Variability and principal component analysis for yield and yield contributing traits in West Coast Tall coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palms

A total of 64 West Coast Tall (WCT) coconut population were characterized for morphological, reproductive, tender nut, fruit component and yield traits. High coefficient of variation was observed in length of single internode, number of rachillaeand female flowers per inflorescence, total no. of nuts, volume of tender nut water, weight of tender nut, mature nut and husked nut, husk thicknessand shell thickness. Principal component analysis revealed that length of spikelet bearing portion, no. of rachillae, female flowers per inflorescence, total no. of bunchesand nutswere the important traits in differentiating the WCT palms under study. The results of this study showed that consideration should be given for the above characters while selecting elite lines for yield and copra production.