Origin and evolution of Laccadive Micro Tall, a coconut cultivar from Laksbadweep islands of India
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Date
2006
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Abstract
Two islands, Amini and Kadamat, of Lakshadweep were explored to study the variability in Laccadive Ordinary (LCT) and Laccadive Micro (LMr) tall populations. Based on the variability observed in the LCT and LMT a concept was developed to explain the origin and evolution of LMT. In LCT there were two distinct types. The type showing high percentage of husk and elongated fruit (Niu kala) could have developed from the coconuts reaching Lakshadweep by floating. The other type with round fruit and low husk percentage (Niu val) may be the ones carried by human settlers from the west coast of India In Lakshadweep, these two types got chances to hybridize and segregate. As a result of this, new combinations developed. Intermediate types crossing with Nui lcafa types, the natural population of these Islands at that time, could lead to the development of LMT with small elongated fruits. Later on when the populations of round types (Niu vai) increased due to human selection, further crossing of intermediate types with round types could lead to the development of LMT with round fruits. These two types of LMT were reported and confirmed during the present exploration. Field observations supporting the concept are discussed in the paper. Molecular marker studies on the West Coast Tall (WCT), LCT and LMT funher confmning the concept is also discussed.
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Coconut evolution, Niu vai, Niu kafa, Amini and Kadamat Islands, fruit components
Citation
Journal of Plantation Crops-34(3)-2006-p220-225