Indicators of genetic erosion in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) populations in selected communities of Northern and Southern Luzon, Philippines

Abstract

A survey to assess genetic erosion in populations of coconuts (Cocos nucifera L.) was conducted in three provinces in Northern Luzon, namely, Pangasinan, Isabela and Nueva Vizcaya and in Quezon, a province in Southern Luzon, Philippines. The decrease in coconut area and number of palms were the indicators used to determine the extent of genetic erosion. Genetic erosion was noted in all provinces except Pangasinan. In the three provinces, the coconut farm size was reduced by 14% to 20% and the number of palms in Quezon and Isabela decreased by 20.90% and 4.91%, respectively. The reasons for the decrease in coconut area and number of palms were poor marketing system, the low market price of the nuts, soil erosion and crop conversion. In Isabela, the coconut populations had been replaced because the palms were old and unproductive. In Nueva Vizcaya and Pangasinan, replanting with the same coconut variety was practiced, hence, its conservation on-farm. Replanting using other coconut varieties in Isabela may contribute to genetic enhancement of the population. Promoting the multipurpose uses of coconuts is recommended to encourage farmers to conserve coconut cultivars on-farm.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Agricultural Scientist

ISSN

317454

Page

145-156

Document Type

Article

Subject

Coconut diversity, Genetic enhancement, Genetic erosion, Intercropping, Market price, On-farm conservation

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