyed in
the villages of Vanuatu
(Source: Lahva and Labouisse 2000)
Coconut part Uses and products
Whole palm • Land marking
• Garden ornamentation
• Cattle shade
Roots • Medical uses

Trunk • Building material and furniture (post, plank, part of canoe)
• Support for plants (yams, vanilla)
• Medical uses (bark)
Leaves • Handicrafts (hat, mat, fan, broom, baskets, hoop net)

• Building material (roof, walls)
• Support for plants
• Fuel and light (torch)
• Filter for kava
Whole fruit • Ceremonial uses (wedding present, customary exchanges)
Husk • Rope for building and for canoe

• Container, support and protection for plants
• Fuel
• Abrasive
Shell • Handicrafts (container, cup, spoon)

• Kava cup
• Fuel
Water • Beverage
• Medical and ’magic‘ uses (excipient)
Albumen • Food
• Copra
Milk • Food
• Medical uses (excipient)
Oil • Food
• Oil for human body and hair conditioning
• Fuel (for lamp)
the IFAD-funded project, the quality of the fruits of these three varieties
was also evaluated for copra production and processing (Lahva and
Labouisse 2000). Results showed that the hybrid VTT x RIT outperformed
the two other varieties in terms of nut yield and copra production (Table
1).
Contribution to the Coconut Genetic Resources Database (CGRD)

The entries of Vanuatu in the International Coconut Genetic Resources
Database (CGRD) comprise of 60 living accessions. In addition,
754
morphometric and passport data of 12 accessions which do not exist

anymore (due to cyclones or felling) have also been recorded and included
in the CGRD.
Training activities sponsored by COGENT

Two regional training courses were held in Vanuatu while five Vanuatu
researchers were sponsored by COGENT to undergo staff development
training on topics such as standardized research technique in coconut
breeding (STANTECH), coconut germplasm collecting and conservation,
farmer participatory research, computer use, documentation and data
analysis, and technical writing and seminar presentation (Table 3).
Table 3. List of COGENT-sponsored training courses with participating Vanuatu

researchers
No. of trainees/ participating
COGENT training courses organized in Vanuatu
countries
Regional STANTECH course for South Pacific (VARTC, 6- 9 / PNG, Solomon Islands, Tonga,
13/8/1996) Fiji, Kiribati, Vanuatu
STANTECH training course on collecting and management of 4 / Kiribati, Cooks Islands,

coconut genetic resources (VARTC, 29/6-10/7/1999) Marshall Islands, Tuvalu
Participating Vanuatu
COGENT training courses organized outside Vanuatu
researchers
Coconut collecting and conservation course (PCA, Philippines, Godefroy Buletare
1-12/9/1997)
Farmers participatory research on coconut diversity Pierre-Chanel Watas, Jeffrey

(Taveuni Coconut Centre, Fiji, 24-28/3/1998) Lahva, Jean-Pierre Labouisse
Computer use, documentation and data analysis course for Godefroy Buletare
South Pacific (SPC, Suva, Fiji, 3-7/8/1998)
Technical writing, seminar presentation and proposal writing Jeffrey Lahva

course (PCA, Philippines, 30/8-3/9/1999)
Coconut data analysis training course (PCA, Philippines, 6- Jeffrey Lahva

10/9/1999)
Establishment and management of field genebanks for Tiata Sileye

conservation and use (PSGT, Malaysia, 28/9 – 10/10/1999)
Other activities carried out within the framework of COGENT

1995 - Participation in the finalization of the STANTECH
Manual (Santos et al. 1996) in Manado, North Sulawesi,
Indonesia.
1996 - Pacific Projects review of Coconut Genetic Resources
Network and Asia Pacific (CGRNAP) at VARTC.
1996 - Participation in the COGENT Steering Committee in
Merida, Mexico as a representative of the Pacific region.
755
1999 - Participation in the COGENT consultancy on coconut

collecting strategy (Bourdeix et al. 1999).
2000/2001- Appointment of VARTC as the implementing agency for
the ADB-CGRNAP project on ‘Coconut germplasm col-
lecting, characterization and conservation in Cook Is-
lands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Tuvalu’ (Labouisse
and Bourdeix 2003).
2002 - Participation in the preparation of the International Cata-
logue of Conserved Coconut Germplasm and Farmers’
Varieties.
Activities supported by other donors
Conservation and observation of exotic germplasm

Exotic varieties which are susceptible to CFDV can be conserved in
VARTC field genebank by removing, within a radius of about a hundred
meters, all stumps of Hibiscus tiliaceus, the breeding host of the CFDV
vector. Through the Pacific Regional Agricultural Programme (PRAP)
project, the exotic germplasm of VARTC have been fully rejuvenated by
hand pollination between 1992 and 2000. To date, the collection comprises
of 14 distinct Tall and 13 Dwarf varieties imported from different
countries of Africa, America, Asia and Pacific. Growth characteristics,
yield, fruit component analysis are regularly recorded. Observations were
also done in 1999 on the tolerance of Dwarfs to strong winds (Figure 1).
100
Percentage of felt trees
80
60
40
20
0
TACD VRD SYD CRD NLAD PILD CATD THD MBD BGD MRD AROD MYD
Varieties
Figure 1. Damage inflicted by cyclone Dani (January 1999) on the different Dwarf
varieties (aged 15) in the VARTC genebank.
756
Improvement of coconut planting materials for Vanuatu

