Genomic architecture and breeding trade-offs of coconut drought tolerance
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Brook, Theodore
Piponi, katarina
Collins, tilly
Savolainen, Vincent
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Climate change threatens coconut palms (Cocos nucifera), a vital tropical crop supporting millions, with yields projected to drop nearly 50%. We assessed drought tolerance in over four thousand trees from the world’s largest coconut collection in Côte d'Ivoire, using 30 years of yield and climate data. Our reaction norm modelling approach revealed substantial variation in drought tolerance and a potential trade-off with yield. Using a quantitative genomic approach, we identified a substantial heritable component, highlighting the potential for genomic selection approaches in breeding climate-resilient coconuts.
Date Acceptance
2026-06-30
Citation
Plants, People, Planet
ISSN
2572-2611
Publisher
Wiley
Journal / Book Title
Plants, People, Planet
Copyright Statement
Copyright This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the Version of Record (VoR) will be available on immediate open access.
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted