Name of the Station: Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar

1.MANDATE

History

Agricultural Research Station, Aliyarnagar was started in 1963 to investigate the nature of crop that could be successfully grown in the Parambikulam Aliyar Project area and to study the agronomic problems which would arise from time to time.  At present Agricultural Research Station has Regional as well as National responsibility on improving groundnut and coconut.

Location

The Research Station is located near Western Ghats (100 N latitude and 770 E longitude), 20 km south of Pollachi at an elevation of 260 meters with an undulating topography.  The tract receives a total rainfall of 802 mm in a year and of this, nearly 300 mm during the south west monsoon 333 mm during north east monsoon and 169 mm during summer.

Total area of the Research Station is 22.0 ha, out of which 17.22 ha is cultivable with the sandy loam soil type. The source of irrigation in from the Pollachi canal distributor No.1.

Objectives

• To evolve new varieties of coconut and groundnut to suit in the cropping pattern of Pollachi tract of Tamilnadu
• To investigate the suitable crops for Parambikulam-Aliyar Project with different cropping pattern
• Development o Integrated Pest Management and Integrated Disease Management strategies for the management of pest and diseases of crops grown in Pollachi tract.
• To supply quality seedling materials of the tall, dwarf and hybrid coconut

Mandate crops

Groundnut
Coconut

2.Schemes in Operation

1. All India Coordinated Research Project on Groundnut
2. All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms

Schemes in Operation

3. ACTIVITIES

• Research

COCONUT

CROP IMPROVEMENT

• Collection, evaluation and maintenance of coconut germplasm.
• Evaluation of promising hybrids and varieties of coconut
• Regenerative studies in coconut
• Development of hybrid in coconut with high copra and oil

CROP PRODUCTION

• Coconut based inter/mixed cropping suitable for Pollachi region
• Integrated Nutrient Management in coconut
• Nutritional requirement of hybrid coconut (D x T) with 50% N substitution through vermicompost
• Fertigation in coconut.

CROP PROTECTION

• Survey and monitoring of major pests of coconut
• Studies on the Management of Coconut  black headed caterpillar and its natural enemies
• Studies on the Management of Coconut rhinoceros beetle, Red palm weevil and Eriophyid mite.
• Large scale of Mass production and distribution of bio control agent viz., Bracon brevicornis against Coconut  black headed caterpillar
• Preventing the spread of root wilt disease of Coconut
• Studies on the management of leaf blight of coconut
• Mass production of bio control agent's viz., T.viride and Pseudomonas Fluorescence.

GROUNDNUT

CROP IMPROVEMENT

• Evaluation of high yielding bunch groundnut tolerance to rust and leaf spot diseases.

CROP PRODUCTION

• Development of INM and IWM packages for irrigated and rainfed groundnut.
• Development of Packages for organic Groundnut       
• Effect of Consortia of beneficial micro organisms on growth and yield of Groundnut

CROP PROTECTION       

• Screening of groundnut cultures against major diseases under natural field condition.
• Studies on integrated disease management of rust and late leaf spot diseases of groundnut

B. Extension

1. Certificate course on coconut production technology is being conducted from 2006-2007 onwards at Coconut Research Station, Aliyarnagar
2. Awareness programmes are being organized for the benefit of coconut farmers on Leaf blight management, coconut black headed caterpillar and coconut root wilt.
3. Training programmes were conducted on cocoa cultivation technology, coconut cultivation technology and Groundnut cultivation technology.
4. Front line demonstrations are being conducted in the farmer's fields on improved varieties, integrated nutrient management, integrated weed management and intergraded pest and diseases management in Groundnut.

4. ACHIEVEMENTS

Coconut

Crop Improvement

1. ALR (CN) 1 – Special features (year of release 2002 )

• A Selection from Arasampatti tall
• 125 nuts/palm/year after stabilization
• Maximum potential of 183 nuts / palm / year
• 48 %, 88 % and 66 % yield increase over WCT, ECT and VPM 3
• 310 ml of tender nut water
• 16.5 kg copra / palm / year
• tonnes / ha copra yield
• tonnes of oil per hectare
• Moderately resistant to basal stem rot, stem bleeding disease and bud rot

2. TNAU Coconut ALR (CN) – 2 (year of release 2010 )

• A selection from Tiptur Tall
• Average nut yield 109 nuts/palm/year
• Copra content – 136 g/nut
• Copra yield 14 kg/palm/year
• Oil content – 64.7%
• Drought tolerant

