| VHC3: A high
yielding hybrid coconut
A new tall X Dwarf (T X D) hybrid coconut with high yielding potential has been developed by the Scientists at the coconut research station, Veppankulam. It has been released for commercial cultivation by the farmers by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), coimbatore, recently. "VHC3", the new hybrid is a resultant of a cross between East Coast Tall and Malaysian Orange Dwarf. The hybrid recorded a yield of 156 nuts per palm per year and a copra yield of 25.2 kg per tree in a year during the stabilized bearing period. The new hybrid also gives high oil yield of 2.55 tonnes per hectare. The other salient features of the new hybrid are its high nut weight, kernel weight and copra weight. The hybrid recorded high copra out turn of 162 g per nut. For one tonne of copra, about 6180 nuts of the hybrid will needed. The new hybrid grows to an average height of 9.56 meters (in 27 years), and commences flowering in the 46 the month after sprouting, and first yield from the 57 the month. It produces bug-sized, green to brown, oblong nuts. The hybrid does well under good irrigation in red, sandy and sandy loams with a pH ranging between 6.0 and 8.0. It has been found to be highly responsive to nutrient management. Higher doses of nitrogen and potash in the presence of good quantities of organic amendments will be used efficiently by the hybrid, and the yields will be of high order. The best time for planting is June-July and December-January. A spacing of 7.5 metres by 7.5 metres has been recommended for planting this hybrid in a grove. About 175 seedlings can be accommodated in a hectare. This hybrid with drooping leaves and buckling leaves, and all other desirable traits has been widely accepted by the farmers and also the oil industry. The new hybrid can be raised under sound agronomic management and integrated pest management, to get rewarding returns, according to coconut experts. |
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