Growing coconuts in the tropics - Barbados

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NATION NEWS
Growing coconuts in the tropics
Published on: 12/3/08.

If you could count the stars, then you could count all the ways the coconut serves us. – Phillipine Proverb.

COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA ) is one of the most important and popular crop plants in the world and certainly the best known of the Palmaceae family to which it belongs. In fact, it has been described as one of nature's greatest gifts to man. It can provide food, drink, oil, medicine, fibre, timber and fuel, among other things.

The word cocos is Portuguese for monkey, and describes the face that appears on the husked nut, while the word nucifera means bearing nuts. Although its origin is uncertain, and is a very controversial topic, the coconut has spread to most parts of the tropics.

In earlier days in Barbados, coconut oil and cottonseed oil were used to manufacture margarine, but nowadays this has been replaced by soyabean oil. It is still used in the Caribbean to make soap. Although coconut water (the colourless fluid contained in the immature nuts) has always been popular in Barbados, in recent times its sale has become more organised, resulting in a higher demand. The green nuts are sold by roadsides, and the bottled water from local nuts is now offered in some supermarkets. In fact, packaged coconut water is also imported from far afield. Local entrepreneurs are encouraged to replace these imports by improving their post harvest handling, processing and packaging methods.

The coconut water contains sugar, vitamins and minerals. It is claimed that because the water is so pure and sterile, in World War II both American and Japanese doctors used it in place of sterile glucose for IV solutions in emergencies. In plant tissue culture, coconut water has been added to growing media because of the wide diversity of nutrients it contains.

The firm white meat of the matured nut has always been used in producing local delicacies like coconut bread, sugar cakes and pone. It is very nutritious, high in calories and in fact, it is claimed by some that one nut has as much protein as a quarter pound of beefsteak. In the United States, more than 72 million pounds are used yearly in candies and confectioneries. The popularity of the "nutmeat" has led a number of local entrepreneurs to grate the product and offer it packaged and frozen in supermarkets.

Inland move

In the past, in Barbados, coconut trees were most commonly found scattered along coastal areas, possibly because of their tolerance of the salty breeze coming off the ocean, and the sight of "palm trees swaying in the breeze" is alluring to visitors to our island. With the recent upsurge in the coconut water industry, however, there has been a move towards the planting of coconut groves further inland. This facilitates the collection of nuts for sale.

The dry coconut husks may be used as a medium for growing anthuriums and orchids while the fibre is used in making compost and mulch. There are numerous uses for all parts of the coconut plant, including the leaves.

The coconut prefers a humid climate, and exposure to extended dry periods damages trees and affects production. Nuts are usually germinated in nurseries, after which they are transplanted to the field. The recommended spacing is 20ft x 20ft. Growing a leguminous ground cover under the trees is said to improve yields. The trees also respond to fertilisation with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. In some parts of the Caribbean, sheep are raised under the trees after they have reached a stage where the animals do not damage the plants. However, this is not recommended on steep slopes where maintaining a proper ground cover is necessary to prevent erosion.

The major insects and diseases affecting coconuts in Barbados are coconut scale, mealybug and mite. The scale and mealy bug affect the leaves while the mite affects the fruit, causing a rough appearance, reduced fruit size and misshapen fruit. In very recent times, Barbadians have been warned to be on the lookout for the red palm mite which causes yellowing of leaves. Although there has been some severe yellowing of leaves observed in many areas of the island, no red palm mite has been observed.The mites are red and found mainly under the leaves. Occasionally red spider mite occurs on leaves, so this should not be confused with the red palm mite. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the Ministry of Agriculture's Entomology Division.

Diseases are not prevalent on coconuts in Barbados although some virus-like symptoms have been observed. However, there are many diseases in the Caribbean, and therefore one must be vigilant.

Coconut yields vary greatly but yields of matured fruit of six tonnes/acre/year have been obtained with dwarf varieties in the Caribbean. Coconut provides a good addition to the diversification of agriculture in Barbados.

l The Agrodoc has over 35 years' experience in agriculture in Barbados, operating at different levels of the sector. Send any questions or comments to: The Agrodoc, C/o Nation Publishing Co. Ltd, Fontabelle, St Michael.

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