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Opportunities in the coconut industry are promising. However, several issues remain unresolved, including ageing coconut plants, shrinking land area, inaccessible technology for farmers, a lack of financing, uneven market absorption, and a dearth of diverse coconut products. This study aims to look at the impacts of government intervention on the comparative advantage of coconut farming in Malaysia. Scopus, the Web of Science, and Emerald were the three electronic databases that were searched for publications between 2010 and 2023 (i.e., a cumulative index to give an overview of the impacts of government intervention on the comparative advantage of coconut farming in Malaysia). Titles and abstracts were checked separately from the entire content. Furthermore, this review highlights that out of the twenty articles examined, no single article was authored in Malaysia. This suggests that there needs to be more research conducted in Malaysia on this subject. The analysed research demonstrates that government interventions can have both positive and negative effects on the comparative advantage of coconut farming. Supportive policies such as subsidies, research funding, and infrastructure development aimed at enhancing productivity and competitiveness can bolster Malaysia's position in the global coconut market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first half of the 20th century witnessed the rise and development of coconut cultivation in Selangor as an export-oriented agricultural sector. Selangor was among the most productive states in coconut produce and contributed to the quantity of coconut exports in Malaya. By the end of the 19th century, coconut product saw an encouraging increase in demands in the international market as European countries began to turn to coconut as raw material for manufacture and food. Noting the potential of coconut as an export commodity with economic value, the British paid particular attention to efforts to commercialise its cultivation. Therefore, this study aims to study the strategies of coconut commercialisation in Selangor, and to analyse its implications on the development of the coconut cultivation sector before 1940. To explain this question, this study uses the qualitative and library research methods by referring to the Selangor Secretariat Files, the Selangor Annual Reports, and the records from the Agriculture Department. The research findings show the special strategies involving aspects of governance, legislation, and land ownership implemented to commercialise coconut cultivation has transformed the pattern of development of the coconut cultivation sector, from a food crop to an export commodity-producing commercial crop. The large-scale coconut production led to the emergence of coconut-based industries with products such as coconut oil and dried coconut (copra) to be exported as raw material to meet the demands in the international market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut is the number one commodity in North Maluku. Nevertheless, mostly the coconut farmer is lived in poverty. Therefore The Government of Tidore Islands planned to build an integrated coconut industry in its administration area. This research aimed to analyze the feasibility of integrated coconut industry and to decide the main coconut product of the industry. The analysis consisted of market aspect, raw material availability, technology aspect, financial aspect, applied technic, and the impact on society and environment. The market analysis result showed there were 4 food products and 2 non-food products that were suitable to develop in Tidore Islands. Further analysis, which was financial aspect showed white copra was suitable to be the main product of The Integrated Coconut Industry in Tidore Islands. The production of white copra needed IDR 2.795.000.000 as initial capital investment. It was predicted to make a profit IDR 1.766.520.000/year, the NPV value was IDR 3.702.044.248,88, the IRR value was 64,899% and the PBP was 2,5 years. Coconut husk and coconut shell will be processed to be coconut fiber and charcoal. Based on the result analysis of all the aspects, Integrated Coconut Industry in Tidore Islands is feasible to be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this study is to contribute in the history of the coconut industry in the Philippines. It employed historical (historiography) and literary methods (textual, contextual, subtextual, and intertextual) in the analysis of texts to understand the recollections about the coconut industry in historical and literary narratives and to determine their use in shaping the essence, dignity, and identity of coconut farmers in the Philippines. Then, from the analysis conducted on the recollections of the coconut in the historical and literary narratives from 1940 to 2018, this study discovered the ideas and knowledge that can be the foundation for the strengthening of the coconut industry in the future. Likewise, this study investigated and highlighted the value of coconut farmers in the Philippines, particularly, their major role in the cultivation of the coconut as the tree of life and their role in the development of the coconut industry which is the source of the country's wealth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut industrial waste, particularly coconut coir dust, is an abundant and underutilized agricultural biomass. A large amount of coconut coir dust is generated during the extraction of coir fiber from coconut husk and accumulates as a waste product. The phenolic