Performance of coconut hybrid MYD x WCT in the Brahmaputra valley region of Assam

A long term evaluation of four coconut hybrids with a local check was conducted under rainfed conditions at the Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi of Assam Agricultural University. The experimental material consisted of four hybrids with different cross combinations, viz., WCT x COD, MYD x WCT, WCT x GBGD, COD x WCT along with AGT (Assam Green Tall) as local control planted during 1985 and evaluated for yield performance till 2003. The palms of the hybrid MYD x WCT were semi-tall, took 60 months for 50% of the palms to exhibit flowering. The results revealed that the hybrid, MYD x WCT was superior to other hybrids and local check with respect to nut yield (114.2 nuts/palm/year), copra out turn (3.72 tonnes/ha/year) and estimated oil out turn (2.53 tonnes/ha) under rainfed conditions of Assam. Hybrid possessed higher quantity of organoleptically 'good' tender nut water (325 ml) with TSS of 6.2 degrees Brix, 36.5 ppm of Na and 2350 ppm of K.