Three cultivars were selected for propagation in Vanuatu for their
tolerance to CFDV. These include the improved Vanuatu Tall, the
VRDxVTT and the VTTxRIT hybrids.
The improved Vanuatu Tall, obtained from several cycles of mass
selection, has an average copra yield of 2.2 t/ha/year and a copra content
of 195 g/nut. It is completely tolerant to CFDV and can be easily
multiplied by farmers.
The VRD x VTT hybrid line, tolerant to CFDV, is produced in
seedgardens at Saraoutou Station and was released to farmers between
1986 and 1996. In spite of its high-yielding potential of 3.4 t/ha/year (as
recorded in station trials), its dissemination was discontinued due to its
low germination rate in the nursery, a low copra content (154 g) and the
frequent dropping of immature bunches.
The VTT x RIT hybrid is the most promising with an average yield of
2.6 t/ha/year and a high copra content of 237 g/nut. The first lines of
this hybrid showed very slight susceptibility to CFDV. However, the
tolerance has been improved by using, as female parent, several self-
pollinated progenies of RIT which show no symptoms of the disease.
The VTT and the VTT x RIT hybrid, with good nursery and cultivation
practices coupled with an ideal climate, start to bear flowers 30 months
after planting, which is remarkable for Tall cultivars.
PRAP - PDICC Project

From 1989 to 1999, with the financial support of the European Union
(EU) and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the technical
assistance of CIRAD, VARTC implemented the Production and
Dissemination of Improved Coconut Cultivars (PDICC) project in the
framework of the PRAP. Eight countries (Fiji, Kiribati, PNG, Tonga,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) were associated with
this regional programme. The objectives of the PDICC project were:
1. To improve the potential of coconut production by increasing the
choice of hybrid coconut cultivars in the South Pacific Region. A
wide range of hybrids was created and the performance assessed
in experimental trials established at VARTC. Before 1999, the
project also supported the maintenance and the data collecting
of VARTC coconut germplasm; and
2. To improve the quality of planting materials disseminated to farm-
ers from the seedgardens of the participating countries. Techni-
cal assistance and training were provided to these countries for
seedgarden management, coconut breeding and coconut genetic
resources management.
757
Under the project, 39 new hybrid crossings were made by hand-

pollination and eight trials were successfully established in Saraoutou
Station between 1992 and 1999. This represents a total area of 57 hectares
with approximately 9000 palms under individual observation. Each of
the first seven trials included hybrids created by crossing diverse Dwarf
cultivars with a Tall cultivar native to the region (i.e., Rennell Tall (RIT),
Tonga Tall (TONT), Rotuman Tall (RTMT), Kiribati Tall (KIT), Gazelle
Peninsula Tall (GPT), Samoan Tall (SMOT) and Markham Valley Tall
(MVT)). In the eighth trial, six different Tall cultivars were crossed with
RIT. For each trial, the following data were gathered: rate of germination,
growth in the nursery, growth in the field (young age), flowering, yield,
fruit component analysis, oil content, stem measurements, resistance to
cyclone and susceptibility to diseases.
For copra yield, the hybrid MRD x RIT showed good performance in
all the trials, producing about five tonnes of copra/ha when six years
old. The hybrids MYD x RIT, BGD x RIT, MRD x TONT and MRD x
RTMT also showed good potential. Some of the varieties also showed
some promise on the tolerance to cyclones (Labouisse 2002).
Study of in situ management of coconut genetic resources

With the support of CIRAD and the Institut de Recherche pour le
Développement (IRD), a three-year study in the framework of a PhD
thesis was conducted since 2001 on in situ management of coconut genetic
resources by farmers in Vanuatu (Caillon 2001). The study aims to further
understand the biological and sociological processes that build the
diversity of a crop system.
The study was performed in Vanua Lava in the north of Vanuatu.
The farmers themselves distinguished the existing variants in Vanuatu
Tall variety according to some specific morphological traits, production
characteristics or particular origin. The average number of variants
identified by village in Vanua Lava is 30, far above the number found
during the IFAD-funded project, which was attributed to a longer and
more intensive survey (Caillon and Malau 2002).
Variants are being described according to the STANTECH Manual.
Statistical analyses done on 105 individuals showed that the most
discriminant characters are those related to the description of fruit
components. The results of molecular analysis using 14 microsatellites
performed on 69 coconut leaves collected in Vanua Lava from 12 variants
revealed that the whole population is distinct from the rest of Vanuatu
and other Pacific countries. However, this technique is inadequate to
differentiate the variants except for one (a Tall with yellow fruits). As
the sampled population is small (two to eight individuals per variant),
additional analyses have do be done to confirm these initial results.
758
Study on coconut-based farming systems

Since 2002, a study on the methods of assessment of performances and
sustainability of associations of staple crops with old coconuts has been
undertaken on the island of Malo in the framework of a PhD thesis
sponsored by CIRAD (Lamanda et al. 2003).
Interpretation of significance or impact of output

