Analysis of growth in the oil palm II. Estimation of genetic variances of growth parameters and yield of fruit bunches

✍ Scribed by J. J. Hardon; R. H. V. Corley; S. C. Ool

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1972
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 411 KB
• Volume: 21
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0014-2336
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00036765

✦ Synopsis

Vegetative and yield measurements were made in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq .) breeding experiments leading to estimates of genetic variance for yield of fruit bunches, Crop Growth Rate, Leaf Area, Leaf Area Index, Leaf Area Ratio, Vegetative Dry Matter Production and Bunch Index (dry matter in fruit bunches/total dry matter) . Results suggest the presence of genetic variability for all the traits examined, and indications are that BI, LAI and VDM have a reasonable level of genetic control . The data are discussed in relation to breeding and it is suggested that instead of straightforward selection for high yield of individual palms, a more promising approach may be to select for palms that at high planting densities maintain reasonable BI values .