COCONUT TAPPING IN THE PHILIPPINES ENIGMAS AND OBSERVATIONS
Abstract
Individual interviews were conducted to 24 purposively selected coconut tappers from Leyte, Samar and Cebu, Philippines to determine their tapping practices and observations and knowledge on certain phenomena exhibited by the tapped palm, as well as, the problems which confront them. Specifically, inquiries were focused on tree selection, spadix/inflorescence age appropriate for tapping, spadix preparation and stimulation, spadix care and maintenance, climatic considerations and relations, and temporary cessation of inflorescence production.
Data revealed certain enigmatic phenomena and some inconsistencies to long‑held physiological facts. Moreover, respondents' observations strongly point out the toddy yield's extreme sensitivity to climatic and weather change which could be best validated by further coconut physiology research.
References
MENON, K.P.V. arid PANDALAI, K.M. 1958. The Coconut Palm A Monograph Part tl. Indian Central Committee. Ernakulam, South India. 384 pp.
NATHANAEL, W.R.N. 1966. A tapping technique for the coconut palm. Ceylon Coconut Center's Review. 4(4):87 99.
PATEL, J.S. 1983. The Coconut A Monograph. Government Press, Madras, India.
SANTIAGO, R.M. 1983. Toddy yield of coconut as influenced by fertilization, leaf nutrients, water status, climatic factors arid morphological characters. Ph.D. Dissertation UP at Los Banos, College, Laguna, Phil. 121 pp.
SANUAGO, R. M. 1989. Coconut yield Mi relation to leaf water status arid some climatic factors. Phil. Journal of Coconut Studies. 14(l): 32¬37.
VAN DIE, J. 1974. The developing fruits of Cocos Nucifera and Phoenix dactylifera as physiological sinks importing arid assimilating the mobile aqueous phase of the siene tube system. Acta Botany (Neerl.) 23: 521 540
