An Investigation of Yield and Quality of Coconut Inflorescence Sap in Different Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Genotypes under West Coast of India

Identification of potentially valuable genetic stocks and development of unique trait specific varieties is the need of the hour to cope up with the changing demand of global market. Coconut inflorescence sap is a potential product that has many health benefitting properties. The present study was conducted with nine coconut genotypes viz., Gangapani Tall, Gonthembili Tall, Nigerian Tall, Jamaica Tall, Hazari Tall, Niuquewen Tall, West Coast Tall, East Coast Tall and Navasi Tall to find out the suitable coconut genotype for inflorescence sap production. The study revealed that the genotype Nigerian Tall produced highest average sap yield per palm (1.7 L/day), sap yield per inflorescence (79.45 L/inflorescence) and annual sap yield (622.33 L/palm). Duration of sap flow/inflorescence was maximum in Navasi Tall (51.75 days) and days taken to start the sap flow was minimum in Gangapani Tall (15.55 days) followed by Nigerian Tall (15.92 days). Biochemical parameters revealed that the West Coast Tall recorded highest total sugar (13.4 g/100ml), amino acid (73.75 mg/100ml) and protein content (609.1 mg/100ml) compared to other genotypes. Certain morphological parameters also recorded in the palms which are influencing the sap production. Correlation analysis showed that number of leaves, stem girth, length and median circumference of the inflorescence positively correlated with sap production whereas length of petiole and single internode showed negative correlation with sap yield.