Latin America/Caribbean

Coconut breeding programme in Mexico
Coconut breeding programme in Jamaica

Coconut breeding programme in Mexico

Jose Arellano Morin
Botanist/Breeder, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

Introduction

Coconut palms in Mexico are cultivated in two well-defined regions along the coastal areas of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. The overall estimates for 1990 comprised a planted area of 183 483 ha, which today accounts for an annual gross production record of 190 660 t. During the last decade (1981-90), there was a steady trend toward the production of copra, which made up more than 80% of the total coconut harvested. The remaining 20% was locally marketed for fresh fruit consumption (PROSA 1992).

The domestic coconut oil and fat industry has been mostly oriented toward manufacturing non-edible products, including soap, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These products utilized a large proportion of the copra obtained by the traditional sun-drying process. Coconut oil is used as follows: 54% for the manufacture of soap and detergents; 25.2% for dried milk reconstitution; 2% for maternal milk reconstitution; 16.3% for food purposes (coating and confectionery); and, 2.4% for cosmetics. Coconut cake is used for feed production (INEGI 1988).

Copra producers cultivate and harvest plots of small sizes (4-6 ha), usually associated with other fruit trees (PROSA 1992). They have depended on the imposed prices and market demands set by local traders and private entrepreneurs, who have been stimulated by governmental programmes, including levies for large scale importation of coconut oil to meet the internal demand.

Little processing is done at the farm level because local traders buy copra from smallholders and sell it to the factories. This intermediary process has promoted an increase in the domestic prices of copra. Entrepreneurs have reacted by increasing their purchases of copra and coconut oil from outside the country. Oil extraction, purification and subsequent processing is typically accomplished by factories located in large urban centres.

This scheme has imposed little pressure on the farmers to replant old groves, increase coconut yields, maintain and cultivate the planted areas, attain higher quality standards and gain motivation to highlight the opportunities that come from product diversification.

Other factors that can explain the complex situation confronted today by the coconut industry are the socioeconomic considerations. Most farmers are confronted by a situation where coconut production has lost the prime position (low productivity, price instability, intense competition with other crops, lack of financial support, etc.), among oilseed crops.

At present, the situation of coconut growers and of the coconut industry is weakening due to the additional presence of the Lethal Yellowing disease (LYD). The rapid spread of the disease from the Yucatan Peninsula toward the copra producing areas in the states of Campeche, Tabasco, Oaxaca, Guerrero and Colima, is posing a threat to Mexican coconut population and thus, encouraged studies at conserving and utilizing the local coconut germplasm.

Present coconut production and hectarage

Based on the extension of planted areas, coconut palm ranks second among perennial fruit trees cultivated in Mexico, after coffee (Rodriguez and Becerril 1993).

Oilseeds like sesame, safflower, sunflower, soybean, cotton, maize and groundnut, strongly compete with copra in terms of harvested areas and economic returns. Hence, local consumption of coconut oil has registered a noticeable decrease. In 1960, 99.7% of the total vegetable oil produced in Mexico was locally consumed and copra filled 34.3% of the demand. In 1975, 94.2% was locally consumed and copra represented 18.5% of the demand. By 1990, 38.1% of the total production was locally consumed, the remaining was imported and copra represented 33.9% of the demand.

INEGI (1988) reported that soybean entered into scene by 1960, when it represented 0.4% of the oil seeds growing areas. Fifteen years later, the harvested area increased up to 79.5%. The sudden growth in soybean production had a detrimental effect over other oilseed crops, including coconut.

However, during the last decade (1981-90), there was a rough increase in the coconut harvested areas (Table 1), from 148 047 ha in 1981 to 183 313 ha in 1990, an annual average growth rate of 2.09% (PROSA 1992).

Present farm level productivity

Although coconut harvest areas registered a noticeable growth during the last decade, an inverse trend in productivity was identified. Lower yields have resulted from the combined effects of different factors, among them: (1) poor yielding plantations; (2) growing incidence of pests and diseases; (3) extensive use of low-producing or inferior varieties; (4) substitution by more profitable crops; and (5) little attention paid by farmers to technical recommendations (SARH 1992).

