COCONUT Production Guide

COCONUT PALM
Botanical Name: Cocos nucifera (L.)
Suitable Varieties
Tall varieties: Vanuatu tall (VTT) Dwarf varieties: Sri Lanka Green Dwarf (SGD) [resistant to
lethal yellowing disease]; Equatorial Green Dwarf (EGD); Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD)
Hybrid varieties: MYD x VTT; SGD x VTT
Source of Planting Material

CSDU/MOFA; - Sekondi W/R
DCS/MOFA: - Accra
OPRI: - Kusi, E/R and Agona-Nkwanta, W/R
Areas suitable for coconut production in Ghana
Areas suitable for coconut production include the Coastal savannah and the forest zones of Western,
Central, Greater Accra, Volta, Eastern, Ashanti, and Brong Ahafo Regions with minimum rainfall of
1,000mm per annum well distributed.
Soil requirement
Coconut thrives in a wide range of soil types provided they are well-drained and have no hard or iron
pans within one metre depth.
Land preparation
Clear the land completely without leaving any shade tree. Avoid burning where necessary. Dig
trenches, clear natural waterways, provide drainage in marshy areas.
Field Planting
Plant 6-8 month old seedlings at the onset of major rains. In low-lying areas, plant at the beginning of
minor season rains. Use planting distance of 8.5m triangular for hybrids (160 palms/ha), 7.5m
triangular for dwarfs (205 palms/ha), and 9.0m triangular for tall varieties (143 palms/ ha). Mark
planting positions using lines and pegs in north-south alignment perpendicular to an initial east-west
baseline.
Dig hole at peg positions. Planting holes should be 45cm (18ins) across and 30cm (12 ins) deep.
Separate the top 15-20cm (6-8ins) of soil from the lighter coloured, poor sub-soil 20-30cm (8-12ins)
The top soil should then be placed in the bottom of the hole (under the seedling).
Place the seedling in the hole to “sit” on the top soil such that the top of the seed nut is level with the
ground. Cover the seedling with soil up to 5cm (2 ins) above the top of the seed nut.
Press the soil firmly, so that no cavity is left underneath or beside the nut.
1
Farming systems
 Monocropping
For sole coconut planting, establish pueraria or cover crop to smother weeds, prevent soil
erosion, conserve moisture and fix nitrogen.
 Intercropping
Intercrop when canopy has not closed. Suitable food crops are planted 1m -2m away from the
coconut. Recommended crops include maize, plantain/banana, vegetables, etc.
Farm maintenance
Slash entire field 4 times per annum.
Fertilizer application
Ring weed 1.0m - 2.0m from base of plant for fertilizer application. Fertilizer application is done
annually at the on set of major and minor rains. Types and quantities of inorganic fertilizer to be
applied are shown below: First fertilization can be carried out three (3) months after planting.
General Fertilizer Recommendation for Coconut - Option 1

Fertilizer type Kg/ Palm
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
Urea 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
MOP 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.6
TSP 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Kieserite 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
General Fertilizer Recommendation for Coconut Option-2 (NPK Based)

Fertilizer type Kg/ Palm
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4
NPK 1.2 1.8 2.4 3.0
MOP 0.1 0.3 0.6 0.8
Kieserite 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8
Each year fertilizer dosage may be split applied in April and September
Well decomposed organic manure like cow dung, poultry manure, can be used to supplement the
inorganic application
2
Pest and Disease
 Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes monoceros): The adult burrows into the petiole of the young
unopened leaf and penetrates from there towards the direction of the heart of the palm,
causing the attacked leaf to break or death of the plant through the entry of bacteria and/or
fungi. When the leaves unfold, they show characteristic cuts resembling a herringbone.
Management: Regularly examine young palms and physically remove the pest from the bud
region with a metal hook. Keep clean farms, split open and burn decaying logs and other
decaying matter. Stuff axils with old fishing nets to trap the beetles. Stuff the axils of the
young palm with saw dust impregnated with a solution of karate.
 Termites (Odontotermis sp.): Attack germinating nuts and young seedlings causing
considerable damage. Management: Dip nut part of seedling in a recommended insecticide
solution before planting. When attack occurs after field planting, apply a suitable insecticide
such as Dusban.
 Lethal Yellowing disease: First symptom is premature fall of nuts of all stages. Necroses
develop in the young inflorescences, which turn black and dry up. Yellowing then begins to
affect the lower leaves, spreading to the whole crown. Moist spots develop at the bases of the
leaves in the heart of the crown which causes rot, eventually killing the tree. Management:
Resistant varieties (VTT, SGD, SGD x VTT) and tolerant varieties (MYD x VTT) should be
planted.
Fruiting
Under good crop management (e.g. regular weed control, pests & disease management, recommended
fertilization and with adequate soil moisture).
 Dwarf coconut varieties start fruiting from the 3th year after planting.
 Hybrid coconut starts fruiting from the 4th year after planting.
 Tall coconut varieties start fruiting from the 7th year after planting.
Ripening Standards
 8mths – 9mths old nuts are green ripe and eaten as fresh fruit.
 11 months old nuts are ready for processing into oil and other coconut-based products.
Revenue from fresh fruits from one ha farm
Average wt of nut = 1kg

Farm gate price per fresh fruit is GH¢ 0.60 (60 pesewas).
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Number of nuts/tree/ha/yr depends on Variety and maintenance practice e.g. Fertilizer application,
weed and pest control etc.
Revenue from fresh fruits

Variety Nuts /ha/yr. Farm gate price Total Revenue
per nut (GH¢) (GH¢)
Tall: 12,870 0.60 7,722.00
Dwarfs: 24,600 0.60 14,760.00
Hybrid: 19,200 0.60 11,520.00

COCONUT Production Guide

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COCONUT PALM

Botanical Name: Cocos nucifera (L.)

Source of Planting Material

Areas suitable for coconut production in Ghana

General Fertilizer Recommendation for Coconut - Option 1

General Fertilizer Recommendation for Coconut Option-2 (NPK Based)

Revenue from fresh fruits from one ha farm

Average wt of nut = 1kg

Revenue from fresh fruits

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