Varietal resistance in coconut

Abstract

Host plant resistance offers long-term and sustainable solution in biotic stress management in coconut. Among the diseases affecting coconut, phytoplasmal diseases reported from various countries are a major concern. Furthermore, bud rot, basal stem rot and stem bleeding are also very serious diseases limiting coconut production. Replanting with resistant varieties will go a long way in mitigating the adverse effects of these biotic factors, especially in cases where effective control measures are not available. The best and viable option in the future will be the management of coconut diseases mostly relying on integrated management practices centred on the exploitation of sources of disease resistance. Anticipating a rapid advancement in density and damage by sucking pests in the present era of climate change, efforts should be oriented to develop coconut varieties that can resist/tolerate coreid bug, eriophyid mite and emerging invasive pests as well. Besides, the focus to breed coconut varieties with resistance to red palm weevil, the most dreaded pest of coconut, should continue. It would be appropriate if the breeding programme in each coconut-growing country is fine-tuned to develop resistant varieties to combat pests/diseases of regional importance fully utilising the vast genetic resources available in those countries.