Performance of coconut hybrid MYD × WCT in the Brahmaputra valley region of Assam

Abstract

A long term evaluation of four coconut hybrids with a local check was conducted under rainfed conditions at the Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi of Assam Agricultural University. The experimental material consisted of four hybrids with different cross combinations, viz., WCT × COD, MYD × WCT, WCT × GBGD, COD × WCT along with AGT (Assam Green Tall) as local control planted during 1985 and evaluated for yield performance till 2003. The palms of the hybrid MYD × WCT were semi-tall, took 60 months for 50% of the palms to exhibit flowering. The results revealed that the hybrid, MYD × WCT was superior to other hybrids and local check with respect to nut yield (114.2 nuts/ palm/ year), copra out turn (3.72 tonnes/ ha/ year) and estimated oil out turn (2.53 tonnes/ ha) under rainfed conditions of Assam. Hybrid possessed higher quantity of organoleptically 'good' tender nut water (325 ml) with TSS o f 6.2°Brix, 36.5 ppm of Na and 2350 ppm of K..