phytochemicals in coconut coir dust are considered a rich source with potential applications in a wide range of industries. Therefore, this study aims to assess the extract from coconut coir dust, a plentiful agricultural by-product of the coconut industry, as a potential source of natural components for skincare and cosmetic products. The bioactive compounds from coconut coir dust were extracted by ultrasound-assisted solvent extraction. The chemical composition of the coconut coir dust extract was determined by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometer (LC-ESI-MS) and five bioactive compounds were identified. The extract was also evaluated for tyrosinase inhibitory activity by the mushroom tyrosinase inhibitory assay. Antibacterial activity was tested against the three human pathogenic strains including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Results revealed that the extract exhibited tyrosinase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 874.17 µg/mL and showed antibacterial activities against all the tested bacterial strains. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.80 - 25.60 mg/mL and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 3.20 - 120.40 mg/mL. In the light of this, coconut coir dust extract has the potential to replace artificial chemicals in skincare and cosmetic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thailand is an agriculture country which mainly produces the agriculture product as a main exporting product. Fragrant coconut is one of the most potential fruit for exporting of Thailand as it is the exotic fruit which is popular worldwide. But the main destination country for fragrant coconut is China. This research is aim to design the Thailand fragrant coconut’s traceability system for exporting to China. The researcher did the in-depth interview with 4 experts and also did the design of information system database structure, use-case diagram and also the system architecture of the traceability system. The traceability system can be helped to maintain the exporting position of Thailand’s fragrant coconut in China and will help the consumer to know the information of the origin of the product and also help the tracking back the product if the product was defected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumakuru is the largest coconut producing district in Karnataka, typically known for natural ball copra production. Majority of the farmers in Tumakuru district are cultivating coconut over decades and their livelihood primarily dependent on coconut farming. The present study revealed that the total cost of Rs.37031.09 and Rs.54069.89 were incurred for coconut and copra production, respectively. The gross returns of coconut was found to be Rs.39753.38 and B:C ratio was 1.07 which is on par with the unity representing coconut venture, a less profitable enterprise. The gross returns of copra was Rs.14369.11 and benefit cost ratio was 1.27 which was higher than the one representing copra processing, a profitable venture in the study area. The determinants of farmers' choice to take up ball copra processing were analysed by using logit regression model where additional income generated from the family members, number of productive palms in the orchard, farming experience and education of the farmer were positively and significantly influencing farmers to take up processing of ball copra. Discounting method was adopted to calculate the cost of carrying inventory to process coconut into ball copra. The net returns earned by selling copra was Rs.10651.40 discounted at the rate of 12 per cent, as a result, Rs.9479.75 was obtained which was higher than net returns of coconut. Water scarcity and higher commissions were the major problems during the coconut production and marketing whereas, decreasing production of coconuts due to less rain fall and price volatility were the major problems faced by farmers in copra production and marketing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to assess the equilibrium relations in the fresh nut, oil and Desiccated Coconut (DC) market in Sri Lanka with special emphasis on determining the supply and demand elasticities. To achieve this objective, the Partial Equilibrium Model (PEM) previously adopted for the Sri Lankan coconut industry was reestimated using Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) method. Annual data on prices, quantities and other supply and demand related data for the period 1956-2017 were used for the analysis. The PEM captures the linkages in both production and consumption between the three markets. The results revealed that estimations are consistent with previous studies except for the income variable in demand equations for both fresh and oil markets where only the latter is statistically significant with negative coefficient indicating that oil has become an inferior good. Both the own price elasticity of supply and demand of fresh nut and oil were statistically significant with comparatively lower magnitudes whereas it was significant and higher in the DC market. When compared with the previous studies, the findings of the present study revealed that the magnitudes of the supply and demand elasticities in all three coconut markets have changed over the past decade and implications of those changes are further observed in the changes of directions of supply and demand relationships. Therefore, the coconut market model may also be extended further by incorporating other important sub-sectors as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study is to develop the strategy