Sulphur Deficiency in Coconuts, a Widespread Field Condition in Papua and New Guinea-Part II.

Abstract

Sulphur deficiency causes coconut palms to produce defective rubbery copra which has poor ,physical and chemical qualities. The copra has a low oil content, high moisture absorbing properties, high sugar, ash and nitrogen contents. The oil extracted contains high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids causing high iodine values and low saponification values. It is shown that this is probably due to the high proportion of testa to kernel.