The use of participatory approach for the assessment of coconut diversity
in Vanuatu was very fruitful. Several coconut variants were identified
and traditional uses discovered. VARTC’s collection has been enriched
with populations of Vanuatu Tall collected in different environments.
The improved VTT represents a significant advancement compared
to ordinary VTT, with a better yield but, above all, a higher copra content
which reduces the labour needs for copra processing. The hybrid VTT x
RIT is also promising but its utilization by farmers is impeded by the high
cost of transportation of nuts or seedlings within the archipelago.
Contrary to improved VTT, it cannot be reproduced by farmers.
The results of the PRAP trials constitute a database of great value for
the research and extension services within the region. These results will
also benefit other Pacific countries which would be advised to reproduce
the best crossings by using their own germplasm and seedgardens.
Unfortunately, these hybrids would not be disseminated to Vanuatu
farmers because of their susceptibility to CFDV.
Future research and development activities in coconut
Maintenance and observations of VARTC germplasm

The recently collected populations of Vanuatu Tall will be observed and
the most interesting and promising ones could be used for further genetic
breeding programme. Besides potential copra yield, the characteristics
of the fruits for processing will be assessed.
Maintenance and dissemination of the results of PRAP-PDICC hy-

brids trials
Due to the biological cycle of the coconut, the performance assessment
of a hybrid could only be undertaken about 9-10 years after field planting.
Therefore, the evaluation of the first seven trials established at VARTC
would only be done by 2006 although the financial support of the EU
ended in 1999. Due to the regional significance of these trials, VARTC
needs to source external funds for the maintenance and full evaluation
of these trials until 2006.
759
Improvement of coconut-based farming systems

With the objective of improving the effectiveness and profitability of
coconut-based farming systems (CBFS), the evolution of the different CBFS
in Malo Islands is being studied. Likewise, the assessment of performance
of the association of ageing coconut with other crops requires further
research on agronomy, plant protection and physiology of coconuts and
other crops (fruit trees, rootcrops, kava Piper methysticum, legume trees,
etc) and on farm economy. The results of these studies will enrich CBFS
technologies and, hopefully, provide increased benefits to resource-poor
coconut farmers and their households.
References
for use with coconuts. Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Re-
cherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Montpellier, France.
Bourdeix, R, L Baudouin, J Ollivier and JP Labouisse. 1999. COGENT
consultancy report on coconut collecting strategy. Centre de
coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le
Développement (CIRAD), Montpellier, France.
Bule, F. 2000. Socioeconomic survey on marketable crops and livestock
under coconuts. In: J Lavah and JP Labouisse (eds). Enhancing farm-
ers’ incomes and germplasm conservation through coconut based
farming system and identification of varieties for multipurpose use.
Final project report. DARD, Port-Vila, Vanuatu.
Caillon, S. 2001. Gestion traditionnelle et conservation in situ: cas du
cocotier Cocos nucifera et du taro Colocasia esculenta au nord du
Vanuatu. Projet de thèse. Université d’Orléans, France.
Caillon, S and EF Malau. 2002. Catalogue of coconuts and taros of the
West Coast of Vanua Lava.
Julia, JF. 1982. Myndus taffini (Homoptera Ciixidae), vecteur du
dépérissement foliaire des cocotiers au Vanuatu. Oléagineux 37 8-
9:409-414.
Labouisse, JP. 2002. Hybrids trials of the Pacific Regional Agriculture
Programme. Progress report, January 2002. Vanuatu Agricultural
Research and Training Centre, Santo Vanuatu.
Labouisse, JP and R Bourdeix. 2003. Coconut germplasm collecting, char-
acterization and conservation in Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Is-
lands and Tuvalu. Final report. March 2003. Vanuatu Agriculture
Research and Training Center, Santo, Vanuatu.
Labouisse, JP and G Buletare. 1997. Evaluation of selected coconut culti-
vars planted in farmers’ fields in Vanuatu: COGENT - CGRNAP
760
Project. Terminal report. Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Train-

ing Center, Santo, Vanuatu.
Labouisse, JP and S Caillon. 2001. Une approche de la conservation in
situ par l’étude d’un systeme semencier informel: cas du cocotier au
Vanuatu (Pacifique Sud). An approach to in situ conservation through
the study of an informal system of seed supply: the example of coco-
nut in Vanuatu (South Pacific). OCL - Oléagineux, Corps Gras, Lipides
8 (5):534-539.
Labouisse, JP and T Sileye. 2001. Collecting, evaluation and character-
ization of coconut genetic resources in Vanuatu. Final report. Vanuatu
Agricultural Research and Training Centre, Santo, Vanuatu.
Lahva, J and JP Labouisse. 2000. Enhancing farmers’ income and
germplasm conservation through coconut-based farming system and
identification of varieties for multipurpose uses in Vanuatu. Final
technical report. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development,
Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Lamanda, N, E Malezieux and P Martin. 2003. Cocoteraies et jardins
vivriers dans les îles mélanésiennes : diversité spatiale et dynamique
temporelle des systèmes de culture. Le cas de Malo (Vanuatu).
Colloque : Organisation spatiale et gestion des ressources et des
territoires ruraux. 25-27 février 2003. CIRAD, Montpellier, France.
IPGRI-APO, Singapore. 46p.
761
Index
A
Accessions conserved in the Southeast Asian Region 533
AFLP 229. See also Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism
Africa and Indian Ocean, Research on coconut genetic resources in
546
Africa and the Indian Ocean 546
AIO. See Africa and the Indian Ocean
Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism 229
Area freedom 423
Arthropod pests 415
Assessing the completeness of collecting 59. See also Farmer participa-
tory approach
Assessing the reasons for, extent and danger of genetic erosion 59. See
also Farmer participatory approach
B
Bangladesh, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 596
Biochemical and molecular methods for characterizing coconut diver-
sity 225-243
Different genetic markers 225
Biochemical markers 226
Molecular markers 227
Choice of markers to be used 232
Results 236
Biofuels Project, SPC 521
Brazil, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 695
Bursaphelenchus. See Nematode disease
C
Cadang-cadang 377
Candidate-gene approach 271. See also Molecular markers for coconut
improvement
Catalogue of coconut food recipes 466
Catalogue of conserved germplasm and farmers’ varieties 456
762
Index
Catalogue of high-value coconut products 463

