Now, time for coconut clones
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If a rubber clone RRII105 developed by the Rubber Research Institute of India could do wonders to take India to the top in rubber productivity, the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute in Kasargod is also out to develop coconut clones that can surmount climate changes, resist diseases and hold good promise for growers.
The institute has the largest number of 401 cocon-ut genes conserved in its gene bank, says the institute director, Dr George V. Thomas.
It has collected genetic resources from 132 exotic varieties and research is on to develop hybrid varieties that will ensure a good yield for the grower, he says.
The international coconut gene bank for South Asia is at the institute which gives it the edge. There are 20 countries in the bank and most of them are finding it difficult to counter diseases that have spread across coconut gardens.
The institute developed a few hybrid varieties recently like ‘Kalpasamrudhi’ a cross of the Malayan yellow dwarf and the local tall varieties of the west coast.
Another big hit has been the Chavakkad orange dwarf. “It takes years to develop a variety and often several of them may have to be discarded at various stages of development,” Dr George said.
A serious problem the institute faced in the wake of growing demand was the lack of sufficient mother palms from which new plants are developed.
As part of upgrading the conservation and research strategy, a meeting of the International Coconut Genetic Resources Network is to be held here next week. It would review the research activities in the field of genetic resources and breeding.
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