National yield average

During 1981-91, copra yield in Mexico per hectare oscillated between 0.989 t/ha (1984) and 1.29 t/ha (1982). The average yield was 1.2 t/ha (SARH 1992). Differences in productivity between the Pacific Coast and the Atlantic Coast regions are notable due to cultivation practices. In the Colima state, 95% of the coconut farms are irrigated and received regular fertilization, weeding and phytosanitary practices. Thus, by 1991, it recorded an average yield of 1.72 t/ha. This opposite situation is seen on the Gulf Coast region, in the state of Veracruz and Yucatan, where coconut farms are not irrigated and are not regularly attended hence, unproductive (SARH 1992).

Estimated net income

Economic returns depend on the average yield per hectare and also on the price of copra. The trend toward lower yields and lower prices of copra have lead to income losses. Growers tend to adjust to this situation by reducing investments on cultural practices below the standard and substituting coconut for more profitable activities (PROSA 1992). Shown below is the estimated income from a hectare of a typical coconut farm:

Average production cost/ha		= US$ 450
Guaranteed prices		= US$ 230-US$ 395
Yield/ha		= 1.2 t/ha
Income:
	situation 1	= US$ 270-US$ 450 = (-US$ 180)
	situation 2	= US$ 474-US$ 450 = US$ 24

Well-managed farms are not clearly defined under the present circumstances. However, they have been used as a model to project future demands.

National coconut germplasm

Early efforts to establish a germplasm collection were directed by a decentralized institution (Impulsora Guerrense del Cocotero). With the technical assistance from IRHO, Impulsora Guerrense started a programme introducing coconut seeds from the Côte d’Ivoire in 1977 to strengthen the coconut breeding programme. This initiative faced various problems and the collection remained unattended, resulting in the eventual loss of some accessions. Since 1989, this collection was enacted to the Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Agricolas, Forestales y Pecurias (INIFAP) of the Ministry of Agriculture. INIFAP has undertaken research on coconut germplasm in Mexico since 1974 emphasizing the aspects related to genetic improvement. Selection of high yielding palms, production of hybrid materials, and field trials and assessment of inherited productive characters have received much attention. Keeping records and designing methods to document the performance of tested materials have not received the deserved importance, which was a contrasting feature of a national germplasm collection.

By 1989, the Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan (CICY) successfully started a programme to establish a coconut germplasm collection in the Yucatan Peninsula. The aim of the collection is to conduct research on coconut germplasm and to evaluate the resistance level of different genotypes to LYD. In the long term, the collection will be a source for selecting resistant materials.

Size of collection

The coconut germplasm collections held by CICY consist of 37 accessions of exotic cultivars, local strains, and a few hybrids. Seeds were collected during 1989-93 in different coconut producing areas along the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico coastal areas.

Pacific tall types are best represented in the collection (20 accessions), whereas Atlantic tall types, (2 accessions); exotic tails (3 accessions); dwarfs (8 accessions) and hybrids (4 accessions) are at present poorly represented. Pacific tall types show higher diversity due to their different origin. Atlantic tall types are quite homogeneous and show less variability.

Dwarf population derived from recent introductions to Mexico may not be "true to type", but hybrids from unknown origin. The four acquired hybrids came from a seedgarden located in Tabasco and are produced on a small scale.

Types of conservation

Field genebank

After germination, seedlings are transplanted to plastic bags and are placed in rows in the nursery. Meanwhile, field work is in progress to establish resistance trials to test the available germplasm against LYD in two different sites of the northern coastal Yucatan state. The planting design involved replicated plots of nine coconut palms from each of the accessions in a randomized block design. Blocks are separated by rows containing 'Atlantic tails'.

The development of the young plants is monitored at periodic intervals, according to the following descriptors (IBPGR 1992): height, vertical growth, number of leaves emitted, stem girth, girth growth, and petiole colour. Mortality rate is similarly monitored. This information is used to distinguish among genotypes and to conduct preliminary evaluations, documenting the reactions to specific agroecological conditions. Computerized records are kept on individual accessions.

