Explore key factors affecting coconut button shedding, from environmental stress to management practices, with this medium-difficulty horticulture quiz. Perfect for testing agricultural knowledge on coconut flowering and yield challenges.
Which environmental stress is most commonly associated with causing excessive coconut button shedding during early nut development?
Explanation: Drought often stresses coconut palms, leading to increased shedding of young nuts or 'buttons' due to water scarcity. Frost is rare in coconut-growing areas, heavy shading may reduce yield but is a less direct shedding trigger, and waterlogging can harm roots but commonly causes other symptoms besides shedding at the button stage.
In a garden with poor coconut yield, you notice high button drop despite normal rainfall. What is a likely non-environmental cause of this problem?
Explanation: Poor pollination results in more immature nuts being shed since fertilized ovaries are needed for nut development. Excessive fertilizer can cause other issues but not specifically button drop; mulching generally conserves moisture; regular pest control, if done appropriately, does not cause shedding.
Deficiency of which nutrient is notably linked to increased button shedding in coconut palms?
Explanation: Boron is crucial for reproductive development, and its deficiency often leads to abnormal nut set and increased button shedding. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium are essential for growth and vigor, but boron most directly affects button retention.
Which pest is commonly associated with increased button shedding by damaging flower structures in coconut agriculture?
Explanation: Rhinoceros beetles can damage flower stalks, increasing button drop. Coconut mites affect developing nuts but are less linked to flower stage issues; red palm weevils mainly cause trunk damage; fruit flies are not a major coconut pest.
What is considered one effective agronomic method to reduce coconut button shedding in plantations?
Explanation: Timely irrigation helps prevent water stress, supporting button retention. Frequent pruning is typically for removing dead fronds; dense planting can increase competition; late harvesting affects mature nuts rather than buttons.