Andaman Ordinary Tall - A promising coconut cultivar

It is the predominantly grown tall cultivar in Andaman Islands. The palms are robust growing with strong and stout stem with a prominent bole at the base of the palms, produce strong dark green leaves. The palms of this variety take about 5-7 years for first flowering. The drooping of leaves is intermediate. The fruits are large, oblong shaped with husk thickness of about 2 to 3 cm. The dehusked fruits are round or oval, thick shell of over 4 mm, kernel thickness over 1.3 cm. The individual palms of this population show variation for fruit colour unless selected for particular colour. The fruit colour varies from dark green to light green or light brown. The palms of Andaman Ordinary are considered drought hardy, withstand heavy winds but takes longer time for first flowering when compared to other tall cultivars. The copra content ranges from 180 to 250g per nut with oil recovery of about 65%. The fruit yield per palm year ranges from 50 to 150 depending upon the management conditions.

Benefit:The cultivar has reported as having tolerant to nematodes under field conditions. Although the tender coconuts are also used for drinking purpose, it is mostly recommended for copra making, processed coconut kernel products such as desiccated powder and VCO production

Interested persons may contact: Dr. B Augustine Jerard, Principal Scientist, agustinejerard.b@icar.gov.in,9447064463