In vitro

Techniques for in vitro culture have been adopted to assist the collecting of mature embryos and facilitate the exchange of coconut germplasm. The use of this method could also be adopted to store the genetic variability to some extent. A joint project where CICY participates with other four institutions (ORSTOM, WYE, PCA & CIRAD), receives economic support from the Commission on the European Communities which involves a long term research programme.

Utilization

Selection of Malayan dwarf mother palms for the purpose of establishing seedgardens, and identification of domestic Pacific tall ecotypes which can be used to develop F₁ hybrids with improved tolerance to the LY disease are the two main goals of the current breeding programme (Carrillo 1993). However, there was a gap of knowledge identified concerning coconut breeding methods which could be applied to parental selection, regional testing and mass propagation in isolated seedgardens (Santos and Sangare 1992).

Genetic erosion

The Yucatan Peninsula and the Gulf Coast coconut populations are mostly at risk due to the spread of LYD. The Pacific Coast populations are not under threat at present but some pressure has been exerted by changing land use patterns, i.e. development of touristic facilities and substitution by more profitable crops.

The LYD affected area in the Yucatan Peninsula, comprising more than 7 000 ha is, at present, severely damaged. Coconut groves in this area have been intensively explored in order to assess the extent of the disease and to evaluate the losses due to LYD. The Atlantic tall variety is mostly endangered due to its low resistance to LYD.

Pacific tall varieties are suffering losses due to substitution by other crops and also by urban/touristic development. A survey is needed to examine the consequences of destroying old plantations that might contribute specific adaptive traits useful to breeders (Foale 1992).

Future priorities for collecting, conservation and utilization

The search for varieties and hybrids showing resistance to LYD, high yield and adaptation to specific environment, has a high priority in terms of germplasm utilization.

The coconut diversity present in the Pacific coastal area needs to be completely surveyed. This work should be accomplished in the short term. Germplasm introduction to assist replanting programmes and also for breeding purposes has also been emphasized.

In vitro conservation methods could be adopted to store genetic resources at risk.

Types of coconut grown

A recent survey of the coconut diversity found in Mexico (Zizumbo et al. 1993) showed that two contrasting tall types, defined by Harries (1978) as the domesticated ('niu vai') and the wild ('niu kafa'), can be identified under different geographical ranges. Coconut populations showing intermediate characters, due to crossing and introgression, are more abundant along the Pacific coast. The fruit component analysis (FCA) method was used to identify and document each collection (Whitehead 1968; Harries 1978). Geographical origin, phenotypical characters and seed rate germination are also under study (Arellano 1993; Arellano and Zizumbo 1994).

Ethnobotanical and ecogeographical exploration have shown that these materials were of exotic origin. This was evidently supported by the fact that coconut palms were introduced to different areas of Mexico during the second half of the 16th century (Zizumbo et al. 1993). It can be presumed that some coconut groves were established near the (founding areas, but it is uncertain that they represent the original strains. Fruit component analysis undertaken on these populations showed a high degree of introgression, which can result from a long hybridization cycle, or an indication of a different source from which the original seeds came from.

Dwarf populations arose from recent introduction to Mexico, but are not well documented. Dwarf coconuts are equivalent to the Malayan Dwarf type even when some of them can not be 'true to type', but hybrids of unknown origin.

F₁ hybrids developed by INIFAP came from a seedgarden located in Tabasco and are produced in a limited number. These hybrids represent crosses between a progeny of the Malayan Dwarf coconut (yellow and red types), from Tabasco and Pacific Tall local populations (from Michoacan).

Comparative performance of coconut hybrids and cultivars

Comparative studies are underway since field trials were established recently. Research is focused on resistance to LYD, but studies on specific combining ability and sources of resistance to coconut population are also in progress.

The Malayan Dwarf in Yucatan is highly resistance to LYD, as it was in Jamaica and Florida. Domestic populations from the Pacific coast could be an important source of resistance to LYD (Harries 1990); The Atlantic tall variety is highly susceptible to LYD, but in turn is very tolerant to low input application and poor agronomic practices, and has high copra content much appreciated by farmers.

