Coconut Farming: Normal and Abnormal Button Drop

Introduction

• Speaker: David Loo from DJ Coconut Breeding Farm
• Topic: Normal and abnormal button drop in coconut trees

What is Button Drop?

• Occurs in the coconut tree when the spade emerges
• The spade contains the inflorescence:
  • Little buttons at its base
  • Male flowers covering the rest
• Button drop is part of the tree's natural process

Normal Button Drop

• Coconut trees produce more buttons than they can manage
• Naturally, the tree drops around 2/3 of the buttons
• Tree usually bears between 20 and 100 buttons, but sometimes up to 200-300
• Typically, only 50-60 fruits grow on the tree

Abnormal Button Drop

• Considered a serious issue
• Causes of abnormal button drop:
  1. Water: Too much or too little
  2. Nutrition: Generally too little or not at the right time (once or twice a year)
  3. Pest and Disease
  4. Natural Shedding: As the bunches grow
• Abnormal drop leaves only 1 or 2 fruits on the spade, sometimes even less

Additional Information

• Separate video available for a deeper understanding and solutions

Conclusion

• Emphasis on the importance of recognizing and addressing abnormal button drop

Thank You

• End of the presentation