Changes in physical characters of coconut during the germination phases

The coconut (Cocos nucifera) seed germinates slowly, taking even up to 4 months before the shoot appears. During the germination process of coconut, the nut undergoes several changes in its physical characteristics along with development of coconut haustorium that helps in the mobilization of nutrients during germination. The present research focused on studying the physical changes occurring in coconut seed during germination process starting from the 10^th week to the 20^th week of germination and the results indicated that coconut undergoes significant changes in physical characteristics of the nut viz. longitudinal and transverse diameter of whole nut and dehusked nut, husk characteristics, nut weight and haustorium weight, which need to be understood for proper assimilation of germination process of coconut seed.