Breeding using parents of restricted origins

Abstract

Abstract Breeding using parental lines of restricted origins (BPROs) is a term used to give a description of populations that can be traced back to specific origins. Breeding material available at Verdant is obtained via Dami Oil Palm Research Station (Papua New Guinea). BPROs have been conserved and, or developed independently by selfing, sib crossing, and inter-progeny crossing within the BPRO. Deli Dura is a well-known female breeding population along with the famous AVROS male lines. Other breeding materials being conserved, targeted, and developed by Verdant include: Calabar, Sibiti, and Ekona materials, plus other breeding materials initially received from the former Binga Research Station, Democratic Republic of Congo. Verdant is also exploiting several lines of La Mé material. Breeding using marker-defined genotypes is deployed to target breeding using selected parents. Progeny and palms with distinct genetic variation and complementary traits can be identified by in-depth genotyping (e.g., Diversity Array Technology, DArT marker analysis) – PCoA plots generated from DArT show distinct diversity clusters within and among breeding materials. AVROS and Deli Dura breeding materials are separated by relatively large genetic distances, which may account, in part, for their success in producing commercial Teneras. The PCoA plots also show that Deli Duras are distinct from Dabou and Angola Duras. Variation in Pisifera germplasm is associated with allelic variation at the SHELL gene (Sh). Various Sh allelic combinations are found in the BPRO materials: A/A, 1/1, and 8/8.