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The migration from the Indian state of Kerala to the Arabian Gulf is credited with giving rise to consumerist culture. The households of Gulf migrants in Kerala are found to have better access to technology and improved conditions of living. The cultural matrix in which these technologies and foreign goods made their meanings and mobilize affects is under-researched. Taking the case of a canned powdered milk, Nido, as a spectral presence of the Gulf in Kerala, this paper, veered towards a singular reading drawing on mainstream films, and a variety of Keralan Gulf migrant archives, examines the ways in which the canned milk powder entered existing cultural values and produced discourses around itself, while also being an excess to discourse. The paper illustrates the enmeshed nature of migration, in which materials cross borders and purposes, is imputed with essences, or pass on from the spectacular to the quotidian. The paper argues that the contradictions of the Gulf migration — the limits of migration induced mobility in Kerala on the one hand, and the denial of citizenship in the Gulf on the other — is resolved through spectrality that the Gulf migration is projected and experienced as. La migration de l’État indien du Kerala vers le golfe arabe est positivement percu comme moyen permettant de de donner naissance à la culture consumériste. Les ménages des migrants au Golfe, originaires du Kerala ont un meilleur accès à la technologie et à de meilleures conditions de vie. La matrice culturelle dans laquelle ces technologies et ces biens étrangers ont donné leur sens et mobilisé les affects est sous-étudiée. Prenant le cas d’un lait en poudre en conserve, Nido, comme une présence spectrale du Golfe au Kerala, cet article, tourné vers une lecture singulière adossée à des films mainstream, et à une variété d’archives de migrants du Golfe du Keralan, examine les façons dont la poudre de lait en conserve est entrée dans les valeurs culturelles existantes et a produit des discours autour de lui, tout en étant un excès de discours. Le document illustre la nature enchevêtrée de la migration, dans laquelle les objets traversent les frontières et les objectifs, est imputée, est se trouvent dottés d’une des essences, ou passentdu spectaculaire au quotidien. L’article montre que les contradictions de la migration dans le Golfe — les limites de la migration induite par la mobilité au Kerala d’une part, et le refus de la citoyenneté dans le Golfe d’autre part — sont résolues par la spectralité que la migration dans le Golfe projette et fait vivre comme expérience.

Jacqueville est une cité balnéaire d’économie fondée sur la culture de coco. Tandis que l’amande est dégustée sur les belles plages, le coco subit des transformations dans le secteur formel et informel jusqu’à son exportation. Sur la question de l’activité informelle féminine, des écrits sont encore rares dans un contexte marqué par la Covid-19. Cet article se propose à travers une recherche documentaire et une enquête de terrain de montrer l’influence de la Covid-19 sur les activités féminines de transformation et de commercialisation de noix de coco au sous-quartier ʺ Au Four ʺ de Jacqueville. Le travail porte sur un total de 26 femmes regroupées sur 4 sites. Il ressort que des femmes produisent du coprah en tant qu’étape transitoire avant la production du charbon de coque qui leur procure des revenus substantiels. Mais pendant la pandémie, les ventes, notamment du charbon de coque ont été gravement impactées sur le marché local et international, brisant leur rêve à l’autonomisation. Par conséquent, une nécessité de jeter un regard sur le protectionnisme national s’impose afin de minimiser les effets pervers de la dépendance extérieure.

