A rapid, non-destructive and accurate method for determining the leaf area of one, two and three year old coconut seedlings (var. CRIC 60) is proposed using three linear regression models y = 5.9647 + 0.6314 x, y = 3.9325 + 0.7044* and y = 8.4507 + 0.6798* with reliabilities of 94.5%, 98.3% and 97.8% respectively, where x is the product of the length and breadth at the broadest position of the leaflet and y is the area of the leaflet. In order to study the relative performance of seedlings, a common model y = 2.2138 + 0.7192 x (r 2 = 98.6%), which can be considered to be representative, could be used irrespective of the age of the seedling, if the third leaf is used.

No abstract

A farming system was established in a 45 year old coconut plantation at Rathmalagara Estate, Madampe, in the North Western Province of Sri Lanka. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of an integrated farming system in relation to coconut production and productivity of land.   Results inclicate that there has been no adverse effect on coconut and copra production clue to the establishment of the integrated system. The substitution of inorganic fertilizer mainly nitrogen and partly phosphorus and potassium through the integration of animals, fodder and pasture system did not affect the critical levels of nutrients in coconut leaves of treatment plots. Furthermore, feed supply through pasture/fodder in the system was adequate for cattle throughout. In terms of animal perfor­mance the average live weight gains were 306 g/head/day at the end of the first year. The most remarkable feature was that the integrated system reduced the cost of inorganic fertilizer for coconut by 69%, thus reducing the cost of production of coconut. Based on the overall results it is suggested that the integrated system is more productive and beneficial than a monoculture system to coconut small holdings.

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is by far the most extensively cultivated plantation crop in Sri Lanka. It is essentially a small holder crop comprising about 86% of small. holdings and homesteads and the balance belonging to the estate sector. The growth habit of the palm and its canopy structure requires a wide, spacing between palms, which permits abundant sunlight to the understory. As a result, the unutilised space beneath the plantation becomes invaded by a wide range of perennial and annual weed species. Such weeds invariably compete with coconut for soil moisture and nutrients, affecting its growth and yield and obstructing routine estate practices. Management of the understory weed growth is, therefore, considered an essential step in maintaining the plantation. In fact, the cost of weeding accounts for a substantial proportion of the total recurrent expenditure for maintenance.

The vigour and growth of seedlings of CRIC60 cultivar of coconut were studied in different irrigation treatments during the drought period, in a sandy soil in the dry zone. Nine irrigation treatments including a control with no watering were tested. Larger number of casualties were observed in the control while none in the irrigated plots. The best irrigation treatments in order of response were 40 litres applied twice a week, two earthenware pots buried on either side of the seedlings and filling them twice a week (27 litres per week) and 20 litres applied twice a week. However, the relative efficiency between 40 litres and 20 litres suggest that application of 20 litres twice a week could be preferred considering the savings on cost and the use of water. If finances are not limiting burying of two earthenware pots on either side of the plant and filling twice a week could be preferred.