Intra-varietal Variability in Komadan Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Palms

Fourteen morphological characters recorded from fifty Komadan coconut palms were analysed statistically to assess intra-varietal variability. The highest number of leaves and spadices per year was observed in palms C9, C19, C20, C21, C23, C31, C32, and C35. The maximum number of nuts per bunch, length of leaf and number of leaflets per leaf were recorded in palm C17. The maximum coefficient of variation was recorded for number of female flowers per inflorescence. The colour of midrib was found in four different ranges from moderate olive green to moderate brown and colour of tender coconut fell into five different groups. High positive correlation was recorded for number of nuts perpalm per year, with number of leaves per year, number of spadices per year, number of female flowers per inflorescence, number of female flowers per spikelet and number of spikelets per spadix. The variability existing in the Komadan variety provide opportunities for future coconut improvement programmes.