National replanting programme: present status and future targets

Replanting old groves and rehabilitation programme of devastated areas have been undertaken. However, present production of selected varieties and hybrids cannot meet the demand for planting materials. A particular programme on LYD has encouraged the organization of seedgardens and nurseries and is creating opportunities for selecting resistant varieties. The LYD affected area is over 15 000 ha in the Yucatan Peninsula. Another 27 000 ha in the state of Tabasco are under threat. The current programme aims to attend to these productivity constraints: cadang-cadang, lethal diseases, insect pests, etc.

National commitment to proposed project

CICY is actively encouraging collaboration with international research groups in the following areas of national interest:

· Germplasm collecting, evaluation and utilization
· Nursery management and field planting methods
· Disease indexing, screening and control methods
· Tissue culture research
· Organization of training courses

National institutions involved in coconut breeding and identified projects

Federal government institutions are actively participating, through the Ministry of Agriculture, in the coconut breeding programme. The National Institute of Agriculture, Forestry and Ranching is presently conducting research on coconut breeding. It is concerned with selecting high yielding palms through mass selection methods. Since 1981, research is also focused on the development and screening of LYD resistant hybrids, based on the assumption that the Pacific tall genotypes are similar to those used in Jamaica as male parents for the production of the Maypan hybrid (Carrillo 1993).

In those states of the country where coconut makes a substantial contribution to farming activities, there are special institutions giving support to the coconut breeding programme. Some state government programme (Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Tabasco, Guerrero and Colima) have contributed to increase the capacity of areas devoted for seedgardens, nurseries or field trials.

Coconut growers are also interested in playing an active role in coconut breeding by giving support to those activities which are considered to be of utmost importance. The National Coconut Growers Organization is at present promoting initiatives oriented toward upgrading the breeding programme.

CICY is an active centre conducting research on coconut germplasm as well as on LYD. It has been considered a focal point because of its potential contributions to the region.

Funding agencies for coconut breeding projects in Mexico

Public funds are provided through federal and state institutions, to practically cover the monetary requirements of the breeding projects. CICY programmes have obtained funds from national (CONACYT, SARH, State government, private funds) and from international sources (CEE, OIRSA, IICA). Cooperative projects should enhance capabilities to approach other funding sources.

Conclusion and recommendation

Coconut cultivation has been an important activity in Mexico and, under present conditions of economic opportunities, its role can be greatly improved.

Although coconut breeding in Mexico, as in other country programmes, has been conducted on an irregular basis, it will be crucial to face the problems derived from cultivating low yielding, old and disease-susceptible palms. In order to meet the challenge, it is essential to make use of the available improved technology.

The extent of the cultivated areas, the diversity of the domestic germplasm and varying agroecological conditions make it imperative to undertake a long term programme on coconut breeding in Mexico on a cooperative basis with other countries.

References

Arellano, J. 1993. Colecciones de germplasma de cocotero. Paper presented at the International Symposium on Lethal Yellowing. Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan. Yucatan, Mexico.

Arellano J. and D. Zizumbo. 1994. Germination of coconut genotypes collected in Mexico. In Press.

Carrillo, H. 1993. Manejo integral del cocotero en Mexico. Paper presented at the International Symposium on Lethal Yellowing. Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan. Yucatan, Mexico.

Foale, M.A. 1992. Coconut genetic diversity: present knowledge and future needs. Pp. 46-53 in Coconut Genetic Resources. Papers of an IBPGR workshop, 8-11 October 1991, Cipanas, Indonesia. International Network Series No. 8, IBPGR, Rome.

Harries, H.C. 1978. The evolution dissemination and classification of Cocos nucifera L. Bot. Rev. 44:265-320.

Harries, H.C. 1990. Malesian origin for a domestic Cocos nucifera. Pp. 351-357 in The Plant Diversity of Malesia. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht.

IBPGR. 1992. Descriptors for coconut. International Board for Plant Genetic Resources, Rome, Italy. 61 p.

INEGI. 1988. Resultados economicos. Instituto Nacional de Estadistica, Geografia e Informatica. Mexico.

PROSA, 1992. Estudio de la produccion de copra en Mexico. Report prepared by PROSA Consultants. Mexico.

