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Abstract:
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The present investigation on “Coconut Phenology and Yield Response to
Climate Variability and Change” was undertaken at the experimental site, at the
Regional Station, Coconut Development Board, KAU Campus, Vellanikkara. Ten
palms each of eight-year-old coconut cultivars viz., Tiptur Tall, Kuttiadi (WCT),
Kasaragod (WCT) and Komadan (WCT) were randomly selected.The study therefore, reinforces our traditional knowledge that the coconut palm
is sensitive to changing weather conditions during the period from primordium
initiation to harvest of nuts (about 44 months). Absence of rainfall from December to
May due to early withdrawal of northeast monsoon, lack of pre monsoon showers and
late onset of southwest monsoon adversely affect the coconut productivity to a
considerable extent in the following year under rainfed conditions. The productivity
can be increased by irrigating the coconut palm during the dry periods.Increase in temperature, aridity index, number of severe summer droughts and
decline in rainfall and moisture index were the major factors for a marginal decline or
stagnation in coconut productivity over a period of time, though various
developmental schemes were in operation for sustenance of coconut production in the
State of Kerala. It can be attributed to global warming and climate change.
Therefore, there is a threat to coconut productivity in the ensuing decades due to
climate variability and change. In view of the above, there is an urgent need for proactive
measures as a part of climate change adaptation to sustain coconut productivity
in the State of Kerala.The coconut productivity is more vulnerable to climate variability such as
summer droughts rather than climate change in terms of increase in temperature and
decline in rainfall, though there was a marginal decrease (1.6%) in the decade of
1981-2009 when compared to that of 1951-80. This aspect needs to be examined in
detail by coconut development agencies such as Coconut Development Board and
State Agriculture Department for remedial measures. Otherwise, the premier position of Kerala in terms of coconut production is likely to be lost in the ensuing years under
the projected climate change scenario.
Among the four cultivars studied, Tiptur Tall appears to be superior in terms of
reproduction phase and nut yield. This needs to be examined by the coconut breeders
in their crop improvement programme as a part of stress tolerant under rainfed
conditions.
Crop mix and integrated farming are supposed to be the best combination to
sustain development in the long run under the projected climate change scenarios.
Increase in coconut area under irrigation during summer with better crop management
and protection measures also are necessary measures to increase coconut productivity
since the frequency of intensity of summer droughts is likely to increase under
projected global warming scenario. |