3. TNAU Coconut ALR (CN) – 3 (year of release 2012 )

• A dwarf variety with orange colored nuts exclusively for tender nut purpose
• It is a selection from Kenthali Dwarf
• Average nut yield 86 nuts/palm/year
• Quantity of tender nut water – 120 ml/nut
• Total soluble sugars – 5.2%
• Rich in potassium – 190.21 mg per 100 g.
• Eriophyid mite tolerance

NATIONAL RELEASE

KALPHA PRATHIBA

• A selection fron Cochin china
• Yields percentage a maximum of 136 nuts with a copra content of 16 kg/palm/year
• Recognized for National release as Kalpa prathiba during 2007

Crop Management

Nursery

• Split application of NPK @ 40:20:40 kg per hectare at 6th and 9th months after sowing seed nuts produce high quality seedlings.

Water management

• Based on the studies conducted at CRS, Aliyarnagar water requirement of coconut was computed for Western region as follows.

(Through ring basin method, additionally 30 – 40% of above quantity of water ie., 135 – 165 litres/palm is to be added to meet the conveyance and other losses)
Cropping System

• For the Pollachi tract, among the various intercropping system models Coconut (175/ha) + Cocoa (500/ha) and Coconut (175/ha) + Banana (750/ha) systems were found to be remunerative with a total net income of Rs.1,01,440/ha in Cocoa system and Rs.85,724/ha in banana system with B:C ratio of 2.73 and 2.55 respectively.
• Among medicinal plants aromatic plants, Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and Sitharathai (Alpinia galanga) were found to perform better.

Manuring

• Organic manure substitution for coconut: Integrated nutrient management technologies were evaluated so as to utilize the coir pith, the wastes obtained from coir industry.  It has been found that in the recommended dose of fertilizer schedule (NPK @ 560: 320: 1200 g/tree/year), application of 100 % N through composted coir pith + P and K as chemical fertilizers (or) 50 % N through composted coir pith + balance NPK as chemical fertilizers found to yield as that of trees fertilized with inorganic fertilizers. 
• In D x T hybrid coconut, application of NPK @ 1000: 250: 1000 g / palm/ year with 50 % of N through vermicompost recorded higher mean nut yield.

Crop Protection

Entomology

• Natural occurrence of Baculovirus disease in rhinoceros beetle populations was detected for first time in Tamilnadu
• Economically feasible and Eco friendly safer attractant traps were developed for management of rhinoceros beetle and redpalm weevil.
• Setting up of attractant traps (mud pots containing sugarcane molasses 2.5kg/toddy 2.5 l + acetic acid 5 ml + yeast 5 gm + longitudinally split tender coconut stem/logs of green petiole of leaves of 30 numbers in one acre to trap adult Redpalm weevils in large numbers.
• Mud pots containing castor cake suspension (2.5 kg) + 5 ml acetic acid 5 gm yeast + longitudinally split tender green petioles of leaves of 30 numbers/acre to trap adult rhinoceros beetles in more numbers.
• Spraying of carbaryl (0.1%) 2 gm in one litre of water was significantly effective against coconut slug caterpillar.
• Augmentative field release of baculovirus inoculated adult rhinoceros beetles @ 15 numbers in ten different locations revealed that there was reduction in its damage on coconut leaf, spindle and spathe.
• Keeping aggregation synthetic pheromone traps viz., Sime RB rhino lure (without feeding stimulant) @ one / ha; Ferro lure @ one / ha with feeding attractant (Sugarcane molasses 2.5kg + 5 ml acetic acid +5gm yeast) attracted and captured  more numbers of black beetles and red weevils of both sexes.
• Scientifically validated the ITK (Indigenous Technical Knowledge) on the management of coconut Rhinoceros beetle by keeping cowdung slurry in wide mouthed mud pots (Mouth 24 cm x height 30 cm x bottom width 27 cm) containing cow dung slurry @ 5 Kg + 100 gm of dried fish meal powder at the ground level attracted significantly more number of adult Rhinoceros beetles up to 29 followed by other treatments. Besides, Castor cake suspension attracted 32 beetles. However, in many locations, both the treatments are on par in trapping the beetles.
• Spraying of Azhadirachtin TS1% i.e. 10,000ppm @5ml+ Sandovit 1ml/litre of water followed by release of two larval parasitoids Braconids, Bethylids and pupal parasitoid Chalcid @20:10:1 at 21 days interval for four times shown significant effect on reduction of Opisina arenosella population from 459.91 to 22.11 palms.          