To sustain epidemiological studies on coconut lethal yellowing disease (CLYD), a devastating disease in Africa caused by a phytoplasma, we developed a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for 'Candidatus Phytoplasma palmicola' based on 8 housekeeping genes. At the continental level, eight different sequence types were identified among 132 'Ca. Phytoplasma palmicola-' infected coconuts collected in Ghana, Nigeria and Mozambique where CLYD epidemics are still very active. 'Ca. Phytoplasma palmicola' appeared to be a bacterium submitted to strong bottlenecks, reducing the fixation of positively selected beneficial mutations into the bacterial population. This phenomenon, as well as a limited plant host range, could explain the observed country-specific distribution of the eight haplotypes. As an alternative means to increase fitness, bacteria can also undergo genetic exchange; however, no evidence for such recombination events were found for 'Ca. Phytoplasma palmicola'. The implications for CLYD epidemiology and prophylactic control are discussed. The usefulness of seven housekeeping genes to investigate the genetic diversity in the genus 'Candidatus Phytoplasma' is underlined. IMPORTANCE: Coconut is an important crop for both industry and small stakeholders in many intertropical countries. Phytoplasma-associated lethal yellowing-like diseases have become one of the major pests that limit coconut cultivation as they have emerged in different parts of the world. We developed a multilocus sequence typing scheme for tracking epidemics of 'Ca. Phytoplasma palmicola', which is responsible for coconut lethal yellowing disease (CLYD) on the African continent. MLST analysis applied to diseased coconut samples collected in western and eastern African countries also showed the existence of three distinct populations of 'Ca. Phytoplasma palmicola' with low intrapopulation diversity. The reasons for the observed genetic bottlenecks resulting in strong geographic patterns remain to be established but could result from the lethality of CLYD and dominance of short distance insect-mediated transmission in its spread.

The nut yield and fruit composition of 'nature (30-40 years old) West African Tall coconut palms were evaluated in seven trials during the first three years (from June 2000 to May 2003) of implementation of a five-year fertilization schedule recommended to the Coconut Sector Development Project (CSDP) for the rehabilitation of old farms in the coastal belt of the Western Region of Ghana. The seven trials are located at Jeway Wharf, Takinta, Ellenda, Nawule, AB Bokazo, Anwia and Edwakpole. Three fertilizer treatments were applied between June 2000 and May 2003. The first two fertilizers were applied in June 2000 and May 2001 at the rate of 0. 75kg urea and 2.5kg muriate of potash (MOP) per palm. For the third fertilization, 1 kg MOP only was applied per palm in May 2002. Fertilizer treatment did not affect nut yield in year one of fertilization. But in year two, the fertilized plots gained remarkably 27.7, 20.2, 19.4 and 14.9 nuts per palm at Jeway Wharf, Nawule, Ellenda and Takinta respectively. The remarkable nut gain was further boosted or sustained in year three except at Jeway wharf which lost 9.8 nuts per palm. In economic terms, Ellenda trial broke even on MOP fertilizer investment in year three while Jeway Wharf was close to breaking even. Takinta and Nawule trials made profits of 925 and 1, 750 cedis (3.7 and 7 nuts) per palm respectively in year three. For Anwia, AB Bokazo and Edwakpole trials there was no yield response to MOP fertilizer due to P deficiency. Fertilizer treatment in the first two years of fertilization did nor influence fruit composition. (Resume d'auteur)

This article aims to show the changes occurring during cryopreservation of embryos and plumules of coconut which are responsible of their death or survival. Embryos have been cryopreserved by preculture-dehydration for 24h, 28h, 30h, 34h, 38h and 48h on agar medium containing 600g/L of glucose combined with silica gel. The plumules were cryopreserved by encapsulation dehydration on solid medium containing 0.5 M, 0.75 M and 1M followed by dehydration with 40g of silica gel for different durations before rapid freezing. This study indicates that the damages undergone by seed samples can be divided into three types. The first stage of changes concerned the plasmolysis of cells with small vacuoles, condensation of chromatin, changing in the conformation of the DNA and the nucleus and stopping of mitosis. These types of changes are described in general in the context of a desiccation tolerance. The second degree of the changes was the retraction of the cytoplasm inside the cell, the increase in the periplasmic volume. The third degree of modification concerned the deformation of the walls, the invagination or the lysis of the plasma membrane resulting in the observation of distorted cells and and the bursting of the nucleus. These two types of modifications are irreversible and correspond to an absence of regrowth of the samples. Understanding the damage or changes that occur in cryopreserved cells is an important part of understanding how dehydration and frozen affect the viability of recalcitrant plants cells. These changes are made by dehydration and accentuated by freezing.

