Role of certain biochemical compounds in adaptation of coconut to different weather conditions – A study in two agro-climatic regions of India

As a perennial palm of the tropical region, coconut is exposed to frequent fluctuations in weather conditions in its life span. Plants in general, adapt to variations in weather conditions by adopting different methods. Leaf biochemical constituents of coconut palm were studied in relation to weather conditions in two agro-climatic regions represented by Kidu (Karnataka) and Veppankulum (Tamil Nadu). Concentrations of leaf epicuticular wax, proline, reducing sugars and amino acids increased during summer and decreased thereafter at both the locations. Higher concentration of these compounds in palms grown at Kidu may be attributed to the rapid fluctuations in microclimatic conditions. The pattern of accumulation varied among cultivars at two locations indicating the influence of genotype-environment interaction on these parameters. Tall cultivars viz.,WCT and LCT, with wider adaptability to diverse environments, exhibited more accumulation of these compounds. The results indicated possible role of biochemical compounds in cultivar adaptability to different environments which can be exploited for screening the germplasm.