Fruit growth and lipid accumulation in the solid endosperm of ta xanh coconut cultivar (Cocos nucifera L.)

Abstract

This study is conducted to discover the relationship between the growth ta xanh coconut fruit and lipid accumulation in its endosperm. During the fruit development period, several criteria are determined, such as the fresh and dry weight of the crustal or seed, the amount of glucose, protein and lipid in the liquid and solid endosperm. The growth period of ta xanh coconut fruit is 12 months and is divided into four stages, lasting from fruit set to harvest. Each stage lasts about three months: (1) young fruit stage, (2) the growth fruit stage, (3) the growth solid endosperm stage (coconut meat), (4) the maturation and ripening stage. In particular, the young fruit period is the slow growth period of the fruit, followed by the second stage that is marked by a rapid growth of fruit in crustal and liquid endosperm (coconut milk). At the end of this stage, the liquid endosperm not only reaches the maximum size and weight but also contains the highest level of glucose and starch. During the third stage (7th - 9th month), the volume and content (glucose and starch) of the liquid endosperm remain stable. In this stage, the solid endosperm is formed from the liquid endosperm. The final stage is that of reducing the volume of the liquid endosperm whereas the embryo and solid endosperm grow significantly. Additionally, maximum lipid accumulation occurred in both liquid and solid endosperm.