Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY
La Trinidad Campus
Km 6 La Trinidad, Benguet
EXERCISE 3
GROWTH INCREMENT OF COCONUT (Cocos nucifera L.f) SEEDLINGS UNDER LA
TRINIDAD CONDITION
JENNY LORRAINE M. INTO
BSA 3B
HORT 140
MAY 2025
I. Introduction
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is often referred to as Kalpa Vriksha in ancient Indian
literature, meaning "the tree that provides all necessities of life." It is also known as "the tree
of life" or "the tree of wealth" in many parts of the world due to its wide range of uses and
economic value. Coconut provides food, oil, water, fiber, and ornamental value to millions of
people globally (Rieger, 2006). The term “coconut” can refer to the whole palm, the seed, or
the fruit, which is botanically classified as a drupe rather than a true nut (Foale, 2003).
Coconut belongs to the palm family (Arecaceae or Palmae), which includes
approximately 2,800 species across 190 genera. Other economically significant members of
this family include the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), babassu (Attalea cohune),
arecanut (Areca catechu), and peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) (Persley, 1992). Coconut is
unique among major crop species as it lacks closely related wild relatives, which makes the
study of its adaptability even more crucial (DebMandal & Mandal, 2011).
Typically, coconut grows well in lowland tropical regions with high temperatures,
high humidity, and well-drained soils. However, with increasing interest in climate-resilient
agriculture and crop diversification, researchers and farmers are exploring the possibility of
growing coconut in non-traditional environments.The municipality of La Trinidad, located
in the province of Benguet in the Philippines, offers a distinct highland environment. It
features cooler temperatures, higher elevation, and unique soil and climatic conditions. These
factors may influence germination, seedling vigor, and early growth performance.
Understanding how coconut seedlings respond to such conditions can provide insights into
their adaptability and potential for successful cultivation in upland areas.
Therefore, this study aims to assess the germination and early growth of coconut
seedlings under La Trinidad conditions. The results are expected to contribute to expanding
coconut cultivation into highland zones and improving strategies for managing coconut
production in cooler climates.
II. Objectives
1. To observe the growth performance of coconut seed nuts under cool conditions
III. Materials and Methods
The coconut seedlings were placed close together under the same conditions to make it
easier to measure the size and number of their leaves accurately. These measurements were taken
once a week
IV. Observe the following:
1. Initial Shoot Length
2. Initial Plant Height
3. Initial Number of Leaves
4. Weekly Shoot Length Increment
5. Final Shoot Length
6. Final Plant Height
7. Final Number of Leaves
V. Results and Discussion
Table 1. Initial & Final Shoot Length
Samples Initial Shoot Length Final Shoot Length Total Mean
(cm) (cm)
(February 18, 2025) (April 14, 2025)
1 20 45.5 65.5 32.75
2 21.5 30 51.5 25.75
3 31 44.5 75.5 37.75
4 24.5 38.5 63 31.5
5 14.5 13.5 28 14
6 24.5 25 49.5 24.75
7 3 dead 3 1.5
8 10.5 dead 10.5 5.25
9 No shoot emerged dead - -
Table 1 shows the initial and final shoot lengths of nine coconut seedlings grown in cooler
conditions. The results reveal a large variation in growth, suggesting that cool conditions do not
always lead to consistent or successful growth. While some seedlings (samples 1, 3, and 6) grew
well, others (samples 7, 8, and 9) showed little or no growth, and three of these even died. This
indicates that cooler conditions may have negatively affected the growth and survival of some
seedlings. The mixed results emphasize how sensitive coconut seedlings are to environmental
factors and highlight the need for more research to find the best conditions for growing coconut
seedlings in cooler climates.
Table 2. Initial & Final Plant Height
Samples Initial Plant height Final Plant height Total Mean
(cm) (cm)
(February 18, 2025) (April 14, 2025)
1 33 54 87 43.5
2 26.5 35 61.5 30.75
3 38.5 54.5 93 46.5
4 36.9 46 82.9 41.45
5 28.5 21 49.5 24.75
6 25 31 56 28
7 9.5 dead 9.5 4.75
8 17 dead 17 8.5
9 17.5 dead 17.9 8.75
Table 2 shows the initial and final heights of nine coconut seedlings grown in cool conditions.
The results vary widely, with some seedlings (samples 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5) growing well, while
others (samples 7, 8, and 9) had little or no growth, and three even died. This suggests that cool
conditions may have harmed the growth and survival of some seedlings, showing how sensitive
they are to environmental changes.
Table 3. Initial & Final Number of Leaves
Samples Initial Number of Final Number of Total Mean
Leaves (February Leaves (April 14,
18, 2025) 2025)
1 3 4 7 3.5
2 3 3 6 3
3 3 4 7 3.5
4 3 4 7 3.5
5 3 4 7 3.5
6 3 3 6 3
7 0 dead 0 0
8 1 dead 1 0.5
9 0 dead 0 0
Table 3 shows the initial and final number of leaves on nine coconut seedlings grown in cool
conditions. Samples 1-6 showed leaf growth, while samples 7-9 had no growth and died, resulting
in zero leaves. Calculating the average leaf count is misleading since it doesn’t account for the
mortality of samples 7-9. A more accurate analysis would separate the growth of samples 1-6
from the death of samples 7-9, suggesting that cool conditions negatively affected both leaf
development and survival.
