Influence of season and soil available nutrients on the biochemical and nutritional parameters of coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palms

Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a good source of nutrients, vitamins, fiber, proteins, and fats. The present study evaluated the influence of seasonal variations and soil nutrient availability on biochemical and nutritional parameters of different hybrids of the popular coconut palm, Ayiramkachi. The study analyzed the parameters of kernel during three seasons, the nutrient content of leaves, and the available nutrient status of the soil before and after fertilizer application. The hybrid palms selected from the Tall x Ayiramkachi, Ayiramkachi x Tall, Dwarf x Ayiramkachi, and Ayiramkachi x Dwarf crosses were analyzed in this study. The results revealed significant differences in all the biochemical parameters except vitamin A among the hybrids. The hybrids generated using Ayiramkachi as female parent recorded the highest oil, lauric acid, aspartic acid, lysine, serine, and vitamin B6 levels, whereas those generated using Ayiramkachi as male parent recorded the highest myristic acid, palmitic acid, vitamin B1, B3, and B5 levels. Besides, the study showed that coconuts collected during the third harvest in April recorded maximum fatty acid content, while those collected during the first harvest in December contained maximum oil and amino acid content in the kernel. The nuts collected during the third harvest also recorded high nutrient levels in the kernel. Additionally, Ayiramkachi as a female parent resulted in high leaf calcium, whereas Ayiramkachi as a male parent resulted in high leaf magnesium, sulfur, and zinc. The analysis of soil nutrient status revealed that balanced fertilizer application enhances the nutritional quality of coconuts.