Rodriguez and Becerril, 1993. La investigacion y la docencia en fruticultura en Mexico. Ciencia (1993) especial, 99-110.

Santos, G.A. and A. Sangare. 1992. Evaluation and utilization of coconut genetic resources. Pp. 70-77 in Coconut Genetic Resources. Papers of an IBPGR workshop, 8-11 October 1991, Cipanas, Indonesia. International Network Series No. 8, IBPGR, Rome.

SARH. 1992. Programa Nacional "C'ampana contra el amarillamiento letal del cocotero". Manuscript.

Whitehead, R.A. 1968. Collection of coconut germplasm from the Indian/Malaysian Region, Peru and the Seychelles Islands and testing for resistance to lethal yellowing disease. CPL 17, FAO, Rome.

Zizumbo, V. D., R. F. Hernandez and H. C. Harries. 1993. Coconut varieties in Mexico. Econ. Bot. 47(1):65-78.

Table 1. Coconut production and productivity in Mexico, 1981-90

Year	Cultivated area (ha)	Harvested area (ha)	Copra (t)	Yield (kg/ha)
1981	182 064	148 047	190 966	1.29
1982	200 513	170 137	218 239	1.27
1983	193 361	172 140	190 135	1.10
1984	193 035	174 976	173 075	0.98
1985	192 905	172 604	180 185	1.04
1986	189 570	175 959	195 700	1.11
1987	192 901	179 947	191 170	1.06
1988	194 256	185 644	186 550	1.00
1989	192 942	182 283	203 049	1.11
1990	183 483	183313	190 660	1.04
AAR (%)	0.09	2.09	-0.02	-2.36

Coconut breeding programme in Jamaica

Millicent M. Wallace
Botanist/Plant Breeder, Coconut Industry Board, Kingston, Jamaica

Introduction

The coconut is not indigenous to Jamaica. The first cultivar, the Jamaica Tall, was introduced in the 15th century.

Lethal yellowing disease (LYD) was first reported in the island in 1884 (Been 1992a), with periodic outbreaks since. The Jamaica Tall cultivar was found to be highly susceptible to this disease, which is thought to be caused by a Mycoplasma-like organism (MLO) with Myndus crudus being a probable vector. The search for LYD-resistant cultivars became important to the survival of the coconut industry in Jamaica. The plant breeding programme of the Coconut Industry Board began in 1961 with this search as a priority. Of the local cultivars screened, the Malayan Dwarf (a cultivar introduced in the late 1930s) was found to have high LYD resistance.

Several cultivars were introduced from the major coconut-growing regions, but none was found to have greater LYD resistance than the Malayan Dwarf. F₁ hybrids were made using combinations of the Malayan Dwarf and selected tall cultivars from the introductions, the Jamaica Tall and Panama Tall. The progenies were incorporated into hybrid trials.

From these trials, the Maypan (Malayan Dwarf × Panama Tall) was selected and released for commercial planting in 1974 (Charles 1961). It has since superseded the parent dwarf as the most widely planted coconut cultivar in Jamaica. Maypan seednuts are also exported to the USA.

In the late 1970s, F₁ hybrids, from Malayan Dwarf as mother palm and selected tall introductions and Fiji Dwarf as pollen parents, were incorporated into hybrid trials with the Malayan Dwarf and the Maypan. These trials were laid out in 1980 (HE1/80 Hybrid Trials).

From data gathered, the hybrids with genes inherited from the Thailand Tall, Cambodia Tall, Karkar Is. Tall and Bougainville Tall were selected for semi-commercial (and later commercial) development. Data collection on these hybrids continue, at both experimental and semi-commercial stages.

More recent research involves the development of F₁ hybrids using selected dwarf introductions as mother palms, and the Panama Tall as male parent. The resulting hybrids will be compared with the Maypan. Work is also being done on second generation (F₂) Maypans.

Present coconut production and hectarage

There were 149.82 million nuts produced in 1997, which is equivalent to 21 101 t of copra. Coconut production fell sharply after hurricane "Gilbert" in September 1988. Since then, there has been a gradual recovery, but pre-"Gilbert" levels have not yet been attained as shown in Table 1.

