Collection, conservation, cataloguing and evaluation of germplasm of new hybrids and high yielding varieties of coconut

Standardization of agro-techniques for coconut cultivation, development of suitable inter and mixed cropping systems and studying the effect of these systems on soil fertility.

Development of effective and efficient disease and pest control measures. The ICAR has sanctioned NARP Phase - II Projects for strengthening the research at this station during the year 1989 with the following objectives

Germplasm collection and evaluation of improved material of tree spices like clove, cinnamon and pimenta.

To develop complete package of practices for production of nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and pimenta.

To develop improved propagation techniques and multiply elite varieties of spices for distribution.

Propagation of planting material, it's distribution and transfer of technology.

Cultural trial: An experiment to find out the best cultural practices for coconut crop was laid out in the year 1958 and continued till 1973. It was revealed that clean cultivation with frequent intercultural operations such as digging or ploughing had a beneficial effect on the growth and yield of coconut trees. The “ no cultivation” treatment produced only 15 nuts/palm/year where as the tree receiving three ploughing or digging produced 48 nuts per tree annually (i.e. 68.66% increase).

a) Fertilizer experiment : This experiment was laid out in the year 1958 to determine the optimum requirements of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash and green mannuring for the West Coast Tall variety of coconut. It was observed that there was a significant increase in the yield with increasing doses of Nitrogen. A palm receiving no Nitrogen produced only 15 nuts where as those receiving 0.375 and 0.750Kg. Nitrogen produced 76 and 97 nuts per year, respectively. Based on these finding, a fertilizer doses of 1000g nitrogen, 500g Phosphorous and 1000g of Potash palm per year in three splits ( June, October, and February ) was recommended for coconut cultivation in sandy soils of the Konkan region.

b) Micronutrient experiment : Application of recommended dose ( 1:0.5:1 Kg NPK/palm/year) with 1.5 Kg Ormichen Micronutrient ( Zn 3.15 %, Mg 1.8 %, Cu 0.65 %, Fe 1.97 %, Mn 2 %, Mo 0.05 % and B 0.68 %) recorded the maximum yield (129 nut/palm/year) in coconut and also the percentage increase in yield was higher in post treatment period yield when compared with pretreatment period yield.

Therefore the application of recommended dose of fertilizer with 1.5 Kg Ormichem micronutrient in three split is recommended for adult coconut palm.

a) Effect of water quality on survival and growth of coconut seedling: An experiment was conducted to assess the influence of quality of irrigation water on growth of one year old newly planted “ West Coast Tall” coconut seedling in coastal sandy soil. Irrigation with sea water had detrimental effects, at any growth phase through out the duration of the experiment, due to primary salt stress, which was responsible for membrane disintegration and disturbance in metabolic process. The dilution of seawater with sweet water reduced the extent of primary stress injury but imposed salt injury causing decrease in uptake of mineral elements, which resulted into poor growth of seedling.

b) The quantity of water to be supplied per palm per day through drip irrigation will be 30 liters during November - January. 35 liters during February - March and 40 liters during April to May for palm growing on sandy soils in Konkan region.

a) Intercropping of chilli in coconut : Chilli crop (variety “Jawala”) showed good performance in both the seasons giving significantly higher yield ( 9.33 and 9.46 t/ha respectively ), better net returns ( Rs4.35 and 4.97 / mandays/ha respectively ) than “Konkan Kirti” . However, the variety “ Konkan Kirti” when grown showed a greater consumer preference because of it lustrous green and attractive colour. The cultivation of both the chilli varieties provided a good scope for better employment opportunities and income to coconut grower.

b) Intercropping of vegetables in coconut : Six vegetables viz. Dolichos bean, Knol khol, Capsicum, Tomato, Brinjal (Manjarigota) and Brinjal (local) were grown as intercrops in coconut plantation during Rabi 1988-89. Knol Khol (27.45 t/ha) gave the highest tield followed by Tomato (12.14 t/ha) and Capsicum (10.30 t/ha). On monetary basis tomato (Rs. 5739/- /ha) gave the maximum returns followed by capsicum (Rs. 2745/-) and knol Khol (2304/-ha) during the season. On the basis of economic returns obtained per mandays per hectare, Dolichos bean could be rated as the most remunerative vegetable crop, whereas tomato cultivation provided a better employment opportunities and gave attractive yield.