CCCVd. See Cadang-cadang
Cedros wilt,. See Phytomonas
CFD/CFDV. See Coconut foliar decay
CGIAR. See Consultative Group on International Agricultural Re-
search
CGIAR’s support to coconut research 473
Historical perspective 473
Present status of international coconut research efforts 477
Future perspectives 477
CGRD. See International coconut genetic resources database
CGRD, Conceptual model of the 429
CGRD, Stages in the development of 428
Characterization of viroid RNA 379
Characterizing diversity 207
China, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 648
Choice of markers to be used 232-237. See also Biochemical and mo-
lecular methods for characterizing coconut diversity
The coconut microsatellite kit 232
Geneclass2 software 234. See also Geneclass2 software perfor-
mance
Use for classification purposes 236
Chronology of international coconut research (1900-2000) 480
Clustering methods and dendrograms 216. See also Morphometric
methods of determining diversity in coconuts
Coconut breeding 443, 450
Coconut collecting sites and gaps identification 24
Coconut collections, general statistics on 45. See also Status of coconut
germplasm collecting
Coconut conservation, Integrated approach to 108
Coconut diseases and pests 397
Coconut diversity for nut weight in the Philippines 25
Coconut embryo in vitro culture 445
Coconut embryo in vitro culture: Part II 446
Coconut evolution, key features of 16
Coconut field genebank 91
Coconut foliar decay 375
Coconut genetic diversity: General considerations 15
Coconut genetic resources book 450
Coconut germplasm collecting, Status, gaps and strategy 44
Coconut hybrids performance and use, Conditions favouring 305-306.
See also Performance of coconut hybrids in Asia, Africa and Latin
America
763
Agroclimatic 305
Farmers’ preferences 306
Coconut hybrids for smallholders 449
Coconut in Africa, History of 546
Coconut is good for your health, CD-ROM 449
Coconut lethal yellowing 349
Geographic distribution 349
Symptoms 349
Causal agent 350
Transmission 351
Diagnosis and detection 353
Spread 354
Control methods 355
Coconut lethal yellowing in Jamaica 364
History of LY in Jamaica 364
Searching for the cause 365
Living with LY before 1961 366
Living with LY after 1961 366
Current status of LY and future prospects 368
Coconut micropropagation 334-342
Research from the 1970’s to the 1990’s 334
Recent advances 338
Perspectives and conclusion 341
Coconut microsatellite kit 232
Coconut productivity in farmers’ field and research 307
Coconut Research for Development Programme 500
Goal and objectives 502
Priority research areas 503
Organizational structure 504
Programme coordination 505
Cocos 13
COGENT. See International Coconut Genetic Resources Network: Its
history and achievements
COGENT member countries 106, 190, 483
COGENT Newsletters 450
COGENT publications and other PA materials 443
COGENT publications and other public awareness materials 443
COGENT, Objectives of 107
COGENT’s public awareness strategy 440
Complementary conservation of coconuts 75
Complementary conservation strategy of coconut germplasm 83
Complementary conservation strategy, Considerations for 79-83
Costs and risks 82
764
Index
Genetic diversity 79
Infrastructure 80
Network 81
Policy/Legal issues 82
Socioeconomic aspects 81
Stakeholders 80
Complex hybrids 258. See also Conventional breeding schemes
Conservation of coconut germplasm in field genebank, Considerations
for 92
Agronomic considerations 96
Genetic considerations 92
Germplasm health issues 100
Legal issues 99
Policy and management issues 98
Conservation in the multi-site ICG 109
Conservation methods for coconuts, Advantages and 86
Conservation objective 79
Conservation options for coconuts, Comparison of 85
Conservation strategy of COGENT 108
Conserving coconut germplasm, Methods for 76
Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research 473
Conventional breeding schemes 254-259. See also Conventional coco-
nut breeding
Mass selection methods 254
Other intra-population breeding methods 255
Conventional coconut breeding 251-264
Population base 252
Conventional breeding schemes 254
Status of coconut improvement 259
Breeding limitations and opportunities 261
Farmers’ varietal preferences 263
Future breeding plans 264
Cook Islands, Status of coconut genetic resources research in the 720
Coronie wilt. See Phytomonas
Côte d’Ivoire, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 654
Country reports on status of coconut genetic resources research 571
Cryopreservation, Definition of 143
Cryopreservation research in coconut, Status of 142
Immature embryos 144
Mature embryos 144
Plumules 145
Prospects 146
Cultivar 9
765
D
Deciding what to collect and how 59. See also Farmer participatory
approach
Definition of terms and nomenclatures 9
Diagnostic tests, Pest risk assessment 423
Dip 423
Diseases of unknown origin 399, 402
Distribution 6
DIVA-GIS 23. See also Geographic Information System (GIS)
DIVA-GIS 35
Diversity 2
Diversity indexes 217. See also Morphometric methods of determining
diversity in coconuts
Documenting and using the collection 59. See also Farmer participa-
tory approach
Drought stress. See Drought tolerance in coconut
Drought tolerance in coconut 282-295
Scientific and theoretical basis 282
How serious is the problem? 282
Environmental factors 283
Impact of drought stress 284
Role of K+ and Cl- nutrition 288
Screening for drought tolerance 288
Drought tolerance mechanism 290
Genetics of drought tolerance in coconut 291
Methodology for screening 291
Constraints and opportunities 295
Dynamis borassi. See Nematode disease
E
Ecotype 9
ECW. See Epicuticular wax
Electron microscopy 379
Embryo explants, Use of 336. See Coconut micropropagation
Epicuticular wax 286
Ethnobotany 5
Euclidean distance. See Mahalanobis distance
Evaluation descriptors, CGRD 433
Evolution of the coconut palm 1
766
Index
F
Farmer participatory approach 58
Farmer participatory approach in coconut germplasm 58
Farmer participatory approach, Importance in collecting 59
Farmer participatory research on coconut diversity 446
Fatal wilt. See Phytomonas
FGB, Steps in establishing, maintaining and managing 101
FGB. See Field genebanks
Field genebanks 91
Fiji, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 725
Framework for complementary conservation strategy 83
Framework for developing a complementary conservation strategy 87
Fumigation: 423
Fungal diseases 416
Fungal diseases of coconut 398, 401
G
Gaps in coconut germplasm collecting 46
Gel electrophoresis 378
Geneclass2 software 234. See also Geneclass2 software performance
Geneclass2 software performance 234
General consideration, Coconut genetic diversity 15
Genetic diversity 13
Genetic engineering 339. See Coconut micropropagation
Genetic erosion. See Gaps in coconut germplasm collecting
Genetically-modified organisms 272. See also Molecular breeding in
coconut
Geographic Information System 23
Geographical gap-filling. See Gaps in coconut germplasm collecting
Georeferencing coconut accessions 32
Georeferencing of coconut accessions in CGRD 33
Germplasm conserved in the multi-site ICG 113
Germplasm exchange, Risks linked to 403-404
From African/Indian Ocean countries to Côte d’Ivoire 403
From Brazil to the other countries of Latin America 404
From Côte d’Ivoire to African/Indian Ocean countries 403
From Latin American/Caribbean countries to Brazil 404
Germplasm health 392
Germplasm health management for COGENT’s multi-site International
Coconut Genebank 448
767
Germplasm use 249

