Fruit growth, endocarp lignificantion, and boron and calcium concentrations in Nam Hom (aromatic) coconut during fruit development
2019
Nikhontha, K. | Krisanapook, K. | Insabai, W.
Fruit growth, endocarp lignification, and boron and calcium concentrations in 'Nam Hom' coconut during fruit development were studied. This study was conducted at Ban Paew district, Samut Sakhon [Thailand] province between January 2014 -September 2015. Whole fruit shape during the first 4 months (mo) after flowering was oval and turned to semi-oval at 8 mo. The shell was a round shape from 5 mo onwards. The endocarp (shell) started to accumulate lignin 2 mo after flowering but accumulation was highest and constant over the 4-8 mo period. Lignin accumulation started from the stylar end and progressed to the stem end. It was completed in the shell by 6 mo. This stage was accompanied by a decrease in water content. The concentrations of cellulose and hemicelluloses in the coconut shell increased rapidly from 2 to 6 mo then remained constant. The amount of fiber in the coconut husk increased with fruit age and was highest at the final harvest. Coconut husk had greater concentrations of both calcium and boron than occurred in the shell. Calcium concentration in the coconut husk decreased only slightly throughout fruit development while calcium concentration in the coconut shell decreased markedly with age. Boron concentration in the coconut husk decreased with fruit age whereas the highest concentration in the shell occurred at 4 mo and then subsequently decreased. These data indicated that the possible role of boron and calcium are likely to be necessary for shell formation and endocarp lignifications of coconut.
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