This study aimed to verify the presence of the causative agent of Lethal Yellowing which is phytoplasma in samples provided from infected coconut trees. Study was carried out by using various samples like zygotic embryo, young leaves and immature & mature inflorescences. These materials were collected from trees at the stage 1 and 2 of the disease development.. Stage 1 of disease development is characterized by leaf yellowing and the start of the falling nuts while at the stage 2 of disease development, the trees has not bear nuts longer. From infected material, DNA was extracted by three different processes and isolated DNA was amplified by PCR. 16S rRNA gene was amplified by two specific primers of phytoplama viz P1/P2 and Ghana 813/AKSR. Among the various tested materials presence of phytoplasma was reported from the mature inflorescences while the presence of the phytoplasma was not reported from the leaves and embryos of the coconut.

Plumules excised from zygotic embryos through the largest representative diversity of four of the five different areas of coconut cash and food crops were used in a cryopreservation process using encapsulation-dehydration technique. Five accessions of coconut trees were used [Panama Tall (PNT/GPA), Brazilian Green Tall (BGD/NVB), Cameroon Red Dwarf (CRD/NRC), Vanuatu Tall (VTT/VNT/GVT), and Tagnanan Tall (TAGT/GTN)] in addition to the accession model [Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD)] from which an optimal protocol was obtained. A great variability of response was observed depending on accessions with survival and growth recovery rates varying from 6 to 66% and 0 to 24% after 2 and 7 months of culture, respectively.

Coconut is both socially and economically important crop in tropical and subtropical countries, thus the conservation of existing diversity of its germplasm is vital to maintain biodiversity, sustain crop production and utilisation of germplasm for crop improvement strategies. The recalcitrant storage behavior and large size of the coconut seed make it impossible to use as a germplasm storage material. Cryopreservation is an ideal means of long-term storage of germplasm which offers long-term storage capability with minimal storage space and maintenance requirements. The coconut embryo has been now adapted by various researchers for the purpose of germplasm exchange and it is now being routinely applied in germplasm collection and exchange activities with sufficient germination rates. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of different coconut embryo transport/ storage methods [as solid endosperm plugs under cold temperature, embryos cultured in Solidified Agar Medium (SAM) or KCI solution under room temperature] on cryopreservation of plumules using encapsulation/dehydration method. The results revealed that plumules excised from embryos transported/stored in SAM and pretreated with 1.0M sucrose could by cryopreserved with 71.8% survival and 56% recovery rates. The survival and recovery could be further increased up to 77.5% and 65% respectively by supplementation of 1.0M sucrose with 20 µM ABA.

The aim of this work was to compare the production of 6-pentyl-[alpha]-pyrone (6-PP), a compound which has a strong coconut-like aroma, by Trichoderma harzianum in liquid and in solid state cultivation (LC and SSC). The same liquid medium was used to impregnate sugarcane pith bagasse, used as support in SSC. The maximum concentration of 6-PP produced by T. harzianum in SSC was 2.8 mg (g dry cell mass) -1 equivalent to 0.9 g 1-1of impregnation medium, which is 17 times higher than that obtained in LC. The glucose consumed to yield 6-PP in SSC was 52 mg (g glucose) - 1, eight times higher than that found in LC. © 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved. (Resume d'auteur)

Physicochemical characteristics of kernels from four cultivars of coconut were studied with the aim of increasing the value of coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.), the main income of most equatorial coastal farmers. Studies were undertaken on West African Tall (WAT), Malaysian Yellow Dwarf (MYD), Equatorial Guinea Green Dwarf (EGD) and the improved PB121 hybrid, PB121+. Analyses were concerned with kernel weight, thickness, dry matter, oil, proteins and soluble sugars content at six stages (ranks) of nuts maturity. Chromatographic profiles of fatty acids of extracted oils were also determined. The results showed positive interaction between cultivar and maturity stage for all examined parameters. Then, PB121+ nuts, without kernel at the beginning of maturation, had the greatest weight (358.7 g) at rank 26. Kernel thickness was maximum (13.28 mm) in WAT at rank 26 due to nuts complete maturity. Oil content increased until the highest value of 73.01% in WAT at rank 23 before decreasing. Total soluble sugars, essentially non-reducing sugars, were maximum (9.09 g/100 g) in MYD fruits at rank 26. The fatty acids profiles showed an increasing proportion of lauric acid during nuts maturation. These results indicated the possibility of specific utilisations of coconut kernels according to cultivar and maturity stage.

