scholarly journals Status of Coconut Farming and the Associated Challenges in Kenya

CORD ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 11
Author(s):  
Pole F.N. ◽  
B. Nguma ◽  
N. Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Coastal Region ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Aceria Guerreronis ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Coconut Tree ◽  
Nut Production ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
Planting Materials

Coconuts (Cocos nucifera) have been grown in Coastal Kenya for many centuries and are an integral part of the farming systems in the region. Over 80% of the coastal farm households derive their livelihoods either directly or indirectly from the coconut tree that is considered as both cash and a food crop. The coconut tree on the other hand has a tremendous potential of helping Kenya’s poor in the coastal region and the rest of the country due to its multi-purpose uses that can be strategically harnessed to generate employment and income, reduce edible oil imports and generate foreign exchange for the country. The tree population stands at 7.5 million palms. Nut production is however very low (a minimum of 30 nuts per tree per year) owing to a number of challenges that include high incidences of pests and diseases, poor agronomic practices, low quality planting materials and a narrow genetic base. In order to address the major challenge of coconut pests, a baseline survey was undertaken in the major coconut producing counties of coastal lowland Kenya, targeting the smallholder coconut farmers. A total 170 farmers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A literature review was also conducted to contextualize and benchmark findings of the survey. Results showed that the rhinoceros beetle was the major pest on coconut trees, causing damage of up to 80% of the palms. The Coreid bug (Pseudotheraptus wayi) and the Eriophyid mites (Aceria guerreronis) were the major nut destructive pests with a resultant nut loss of 30% and 40% respectively. The study stresses the need to address the challenges posed by pests and diseases on coconut by adopting the Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) practices.

scholarly journals Functional and numerical responses of the predatory mite Amblyseius aerialis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to Aceria guerreronis (Acari: Eriophyidae)

Acarologia ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
Camila Tavares Ferreira ◽  
Aloyséia Cristina da Silva Noronha ◽  
Eduardo Pereira Souza Neto ◽  
Raimundo Parente De Oliveira ◽  
Paulo Manoel Pontes Lins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Predatory Mite ◽  
Food Sources ◽  
Physical Barrier ◽  
Aceria Guerreronis ◽  
Coconut Tree ◽  
Coconut Mite ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pest Mite ◽  
Cocos Nucifera L

The coconut mite, Aceria guerreronis Keifer, is one of the main pests of the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera L.) worldwide. Its control is mainly based on the use of acaricides. However, due to the habitat of this pest mite, which is protected by fruit bracts that act as a physical barrier, chemical control is often inefficient. Thus, natural enemies have been studied as an alternative to acaricides. We evaluated the functional and numerical responses of Amblyseius aerialis (Muma) to increasing densities of A. guerreronis (40, 80, 160, 240 and 360) and additionally the oviposition rates of the phytoseiid A. aerialis over 11 days on different food sources: coconut pollen, A. guerreronis and a mix of pollen and A. guerreronis. Our results showed that Amblyseius aerialis showed a type III functional response, where prey consumption increasing as the density of A. guerreronis increased, with a maximum consumption of up to 175 prey per predator. All the prey densities allowed female oviposition. The number of eggs laid by A. aerialis increased with increasing prey density and stabilized between 240 and 360 A. guerreronis individuals, with an average oviposition of 1.7 eggs/female. Furthermore, our results showed that all the food sources (coconut pollen, A. guerreronis and a mix of pollen and A. guerreronis) supported oviposition. The mean oviposition was approximately 1.5 eggs/female on all the food sources. Our study suggests that A. aerialis can be effective in the biological control of A. guerreronis. However, further studies are needed to investigate whether A. aerialis can explore the habitat of A. guerreronis and if that prey can support the development of immature stages and the reproduction of A. aerialis.

scholarly journals Camelina, an ancient oilseed crop actively contributing to the rural renaissance in Europe. A review

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Federica Zanetti ◽  
Barbara Alberghini ◽  
Ana Marjanović Jeromela ◽  
Nada Grahovac ◽  
Dragana Rajković ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cropping Systems ◽  
Critical Evaluation ◽  
Soil Health ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Oilseed Crop ◽  
Crop Diversification ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
European Farming ◽  
European Agriculture