for local economic development (LED) based on coconut commodity. Previous studies did not explain in detail how should a commodity can improve welfare. By using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), LED strategy resulting order of priority are to increase productivity, increased revenues, employment, institutional development and empowerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall has enormous impact on weather and climate. An investigation on impact of rainfall on coconut productivity was taken place in Kozhikode and Malappuram districts of Kerala, to identify the variation in coconut production on an account of secondary data based on rainfall collected for a time period from 1991 to 2015 (25 years). Panel data analysis revealed that rainfall during 3rd (July-September) and 4th (October-December) quarters was found to have signifcant negative impact on coconut production. Amount of rainfall observed during 1st (Januvary-March) and 2nd (April-June) quarters has positive non- significant impact on coconut production. The growth trend of rainfall showed an increasing trend in Kozhikode district whereas Malappuram district had a decreasing trend over the years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large-scale production of hybrid seed nuts of commercially cultivated palms such as coconut, arecanut, oil palm and date palm is of prime importance due to the high demand for hybrid nuts and their role in augmenting the production of these crops. However, commercial production of hybrid nuts in these crops is impeded by various factors such as height of the palms, cost and availability of labour, low percentage of fruit-setting, seasonal influences like monsoon rains, etc. We report here the development and use of a simple, viable, cost-effective and labour-saving device for pollinating tall palms from ground-level, which is ideal for large-scale commercial production of coconut hybrids, even by farmers. At least four climbs per coconut palm can be saved by this method during the hybridization process. This simple method can enhance the availability of hybrid seedlings at a cheaper rate to coconut farmers. This method of pollination developed for coconut, can easily be adapted to other commercially important palms depending on the bunch morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut is a crop which is cultivated mostly by the people of tropical countries where the water facility is abundant as the crop requires more amount of water for its growth. Coconut is considered as the "tree of life" in developing countries as they depend on it as a source of food, medicine, shelter, fuel and furniture among others. Coconut is considered as one of the most important cash crop throughout the world. Coconut is an age old crop cultivated more in the tropical countries. India consists of a vast line of coastal region which is suitable for growth of coconut and it is cultivated around 13 states covering the area of 2.09 mha. Coconut cultivated in Kerala is of 8.2 Lakh ha which occupies 38% of net cropped area and provides livelihood to over 3.5 million families in Kerala. This paper is based on the secondary data and attempt is made to find out the share of coconut cultivation and production in Kerala. The trend is also shown for area and production from the year 2000-01 to 2015-16 and analyzed the growth rates of area, production and productivity which resulted in negative growth rate which indicates in the decrease of coconut cultivation which is a main homestead crop in Kerala. The index number revealed the area, production and productivity of coconut in each year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For years and years, the main output of the coconut sector on the international market was copra, crude coconut oil (CNO) and its derivatives. However, since approximately 10 years, we see new products so called “nontraditional” products entering global exchanges. The market growth of these products, mainly coconut water extracted from mature or immature nuts, virgin coconut oil (VCO) cold pressed from the fresh kernel, coconut sugar taken from the sap flowing out of the flower, is exponential. They benefit from the healthy, simple and natural image that is conveyed by the coconut tree in the subconscious minds of the consumers. The craze for this new products create also biggest expectative from the consumers towards the coconut stakeholders. This is why this article will also suggest some tracks of reflection for the research and expert’s communities, who would like to support this expansion, thus contributing to the future of the millions of small coconut farmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coconut cadang-cadang viroid(CCCVd) is a lethal disease that has devastated the coconut industry in the Philippines. Recently, a CCCVd variant associated with orange spotting of foliage, which is a phenomenon reported in the Malaysian oil palm industry, occurring as an isolated palm with no similar symptoms on the adjacent neighbouring palms. The presence of this viroid in oil palms is difficult to detect as it is found in very low concentrations. Thus, an efficient RNA extraction method for isolating the CCCVd variant and to detect it through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific primers for CCCVd was required. Leaf samples from symptomatic and asymptomatic oil palms were collected from various locations in Malaysia, namely, Negeri Sembilan, Selangor and Perak. The samples were subjected to three RNA extraction methods – natrium chloride EDTA Tris-HCl mercaptoethanol extraction (NETME), polyethylene glycol extraction (PEG) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide extraction (CTAB). The quantification of the RNA, based on optical density (OD) and concentration, showed that the CTAB extraction was the best, followed by the NETME extraction. The RNA extraction using PEG resulted in poor yields and had the lowest purity. The viroid was detected in all of the samples extracted via CTAB and NETME by RT-PCR with reduced starting material compared with PEG extracted RNA. A BLAST analysis indicated that the viroid sequences are highly conserved and shared a 93% sequence identity with the CCCVd246 variant from oil palm. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the variant belonged to an outgroup from other cocadviroids found in monocots. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The coconut processing industry generates a significant amount of liquid waste. New technologies targeting the treatment of industrial effluents have emerged, including advanced oxidation processes, the Fenton reaction, and electrochemical processes, which produce strong oxidizing species to remove organic matter. In this study we combined the Fenton reaction and electrochemical process to treat wastewater generated by the coconut industry. We prepared a synthetic wastewater consisting of a mixture of coconut milk and water and assessed how the Fenton reagents' concentration, the cathode material, the current density, and the implementation of associated technologies affect its treatment. Electrochemical treatment followed by the Fenton reaction diminished turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 85 and 95%, respectively. The Fenton reaction followed by the electrochemical process reduced turbidity and COD by 93 and 85%, respectively. Therefore, a combination of the Fenton and electrochemical technologies can effectively treat the effluent from the coconut processing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Testa, a by-product from the coconut processing industry is getting wasted. A study was carried out to utilize testa as a source of edible oil. The composition of the oils from testa of wet coconut (WCT) and copra (CT) were evaluated and compared with wet coconut whole, copra whole, wet coconut white kernel and copra white kernel. The samples had fat as a major component ranging from 34 to 63 %. Oils had 90-98.2 % triacylglycerols, 1-8 % diacylglycerols and 0.4-2 % monoacylglycerols. The triacylglycerol composition of oil from WCT had decreased trilaurin and increased triolein. Lauric acid content of CT was 40.9 % and WCT was 32.4 % whereas other oils were 50-53 %. Oils from testa were richer in monounsaturates and polyunsaturates than other coconut oil samples. The phenolics and phytosterols content were 0.2-1.9 % and 31-51 mg%, respectively. The total phenolic acids and tocopherol content of oils from CT (313.9 μg%, 22.3 mg%) and WCT (389.0 μg%, 100.1 mg%) were higher than other samples (94.8-291.4 μg%, 2.5-6.7 mg%). These studies indicated that the oil from coconut testa contained more of natural antioxidants such as tocopherols, tocotrienols and phenolics compared to coconut kernel oil and may confer health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Coir pith is one of the most abundant agro waste found in the southern coastal regions of India, where the economy and livehood of people are largely dependent on the coconut industry. Many technologies have been developed successfully for the alternate use of coir pith. However the application of coir pith as fillers in polymer composite is limited. The major drawback of coir pith as filler in polymer is its low adhesion with the matrix and high water sorption and retention behavior. The present work is a part of research work carried out in our laboratory to modify the morphology and chemical properties of pith to make it better filler in the processing of polymer composites. Coir pith was subjected to mercerization followed by different types of chemical treatment. The products were analyzed in detail using FTIR, XRD, optical microscope, AFM and SEM. The chemical treatment resulted in increased density, thermal stability and reduced water retention behavior. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The coconut industry is undeniably an important feature in the economies of the Asia‑Pacific region. It is an important source of income and food. In Vanuatu, this industry contributes 41% to its total export earnings; 7.10% in the Philippines; and 8.91% in the Solomon Islands in 1992. This industry also provides sustenance to the people of Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka. Coconuts are major ingredients in many food preparations in these countries.

The Philippines has the largest planted area of coconuts in the world and this crop provides a significant amount of income and employment for smallholders and landless laborers. Nearly all of the coconut harvested is converted into copra for subsequent processing. The bulk of production is exported as crude coconut oil for industrial uses and copra cake for animal feed. Most of the rest goes into refined, edible oil for the domestic market. The industry is subject to major oscillations in supply and demand from year to year. Production is dominated by large‑scale firms currently operating at a low capacity use rate. Real prices may trend downward in the long run due to expanded production from an expansion in the planted area and greater reliance on high‑yield varieties, substitution of other oils, and trade policies of importing countries.