The product. Coconut water (Cocos nucifera L.) is an ancient tropical beverage whose original properties have drawn the attention of manufacturers as a natural functional drink. Preservation. This refreshing liquid comes mainly from immature coconuts which are difficult to collect, store and thus to commercialise. Nevertheless, some studies, mostly from Asian countries, tend to prove that the shelf life of immature coconut fruits could be prolonged thanks to post-harvest treatments. Processing. Coconut water itself, extracted from the nut, is obviously easier to handle but is also very sensitive to biological and chemical injuries. Thermal treatment combined with chemical additives are already used by the industry but other technologies such as micro- and ultrafiltration are not yet available on an industrial scale. Whatever the process, taste, aroma and colour (linked to enzymatic activities) are still difficult to control. Discussion. Results of former and recent investigations are discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for further research to increase our knowledge of this original tropical juice.

Oryctesmonoceros (Coleoptera, Dynastidae) is one of the most danger ous pests of coconut palm and oil palm plantation in Côte d'Ivoire. In order to create a method to reduce these pests' populations, a trapping trial with the pheromone was carri ed out for 4 months in the seed garden of the station "Robert Michaux" from the CNRA (Centre National de RechercheAgronomique). Two kinds of traps (PVC tube and buckets), using pheromone 4 - methyloctanoate ethyl associated with coconut palm slices or bunches residue of oil palm as attractive materials were tested. Coconut stem slices were used two and half months after felling the palms. The bunches residue of oil palm where taken one week after the machining. To assess the daily and monthly quantities of diffused pheromone, diffusers were weighed at the setting up of the experiment, t hen every month for 4 months. The traps were observed every 3 days by collecting the captured Orycte s . The number of the Oryctes captured in PVC tube varied from 15 to 18 as against 12 in buckets during the first three months, whatever the associated syner getic material. Coconut palm slices must be recommended to farmers, because associated with pheromone, they allowed the capturing of more Oryctes than bunches residue of oil palm. The replacement of the pheromone must take place every 3 months. Beyond suc h a delay, pheromone diffusers empty. The mass capture with pheromone allowed the effective controlling Oryctes in coconut farms.

A l'instar du fruit de la passion, la noix de coco reste un produit largement plus connu sous forme transformée qu'à l'état frais. L'industrie de transformation a depuis longtemps jeté son dévolu sur ces fruits tropicaux riches en saveur et en possibilités d'utilisation, alors que le marché à l'état frais demeure minoritaire en termes de volumes. Plus encore que d'autres produits, la noix de coco se retrouve sous des formes extrêmement diverses, non seulement dans le secteur alimentaire, mais également dans bien d'autres domaines comme la cosmétique, la construction et la pharmacopée. Véhiculant une image fortement marquée d'exotisme, ce fruit se heurte à son manque de praticité qui le confine à une part limitée à l'état frais dans les linéaires des distributeurs. Cependant malgré cette place marginale, la commercialisation de la noix de coco fraîche est en évolution sur les marchés européens. Quelques innovations tendant à réduire l'obstacle du décorticage pourraient relancer sa consommation dans l'avenir...