AbstractPromoting crop diversification in European agriculture is a key pillar of the agroecological transition. Diversifying crops generally enhances crop productivity, quality, soil health and fertility, and resilience to pests and diseases and reduces environmental stresses. Moreover, crop diversification provides an alternative means of enhancing farmers’ income. Camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) reemerged in the background of European agriculture approximately three decades ago, when the first studies on this ancient native oilseed species were published. Since then, a considerable number of studies on this species has been carried out in Europe. The main interest in camelina is related to its (1) broad environmental adaptability, (2) low-input requirements, (3) resistance to multiple pests and diseases, and (4) multiple uses in food, feed, and biobased applications. The present article is a comprehensive and critical review of research carried out in Europe (compared with the rest of the world) on camelina in the last three decades, including genetics and breeding, agronomy and cropping systems, and end-uses, with the aim of making camelina an attractive new candidate crop for European farming systems. Furthermore, a critical evaluation of what is still missing to scale camelina up from a promising oilseed to a commonly cultivated crop in Europe is also provided (1) to motivate scientists to promote their studies and (2) to show farmers and end-users the real potential of this interesting species.

Identification prediction moisture content of Thai coconut sugar (Cocos nucifera L.) using FT-NIR spectroscopy

Food Research ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 382-385
Author(s):  
D. Thumrongchote
Keyword(s):  
Moisture Content ◽  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Nir Spectroscopy ◽  
Grocery Stores ◽  
Absorbance Spectrum ◽  
Coconut Tree ◽  
Cocos Nucifera L ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Low Glycemic Index

Coconut sugar is a local sugar from the blossoms of a coconut tree. It has been considered a healthy sugar due to its low glycemic index. There is an attempt to add other sugar to it to lower the cost. Thus, this research aimed to identify Thai coconut sugar and to establish models for predicting the moisture content of coconut sugar by using FT-NIR spectroscopy. Thai coconut sugar samples were purchased from local grocery stores in four provinces, online, and the community market. Their moisture contents were varied and equilibrated for 24 hrs prior to the measurements of moisture and FT-NIR spectra. The results showed that FT-NIR spectra of Thai coconut sugar differ from sucrose, glucose and fructose at the absorbance spectrum of 5379-5011 cm-1 . FT-NIR spectroscopy of 54 known moisture samples of Thai coconut sugar was used to obtain a model to predict moisture content. The predicted equation, using the PLS technique with the Spectrum Quant program, was found to give a standard error of prediction (SEP) 0.077% (less than 0.10%), indicating a non-destructive method of accurately and precisely predicting moisture levels in the coconut sugar. The results obtained suggested that FTNIR spectroscopy has the potential to be used as a tool to identify Thai coconut sugar accurately. It can rapidly predict the moisture content in the sample which will be useful in quality control standards.

scholarly journals A Study on Socio-economic aspects of Betel Vine Cultivation of Bhogarai area of Balasore District, Odisha

1970 ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Biswajit Patra, Surya Narayan Pradhan
Keyword(s):  
Soil Condition ◽  
Piper Betle ◽  
Economic Aspects ◽  
Future Prospects ◽  
Biological Factors ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Betel Leaf ◽  
Planting Materials ◽  
Marketing Methods ◽  
Genetic Characters

Betel vine (Piper betle L.) (family: Piperaceae) is an economically important plant. There are 2 varieties are cultivated in Bhogarai area of Balasore District, Odisha. Leaves of Piper betle possess several bioactivities and are used in traditional medicinal systems. Production of crop is the result of interaction of the genetic characters and the environmental factors that govern the crop growth. The agro-biological factors limiting the production were severity of pests and diseases, inadequacy of water, soil condition, severity of rains and winds. Traditionally managed operations and untrained labour, poor planting materials are the main causes of low yield of betel leaf. The present paper also focused on problems in marketing, methods of cultivation, diseases of betel vine and their various symptoms and future prospects for preventions.

scholarly journals Comparative DNA Analysis of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palms with polyembryonic and monoembryonic origins