Table 4. Weekly Shoot Length Increment
Weekly Samples (cm)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
February 20 21.5 31 24.5 14.5 24.5 3 10.5
18, 2025
February 22.5 (3 23 (3 35.5 (3 27 (3 14.5 (3 26.5 (3 5(0 10.5 (1 0.5 ( 0
25, 2025 leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaf) leaf) leaf)
March 4, 26 24 35.5 26 13.5 25.5 - - -
2025 (3 (1 leaf) (3 (3 leaves) (2 (2
leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves)
March 11, 30 (3 26 (3 40.5 (4 28.5 (3 16.5 (3 26 (3 3 (2 11.5 (3 1 (1 leaf)
2025 leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves)
(Group 6)
March 19, 35.5 (4 26.5 (3 42.1 (4 31.4 (3 16.1 (3 26.4 (3 - - -
2025 leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves)
(Group 7)
March 25, 37.5 (4 24 (3 41.5 (4 32 (3 16 (3 26 (3 - - -
2025 leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves) leaves)
April 14, 41.5 (4 28 (3 44.5 35.5 (3 13.5 (3 27 (3 - - -
2025 leaves) leaves) (34 leaves) leaves) leaves)
leaves)
Table 4 shows the weekly shoot length growth of nine coconut seedlings grown in cool
conditions. While most seedlings showed growth, there was notable variation. Seedling 1 had
steady growth, while seedling 9 showed minimal increase. Some seedlings, like seedling 7 on
March 4th, 2025, even experienced a decrease in growth.
VI. Questions to be answered
1. Why is coconut is very important
- Coconut is important because it provides a wide range of products used for food, oil, drink,
shelter, fiber, fuel, and even medicine. Every part of the coconut tree can be used, making it a
valuable resource for millions of people, especially in tropical countries. It also contributes
significantly to the economy and livelihoods in many coconut-producing regions.
2. What are the factors affecting growth and development of the coconut?
- Several factors affect the growth and development of coconut trees. Climate plays a major role,
as coconuts thrive in warm, humid, tropical environments. They grow best in well-drained sandy
or loamy soils that are rich in nutrients. A regular and adequate water supply is essential, since
both drought and waterlogging can negatively affect growth. Coconuts are also sensitive to
temperature changes and do not tolerate cold conditions well. Full sunlight is necessary for
healthy development, while essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus help
support overall growth. Additionally, pests and diseases can significantly slow or stop
development if not properly managed. Lastly, genetic variety also influences growth, as different
coconut types respond differently to environmental conditions.
3. What are the effect of growth and development?
- Good growth and development in coconut trees lead to several positive outcomes. These
include higher yields of fruits and copra (dried coconut meat), stronger and healthier trees
with longer productive lifespans, and improved quality of coconut products such as oil, water,
husk, and fiber. On the other hand, poor growth can result in low fruit production, weaker
trees, and significant economic losses for farmers and communities that rely on coconut as a
source of income and livelihood.
4. Why coconut is consider as tree of life ?
Fruit – Provides water, food, and oil.
Leaves – Used for roofing, mats, and baskets.
Trunk – Used for timber and building materials.
Husk – Used for coir (fiber), ropes, and brushes.
Roots – Sometimes used in traditional medicine or as a natural dye. Its wide usefulness
makes it essential in daily life, especially in tropical communities.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, planting coconut is a valuable agricultural practice, especially in tropical
regions where the crop thrives. With proper care, including suitable climate, well-drained soil,
regular watering, and protection from pests and diseases, coconut trees can grow strong and
productive. Their many uses—from food and drink to materials and medicine—make them an
essential resource for both local communities and economies. However, successful coconut
farming requires careful attention to environmental conditions and ongoing management to ensure
healthy growth and high yields. With the right practices, coconut planting can be both sustainable
and highly rewarding.
VIII. Recommendations
It is recommended that coconut seedlings be planted in warm, sunny areas with well-
drained, fertile soil to support healthy growth. Regular watering and proper spacing should be
practiced to avoid overcrowding and ensure each plant gets enough nutrients and sunlight.
Farmers should monitor for pests and diseases and apply appropriate control measures when
needed. Using high-quality planting materials and selecting the right coconut variety for the local
climate can also improve survival and yield. Finally, further research and training on best
practices for coconut cultivation, especially in cooler or changing climates, will help improve
success in growing healthy and productive coconut trees.
IX. Documentation
X. Reference
Jerard, B., Damodaran, V., Jaisankar, I., Velmurugan, A., & Swarnam, T. (2008). Coconut
Biodiversity – nature’s gift to the tropical islands. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 145–185).
https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-813064-3.00006-5
DebMandal, M., & Mandal, S. (2011). Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): In health promotion
and disease prevention. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 4(3), 241–247.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1995-7645(11)60078-3
A visual guide to nutritional disorders of tropical timber species: Swietenia macrophylla and
Cedrela ordorata. (n.d.). ACIAR.
https://www.aciar.gov.au/publication/books-and-manuals/visual-guide-nutritional-disorders-
tropical-timber-species-swietenia-macrophylla-and