Coconut is a very important crop for millions of people in tropical countries. With coconut, in vitro culture protocols have been developed with two main objectives, viz. the large scale production of particular types of coconuts and the international exchange and conservation of coconut germplasm. The methods described in this chapter have been developed in the framework of collaborative activities between research institutes in Cote d'Ivoire and France. Two coconut embryo in vitro collecting protocols have been established, one consisting of storing the disinfected embryos in a KCl solution until they are brought back to the laboratory, where they are re-disinfected and inoculated in vitro under sterile conditions, and the other including in vitro inoculation of the embryos in the field. For international germplasm exchange, zygotic embryos inoculated in vitro in plastic test tubes or endosperm cylinders containing embryos in plastic bags are used. For in vitro culture, embryos are inoculated on semi-solid medium supplemented with sucrose and activated charcoal and placed in the dark, and then transferred to light conditions with the same (solid or liquid) medium once the first true leaf is visible and the root system has started developing.

Like passion fruit, coconuts are much better known in processed form than fresh. The processing industry has long focused on this tropical fruit that is rich in flavour and can be used in many ways whereas sales of fresh nuts are smaller in term of volume. More than other fruits, coconuts are found in extremely varied forms, not only in the food industry but also in sectors such as cosmetics, building and pharmaceuticals. Sales of fresh coconuts are marginal but growing on the European markets. They have a strongly exotic image but are difficult to use, reducing retail sales. A number of innovations to reducing the obstacle of shelling could stimulate consumption in the future.

The CDKA gene is linked to the cellular control. This gene was isolated from coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L) and a detailed expression analysis was done during somatic embryogenesis. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence showed the most important residues to be conserved. The highest homology was with Picea abies (96% similarity). Expression of the putative CnCDKA gene steadily increased during embryogenic callus formation phase when embryogenic competence is attained. In situ hybridization specified the localization of the transcripts as being mainly in a few cell layers within the meristematic centres in embryogenic calli at 90 day cultures. Analysis of CnCDKA expression at different somatic embryo formation stages showed that the expression was decreased progressively with the lowest expression in germinated somatic embryos.