Ghana, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 66
GIS. See Geographic Information System
GIS, main elements of a 23
Global coconut conservation strategy 190-205
Integrated approach to coconut conservation 191
Scope and status of coconut conservation 191
Priority activities 202
GMOs. See Genetically-modified organisms
Guyana, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 709
H
Hartrot. See Phytomonas
Helminthosporium halodes (Dresch.) 399
Hemileia vastatrix 390
Hurricane tolerance in coconut 561
I
ICG, Plan of action 112
ICG. See International Coconut Genebank
ICG-AIO, Designated germplasm for 140
ICG-AIO. See International Coconut Genebank for Africa and Indian
Ocean
ICG-LAC. See International Coconut Genebank for Latin America and
Caribbean
ICG-SA, Designated germplasm for 137
ICG-SA. See International Coconut Genebank for South Asia
ICG-SEEA, Designated germplasm for 138
ICG-SEEA. See International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and
East Asia
ICG-SP. See International Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific
ICG-SP. See International Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific
Improving location of diversity 21
In vitro collecting of coconut germplasm 65
In vitro collecting protocols developed by Assy-Bah et al. 67
In vitro culture of embryos 69
In vitro culture, sequence of operations 66
In situ conservation of coconut diversity 149-155
768
Index
Basic information needed for conservation programme 152

