Seedling progeny analysis in coconut types

Abstract

The study was undertaken to identity prepotent palms from among five coconut types vi/.., three Komadan generations. West Coast Tall and Natural Cross Dwarf based on growth rate of seedlings at the 9th month of germination. For most of the seedling characters, Komadan generations (Manju, 1992) showed significant superiority over WCT and they behaved as a distinct group with regard to total leaf area over both WCT and NCD. They were also found to be significantly superior to WCT for seedling vigour index and number of seedlings with split leaves. The three Komadan generations were on par regarding recovery ot quality seedlings and were significantly superior to WCT. Based on this character, 20 per cent of the palms in Komadan were identified to be prepotent.