Abstract

Sawn timber output (m3) and recovery were measured for 10 trees of varying heights in each of 4 groups: I, non-diseased senile palms (ht. 8-16 m, about 70 yr old)and II-IV root wilt-diseased palms (ht. 12-20 m) of 3 age classes, II 55-65 yr, III 35-45 yr and IV 15-25 yr. Sample trees were from Trichur District, Kerala. Recovery was highest (av. 26. 5) for group I and only slightly less (av. 24. 5) for group II, but much lower for groups III (av. 16. 2) and IV (av. 11. 9) . Linear and quadratic regression equations were established separately for the relations between ht. and sawn timber output for non-diseased and diseased palmsthe quadratic equations were only slightly more accurate. The equations enable the prediction of output from ht. This work is one of the first steps in investigating the utilization aspects of the large amounts of coconut wood which will become available during systematic cutting of senile and diseased palms in Kerala. The state has about 700 000 ha under