Dans le cadre du Festival international de la diversité culturelle de l’UNESCO, la Délégation permanente de Thaïlande a organisé des manifestations culturelles, artistiques et scientifiques autour du thème « La soie thaïlandaise : un patrimoine culturel » entre le 18 et le 20 mai 2009 à la Maison de l’UNESCO à Paris. Cet événement se composait d'une série de colloques, d’une exposition-démonstration, d’un spectacle suivi par un défilé de mode.La soie thaïlandaise, souvent appelée « La Reine des textiles », est un produit réputé par sa beauté et son identité. Le savoir-faire de ce patrimoine est transmis de génération en génération et inclut la tradition et la culture dans chaque étape de fabrication (dévidage , filage et tissage).Arrivé en Thaïlande au lendemain de la guerre de 1944, l’Américain Jim Thompson est séduit par le pays et se passionne pour la soie tissée à la main, à l’époque tombée dans l’oubli. Dessinateur et coloriste de talent, il développe la production de la soie thaïlandaise et crée en quelques mois la Thai Silk Company qui fait travailler 200 tisseurs. La participation de Jim Thompson fut fondamentale au renouveau du tissage de la soie thaïlandaise et à la réputation qu’elle a acquit aujourd’hui., เนื่องในโอกาสเทศกาลความหลากหลายทางวัฒนธรรมนานาชาติ คณะผู้แทนถาวรไทยประจำองค์การความร่วมมือทางการศึกษา วิทยาศาสตร์และวัฒนธรรมระหว่างประเทศหรือยูเนสโก (UNESCO) ได้จัดงานวัฒนธรรม ศิลปะและวิชาการภายใต้หัวข้อ “ผ้าไหมไทย : มรดกวัฒนธรรม” ระหว่างวันที่ ๑๘ ถึง ๒๐ พฤษภาคม พ.ศ. ๒๕๕๒ ณ องค์การยูเนสโก งานดังกล่าวประกอบด้วยสัมมนา นิทรรศการ การสาธิต การแสดงและการเดินแบบผ้าไหมไทยหรือรู้จักกันในฐานะ ราชินีของผ้า เป็นผลิตภัณฑ์ที่มีชื่อเสียงทั้งในด้ามความสวยงามและความเป็นเอกลักษณ์ การผลิตไหมไทยเป็นมรดกทางวัฒนธรรมที่สืบต่อกันมาจากบรรพบุรุษสู่ลูกหลาน ในแต่ละขั้นตอนของการผลิตตั้งแต่การสาวไหม การทอผ้าไหมสะท้อนให้เห็นถึงวัฒธรรมและประเพณีการผลิตผ้าไหมในประเทศไทยมีมาตั้งแต่สมัยอารยธรรมบ้านเชียง(มีอายุประมาณ ๓,๐๐๐ ปีก่อนคริสตกาล) ในภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือของประเทศ ในปีพ.ศ. ๒๔๔๕ พระบาทสมเด็จพระจุลจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัวมีพระราชดำริในการยกคุณภาพการผลิตผ้าไหมไทย โดยการเชิญผู้เชี่ยวชาญจากประเทศญี่ปุ่นมาอบรบเทคนิคการผลิต การเลี้ยงไหมและการทอผ้าไหมแก่ชาวบ้าน แต่อย่างไรก็ตามผ้าไหมไทยก็ยังไม่เป็นที่รู้จักในต่างประเทศ จนกระทั่งจิม ทอมสัน ชาวอเมริกันได้นำผ้าไหมไทยไปตัดเย็บเป็นเครื่องแต่งกายนักแสดงในละครเรื่อง กษัตริย์และฉัน ในปี พ.ศ. ๒๔๙๔ นับแต่นั้นมาผ้าไหมไทยก็เป็นที่นิยมในระดับนานาชาติประวัติความเป็นมาและศิลปะการทักทอที่เป็นเอกลักษณ์กลายเป็นมูลค่าเพิ่มที่สำคัญต่อผลิตภัณฑ์ผ้าไหมของไทยซึ่งเป็นที่นิยมจากชาวไทยและชาวต่างชาติในปัจจุบัน ผ้าไหมไทยเป็นของที่ระลึกทำรายได้ปีละประมาณ ๓,๐๐๐ ล้านบาท และส่งออกไปยังตลาดต่างประเทศปีละ ๙๐๐-๑,๐๐๐ ล้านบาทเพื่อเป็นการพัฒนาไหมไทยให้มีคุณภาพและได้มาตรฐานสากล กระทรวงเกษตรและสหกรณ์ได้ประกาศใช้เครื่องหมายรับรองตรานกยูงซึ่งได้รับพระราชทานจากสมเด็จพระนางเจ้าพระบรมราชินีนาถ เป็นเครื่องหมายรับรองชนิดเส้นไหม และกรรมวิธีการผลิตผ้าไหม ซึ่งสามารถแบ่งได้เป็น ๔ ชนิด คือ นกยูงสีทองเป็นผ้าไหมที่ผลิตโดยใช้เส้นไหมและวัตถุดิบตลอดจนกระบวนการผลิตที่เป็นการอนุรักษ์ภูมิปัญญาพื้นฐานดั้งเดิมของไทย นกยูงสีเงินเป็นผ้าไหมที่ผลิตขึ้นโดยยังคงอนุรักษ์ภูมิปัญญาพื้นบ้านผสมผสานกับการประยุกต์ใช้เครื่องมือและกระบวนการผลิตบางขั้นตอน นกยูงสีน้ำเงินเป็นผ้าไหมที่ผลิตด้วยภูมิปัญญาของไทยแบบประยุกต์ใช้เทคโนโลยีการผลิตเข้ากับสมัยนิยมและเชิงธุรกิจ นกยูงสีเขียวเป็นผ้าไหมที่ผลิตด้วยกระบวนการผลิตและเทคโนโลยีสมัยใหม่ผสมผสานภูมิปัญญาไทยในด้านลวดลายและสีสันระหว่างเส้นใยแท้กับเส้นใยอื่นๆ ที่มาจากธรรมชาติ หรือเส้นใยสังเคราะห์รูปแบบต่างๆขอขอบคุณ คุณอรชาต สืบสิทธิ์ รองผู้แทนถาวรไทยประจำยูเนสโก ในการอนุญาตคณะศูนย์จดหมายเหตุโสตทัศน์เพื่อการวิจัยถ่ายทำเทศกาลวัฒนธรรมนี้ รวมทั้งเผยแพร่มรดกวัฒนธรรมนี้ต่อผู้ชมจากทั่วโลก และคุณจุลลดา มีจุล หัวหน้าฝ่ายวิชาการและพัฒนาเครือข่าย สถาบันพิพิธภัณฑ์การเรียนรู้แห่งชาติ ในการเป็นล่ามภาษาไทยและฝรั่งเศสในสัมมนาต่างๆตลอดเทศกาล

