Work done by Coconut Research Institute, Sri Lanka, on the genetics and breeding of the coconut palm from 1930 to 1980 is described.
It involves studies on; mass selection methods, selection differential, progeny trials, inbreeding depression, estimation of genetic parameters, construction selection indices and varietal hybridization.
Two improved varieties CRIC 65 have been produced. An isolated seed garden was established for the large scale prodcution os seed of the improved varieties.