Oil Palm Inflorescence Sex Ratio and Fruit Set Assessment in dura × pisifera Biparental Progenies on Fibric Peat Soil

Abstract

This study investigated oil palm inflorescence sex ratio (ISR) and fruit set (FS) yield among 24 dura × pisifera biparental progenies on fibric peat soil, hybridized from ten genetic origins. Three-month intervals of data collection on ISR and “S-shape” procedure for FS determination were carried out in an independent complete randomized design for one year. Based on the assessment of individual progenies, analysis of variance revealed the existence of genetic heterogeneity. Five of the progenies had the highest ISR above 90%. However, 20.83% of the progenies (PK4841, PK4674, ECPHP415, ECPHP550, and PK4118) had the best normal range of ISR, indicating FS declined being influenced by ISR. Therefore, only 12.50% of the progenies (PK4674, PK4465, and PK4482) were above 60% FS critical level. Correlation analysis verified that ISR depends on the female flower and progeny PK4674 (65.78%) and PK4465 (62.62%) had the best FS and fruit to bunch. Among the parental origins, Deli Serdang × Cameroon was statistically the best for male flower production at 29.40% and ISR at 72.22%. The highest FS was recorded in Deli Banting × AVROS (54.00%) and Angola × AVROS (53.78%). However, molecular research, such as microsatellite molecular markers if concurrently used as a selection criterion with the present conventional study, could present further details to complement the present findings.

An analysis of sex ratio value, fruit set and fruit to bunch of palm oil Socfindo MT Gano variety on mature plants (MP1, MP2, MP3)

“…The hatch & carry technique has been applied in several orchards in Indonesia and has succeeded in increasing the initial fruit set. This technique is generally performed on TM 1-3 which has a low fruit set value and a very high-interest sex ratio [13].…”

Factors Affecting Pollination and Pollinators in Oil Palm Plantations: A Review with an Emphasis on the Elaeidobius kamerunicus Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

“…Several factors can increase male inflorescence production, including planting material, frond production, soil type, and palm age. Research by Swaray et al [ 5 ] revealed that both oil palm frond production and soil type play a significant role in male inflorescence production. Specifically, peat soil and tissue-cultured planting materials have been found to result in a decline in male inflorescence production.…”

“…Therefore, oil palm breeders should prioritize breeding and selecting high-quality planting materials that produce male flowers with viable pollen. Among oil palm DxP progenies, Deli Serdang × Cameroon has been reported to have the highest production of male inflorescences, with a mean value of 29.40% [ 5 ]. Another factor that can influence male inflorescence production in oil palm is aging, as reported by Corley and Gray [ 101 ], who found that the inflorescence sex ratio declines from 90% to below 60% as the palm ages when cultivated on Malaysia’s coastal soils, with cultivation ages of 4 and 15 years, respectively, after planting.…”

“…This is because oil palm trees require cross-pollination to produce fruit, and the extent of cross-pollination can affect the yield of the crop. Palm oil-producing countries including Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Colombia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia are grappling with a decline in oil palm fruit set (FS), leading to a decrease in fresh fruit bunch (FFB) and oil yield [ 5 ]. This decline in fruit set is particularly worrisome for oil palm growers in Malaysia, where reports of low fruit set have resulted in a significant reduction in fresh fruit bunch yield, from 17.16 tons per hectare (t/ha) in 2018 to 17.89 t/ha in 2017 [ 6 ].…”

Application of Oil Palm Dissection Method to Predict Bunch Production in Commercial-Scale Oil Palm Plantation

“…The number OPD bunches is higher than the actual because it is calculated based on total potential bunches that can be harvested over the next 18 months without any reduction over failure of inflorescence development. Whereas potential availability of number of ripe bunches that can be harvested after the sex determination phase can be reduced because of abortion of female flowers and bunch failure [11,47,50]. Based on actual bunch number, percentage error of OPD prediction between 10 -32% can be combined with other factors to determine value of correction factor for bunch loss.…”