c) Intercropping of rainfed vegetables in coconut : The performance of rainy season vegetables as intercrops in coconut plantation was studied during 1992 and 1993. Ridge gourd recorded the highest average yield (50.99 t/ha), followed by cucumber (37.33 t/ha) and snake gourd (Rs. 37.18 t/ha).The ridge gourd exhibited maximum net returns of Rs 5466/- per ha, followed by cucumber Rs 4580/- per ha and snake gourd Rs 3796/- per ha. On the basis of economic returns obtained per mandays per hectare ridge gourd recorded the maximum returns/manday/ha (Rs. 14.29) followed by cucumber ( Rs. 12.11) in coconut plantation. Therefore, intercropping of vegetables such as ridge gourd, cucumber, snake gourd and bitter gourd is recommended in coconut plantation during rainy season.

d) Mixed cropping of spices in coconut : The excellent growth and good bearing capacity of cinnamon, nutmeg, blackpepper and clove planted in coconut as intercrops proved that these crops can be cultivated on commercial scale in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.

After planting spice crops as intercrops in coconut plantation the average yield of coconut per palm has increased from 25 to 93 percent at the end of 16th years as compared to the average yield of previous 4 experimental years.

Nutmeg (at 16 years age) proved as the best intercrop in coconut plantation. Nutmeg and coconut together gave Rs. 72,000/ as net returns per hectare, whereas only nutmeg gave 16,000/-. Coconut as a monocrop recorded net profit of Rs. 23,000/- per hectare.

On the strength of the net economic returns released, it is recommended to interplant nutmeg, cinnamon and clove in well spaced coconut garden in the Konkan region of Maharashtra state.

e) Lakhi Baug : On the basis of mixed cropping experiment on spices University has propagated the 'Lakhi Baug’ concept. That is intercropping of spices particularly Cinnamon, Nutmeg and Black pepper in the coconut orchard and from one acre of this kind of system farmer can get 1 Lakh rupees, thus it is called as 'Lakhi Baug'.

f) 10 R Demonstration Plot : The University has also developed one demonstration plot of 10 R which include 18 coconut palms and intercrops viz fruit crops (Banana, Pineapple, Papaya) spices ( Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Black Pepper ) Vegetables ( Chilli, Brinjal, Cucurbitacace leafy vegetables and drumstick).

a) Rhinoceros Beetle :
a) Release of Baculovirus infected adults of rhinoceros beetle at the rate of 10 to 15 per acare were recommended for biological control of the rhinoceros beetle.
b) False breeding material traps at the rate of 10 per hectare should be included in integrated pest management programme for rhinoceros beetle.

b) Black Headed Caterpillar :
a) An extensive survey on incidence of black headed caterpillar was carried out. The pest intensity is severe in Thane and Raigad districts of Konkan region. The intensity of incidence was 50.95 percent and the highest incidence was observed in the villages Mahim, Satpati and Kelve. The infestation was also observed in bottle palm, Khajura and toddy palm.
b) For the control of coconut black headed caterpillar release of larval parasite goniozus nephantidis at the rate of 20.5 percent in the pest population or parasites per hectare are recommended.

a) Cinnamon Variety “Kokan Tej ”:
The Cinnamon variety No. 4 named as "Konkan Tej" was released for cultivation in Maharashrta. High volatile oil in bark (3.20 %), good combination of cinnamaldehyde (70.23 %) and eugenol (6.93 %) in bark oil, high bark yield (289.75 g fresh) and leaf yield (3.56 kg fresh) are the features of the variety.- year 1992.

b) Nutmeg Variety "Konkan Swad":
The Nutmeg variety no. 72 named as a "Konkan Swad" was released for cultivation in Maharashrta High yield 2.63 kg dry nut (761 no.of fruits), high nut oil (39.8%) and mace oil (10.9%) are the features of the variety.- year 2003.

a) Application of paclobutrazole to Allspice:
The response of allspice to the application of paclobutrazole was found to be very promising. Application of 1.25 g. and 2.5 g. ai per tree has given early and profuse flowering (after 174 days) and fruiting.

a) Air layering in cinnamon:
The air layering technique in cinnamon has been standardized at this research station. Month of September was found to be the best season (90%) followed by months April, May and august (85%).

b) Soft wood grafting in Nutmeg :
The softwood grafting technique in nutmeg has been developed and standardized at this research station. Months of May to July were found to be the best season. The success percentage ranged from 50 to 80 % for various treatments.

c) Epicotyl grafting in nutmeg :
The epicotyl grafting technique in nutmeg has been standardized. Months of July to December were found to be the most favorable periods. The success percentage ranged from 40 to 90 % for various treatments.

d) Air layering in Allspice :
The air layering technique in Pimento (Allspice) has been developed and standardized. A month of January was found to be the best month giving 100 % success.

e) Softwood grafting in Clove:
The Clove grafting on Jamun root stock by softwood grafting method is recommended during period of June to September and March.