         Consequently there was an increase in the level of parasitisation of all the parasitoids viz., Braconids, Bethylids and Chalcids from 4.16, 2.03 and 0.75% to 23.57, 13.01 and 5.75 respectively.

• Root feeding of Azhadiractin F 5% @ 10ml +10ml water followed by the release of larval papasitiods Bracon brevicornis, Goniozus nephantidis, and pupal parasitoid Brachymeria nostoi @ 20:10:1 ratio at 21 days interval for four time shown significant reduction from 785.60 to 4.35 /palm.

              Consequently there was an increase in the parasitization level of all three parasitoid viz., Braconids, bethylids and Chalcids from 3.65%, 2.80% and 1.46% to 29.40%, 16.96% and 6.25 percent respectively.

• An IPM strategy for coconut leafeating caterpillar Opisina arenosella was developed.
• An IPM strategy for Redpalm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrungineus was developed.
• An IPM strategy for coconut Rhinoceros Beetle was developed
• Release of conditioned parasitoids (Olfactory stimulated) B.breviconis is found to be significant in decreasing the black headed caterpillar population than the release of unconditioned parasitoids. Consequently, the level of percent parasitisation is in the increasing trend.

• Anthocorid bug Caridiostethus exiguus is an efficient egg larval predator of O. arenosella and could effectively suppress the coconut black headed caterpillar population, when released alone @ 50 nos. / tree at 15 days interval for six times consecutively.

Pathology

Basal stem rot

• Application of 50g each of Trichoderma harzianum and Pseudomonas fluorescens with 50 kg of farm yard manure at half yearly interval checks further increase in disease intensity.
• Root feeding of 1.3g aureofungin-sol + 0.5 g copper sulphate or 2 ml of tridemorph in 100 ml of water combined with soil drenching of 40 litres of 1% Bordeaux mixture thrice at quarterly interval effectively controls the disease.

Leaf blight (Lasiodiplodia theobromae)

• Spraying of of Bordeaux mixture @ 1 per cent, twice at 30 days interval or root feeding of carbendazim @ 2 g / 100 ml water thrice per year at 3 months interval is effective against the disease.
• Along with the recommended dose of fertilizers, an excess of 1.5 kg MOP need to be applied.
• Root feeding of P. fluorescens 100% culture suspension @ 25ml/palm at quarterly interval along with soil application of P. fluorescens talc formulation (50g/palm/yr) + Neem cake (5 Kg/palm/yr) was found to be the best against leaf blight disease.

Bud rot (Phytophthora palmivora)

IDM Strategies Developed:

• Copper oxy chloride @ 3 g / litre of water should be sprayed on the infected as well as surrounding healthy seedlings.
• Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 100 g along with 50 kg FYM and 5 kg neem cake around the basins of infected trees reduces the infection.

Root wilt (Kerala wilt)

• Intensified survey was conducted and the hot spot areas for root wilt disease in Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Theni districts were recorded. In order to prevent the further spread of the disease, farmers were strictly advised to remove the severely affected palms. Periodical awareness programmes have also been conducted in the aforesaid districts. 

GROUNDNUT

Crop Improvement

1. ALR 1 (Year of Release: 1987)

• Virginia Bunch type
• Parentage : Hybrid derivative of the cross POL 2 x PPG 4
• Duration : 120 days
• Resistant to rust and late leaf spot diseases
• Suitable for rainfed conditions
• Pod yield : 1840 kg/ha (Irrigated)

2. ALR 2 (Year of Release: 1994)

• Spanish Bunch type
• Parentage: Selection from ICGV 86011
• Duration: 105-110 days (Medium duration)
• Possesses seed dormancy for a period of 15 days
• Rich in oil content (52%)
• Field tolerance to leaf miner, leaf hopper and thirps
• Highly tolerance to rust and late leaf spot diseases
• Suitable for both irrigated and rainfed conditions
• Plants remain green after maturity and suitable for green fodder
• Pod yield: Rainfed: 1740 kg/ha

     Irrigated: 2550 kg/ha

3. ALR 3 (Year of Release: 1999)

• Spanish Bunch type
• Parentage: Double cross derivative of R 33-1 x ICGV(FDRS)68 x Nc Ac.17090 x
• Duration: 115 days
• Possesses 15 days fresh seed dormancy
• Rich in oil content (50%)
• Resistant to rust and moderately resistant to late leaf spot diseases
• Resistant to leaf hopper and thrips
• Haulms remain green till harvest and suitable for green fodder
• Shelling percentage 69 %
• Pod yield: Rainfed: 2095 kg/ha

