Professor Observes Advantages of Dwarf Sweet Coconuts from Thailand

Dr. Pablito P. Pamplona, a retired professor and fruit expert, has reported in the January 2019 issue of Agriculture Magazine the results of his 10-year research on the production of two dwarf coconut varieties from Thailand - the Nam Wan and Nam Hom varieties.  Both are very prolific with sweet water and one of them being aromatic and are adapted under Philippine conditions based from his experience growing them in Cotabato and Agusan del Sur.  The trees have been bearing fruits very well but Dr. Pamplona emphasizes that they should be grown away from traditional varieties to prevent crosspollenation which can adversely affect their sweet and aromatic characteristics.  Also, Nam Wan and Nam Hom should not be grown together.  

Dr. Pamplona has observed some peculiarities of the two varieties.  Both bear fruit early, at three years after field planting as long as they are taken cared of properly.  The plants have semi-erect and more number of leaves compared to the local varieties and hybrids.  More leaves mean they can support more fruits. The two varieties have been observed to produce high coco sugar yield, almost at par with the hybrid called Matag.  The other difference is that the Nam Wan and Nam Hom varieties fruit earlier and are more productive than the Matag.  

The Advantage of the dwarf varieties when it comes to coco sugar production is that they are very easy to tap.  There is no need to use a ladder in collecting the sap from the unopened flowers.  Aside from coco sugar, the main products are the refreshing sweet and aromatic coco water and the nutritious young nuts or their meat.  Neighboring countries like Thailand and Malaysia have developed high value products that include healthful chips, coconut jelly, processed young meat and others.