The vigour of coconut seedlings as influenced by the coreid bug, Paradasynus rostratus dist.

A study was conducted to assess the vigour of seedlings as influenced by the extent of seed nut infestation by the coreid bug Paradasynus rostratus in coconut. Nuts from six damage categories were planted in the nursery. The number of nuts germinated, height of seedling, girth at collar, number of leaves and total leaf area were calculated. Though all the nuts in damage category II (negligible damage) to IV (moderate damage) germinated within six months, only seedlings from nuts with negligible damage had the qualities of a good seedling.