Present farm-level productivity

The current production level is 80-100 nuts per palm per year (with optimum inputs amounting to US$ 330/ha) generating 9000 nuts/year/ha. Net income derived is estimated at US$ 960/ha. However, on well-managed farms, about 15 000 nuts/ha/year are produced, with net income twice that of the average farm (US$ 2035/ha/year).

Coconut production in Jamaica is hampered by a number of constraints; the major one being prohibitive fertilizer costs (and problems involving availability and transport). This results in less than adequate input levels (coconut received about 40-60% of overall fertilizer requirements) and therefore, decreased yield. Praedial larceny, and lethal disease like LYD and bud rot also limit the production of coconut in the country. Small-scale farmers are the most seriously affected and some therefore, opted for the low input - low return situation.

National coconut germplasm

Present status. There are presently 62 accessions and 2544 palms in the country's germplasm collection. They are conserved in field genebanks.

Utilization. Cultivars are periodically screened for their suitability as mother palms, pollen parents, or for development as 'straight varieties'. Parents of F₁ hybrids for screening and development are selected from the germplasm collection.

Genetic erosion in the country. The coconut is not indigenous to Jamaica and there are, therefore, no types in danger of destruction. The germplasm collection consists entirely of introduced cultivars. The only threat of erosion is LYD which has caused the extinction of some susceptible cultivars.

Future priorities for collection, conservation and utilization. Cultivars which are highly resistant to LYD (but not yet a part of the local germplasm collection) would be considered for collecting and field testing.

Type of coconut grown in Jamaica

In Jamaica, the Dwarf × Tall hybrid is the most popular commercially grown coconut, followed by the dwarf type. The Malayan Dwarf superseded the Jamaica Tall in the sixties due to its greater LYD resistance, precocity and higher yields.

The Maypan (Dwarf × Tall hybrid) was released for commercial planting on a phased basis and has since caught up with the dwarf, although its resistance is slightly less. This cultivar is preferred by farmers mainly because of its larger nut size and greater windstorm tolerance. (It also shows more acceptable production under marginal/low-input conditions.) Other Dwarf × Tall hybrids are now growing under commercial I conditions, after several years of semi-commercial cultivation (i.e. in small blocks on holdings of selected farmers with observations done). Tall types are no longer grown on commercial scale.

Both the dwarfs and F₁ hybrids require significant fertilizer and weed control inputs for optimum performance. In addition, both are susceptible to bud rot and premature nut fall under moist conditions, with the dwarf more susceptible than the hybrid. Under marginal conditions, the dwarf has very small nuts.

National replanting programme

The first replanting programme was carried out in the 1960s after a LYD outbreak. Five and a half million Jamaica Tall palms were to be replaced on a phased basis by Malayan Dwarfs, and farmers were given assistance to do so. This project was undertaken by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Coconut Industry Board (Harries and Romney 1974).

In September 1988, hurricane Gilbert destroyed over 2.6 million palms, representing about 45% of the island's coconut population. In response, the Coconut Industry Board implemented the Hurricane Rehabilitation Programme in early 1989. Farmers were provided with seedlings (at a subsidized cost) and a portion of the fertilizer (66.7%) needed for the first three years. This scheme ceased at the end of 1992 (CIB 1992).

There is no organized replanting programme in force at present. Farmers are still offered Malayan Dwarf and Maypan seedlings at subsidized rates. There are indications of a 'levelling-off' of seedling demand, although coconut production has not yet attained pre-hurricane levels.

The target includes a phased planting of other cultivars in order to achieve genetic diversity. Those that were previously at the semi-commercial stage have since been released for commercial planting on a phased basis. Farmers have been encouraged to plant blocks of the cultivars when available.

