Coconut Genetic Resources Network to sequence coconut genome

KOCHI: The steering committee of the Coconut Genetic Resources Network ( COGENT), which met in Kochi has decided to set up an international thematic group on coconut genomics under the leadership of India to sequence coconut genome and develop tools for coconut improvement.

The international meeting participated by representatives from 14 coconut growing countries besides representatives of Asian & Pacific Coconut Community(APCC) and Bioversity International, also decided to develop international collaborative projects on different aspects of coconut improvement especially breeding new varieties tolerant to pests and diseases and tender nut water with a view to enhancing the earning capacity of coconut growers on the one hand and stepping up export of value-added coconut products.

Hosted by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), under the Indian Council of Agriculture Research(ICAR), the meeting also took note of the urgent need to compile and update data on coconut genetic resources available in various gene banks in the COGENT countries for better utilization of coconut germ plasm.

D r George V. Thomas, d irector, CPCRI, was selected as the new chairman of COGENT for the next two years. It was decided to hold the next meeting of COGENT in Sri Lanka in 2014. Dr Thomas said the germ plasm available in India has been utilized for coconut improvement and has resulted in the development of 34 improved varieties in the country.