Green Short Dwarf Variety Coconut Farming

Plant Characteristics

1. Variety:

   • Green Short Dwarf (e.g., Malayan Green Dwarf, Chawghat Green Dwarf, etc.).

2. Height:

   • Grows to a maximum height of 10–15 feet (3–4.5 meters) at maturity.

3. Fruiting:

   • Begins bearing fruits as early as 3–4 years after planting.
   • Produces 50–150 nuts annually, depending on care and conditions.

4. Lifespan:

   • Productive for 40–50 years.

5. Nut Characteristics:

   • Medium-sized, round green coconuts.
   • Water content: 200–400 ml per nut.
   • Sweet water with a balanced electrolyte profile.

Growth Requirements

1. Climate:

   • Tropical climate.
   • Ideal temperature: 20–35°C (68–95°F).
   • Rainfall: 1500–2500 mm/year or availability of irrigation.

2. Soil:

   • Well-drained sandy loam or alluvial soils.
   • Tolerates a pH range of 5.5–8.0.
   • Depth: At least 1 meter for healthy root growth.

3. Sunlight:

   • Requires 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

4. Water:

   • Regular watering during dry periods.
   • Avoid waterlogging, as it can harm the roots.

Planting Specifications

1. Seedling Selection:

   • 8–12 months old seedlings with a strong root system and 5–7 healthy leaves.

2. Planting Distance:

   • Spacing: 6 x 6 meters (20 x 20 feet).
   • Plant density: 150–180 trees per hectare.

3. Pit Preparation:

   • Dimensions: 60 x 60 x 60 cm.
   • Fill pits with a mix of topsoil, compost, and organic manure.

4. Planting Time:

   • Best during the monsoon season or when sufficient irrigation is available.

Care and Maintenance

1. Irrigation:

   • Water young plants weekly.
   • Mature plants require water every 10–15 days, especially during dry seasons.

2. Fertilization:

   • Apply organic manure (10–20 kg/tree/year).
   • Inorganic fertilizers (NPK 100:40:140 g/tree/year), divided into three doses.

3. Mulching:

   • Use organic mulches like dry leaves or coir to conserve soil moisture.

4. Weeding:

   • Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients.

5. Pruning:

   • Remove dead or diseased fronds and old flower stalks.

Pest and Disease Management

1. Common Pests:

   • Rhinoceros Beetle: Use pheromone traps and neem-based pesticides.
   • Red Palm Weevil: Regular inspection and pheromone traps.
   • Leaf-eating Caterpillars: Biological control with natural predators.

2. Diseases:

   • Bud Rot: Treat with Bordeaux mixture or copper fungicides.
   • Stem Bleeding: Remove affected tissues and apply fungicide paste.

3. Preventive Measures:

   • Ensure good drainage to prevent fungal infections.
   • Maintain plant health through balanced fertilization and irrigation.

Yield and Productivity

1. Yield Per Tree:

   • 50–150 nuts per year after maturity.

2. Economic Yield:

   • Begins after 3–4 years of planting and peaks around 10–20 years.

3. Harvesting:

   • For tender coconuts: Harvest at 6–7 months after flowering.
   • For mature coconuts: Harvest at 11–12 months.