Coconut varieties are the species of coconut that are grown by farmers. The coconut varieties in Nigeria are the cultivars of coconut that are commonly grown by coconut farmers in Nigeria.
There are hybrid coco varieties in Nigeria, there are also open pollinated coconut varieties in Nigeria. The hybrid coconut varieties start fruiting within 3 – 4 years while the open pollinated coconut varieties fruits from the 5th year of planting.
The hybrid coconut varieties are also known to have higher yields than the open pollinated coconut varieties.
To get a good yield from coconut farming, you need to choose the best variety.
Coconut Varieties in Nigeria
The following are the varieties of coconut in Nigeria:
- NIFOR Hybrid
- NIFOR Dwarf
- NIFOR WAT1
- Malaysian Hybrid Dwarf Coconut Variety
- Indonesian Hybrid Coconut Variety
NIFOR Hybrid
NIFOR hybrid is a hybrid coconut variety developed by the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research.
This hybrid coconut variety has an early flowering habit. It also produces a lot of coconut fruits. NIFOR hybrid can do well in the forest and derived savannah areas of Nigeria.
NIFOR Dwarf
NIFOR dwarf is a hybrid coconut variety developed by NIFOR. NIFOR dwarf is a cross of open pollinated coconut variety and the Malaysian dwarf hybrid coconut variety. This variety has an early flowering habit.
It has a short maturity time and can do well in the rain forest and savannah areas of Nigeria. NIFOR dwarf starts fruiting as from the 4th year.
NIFOR WAT1 (West African Tall Variety)
NIFOR WAT 1 is an open pollinated coconut variety developed by NIFOR. This variety has a late flowering habit. This variety grows very tall unlike the dwarf coconut variety.
It has a long maturity time and can do well in the rain forest and savannah areas of Nigeria. NIFOR WAT 1 starts fruiting as from the 5-7th year.
Malaysian Hybrid Dwarf Coconut Variety
The Malaysian hybrid dwarf variety is a hybrid coconut variety bred in Malaysia. It has a short growth habit and matures early.
This hybrid coconut variety is known for its high yield and profuse fruiting. A coconut tree of this variety can produce over 200 coconuts.
The Malaysian hybrid dwarf variety starts fruiting as early as the 3rd – 4th year of planting.
Indonesian Hybrid Coconut Variety
The Indonesian hybrid variety is a hybrid coconut variety bred in Indonesia. It has a short growth habit and matures early.
This hybrid coconut variety is known for its high yield and profuse fruiting. A coconut tree of this variety can produce 150 – 200 coconuts.
The Indonesian hybrid coconut variety starts fruiting as early as the 3rd – 4th year of planting.
Factors to consider before choosing a coconut variety
The following factors should be considered before choosing a coconut variety:
Time to maturity
The time to maturity of a coconut variety should be considered before picking a coconut variety. Most hybrid coconut varieties like the hybrid Malaysian dwarf coconut variety matures early than the open pollinated West African Tall variety.
Pests and Diseases’ Resistance
The level of tolerance and resistance of coconut varieties to pests and diseases should be considered before choosing a coconut variety.
Hybrid coconut varieties are known to have better diseases resistance than the open pollinated varieties.
Geographic Area
Some coconut varieties do well in forested areas than savannah areas. You should pick the coconut variety that can do well in your geographic and climatic zone.
Do you want more information about coconut varieties in Nigeria? If yes, why not contact us through sales@veggieconcept.ng.