                 Irrigated: 2720 kg/ha

Crop Production

Agronomy

• Groundnut recorded a maximum pod yield of 2258 and 2215 kg/ha with RDF (75%) as basal + RDF (75%) as top  dressing at 30 DAS along with 7.5 t/ha of FYM and RDF (100%) as basal + RDF (50%) as top dressing at 30 DAS along with 7.5t/ha of FYM respectively.
• Comprehensive application of FYM inoculated (7.5t/ha) with microbes (Biofertilizers, Rhizobium + PSB @ 3 packets/7.5t of FYM) on 15 Days  before sowing and seed treatment with biofertilizers and bio pesticides (Pseudomonos, PSB, PGPR, Trichoderma) and foliar application of Panchagavya @ 3% or Pseudomonas 1% or NSKE 5% at 45 DAS recorded highest pod yield and haulm yield.
• Application of potassium @ 50 and 75kg/ha recorded significantly higher pod yield of 1682 and 1723 kg/ha respectively and also application of calcium 150 kg/ha registered significantly higher pod yield of 1908 kg/ha in rainfed groundnut.
• Gypsum application @ 400 and 600 kg/ha recorded significantly higher pod yield 1870 and 1989 kg/ha respectively of rainfed groundnut.
• Among the four different confectionery groundnut varieties tested CO3 was found to be suitable for this region.
• Among the spacing tested, 30 x 15 cm was found to be optimum for
  CO 3 confectionery groundnut variety.
• The application of 21.88 t/ha of FYM (175% of the recommended dose of fertilizer) was found to be superior.
• The fertilizer dose of 17:34:54 kg/ha + rhizobium + PSB were found to be optimum for CO 3 confectionery variety.

Crop Protection

Entomology

• Sources of resistance to groundnut leafhopper and thrips (ICG 2271, ASK-I-8919, ICGV 86361, ICGV 86338, ICGV 86398, ICGV 86393, ICGV 86031, ICG 5041, ASK 9009, ISK-18) were identified and given for breeding purposes.
• A prediction model for the incidence of insect pests of groundnut was developed.
• A new cropping system (peanut + cumbu @ 8:1 ratio) had been developed for effective management of leafminer, leafhopper, and thrips in Groundnut.
• Two new alternative hosts of groundnut leafminer viz., Amaranthus viridis and Boerhavia diffusa were identified
• Advanced insect pest resistant groundnut breeding materials viz., ICGVs: 90226,90227,90228,90261,90265,91167,91175,91176,99180,91185,91190,91192,91205 and91215 showed resistant reaction to leafhopper.
• Efficacy of insecticides was evaluated against peanut jassids and thrips. Lambda cyhalothrin @ 20 g ai/ha followed by methyldemeton @ 0.05% were more effective in reducing the damage caused by these pests.

Pathology

• The diseases viz., collar rot. Root rot, stem rot, early leaf spot, late leaf spot and Rust were the major diseases recorded in Pollachi tract. Pollachi tract is identified as a hot spot area in national level for rust and late leaf spot diseases and the disease incidence was found to be more towards the maturity period.
• About 2500 groundnut entries were screened so far against rust and late leaf spot diseases of groundnut under natural field condition.  About 42 entries showed resistance to both rust and late leaf spot diseases. The resistant sources identified were used in hybridization programme and the promising cultures viz., ALG 320 and ALG 323 are in pipeline of release. The disease resistant groundnut varieties viz., ALR 1, ALR 2 and ALR 3 were released from this station.
• Promising seed materials were obtained from ICRISAT for screening against pest and diseases and to evolve pest and diseases resistant varieties suitable to Tamilnadu.
• Mancozeb (ST) 2g/kg + Hexaconazole spray (twice) was found to be the best in reducing rust and LLS  followed by Tebuconazole (ST) 1.5g/kg + 0.1% Tebuconozole spray (twice) which
• Tebuconazole (ST) 1.5g/kg was found to be the best in reducing collar rot and stem rot diseases.
• As a non chemical method, Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens mixture ST @10g/kg+ furrow application of T.viride and P.fluorescens mixture @ 2kg each enriched with FYM @ 250 kg/ha + foliar application of T.viride + P.fluorescens  @ 10g/lit at 30 and 45 DAS was found to reduce the soil borne diseases viz., collar rot and stem rot diseases

Contact:

Professor and Head
Agricultural Research Station
Aliyar Nagar 642 101.
Phone:04253-288622
Fax : 04253-288722
Email:arsaliar@tnau.ac.in

Updated on Oct 2013