Identification of High-Sugar Dwarf Coconut Varieties for Coconut Water-Based Sugar Production in Côte d'Ivoire"

Abstract

Coconut cultivation is a vital cash crop with significant potential for employment generation, particularly for youth and women. Its diverse applications in the agro-industry include the use of coconut water for consumption (beverage) and the production of sugar suitable for diabetic diets. This study aimed to identify high-sugar-yielding dwarf coconut varieties in Côte d'Ivoire. Ten dwarf cultivars were selected from the international collection, and a total of 150 nuts, 9-month-old nuts were harvested from 50 randomly selected trees (3 nuts per cultivar), were analyzed. Biochemical parameters, including Brix level, dry matter, pH, reducing and total sugars, and macronutrient content, were determined using standard methods. Among the varieties, the Malayan Red Dwarf exhibited the lowest dry matter content (6.22±0.32%), while the Sri Lanka Green Dwarf had the highest (7.46±0.05%). All cultivars exceeded the Codex Alimentarius 2022 standard of 5.0% Brix, with green cultivars such as Tacunan Green Dwarf, Thailand Green Dwarf, Brazil Green Dwarf, Pilipog Green Dwarf, and Sri Lanka Green Dwarf showing total soluble solids values close to or above 7. In conclusion, these high-Brix cultivars are suitable for coconut water sugar production.