This paper describes and analyzes the coconut cultivation in China, and the current comprehensive utilization of waste resources generated during cultivation and processing of coconut. The wastes generated in the process of cultivation include old coconut tree trunk, roots, withered coconut leaves, coconut flower and fallen cracking coconut, mainly used for biogas extraction, direct combustion and power generation, brewing, pharmacy, and processing of building materials; the wastes generated during processing include coconut water, coconut coat, coconut shell and coconut meal, mainly used for processing beverages, pharmaceutical products, activated carbon, medium and feed. This paper analyzes and explores some problems in the process of comprehensive utilization of coconut waste in China, such as insufficient understanding, inadequate development and lack of research efforts, and finally puts forth the corresponding development countermeasures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper combines insights from the social structures of accumulation framework, and a carefully delineated understanding of agency, to provide a conceptual and empirical contribution to the field of labour geography. This framework allows for a nuanced understanding of the complexity of the labour process as evinced by in-depth research conducted on the coconut industry in Kerala, India. The Kerala coconut industry has experienced various market changes post-agricultural liberalisation in the mid-1990s. The Government of Kerala has indicated these changes, including increasing imports of palm oil and new trade agreements, have led to a crisis; an issue of considerable importance to the state economy and farmers’ livelihoods. More recent government explanations for the crisis include a labour shortage; particularly an inadequate supply of coconut harvesters. This simplistic explanation (based on neoclassical economic models) masks the complexity of locally constituted labour dynamics in an ‘unorganised’ labour market. A more nuanced understanding reveals that labour market organisation varies by place and difficulties are more adequately explained through changing agrarian relations and the inability to sufficiently control labour. These findings lead to three primary arguments: (1) labour markets are socially and spatially structured and their regulation varies with geographical, historical and political–economic processes in particular places; (2) unorganised labour is able to regulate itself socially and informally, albeit in small ways; and (3) a structural approach is valuable to understand labour agency and the ways informal, unorganised labour is regulated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The assessment of impact of climate change on coconut, a plantation crop, is challenging. However, the development of a simulation model (InfoCrop-COCONUT) has enabled the process. We present the first simulation analysis of the potential impacts of climate change on coconut productivity in India following two approaches, namely: (i) ‘fixed increase in temperature and CO2, and (ii) scenarios as per PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impact Studies) – a regional climate model. Impact of changed management on coconut productivity in current as well as in future climates is also assessed. Climate change is projected to increase coconut productivity in western coastal region, Kerala, parts of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra (provided current level of water and management is made available in future climates as well) and also in North-Eastern states, islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep while negative impacts are projected for Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Gujarat and parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. On all India basis, even with current management, climate change is projected to increase coconut productivity by 4.3% in A1B 2030, 1.9% in A1B 2080, 6.8% in A2 2080 and 5.7% in B2 2080 scenarios of PRECIS over mean productivity of 2000–2005 period. Agronomic adaptations like soil moisture conservation, summer irrigation, drip irrigation, and fertilizer application cannot only minimize losses in majority of coconut growing regions, but also improve productivity substantially. Further, genetic adaptation measures like growing improved local Tall cultivars and hybrids under improved crop management is needed for long-term adaptation of plantation to climate change, particularly in regions that are projected to be negatively impacted by climate change. Such strategy can increase the productivity by about 33% in 2030, and by 25–32% in 2080 climate scenarios. In fact, productivity can be improved by 20% to almost double if all plantations in India are provided with above mentioned management even in current climates. In places where positive impacts are projected, current poor management may become a limiting factor in reaping the benefits of CO2 fertilization, while in negatively affected regions adaptation strategies can reduce the impacts. Thus, intensive genetic and agronomic adaptation to climate change can substantially benefit the coconut production in India. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The coconut has been expanding in recent years, due to growing demand in the sector of green coconut water. Due to this event, there is a significant generation of waste from its production. Within this context, the objective was to analyze the strategies for the use of waste coconut husks, through the use of coconut fiber in order to reduce environmental impacts and check the type and level of economic and social benefits through technology presenting potential forms of recycling to be employed through the coconut shells proposed uses of coconut fibers in order to mitigate the impacts caused by shells, enabling the production of new products. The evaluation of the potential of using waste coconut can be an alternative to reduce the space occupied by these wastes in landfills and dumps. The methodology is a bibliographical study with qualitative approach of exploratory and descriptive data collection in key areas of agribusiness and waste generation from coconut. The results describe the various techniques described for the potential use of such wastes in different ways. However, even the green coconut husks being considered as remnants of agriculture with high potential for reuse, however, unfortunately, were found rare actions taken in Brazil to take advantage of this capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article the authors discuss research investigating the performance of an improved mulberry variety Sahana as an intercrop at a coconut plantation. They note that mulberry is primarily cultivated as a mono-crop, but can provide many benefits when used in an intercropping system, such as increased total yield, land use efficiency, and control of weeds and pests. Results of a study investigating the feasibility of a growing mulberry as an intercrop under coconut shade are discussed.