Benefits of 155
Building and implementing a conservation programme 152
Definition of 150
Importance of 151
Indexing 375, 377, 381
Indexing and pathogen characterization 371, 373
India, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 573
Indonesia, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 608
Inflorescence explants, Use of 335. See Coconut micropropagation
Information, public awareness, institutional support and partnerships
425
International Coconut Genebank 106
International Coconut Genebank for Africa and Indian Ocean 121,
552
International Coconut Genebank for Latin America and the Caribbean
123
International Coconut Genebank for South Asia 117, 524
International Coconut Genebank for Southeast and East Asia 119
International Coconut Genebank for the South Pacific 115, 520
International coconut genetic resources database 427-437
Background 427
Objectives 428
Organization 429
Functions 430
Contents 433
Technical references 437
International Coconut Genetic Resources Network: Its history and
achievements 482
Goal, objectives and organizational structure 484
Achievements in the last 14 years 484
Introduction to the coconut palm 1
Inverse Sequence-Tagged Repeat 230
Invisible adaptation in coconut 3
ISTR. See Inverse Sequence-Tagged Repeat
J
Jamaica, Coconut lethal yellowing in. See Coconut lethal yellowing in
Jamaica
Jamaica, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 715
769
K
Kenya, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 682
Kiribati, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 732
L
LAC. See Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean 557
Latin America and the Caribbean, Research on coconut genetic re-
sources 557
LAVPD. See Leaf to air vapour pressure deficit
Leaf to air temperature difference 285
Leaf to air vapour pressure deficit 285
Leaf water potential 285
Lethal yellowing disease 390
Lethal yellowing. See Coconut lethal yellowing
Lethal yellowing. See Coconut lethal yellowing in Jamaica
Lethal yellowing-like disease. See Coconut lethal yellowing
Linkage mapping 269. See also Marker-assisted selection in coconut
Locating and accessing target areas and material 59
Locating and collecting germplasm 11
Locating coconut genetic diversity 13
Losses from existing ex situ collections. See Gaps in coconut germplasm
collecting
LY. See Coconut lethal yellowing
LYD. See Lethal yellowing disease
M
Mahalanobis distance 215 See also Morphometric methods of deter-
mining diversity in coconuts
Main elements of a GIS 23
Major pests and safe movement of germplasm 347
Malaysia, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 634
Manual on Standardized Research Techniques (STANTECH) 444
Manual on technical writing, public awareness, seminar presentation
and proposal preparation for coconut researchers 449
Mapping coconut diversity for nut weight in the Ph 25
Mapping collection sites 35
770
Index
Mapping for collecting genetic diversity 40

Mapping molecular markers 39
Mapping morphometric characteristics 37
Mapping of coconut genetic diversity 32
Mapping of major coconut cultivation areas, Vietnam 24
Marasmiellus cocophilus Pegler 398
Marchitez sorpresiva. See Phytomonas
Marker-assisted selection in coconut 269, 275-276
Usefulness of various markers 275
Linkage mapping 275
Prospects of GMOs to date 276
MAS. See Marker-assisted selection in coconut
Matrix summary of COGENT’s public awareness strategy and method-
ologies 440
Mechanism of drought tolerance in coconut 292
Metamasius hemipterus. See Nematode disease
Mexico, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 704
Microsatellites or Simple Sequence Repeats 230
MLO. See Mycoplasma-like organisms
MOA for the establishment of the ICG-SP 124
Molecular breeding in coconut 269-273. See also Molecular markers for
coconut improvement
Linkage mapping and marker-assisted selection 269
Synteny 270
Candidate-gene approach and physical mapping 271
Genetically-modified organisms 272
Molecular genetics related to coconut improvement 273. See also
Molecular markers for coconut improvement
Devising markers for coconuts 273
Linkage mapping and QTL identification 274
Devising adapted mapping populations for QTL identification 274
Molecular hybridization 379
Molecular marker kit for COGENT partners, A 21
Molecular markers for coconut improvement 268-279
Potential for success in molecular breeding 269
Research activities in molecular genetics related to coconut im-
provement 273
Results and evidence of the success of MAS in coconut 275
Immediate research needs 276
Constraints and opportunities 278
Molecular studies of diversity 20
Molecular techniques, increase in the use of 20
771
Morphometric methods of determining diversity in coconuts 209-222

Observations 211
Statistical methods 213
Application 217
Morphometric studies of diversity 17
Mozambique, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 688
Multilocation coconut hybrid trials 326-333
Project implementation 326
Multi-site and local hybrid/variety trial entries 327
Major achievements 328
Coconut hybrids that started fruiting 2.5 - 3.0 years after planting
329
Capacity building 329
Training and capacity building activities conducted 331
Mycoplasma-like organisms 372
N
National collections in CGRD, List of 193
Nematode disease 382
Nematode disease: Red Ring 382
Nematode diseases 402
Nigeria, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 667
O
On-farm conservation programme, Criteria for site selection 152-155
Diverse use values 153
Ecosystems. 153
Farmers and communities 153
Genetic erosion 153
Intra-specific diversity within target species 153
Logistics 153
Partners 153
Specific adaptations 153
Osmotic adjustment 286
Other explants (leaf and inflorescence), Use of 339. See Coconut
micropropagation
772
Index
P
PA. See Public awareness initiatives in coconut. See also Information,
public awareness, institutional support and partnerships
Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network 521
Pakistan, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 604
PAPGREN. See Pacific Agricultural Plant Genetic Resources Network
Papua New Guinea, Status of coconut genetic resources research in
737
Partner institutions in COGENT member countries 497
Pathogen characterization 375, 378, 381
PEQ. See Post-entry quarantine
Performance of coconut hybrids in Asia, Africa and Latin America
302-308
Promising hybrids 302
Conditions favouring coconut hybrid performance 305
Narrowing the technology gap 306
Conclusion 307
Performance evaluation of coconut varieties and farmers’ varietal
preferences 309-323
High-yielding varieties and hybrids 310
Findings of 1980 and 1988 assessment of new varieties 313
Summary of major findings of the 1998 varietal assessment study
315
Conclusion and recommendations 321
Performance of high-yielding coconut varieties/ hybrids 446
Pest risk analysis 411
Pest risk analysis and guidelines for the safe movement of germplasm
in the ICG of Asia and the Pacific 411
Pest Risk Analysis process 412
Management of quarantine pest groups 415
General phytosanitary measures for the movement of coconut
germplasm 417
Pest Risk Analysis process 412. See also Pest risk analysis and guide-
lines for the safe movement of germplasm in the ICG of Asia and
the Pacific
Phase 1: Initiating the PRA 412
Phase 2: Pest risk assessment 413
Phase 3: Pest risk management 415
Pest risk assessment 396
Pest risk assessment in Brazil 402
Pest risk assessment in Côte d’Ivoire 399
Pest risk assessment of COGENT’s multi-site ICG 395
773
Pest risk assessment of ICG-AIO and ICG-LAC 395-405

