Performance of flowering and fruit set of coconut (Cocos nucifera) palms under the Kish Island environmental conditions of Iran

Abstract

An experiment was conducted during the growing seasons of 2001-2002 to explore the performance of flowering and fruit set of 45 coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) trees of 10-years-old under semi-tropic condition of the Kish Island, south of Iran. In addition, tree shape, number of leaves and leaves mineral nutrient content of allogame palms and their correlations with flowering and fruiting habit of the trees were recorded. Results showed that 84.44% of experimental trees needs cross pollination. Effective pollination period of female flowers was about 24-48 hr after receptivity of female flowers may be considered for good pollination, fertilization and further enough fruit set. Other pollination types recorded were direct-self pollination (6.67%) and indirect-self pollination (8.89%). Crown-shape evaluation revealed that most of the palms have vertical (X-shape) or semi-spherical crown-shape that produce less fruit than spherical canopy type. There was a linear correlation (R2= 0.81) between leaf and spadix number, however palms showed less leaves and spadix than normal. Leaf mineral analysis showed deficiency of mineral nutrients (N, Mn, Zn and Cu) under the Island's soil conditions.