The Malayan Green Dwarf (MGD) coconut is another highly popular and significant dwarf variety, closely related to the Malayan Orange Dwarf (MOD) and Malayan Yellow Dwarf (MYD).
Malayan Green Dwarf Coconut
Color: As the name suggests, the nuts of the Malayan Green Dwarf are distinctly green in color throughout their development, though the shade of green can vary.
Height: It is a true dwarf variety, typically reaching a manageable height of 5-7 meters (15-23 feet) at maturity and lifespan around 40-50 years
Bearing Age: One of its most attractive features is its early bearing. MGD palms generally start producing fruits within 3-4 years of planting, and sometimes even earlier under optimal conditions. This provides a quick return on investment for farmers.
Yield: Malayan Green Dwarf is a high-yielding dwarf variety. It can produce an average of 100-20 nuts per palm per year, with 400-500 ml of water even up to1000ml.
Spacing: Due to its dwarf nature, MGD can be planted at closer spacing compared to tall varieties, typically around 6 to 7.5 meters (20-25 feet) apart to ensure proper air circulation and sunlight exposure.
The Malayan Green Dwarf is a reliable and highly productive dwarf coconut variety, particularly valued for its delicious tender coconut water and its inherent resistance to some of the most challenging coconut diseases.
- Watering: Water the young plants regularly, especially during the first year. Mature trees require less frequent watering but still need consistent moisture.
- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK ratio of 8:4:12) quarterly to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.Mulching: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture and control weeds.
- Pruning: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged fronds to maintain tree health and appearance. Prune fruit stalks once the fruits have been harvested to encourage new growth.
- Pest Control: Inspect the tree regularly for pests like mealybugs, scale insects, and mites. Apply appropriate insecticides or biological control methods as needed.
- Disease Prevention: Monitor the tree for signs of fungal or bacterial infections. Implement proper sanitation and cultural practices to minimize the risk of disease.