2020 ◽  
pp. 21-29
Author(s):  
Daisy Jane Toting ◽  
Tessie Nuñez ◽  
Dilberto Ferraren
Keyword(s):  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Planting Materials ◽  
Cocos Nucifera L ◽  
Dna Primers

Makapuno is a rare, high-value coconut in the Philippines known for its extraordinary thick gelatinous meat with various uses in the food industry. Homozygous makapuno embryos do not germinate in vivo so plantlets are produced in vitro. where one plantlet grows from an embryo. Rare cases of polyembryony were observed in makapuno hybrids developed bythe Visayas State University, Knowledge of the genetic control of polyembryony may be used to increase the production of planting materials of these rare coconut types. DNA analysis of two sets of twins (polyembryonic), three monoembryonic hybrid palms, and their monoembryonic parental cultivars Coconiño and tall makapuno was done using seven DNA primers to determine differences which may be associated with polyembryony in the hybrids. Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis of PCR products showed DNA fragments amplified by primers CAC2 and CAC56 which are unique to the twins suggesting that polyembryony might have a genetic origin.

Assessment of Yield Loss in Green Gram (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) Cultivation and Estimation of Weed-Free Period for Eco-Friendly Weed Management

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 22
Author(s):  
Pubudu Kumara ◽  
Kandiah Pakeerathan ◽  
Liyanage P. P. Deepani
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Weed Management ◽  
Vigna Radiata ◽  
Yield Loss ◽  
Animal Feed ◽  
Block Design ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Grain Legumes ◽  
Green Gram ◽  
Pests And Diseases

Green gram (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) is one of the most economically important grain legumes of the traditional farming systems of Sri Lanka because it is a cheap source of protein and animal feed, and sustains soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Weeds are one of the major problems in green gram cultivation, reducing the yield through competition, interference with harvest and harboring pests and diseases. Controlling of weeds by applying herbicides would definitely cause unexpected damage to human health and the abundant biodiversity of Sri Lanka. Therefore, an investigation was planned to evaluate the yield loss due to weeds and to determine the optimum weed free period to minimize the yield losses. Two experiments were performed. The first experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different weed functional groups on the yield of green gram. In the second experiment, weeds were continuously hand weeded and areas kept weed free. In the third, weeds were allowed to compete with green gram until 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 weeks after cultivation. All the treatments were conducted in randomized complete block design with three replicates. The data collected on types of weed, number of pods and pod weight at 3–6 weeks after planting (WAP) were analyzed using the SAS 9.4 statistical package, and DMRT was performed to determine the best treatment combination. The results from the first experiment showed that average yield loss due to total weed populations was 54.77%. Yield loss due to grasses alone was 46.56%, far worse than broad leaves (16.49%) and sedges (18.01%) at p < 0.05. Crop stand count at 3–4 WAP was not significantly different among treatments. However, biomass weight of 50 plants, number of pods in 50 plants and grain weight of 10 plants were found to be significantly different after 3–4 WAP in weed free conditions at p < 0.05%. When the weed free period increased, the yield was increased until 3 WAP; thereafter, not significant yield increment was observed. In contrast, yield steeply declined in plots that had weeds until 3 WAP. According to the results of the present study, it can be concluded that the critical weed free period from the planting of green gram is 3 WAP. Maintaining a weed free period for 3–4 weeks is recommended to minimize the yield loss of green gram at minimal weed management cost.

scholarly journals Advances in Coconut palm propagation

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana da Silva Lédo ◽  
Edson Eduardo Melo Passos ◽  
Humberto Rolemberg Fontes ◽  
Joana Maria Santos Ferreira ◽  
Viviane Talamini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Tissue Culture ◽  
Plant Tissue Culture ◽  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Coconut Palm ◽  
Tropical Species ◽  
Culture Techniques ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Cocos Nucifera L ◽  
Tissue Culture Techniques

Abstract Coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) is one of the most important tropical species used by man, known as “tree of life”. In recent decades, with the expansion of coconut growing areas, limitations such as the occurrence of pests, uniformity of crops, adaptation to different ecosystems and others have affected the production and longevity of coconut trees. This review describes the major advances in propagation techniques of coconut palm, conventionally, by seeds and through plant tissue culture techniques from the mid-twentieth century onwards, as well as phytosanitary aspects that should be considered to mitigate the spread of pests and diseases.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Tender Nut Potential of Diverse Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Varieties/Forms in Sri Lanka