Material and methods 395
Results 397
Recommendations 404
Pest risk assessment, Situation in Africa/Indian Ocean 398
Pest risk assessment, Situation in Latin America and the Caribbean
400
Pest risk assessment, Visits to ICG host countries 396
Philippines, Status of coconut genetic resources research in the 639
Phomopsis cocoina (Cooke) Punith. 399
Phytomonas 381. See also Protozoa disease
Phytoplasma diseases 372
Phytosanitary measures for the movement of coconut germplasm
between and among host countries in Asia and the Pacific 421-
423
India to Indonesia 421
India to Papua New Guinea 421
Indonesia to India 421
Indonesia to Papua New Guinea 422
Papua New Guinea to India 422
Papua New Guinea to Indonesia 422
Plumule explants, Use of 338. See Coconut micropropagation
Polyethylene glycol 378
Population and variant 9
Populations 10
Post-entry quarantine 416, 423
Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities project 161-189
Activities 162
Constraints and recommendations 176
Lessons learned 173
List of participating organizations 178
Objective 161
Project benefits 165
Project impact 166
Project outputs 163
Summary of achievements 187
Summary of activities and target outputs 180
Sustainability 169
Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities, Volume 1: The
framework and project plan 447
Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities, Volume II: Mobi-
lizing for Action 447
774
Index
Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities, Volume III:

Project achievements and impact 448
PRA. See Pest risk analysis
PRCGC. See Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities
project
PRCGC project partners 498
Primer sequences, Microsatellite kit 233
Priority activities of the Global Coconut Conservation Strategy 202-
206
Accelerate the full establishment and upgrading of 203
Additional collecting and conservation of germplasm 203
In situ and on-farm conservation of important farmers’ varieties
204
204
Development of national coconut germplasm conservation strategy
205
Development of Regional Coconut Conservation Strategies 205
Proceedings of the COGENT regional coconut genebank planning
workshop 444
PROCORD priority research areas 507
PROCORD. See Coconut Research for Development Programme
Project grants provided to COGENT member countries 495
Promising hybrids in Asia, Africa and Latin America 302-305. See also
Performance of coconut hybrids in Asia, Africa and Latin America
China 302
The Philippines 302
Thailand 303
Vietnam 303
Bangladesh 303
India 303
Sri Lanka 304
Vanuatu 304
Côte d’Ivoire 304
Ghana 304
Tanzania 305
Mexico 305
Promoting conservation through use, Mechanisms for 199-202
Globally-coordinated coconut breeding programme 200
Community-managed coconut seedling nurseries 200
Linking conservation with broader areas of research and develop-
ment 201
775
Developing catalogues and other public awareness materials on

coconut 201
202
Promoting multi-purpose uses and competitiveness of the coconut 445
Prospects of GMOs to date 276. See also Marker-assisted selection in
coconut
Protocol 1 (inoculation of embryos in the laboratory). See In vitro
collecting protocols developed by Assy-Bah et al.
Protocol 2 (inoculation of embryos in the field). See In vitro collecting
protocols developed by Assy-Bah et al.
Protozoa disease 381
Protozoa disease: Phytomonas 381
Provisional classification of coconut cultivars 247
Public awareness 439
Public awareness initiatives in coconut 439
Public awareness under COGENT’s ‘Poverty reduction in coconut
growing communities’ project 451
Public awareness, institutional support and partnerships 425
Publications and other PA materials of COGENT 443
Q
Q factor 37. See also Mapping morphometric characteristics
QTL. See Quantitative trait loci
Quantitative trait loci 269. See also Molecular genetics related to
coconut improvement
R
Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA 229
RAPD. See Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNA
Rapid diagnosis assay 379
Red Ring. See Nematode disease
Regional network reports 511
Related palm species. See Gaps in coconut germplasm collecting
Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism 228
RFLP. See Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism
Rhycopophorus palmarum. See Nematode disease
Root-shoot signals 286
776
Index
S
Samoa, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 744
Schematic diagram for screening drought tolerant coconut varieties
293
Scope and status of coconut conservation 191-202
Genebank 192
In vitro embryo culture and cryopreservation 196
In situ and on-farm conservation 198
Promoting conservation through use 199
Secretariat of the Pacific Community 514
SEEA Network member countries 543
SEEA Network, COGENT member countries 543
SEEA. See Southeast and East Asian region
Seychelles, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 691
Shannon-Weaver index. See Diversity indexes
Simpson index. See Diversity indexes
Single cross hybrids 255. See also Conventional breeding schemes
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism 231
SNP. See Single Nucleotide Polymorphism
South Asia sub-regional network 524
South Asia, Research on coconut genetic resources in 524
South Pacific, Research on coconut genetic resources 513
Southeast and East Asia (SEEA) sub-regional network 533
Southeast and East Asia, Area and production of coconut in 533
Southeast and East Asia, Research on coconut genetic resources in
533
Southeast and East Asian region 533
SPC. See Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Sri Lanka, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 581
SSR. See Microsatellites or Simple Sequence Repeats
Status of coconut germplasm collecting 44
Status of work on in vitro collecting of coconut germplasm 65
Stomatal regulation 285
Strategies for safe movement of coconut germplasm 390
Strategy in coconut germplasm collecting 53
Sustainable livelihoods framework, Five capitals 169-172
Financial capital 172
Human capital 169
Natural capital 170
Physical capital 171
Social capital 170
777
Synteny 270. See also Molecular breeding in coconut