Cette brochure abondamment illustrée en couleurs et destinée à un large public a été réalisée à l'occasion du salon de l'agriculture 2007, pour lequel le Cirad avait choisi pour son stand le thème des palmacées, et en particulier du cocotier et du palmier à huile

Ce stage a contribué à l'étalonnage d'un spectromètre proche infrarouge FOSS NIRSystem modèle 6500 pour la mesure de la composition biochimique de poudres d'amandes de noix de coco lyophilisées originaires de Côte d'Ivoire et du Vanuatu. Les équations d'étalonnage ont été réalisées à l'aide de l'analyse en composantes principales (ACP) et de la méthode de régression linéaire des moindres carrés partiels (PLS) sur le logiciel WINISI. Les performances du modèle sont intéressantes en ce qui concerne les teneurs en saccharose et sucres totaux de l'amande. Elles peuvent être améliorées pour la prédiction des teneurs en sorbitol et lipides en augmentant la taille de notre base spectrale proche infrarouge. Le modèle a permis la prédiction des teneurs en sucres totaux de nombreux échantillons d'amandes puis une analyse statistique descriptive des données a permis de répondre à nos questions concernant la qualité des fruits du cocotier. Il a ainsi été établi qu'il n'y avait pas de gradient de maturité au sein d'un régime de noix et qu'il existe des différences importantes entre les deux hybrides de cocotier en terme de cinétique de maturation.

Forty-four fungal strains capable of growing at temperatures above 50 C were isolated from different samples of soil and coconut residues collected in Mexican tropical and subtropical regions. These thermophilic and thermotolerant fungal strains were identified by microscopical analysis using standard procedures. Three species were identified: Rhizomucor pusillus (Lindt)Schipper (19 strains), Rhizopus microsporus van Tieghem (6 strains), and Aspergillus fumigatus Fresenius (19 strains). Four strains identified as Rhizopus microsporus were ascribed to the variety rhizopodiformis; however, the other two strains showed new characteristics which require further analysis, such as a homothallic sexual reproduction. Aspergillus fumigatus was found in coconut residues as a common contaminant during the isolation of other thermophilic species. Strains were isolated from samples containing a high content of lipids (mainly from coconut coprah), and accordingly extracellular lipase biosynthesis was directly confirmed in Petri dishes for every strain.

Le programme d'intérêt commun CIRAD/CNRA porte sur plusieurs actions de recherche autour du cocotier. L'action 3 de ce programme a pour intitulé "Adaptation des cultivars à la diversification des usages du cocotier et définition des critères de qualité". Elle a fait l'objet d'une précédente mission en Octobre/Novembre 2001; mission qui a permis de définir un programme d'action accompagné d'un calendrier. Les étapes sont les suivantes: - Janvier à mars 2002: Bibliographie et série d'enquêtes auprès des producteurs, transformateurs, consommateurs, exportateurs de produits du cocotier. - Mars à avril 2002: Analyse des enquêtes, de la bibliographie et établissement d'une première liste exhaustive de critères d'aptitude technologique et de critères de qualité. - Mai 2002: Réunion avec les chercheurs, agronomes, sélectionneurs, technologues pour réduire la liste de ces critères à une liste plus pertinente et définir les priorités d'actions. - Juin à juillet 2002: Présentation de la liste aux utilisateurs de produits du cocotier pour validation (optionnel mais fortement recommandé). - Juillet à octobre 2002: Orientation et définition du projet global de recherche entrant dans le cadre du PIC avec écriture des modules de recherche et protocoles correspondants. Le présent rapport va donc faire le point sur les travaux du premier semestre concernant l'action 3. Cette action repose essentiellement, pour le CNRA, sur la thèse de Mlle Rebecca ASSA. En parallèle aux actions du PIC, il sera présenté les conditions de mise en route d'un protocole intitulé "Elaboration de la qualité des noix de coco" dont les résultats devraient contribuer à l'avancement des connaissances sur la thématique du PIC.

