COAXIM, an innovative protocol for mass clonal propagation of coconuts

1st International Scientific Conference on Coconut Research and Development 27-30 November 2023 - Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines ( Hybrid )

COAXIM (COconut AXIllary Meristems) is an innovative protocol mainly aims to accelerate coconut-seedling production. Currently, coconut production is falling short of world demand, and as more of the world’s coconut palm population becomes senile, and is threatened by pests, diseases and climate change, the greater will be the shortfall in coconut supply. The impact is two-fold, firstly it will have a profound economic impact on smallholder farmers and secondly, declining coconut supply will constrain the coconut industry.
COAXIM has the potential to be the industry changer! Firstly, it provides a pathway for mass clonal propagation of coconut plants with identical characteristics to allow propagating and planting solely elite trees. Secondly, the propagation protocol is cost effective and user-friendly and can be applied in all tissue culture laboratories. Thirdly it can be used to conserve coconut genetic resources.
To deliver these benefits to the industry, the COAXIM protocol has a three-step action plan. Phase 1 aims to attract an initial investment of USD750,000 for refining the protocol,and producing and screening 500 seedlings during a 3-to-5-year period. In phase 2, COAXIM will concurrently provide the springboard for mass coconut seedling production to begin. This will entail an investment-raising roadshow between year 3 and 5. In phase 3, from year 7 onwards, COAXIM will supply an initial 3 million coconut seedlings.
To deliver on this action plan and to provide sufficient coconut planting materials to meet global demand, we require a coordinated and concerted effort to identify and access funding and to form regional partnerships.