Synthetic varieties 258. See also Conventional breeding schemes
T
TAC. See Technical Advisory Committee
Tanzania, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 670
Targeted surveys and under-represented phenotypes. See Gaps in
coconut germplasm collecting
Taxonomy 2
Technical Advisory Committee 474
Technical guidelines for the safe movement of coconut germplasm 393
Thailand, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 618
The Coarse Grid Strategy 54. See also Strategy in coconut germplasm
collecting
The farmer participatory approach. See Strategy in coconut germplasm
collecting
The International Coconut Genetic Resources Database 443
Tinangaja 377
Tonga, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 748
Treatment recommendations, Pests 423
Treatments, Pest 418
“True” Varieties 10. See also True variety
True variety 9. See also True variety
U
Understanding the origin and distribution of diversity 59. See also
Farmer participatory approach
Use of Isozymes 18
Use of polyphenols 20
Using GIS tools 23. See also Geographic Information System (GIS)
V
Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Training Centre 520
Vanuatu, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 750
Vanuatu wilt 375
Variant 9
778
Index
Varietal assessment study (1988), Summary of major findings 315-

321. See also Performance evaluation of coconut varieties and
farmers’ varietal preferences
Size class distribution of sample holdings 316
Age at first fruiting and productivity 316
Farmers’ evaluation of coconut cultivars 319
Varietal preference of farmers 320
Varietal preference of farmers 320. See also Performance evaluation of
coconut varieties and farmers’ varietal preferences
VARTC. See Vanuatu Agriculture Research and Training Centre
Vietnam, Status of coconut genetic resources research in 625
Viroid diseases 377
Viroid diseases: Cadang-cadang and Tinangaja 377
Viroid purification 378
Viroid-like sequences of coconut 444
Virus disease: Vanuatu wilt or coconut foliar decay 375
779
780
Index
781

Coconut Genetic Resources

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Coconut Genetic Resources

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Coconut Genetic

Pons Batugal, V. Ramanatha Rao and

The International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI) is an independent international

Cover pictures (clockwise from upper left corner):

© International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, 2005

CHAPTER 1. An introduction to the coconut palm 1

CHAPTER 2. Locating and collecting coconut germplasm

Locating coconut genetic diversity 13

Mapping of coconut genetic diversity 32

Status, gaps and strategy in coconut germplasm 44

In vitro collecting of coconut germplasm 65

CHAPTER 3. Germplasm conservation

Complementary conservation of coconuts 75

Coconut field genebank 91

COGENT’s multi-site International Coconut Genebank 106

The International Coconut Genebank for the South 115

The International Coconut Genebank for South Asia 117

The International Coconut Genebank for Southeast 119

The International Coconut Genebank for Africa and 121

Proposal for the establishment of the International 123

Status of cryopreservation research in coconut 142

In situ conservation of coconut diversity 149

Poverty reduction in coconut growing communities: A 161

Global coconut conservation strategy 190

CHAPTER 4. Characterizing diversity

Morphometric methods of determining diversity 209

Biochemical and molecular methods for characterizing 225

CHAPTER 5. Germplasm use

Conventional coconut breeding 251

Use of molecular markers for coconut improvement: 268

Breeding for drought tolerance in coconut: Status and 282

Performance of coconut hybrids in some countries of 302

Performance evaluation of coconut varieties and 309

Multilocation coconut hybrid trials in three African and 326

Coconut micropropagation 334

CHAPTER 6. Major pests and safe movement of germplasm

Coconut lethal yellowing 349

Status of coconut lethal yellowing in Jamaica 364

Indexing and pathogen characterization 371

Strategies for safe movement of coconut germplasm 390

Pest risk assessment of the International Coconut 395

CHAPTER 7. Information, public awareness, institutional

The International Coconut Genetic Resources Database 427

Public awareness initiatives in coconut 439

Standardized catalogues of coconut germplasm: 456

Catalogue of high-value coconut products 463

Catalogue of coconut food recipes 466

CGIAR’S support to coconut research 473

The International Coconut Genetic Resources Network 482

The Coconut Research for Development Programme 500

CHAPTER 8. COGENT’s regional network reports

Research on coconut genetic resources in the South 513

Research on coconut genetic resources in South Asia 524

Research on coconut genetic resources in Southeast and 533

Research on coconut genetic resources in Africa and the 546

Research on coconut genetic resources in Latin America 557

CHAPTER 9. Country reports on status of coconut genetic

Sri Lanka 581

Southeast and East Asia

Africa and the Indian Ocean