The current mission has been asked to identify and evaluate 'business opportunities' for small to medium scale rural agro-processing activities. In this context rural agro-processing means activities that add value to the product at a fairly simple level that occurs in the production area/village/small town for the benefit of the entrepreneur or grower. It does not mean large scale, high cost, and complex industrial factories. The product means all coconut products including but not exclusively coconut meat, copra, coconut oil, soap, coconut fibre, coconut shell, coconut timber etc. In fact the oil and soap industry is already fairly well developed in Mozambique so it is expected that the specialist will concentrate on the other by-products of the coconut. Detailed information will be required for each processing option of the various by-products in particular: 1. Market data for the processed end product in local, regional and international markets. C&F prices/quality requirements and size of current and potential demand for each product. Competitor analysis. 2. Technological processes involved for each of the products. This should include a description of the process, the range of sizes of each process option including input and output volumes, cost of equipment and labour requirement (quantitative and qualitative). 3. Specifications and restriction, if any, applicable to the raw material supply, regarding varieties, physical condition and quality. 4. For each product and process finally chosen, an outline business plan will need to be prepared. This should include a value chain analysis. Regarding the work plan for the coconut specialist he will be required to: - Visit the two coconut producing provinces (approximately 6 days in total). - Provide round-table input during discussion with the rest of the team. - His written output will include a summary of the potential activities for each by-product and reason for rejection or selection for processing, as well as an outline business plan for the processing options chosen.

Durant les 4 dernières années (1995-1998), une collaboration visant à améliorer la micropropagation du cocotier par embryogenèse somatique a fonctionné sur un projet européen STD3 avec 5 équipes : 3 laboratoires européens (Wye College en Grande-Bretagne, l'Université d'Hannovre et le CIRAD-ORSTOM), et 2 laboratoires de pays producteurs (le PCA, Philippines Coconut Authority et le CICY au Mexique, Centro de Investigacion Cientifica de Yucatan). Les principaux objectifs du projet étaient : l'obtention de lignées de cals hautement embryogènes en utilisant différents types d'explants (feuilles immatures, inflorescences immatures et plumules d'embryons zygotiques); l'identification de marqueurs pour la potentialité embryogène (marqueurs histologiques et protéiques); la quantification des régulateurs de croissance endogènes et le devenir des régulateurs exogènes, pendant l'initiation de l'embryogenèse somatique en présence de charbon de bois activé; l'étude de la physiologie du vitroplant en utilisant la croissance #in vitro# d'embryons zygotiques comme modèle pour l'optimisation du développement des plantules. Cette communication présente les principaux résultats obtenus dans ce projet

Coconut cultivation is suffering from the low competitiveness and the discouraging low prices of copra. The three possible solutions examined in this communication are the crop intensification, the integration of coconut in intercropping and the diversification of the uses made of coconut involving processing into a wide range of established or new products reputed to be more lucrative. The diversification of coconut products is a preferential way of reviving this crop. However success greatly depends on how the new companies which would be involved in these products of diversification succeed in satisfactorily and profitably supplying the targeted markets. The characteristics of these markets, the production context, and the technologies to be chosen have to be carefully examined. Coconut research has a major role to play in the process of developing diversified processing activities, for example by participating in the crucial feasibility studies on technical and production context aspects. However, market analysis requires the involvment of professionals from the marketing and distribution sectors using to work with large international companies. CIRAD is ready to share its expertise with future entrepreneurs in the coconut sector.