Breeding strategies

Objectives:

a) to develop cultivars with high stable yields (preferably precocious) with adequate resistance/tolerance to important pests and diseases;

b) to develop cultivars which show incremental yield response to high-level agronomic and cultural practices, as well as adequate yield under low input/marginal conditions; and

c) to broaden the genetic base of the national coconut industry so that ultimately, farmers will have a matrix of cultivars (usually about five) on their holdings.

a) to continue field testing F1 hybrids having the Malayan Dwarf as mother palm and selected introduced tall varieties as pollen sources (cf. HE1/80 Hybrid Trials);

b) to continue development of cultivars using alternative mother palm prospects;

c) to screen promising cultivars for further development/hybridization; and

d) to apply purification measures to existing local Malayan Dwarf population (and ultimately the Maypan) with a view to maximizing the LYD resistance of the commercial coconut population.

Coconut breeding action plan and expected output in the next ten years

a) Further testing of 'sister hybrids' to the Maypan, such as: MD × Thailand Tall

MD × Cambodia Tall
MD × Karkar Tall
MD × Bougainville Tall
(selected based on the performance in the HE1/80 Hybrid Trials)
Commercial production of these cultivars has begun.

b) Broadening the genetic base by using dwarfs other than the Malayan as mother palms with the same selected pollen parents as in above. Dwarfs under consideration are the Chowghat Green (ex India), Sri Lanka Green, and Sri Lanka Yellow.

i) Multilocation hybrid trials will be laid out using one pollen parent at a time, beginning with the Panama Tall, followed by the other selected tails, then other pollen parents of special interest, including the Jamaica Tall. In each trial the Maypan (or respective Malayan Dwarf hybrid) will be incorporated for comparison. Simultaneous multi-location informal testing of open-pollinated progenies of these dwarfs will be done at farmers' holdings. 'Bulking' of prospective mother palm populations will continue.

ii) The Sri Lanka Yellow Dwarf will be considered for development as 'straight variety' (to be tested against the Malayan Dwarf).

c) Developing suitable fertilizer formulations specific to each released cultivar.

d) Screening other promising cultivars from local germplasm collection for development of F₁ hybrids or 'straight varieties'.

e) Reproduction of cultivars in germplasm collection as a means of conservation.

f) Continuation of testing the F₂ Maypans.

g) Surveying the local Malayan Dwarf population, and selecting palms showing high phenotypic purity. Multiplication of pure palms, and further selection from their progenies will be done with a view to improving the purity of this cultivar (and subsequent hybrids).

National institutions involved in coconut breeding

At present, the Coconut Industry Board is the only national institution involved in coconut breeding. It is financially supported by the British Government, FAO, USAID, and the Ministry of Agriculture (Jamaica).

Conclusion and recommendation

Jamaica has had a vibrant coconut breeding programme over the years. Our germplasm collection currently has 62 accessions (Been 1993, per comm), being ranked as one of the main collections in the world (Persley 1992). The threat of LYD and hurricanes have been motivating factors to its existence and size.

The maintenance of a stable local coconut industry has been a major achievement. Breeding techniques have been refined. The Maypan, an F₁ hybrid developed locally, is currently exported to the USA and expansion to other markets in the foreseeable future is likely.

There is still much room for further research, especially in the realm of molecular genetics. This would enhance defining the inheritance of disease resistance and the nature of Mycoplasma-like organisms (MLOs), as well as accelerate screening for disease resistance. To achieve this, training at different levels would be necessary, as well as financial and technical assistance (Been 1992b). A regional approach to this research would be an advantage.

References

Been, B.O. 1992a. Lethal Yellowing - the Jamaican experience. In Lethal Yellowing: Research and Practical Aspects. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht.

Been, B.O. 1992b. Status of existing coconut collection in Jamaica. Report of a Working Session for the Implementation of the International Coconut Database. CIRAD/IBPGR.

Charles, A. E. 1961. Selection and breeding of the coconut palm. Tropical Agriculture. 38(4).

Coconut Industry Board. 1992. The coconut grower. CIB. Jamaica W.I. 23(3).

Harries, H. C. and D. H. Romney. 1974. MayPan: An F1 hybrid for commercial production in Jamaica. World Crops, May/June.

Persley, G. J. 1992. Replanting the tree of life. CAB International, ACIAR, TAC/CGIAR, UK.

Table 1. Area and production of coconut (1987-93)

Source: Coconut Industry Board Economic Reports