THE OCCURRENCE OF NATURAL HYBRIDS OF COCONUT (COCOS NUCIFERA L.) IN TRINIDAD AND THEIR REACTION TO RED RING DISEASE

Occurrence of natural hybrids of coconut in Trinidad is reported. Incidence of red ring disease among the different types of coconut palm is studied over a period of three years. The natural hybrids (Dwarf χ Tall) showed resistance to the red ring disease under field conditions. Incidence of red ring disease in Dwarf palms is significantly low. Production of Dwarf χ Tall hybrid coconuts for combating serious diseases of coconut palm elsewhere is discussed. A similar programme for the Caribbean is recommended for increasing indigenous production of coconuts