The response to sequential coconut toddy and nut production (SCTNP) scheme of four coconut varieties/hybrids at PCA-Zamboanga Research Center, San Ramon, Zamboanga City showed that the dwarf x tall hybrids, Malayan red dwarf x Baybay tall (MRD x BAYT), Malayan red dwarf x Tagnanan tall (MRD x TAGT) and Catigan green dwarf x Laguna tall (CATD x LAGT) produced significantly higher toddy (495 – 699 li/tree/yr) and nut yield (143-169 nuts/tree/yr)  compared  to tall cultivar, ‘Laguna’ LAGT (364 li and 123 nuts per tree per year).  Varietal difference in terms of the floral and vegetative characteristics of the coconut  cultivar and hybrids contributed significantly to the differences in the sap/toddy and nut yields.

A two-year nursery study on ECMAKT coconut seedlings was conducted at the Philippine Coconut Authority - Albay Research Center, Guinobatan, Albay to know the effects of applying different rates of complete fertilizer (14-14-14 fortified with micronutrients) and a foliar fertilizer on the vegetative growth and leaf nutrient status of ECMAKT seedlings.   The application of complete NPK fertilizer (14-14-14) at 6-9 g/seedling significantly produced taller seedlings with bigger girth size and more number of living fronds from 2 to 12 months from initial fertilization. The applied rates of complete fertilizer (6-9 g 14-14-14/seedling) on ECMAKT seedlings indicates that the levels of nutrient application (fertilization) is significantly much lower than that of the average rates used in growing ordinary seednuts (seedlings attached to unhusked nuts) in the nursery. The application of foliar fertilizer was ineffective even over the unfertilized ECMAKT seedlings.   The better growth of ECMAKT seedlings in terms of their girth, plant height and total living fronds produced were significantly associated with higher levels of leaf K, Cl, and Mn, and lower leaf Na, but with likely adequate leaf P, Mg, S, B, Zn, Cu and Fe based from leaf number 3 (12 month old ECMAKT seedling).   The study clearly indicates the necessity of applying inorganic fertilizer i.e. complete fertilizer (14-14-14 fortified with micronutrients) at the moderate rates of 6-9 g/seedling during the nursery stage for proper nutrition and fertilization management to ensure healthy and good quality ECMAKT planting material.

The processing of coconut sap produced from  the sequential coconut toddy and nut production (SCTNP) scheme  was conducted at the Philippine Coconut Authority - Zamboanga Research Center, San Ramon, Zamboanga City from 1997 and 1999-2001 to determine their  acceptability to local community members and evaluate their economic profitability. The processing of coconut sap into food products such as fresh sap beverage, coconut syrup, sugar and vinegar involves simple procedures at the farmer’s level. These sap-based food products proved to be highly acceptable in terms of their nutritional and economic values. They are rich in total solids, sugar (sucrose), protein, carbohydrates, phosphorus and amino acids. Coconut-sap sugar contains high amounts of essential elements such as N, P, K, Mg, Cl and S and micronutrients  (B, Zn, Fe, Cu)  compared to brown cane sugar  and refined white sugar(almost without micronutrient).  The production of sap beverage, syrup and vinegar showed higher farmer’s net income (PhP14,800 - 9,100/month) and return on investment-ROI  (465%-380%) compared to sugar making  (PhP 5,900/month,  278% ROI).   On-farm production and processing of coconut sap-based food products have  both social and economic advantages. This technology offers bigger opportunity for farmers to increase their income and generate employment especially to family members. Likewise, this  product diversification scheme can promote multi-uses and competitiveness of the coconut palm.

The processing of natural and nutritious coconut sap juice and coconut sap concentrate for commercial production was conducted by the members of the Samahang Magniniyugan ng Tawan-tawan (SMT) at Barangay Tawan-tawan, Baguio District, Davao City, Southern Mindanao, Philippines from February to May, 2007. The processing of coconut sap juice and concentrate involves simple, easy to follow procedures and few equipment are required.  Results of the chemical analysis revealed that coconut sap juice, an oyster-white liquid and coconut sap concentrate, a sticky, golden orange syrup has 84.3% and 25% moisture content; 0.24% and 0.94% crude protein; 18.99 and 63.79 mg/100 mg sodium (Na); 0.85 and 1.51 mg/100 g calcium (Ca) and 0.05 and 0.33 mg/100g iron (Fe), respectively indicating that these coconut sap food products are nutritious and good for one’s body. While physical (color) analysis showed that these products are pure and natural since no food coloring was detected. A partial budgeting analysis on the profitability of producing coconut sap juice and coconut sap concentrate over the traditional fermented toddy indicated an additional profit or net income of Php19,728.00 and Php21,402.00 per month, respectively (Php41= $).  The benefits derived from the commercialization of the technology on coconut sap food products by the adaptors were discussed. Factors for successful adoption and commercialization of coconut sap juice and concentrate were likewise recommended.

A two-year nursery study of embryo-cultured Laguna Tall (ECLAGT) and embryo-cultured Makapuno Tall (ECMAKT) coconut seedlings was conducted at the Philippine Coconut Authority - Albay Research Center, Guinobatan, Albay aimed to know the effects of applying different levels of sodium chloride (NaCl) (common table salt) and chicken manure (CM) on the vegetative growth and leaf nutrient status of the seedlings. The soil used in the study is a volcanic ash- rich Guinobatan silt loam, classified as Entic Dystrandept soil subgroup (U.S. Soil Taxonomy/Classification). EC seedlings with the application of NaCl at a total dose of 18-54 g/seedling and chicken manure at 250-750 g/seedling, applied within the 12-month nursery (at intervals of 2,4,6,8,10 months) significantly produced taller seedlings with bigger girth and more total living fronds than the unfertilized ECLAGT and ECMAKT seedlings. The levels of nutrient application (fertilization) on EC seedlings is clearly much lower than that of the average rates used in growing ordinary seedlings from seednuts, i.e. seedling with embryo attached to the whole nut in the nursery. The better growth of ECLAGT and ECMAKT seedlings in terms of their girth, plant height and  total living fronds produced was significantly associated with higher or very satisfactory  levels of leaf N, P, K, Cl, Ca, Na, Mg, S, B, and Fe (leaf #4 of 12-month old EC seedlings). The overall results clearly indicate the practical need to apply a combination of sodium chloride and dried chicken manure, even at moderate rates (total) of 18 g/seedling and 250 g/seedling respectively, divided equally during the 12-month nursery stage for normal growth and proper nutrition of EC seedlings. This recommended fertilization management practice should ensure healthy and good quality ECMAKT seedlings as planting materials.