FARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Coconut tonic to boost nut production
M.J. PRABU
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The tonic enters into the metabolic stream of the tree through the root.
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HIGHER YIELD: The tonic supplies essential nutrients and provides natural protection to the trees against various pests.— PHOTO: C.V. SUBRAHMANYAM
THE TAMIL Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) in Coimbatore, has developed a new tonic named `TNAU coconut tonic' for coconut plants that prevents button shedding and increases nut size.
According to Dr. V. Murugappan, Director, Centre for Soil Crops and Crop Management Studies, TNAU, "encouraging results have been received from several farmers in and around Tamil Nadu who have used this tonic and have recorded a higher yield in their coconut plantations."
Quick absorption
<15,8p,,0>Elaborating on the procedure of applying this tonic he said, "the solution has to be diluted with water in 1:4 proportion. A root of pencil thickness has to be identified about three feet away from the trunk."
"The root must be cut slantingly at the tip with a sharp knife and the sachet containing the tonic has be tied inserting the root completely into the sachet." Absorption will be quick when both the soil and the atmosphere are dry.
Essential nutrients
The tonic contains essential major and micronutrients in right proportions besides plant growth regulators.
The concentration and acidity of the tonic are adjusted to suit both tree variety — dwarf and long-term.
Imbalanced use of chemical fertilizers, especially in perennial plantations like coconut groves has resulted in soil fertility depletion, which leads to nutrient deficiency, button shedding and poor nut size.
Since the tonic directly enters into the metabolic stream of the tree through the root, it ensures the supply of all the essential nutrients besides providing natural protection to the trees against Eriophyid mite attack, various pests and other environmental stresses, according to Dr. Murugappan.
The tonic is available in 200ml sachets priced at Rs 5. One sachet is to be used for a tree. The sachet can be stored up to one month from the date of manufacture. For further information, readers may contact the Director of Soil and Crop Management Studies, TNAU, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641 003, phone- 0422-5511352.
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