The specific objective of the study is to develop a multi-market model for the analysis of alternative policy options to increase exports of coconut products from Sri Lanka. Secondary data on the production and exports of coconut products are used. Simulations indicate that depreciation of the rupee exchange rate has a significant impact on export prices, volume of exports and income of industry stakeholders, but there is no significant impact on the producer prices or producer incomes, and supply of coconut products. Simulations show that export prices of coconut products declined for the rupee exchange rate depreciations in real terms. But in nominal terms, the export prices increased to cause an increase in the exporting firms' income and government tax revenues, and a modest increase in the industry income. Depreciation of the rupee could raise the income of exporters and the government tax revenue, which could be used for investing in development of new technology or factory modernization subsidy schemes. Increased export prices can also boost processing of coconuts and encourage firms to export more coconut products. But the depreciation of the rupee has larger ramifications on the economy as a whole, thus it is not a viable policy option to choose for the long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coconut industry of North Sulawesi, one of the primary coconut-producing provinces of Indonesia, is dominated by a small number of products that are primarily exported overseas. As they only comprise a small share of the global coconut product export market, demand for coconut products from North Sulawesi is generally very elastic. Conversely, the supply of coconuts is highly inelastic, especially in the short to medium term. Hence, small shifts in supply and demand lead to large fluctuations in farmer incomes. In this context, an equilibrium displacement model is used to examine the intra-industry consequences of R&D investments in farm productivity and product development. These investments are assessed in terms of the producer surplus benefits that they generate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of packaged tender coconut water business of the privately held firm Nutty LLC in India. The company's tended coconut water (TCW) is promoted as a natural thirst quencher, a healthy drink, and a substitute for energy drinks. A brief overview of the market for packed TCW is given, along with the opportunities for both domestic and overseas market. It also discusses the communication message for promotion and advertising of the company.

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In Cuba, Baracoa region constitutes one of the main coconut producting zones of the country, as well as a diversity center for this crop. In order to obtain a sustainable agricultural development of coconut in that zone, it is necessary to maintain the genetic diversity of cultured species and preserve wild species, which is of great importance for the selection of highly productive varieties and of those that present resistance and/or tolerance to the diseases affecting the culture. Since the use of morphological and molecular studies constitute an effective and valuable way to estimate the genetic diversity of coconut population in Cuba, a molecular and morphological characterization of 21 ecotypes of green coconut (Cocos nucifera L.), belonging to a natural population of Baracoa municipality, Guantánamo province, was carried out. Fourteen descriptors were used for the morphological characterization and ISTR marker technique (Inverse Sequence Tagged Repeat) for the molecular characterization. Patterns of morphological variation between coconut ecotypes were obtained, which permitted to differ population groups in the region. The presence of characteristics of wild and domestic types described for the species was evidenced. The variables that contributed the most to characterization of ecotypes were those related with fruit components and plant morphology. ISTR analysis detected 84 % of polymorphism, showing the potentiality of this marker to carry out studies on molecular diversity in coconut. In addition, it is suggested that coconut dispersion in Baracoa region permitted the contact between different ecotypes during many generations mainly helped by the cross-pollination present in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]