Stop the Drop! Coconut Flower & Fruit Care Quiz Quiz

Enhance your understanding of coconut flowering and fruit management in horticulture with this medium-difficulty quiz. Learn about environmental and physiological factors affecting coconut flower health.

1. Factors Influencing Coconut Flowering

   Which environmental factor most significantly affects the initiation and development of coconut inflorescence in plantations across tropical regions?

   1. Altitude above sea level
   2. Wind speed
   3. Rainfall pattern
   4. Clay soil presence

   Explanation: Rainfall pattern most significantly affects coconut flowering because consistent moisture is needed for inflorescence development. Clay soil influences drainage but is not an environmental trigger. Wind speed mainly influences pollination, not flower initiation. Altitude only rarely affects typical coconut-growing areas, as they are generally at low elevations.

2. Male and Female Flower Ratio Impact

   Why is a high ratio of male to female flowers in a coconut inflorescence generally considered unfavorable for fruit production?

   1. It causes soil nutrient depletion
   2. It limits potential nut formation
   3. It increases pest infestations
   4. It leads to excessive flowering

   Explanation: A high male-to-female flower ratio reduces the number of female flowers, which are the only ones that develop into fruits. While excessive flowering and pests can be issues, these are not directly linked to flower gender ratio. Soil nutrient depletion is more related to tree density and fertilization than flower balance.

3. Role of Pollination in Fruit Set

   In a scenario where coconut palms are not producing nuts despite abundant flowering, which horticultural factor is most likely responsible?

   1. Use of sandy loam soil
   2. Inadequate pollination
   3. Harvesting young coconuts
   4. Over-irrigation

   Explanation: Inadequate pollination is a primary reason for poor fruit set even when flowers are abundant, as both self- and cross-pollination are needed for nut formation. Over-irrigation can cause root problems but does not usually prevent fruit set from flowers. Sandy loam soil is acceptable for coconuts. Harvesting immature fruits affects yield but not the initial fruit set.

4. Flower Drop Causes

   Which of the following is a common physiological cause for premature dropping of coconut flowers in young palms?

   1. Low pH water
   2. Pruning too frequently
   3. Harvesting with a sharp sickle
   4. Nutrient deficiency

   Explanation: Nutrient deficiency, especially of boron and other micronutrients, commonly leads to premature flower drop. Pruning does not directly cause flower drop. Low pH water can affect roots in the long run but is not a direct or common cause. The harvesting method mainly impacts mature nuts, not flowers.

5. Best Practice for Reducing Flower and Fruit Drop

   What is the most effective horticultural practice to minimize flower and young fruit drop in coconut plantations?

   1. Regular irrigation and balanced fertilization
   2. Topping the trees annually
   3. Spraying leaves with sugar solution
   4. Increasing shade with intercrops

   Explanation: Consistent watering and proper nutrient management help coconut palms maintain healthy flowers and fruit set. Topping trees and adding shade are not recommended practices and can harm coconut production. Spraying sugar solution is not an evidence-based method for reducing flower or fruit drop.