Comprehensive PGPM Program for Coconut Cultivation

Posted by Coco Grove on Feb 4, 2025

A well-designed Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms (PGPM) program can greatly enhance the health, productivity, and sustainability of coconut farming. Below is a step-by-step PGPM program tailored for coconut cultivation:

1. Seedling Stage

Objective: Ensure early establishment of beneficial microbes for healthy root and shoot development.

PGPM Application:
- Dip the coconut seedlings’ root system in a bio-fertilizer slurry containing:
  - Azospirillum brasilense (nitrogen fixer)
  - Pseudomonas fluorescens (phosphate solubilizer and biocontrol agent)
  - Trichoderma viride (biocontrol agent against root diseases)
- Dosage: 10 g or 10 mL of each PGPM per liter of water.
Benefits:
- Improved root colonization.

Disease prevention at the early stages.

2. Land Preparation and Planting

Objective: Enhance soil microbial diversity and prepare a healthy environment for coconut trees.

Soil Enrichment:
- Incorporate 2–5 kg of well-decomposed organic manure per planting pit, enriched with:
  - Bacillus megaterium (phosphate solubilizer)
  - Bacillus mucilaginosus (potassium mobilizer)
  - Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (Glomus spp.).
- Apply Trichoderma-enriched compost to prevent soilborne pathogens.
Benefits:
- Enriched soil fertility and structure.
- Better nutrient availability and protection from pathogens.

3. Vegetative Stage

Objective: Support rapid growth and nutrient uptake during canopy development.

PGPM Application:
- Soil Drenching:
  - Use Azospirillum and Azotobacter for nitrogen fixation.
  - Bacillus spp. for phosphorus and potassium solubilization.
  - Dosage: 200 g per tree applied to the root zone twice a year.
- Foliar Spray:
  - Use PGPM-based liquid biofertilizers containing:
    - Pseudomonas fluorescens to enhance growth and provide biocontrol.
    - Trichoderma for pest resistance.
  - Dosage: 2–3 mL per liter of water, applied every 3 months.
Benefits:
- Faster growth and better root-shoot ratio.
- Protection from leaf diseases like blight and spots.

4. Flowering and Fruiting Stage

Objective: Enhance flowering, fruit set, and nut quality.
- PGPM Application:
  - Soil Application:
    Apply AMF (Glomus intraradices) and potassium solubilizing bacteria (Bacillus mucilaginosus).
    Dosage: 500 g per tree applied at the start of flowering.
  - Foliar Spray:
    Use a bio-stimulant formulation containing Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma harzianum to enhance fruit set.
    Dosage: 2–3 mL per liter of water, every 3 months during flowering.
- Benefits:
  - Improved nutrient uptake for higher quality nuts.
  - Reduced flower and nut drop due to stress tolerance.

5. Maintenance Stage (Mature Trees)

Objective: Sustain productivity and manage long-term health.

PGPM Application:
- Annual Soil Application:
  - Mix 1–2 kg of PGPM-enriched compost (containing Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, and Trichoderma) into the soil around the root zone.
- Irrigation:
  - Inject PGPM solutions containing AMF and potassium-solubilizing bacteria through drip irrigation.
Benefits:
- Continued protection against diseases and pests.
- Enhanced resistance to drought and nutrient deficiencies.

Program Schedule

Stage	Application Type	Frequency	PGPM Used
Seedling Stage	Root Dip	One-time	Azospirillum, Trichoderma
Vegetative Stage	Soil Drench/Foliar Spray	Every 3–6 months	Azospirillum, Pseudomonas
Flowering Stage	Soil/Foliar	Every 3 months	AMF, Pseudomonas fluorescens
Maintenance Stage	Soil/Foliar/Drip	Annually/Seasonal	Trichoderma, AMF