Factors contributing to female flower production and button shedding in coconut
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Date
2007-02
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Abstract
Influence of various factors viz., varietal difference, irrigation, leaf area and dry matter production, on female flower production and shedding of buttons in coconut have been reported in this paper. Among the 16 varieties, comprising both Tails and Dwarfs, varietal difference was found to exist in female flower production and nut setting. However, between Tails and Dwarfs no significant difference in button shedding was observed. Although, increased female flower production was observed in the irrigated palms as compared to rainfed palms, the variation in button shedding between the two was not significant. Seasonal changes were found to influence the button shedding. Leaf area and dry matter production did not influence the button shedding. However, an indirect relation has been observed between leaf area and shedding of buttons via female flower production. The observations clearly indicated that shedding of buttons is directly related to the number of female flowers produced in a bunch. An attempt has been made to check the button shedding by spraying salicylic acid and encouraging results have been obtained. This needs to be further investigated before coming to a conclusion.
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Keywords
Coconut, button shedding, female flower production, varieties
Citation
Journal of Plantation Crops, 2003, v.31(2) p-33-36