CORD ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
S.A.C.N. Perera ◽  
G.K. Ekanayake ◽  
H.M.N.B. Herath
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cocos Nucifera ◽  
Export Market ◽  
Yield Potential ◽  
High Yield ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Management Guidance ◽  
Nut Production ◽  
Cocos Nucifera L

There is a rising demand in the world for coconut water as a healthy natural beverage. Different coconut varieties are used in different countries to be processed as a natural drink. The coconut form “King coconut” has long been used in Sri Lanka as the ideal coconut variety for this purpose. However, with the expansion in the local and export beverage coconut market, the supply does not meet with the demand at present. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify potential coconut varieties/forms mainly relating to the yield of beverage. The study was conducted in the main coconut triangle and Southern Sri Lanka. Eleven coconut forms, namely, King coconut and Bothal thembili in the variety Aurantiaca, Red, Yellow, Green and Brown dwarf and Murusi in the variety Nana, Bodiri, Dothalu, and Sri Lanka tall. These are included in the variety Typica along with Nipol, which is a natural hybrid being identified to be suitable as beverage coconuts. Out of them the yielding ability was high in King coconut, Red dwarf and Yellow dwarf while Bodiri, Nipol and Dothalu fared well. Many coconut forms suitable for beverage purpose were observed to be having seasonality in nut production. Ensuring adequate soil fertility and prevention of water deficit over prolonged periods were observed to help sustain yield and reduce seasonality in bunch emission. There were no large scale plantations for beverage coconuts in Sri Lanka, and the entire collection was from home gardens and very small scale holdings. It is recommended to establish medium scale holdings with coconut forms having high yield potential as identified in the current study, with proper management guidance to ensure a steady supply of beverage coconuts to the local as well as export market.

scholarly journals STUDIES ON MULBERRY PEST (GLYPHODES PYLOALIS WALKER) AS AN ALTERNATE HOST TO THE PATHOGENS OF SILKWORM (BOMBYX MORI L.) DISEASES

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (supplement 1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abeera Imtiyaz ◽  
K. A. Sahaf ◽  
Shabir A. Bhat ◽  
Shaheen Gul ◽  
Iqra Rafiq ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bombyx Mori ◽  
Insect Pests ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Alternate Host ◽  
Jammu And Kashmir ◽  
Pests And Diseases ◽  
Glyphodes Pyloalis ◽  
Major Pest ◽  
Silkworm Bombyx Mori

In the present study, susceptibility of the mulberry pest G. pyloalis to the pathogens of silkworm, Bombyx mori was ascertained. The survey was carried out at the three locations viz. Mulberry farms of College of Temperate Sericulture, Mirgund and two mulberry farms of Sericulture Development Department, J&K located at Mirgund and Tulsibagh, Srinagar. The plantation is ravaged by different pests and diseases and as many as 11 major and 10 minor insect pests have been reported from Jammu and Kashmir (Sharma and Tara, 1985; Khan et al., 2004). Under temperate conditions, G. pyloalis (Walker) causes severe damage to mulberry crop and is considered as a major pest of mulberry in Jammu and Kashmir (Fotadar et al., 1998). Zeya et al. (2003) reported 20-25 percent damage to mulberry foliage in Kashmir is due to G. Pyloalis during July to October. The survey study showed high infestation of G. Pyloalis during the month of October, 2017 and 2018. The maximum infestation of 73.03% was observed at SDD Tulsi Bagh followed by 45.20% at SDD Mirgund and 32.99% at CoTS Farm. During the study various stages of G. Pyloalis were found infected with the Microsporidian and Nuclear Polyhedral Virus whereas Fungal and bacterial pathogens were not observed during the present study. The mean incidence of Microsporidian and NPV was observed as 4.22% and 5.99% percent respectively during October, 2017. In the present study, susceptibility of the mulberry pest G. Pyloalis to the pathogens of silkworm, Bombyx mori was ascertained so that management strategies are taken accordingly

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