PRODUCTION OF HIGH-YIELDING COCONUT VARIETIES BY THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SABAH, MALAYSIA

Abstract

The coconut [Cocos nucifera (C. nucifera) L.] is an important fruit tree in the world, providing food for millions of people, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions and with its many uses it is often called the “tree of life”. Coconut is one of the oldest industrial crops planted in Sabah. Coconut cultivation was initiated by the British Chartered Company in the 1880s, during their earliest period of governance in Sabah. Coconut planting has slowly become popular in recent years as there has been a 13.5% increase in the cultivated area from 2013 to 2023. The Department of Agriculture Sabah (DOA Sabah) is the main government agency in Sabah in coconut research, providing technical advisory services and producing coconut commercial planting material. Genetic material is the foundation for the setting up of a breeding program. DOA Sabah has produced and released four high-yielding varieties, i.e., MAWA, Aromatic Green Dwarf (AROD), MATAG, and Tacunan Green Dwarf (TACD), based on their yield potential and utilization. MAWA was recommended for fresh kernel and copra. MATAG is high-yielding and early in maturity with round, large fruit. It was distributed to farmers for replanting and rejuvenating coconut areas since the 8^th Malaysia Plan. AROD was launched for tender coconut production, quality aromatic virgin coconut oil (VCO), and as a food ingredient due to its fragrance. TACD was recommended for commercial planting due to its large fruit size, precocity, and short palm height. The rearing of coconut seedlings in a well-maintained nursery facilitates efficient selection of normal uniform seedlings. Coconuts are propagated by seed nuts. The seed nut is sown in germination bed with saw dust as sowing media. Seed nuts will germinate in 2 to 3 months after sowing. Seedlings with 8 to 10 leaves are ready for field planting at about 7 - 8 months old.