STIM27 Coconut Stimulant Trial Results - Sep-24 to Nov-24
In September 2024, STIM27 was applied as a single treatment to 16 adult Malaysian Dwarf Coconut palms. By November 2024, 15 of these palms showed positive signs of regeneration, with new leaves, emerging inflorescences, and no signs of nut drop or scarring from coconut mites. One palm showed signs of emerging leaves but no inflorescence.
Conversely, in October 2024, five juvenile (less than 3 years old) palms with advanced signs of nematode damage were treated with STIM27. Unfortunately, they showed severe phytotoxicity and did not survive.
The trials give positive indication that STIM27 improves fluid sap circulation and delivers targeting treatments that neutralize red-ring nematodes and coconut beetles in adult palms. This also promotes new growth and attracts pollinators. However, young palms with severe damage do not seem to recover, emphasizing the need to develop a robust tool to identify early signs of infection for STIM27 treatment.
Further large-scale trials are planned to assess STIM27's effectiveness, including lager scale tests on aged, allogamous palms as well palms affected by red-ring nematodes and beetles. Smaller scale tests on its effectiveness against Lethal Yellowing disease are also to be pursued.
The published summary of trial is given below:
