Assessing D×D oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) genotypes for relevant bunch traits: Implication for promising breeding lines development

Abstract

The study was carried out during 2021, 2022 and 2023 at ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh with aim to improve characterization and utilization of oil palm genotypes developed from African mother palms (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). The clustering pattern, variability, correlation, principal component analysis and path analysis of 143 genotypes were done with the support of bunch parameters to better know the variations among them. Genotypic correlations among factors impacting oil yield describe the true link by excluding any environmental impacts. It has been noted that dura genotypes exhibit a wide range of variability in terms of yield and bunch components, which can be exploited and expanded for oil palm breeding lines development. Six oil palm dura genotypes (G9, G44, G119, G77, G142, and G124) have been identified as superior for commercial production of D × P hybrid oil palm planting materials due to their high oil to bunch percentage (OB) (>20%). Genotype G77 identified as the best performer in terms of high OB (26%), weight of oil (2%) and mesocarp-to-fruit ratio (83.20%). It is concluded that mesocarp-to-fruit ratio, oil to wet mesocarp, fruit to bunch ratio, bunch weight, total number of fruits and weight of oil are the best traits for selection and utilization to improve the existing oil palm germplasm. Further, use of these selected materials for commercial production could boost oil yield compared to the presently cultivated oil palm genotypes.