CRI able to accurately forecast 2015 nut production, report says
View(s):The Coconut Research Institute (CRI) has made huge advances in research and development for the year 2015 including an almost-accurate forecast of nut production, the institute said in a media release issued this week.
Listing out its achievements,
it said in research, the following
happened in 2015:
Long term research efforts lead to the development of a viable protocol for clonal propagation of coconut plants using tissue culture methods for the first time in the world.
A new coconut cultivar (Sri Lanka Yellow Dwarf) was recommended for the coconut growers in the country. SLYD is highly suitable for beverage purposes, and also to be planted in urban home gardens with limited space.
Technologies were developed for processing a healthy natural beverage using mature coconut water.
A flash dryer was developed for drying coir pith.
Successful research was carried out to develop protocols for cryopreservation of calli (mass of coconut cells grown using tissue culture methods) – (use of advanced biotechnological methods in conservation of different coconut types)
CRI – Sri Lanka pioneered in forecasting yield for a perennial crop. The coconut yield forecast for 2015 was 3107 + 24 million nuts. The actual yield was 3027 million nuts which was close to the forecast.
Research focusing on climate change on coconut revealed comparatively tolerant cultivars to heat stress. Coconut and banana intercropping was revealed to improve the micro climate and coconut yield in comparison to mono coconut systems.
Tobacco extract was found to be effective in controlling termites and Plessispa beetles while the agrochemical Cadusafos reduced the black beetle damage.
Policy proposals were submitted to implement the ISO 2200 standard for VCO production and to lift the export barriers for coconut products to divert excess nut to the international market.
In the achievements in development and service functions, the CRI said:Â
Management programme to eradicate the Weligama coconut leaf wilt disease was successfully continued. Prevention of the spread of the disease was successful.
The biological agent released by CRI to combat the Aceria mite damage was mass produced and 23,386 predatory mite sachets were issued to coconut growers.
Over 1.5 million improved coconut seed nuts were produced at CRI seed gardens and issued to CCB for raising seedlings for National Coconut Replanting Programme.
In controlling coconut caterpillar, 818,550 parasitoides were released to the coconut growers.
In controlling red weevil; 2956 and 10150 pheromone vials were issued to coconut growers and the Coconut Cultivation Board, respectively and 75 red weevil detectors were sold to coconut growers
Sample analysis reports of fertilizer (526), soil and leaf (313), water and wine (28) coir pith (360), coconut oil and DC (81) were issued to stake holders on request.
Certificates for export; tender king coconut (4,969,261) to 15 exporting countries and 72 certificates for coir pith were issued.
Land suitability reports; 28 were issued to coconut growers.