A scheme for distribution of genetically improved oil palm plants well suited to local conditions

Abstract

Intensification of production on land that has already been cleared or in savannahs can contribute to sustainable production systems. A key feature of intensification is genetically superior palms well adapted to the specific local conditions.We propose a participatory breeding and selection scheme that will rapidly provide growers with superior planting material derived from seeds of both Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera x E. guineensis (OxG hybrid) well adapted to their local conditions.The proposed methodology is: (i) identification of superior families from commercial production performance; (ii) identification of superior individuals within the families in growers fields; (iii) genetic fingerprinting to identify parents of superior individuals and families; (iv) genomic analysis of the superior individuals within the families; (v) genomic selection to identify superior individuals from within superior families already producing in commercial fields; (vi) establishment of nurseries with superior family populations; (vii) genotyping of individual plants in the nursery and selection of superior types based on genomic models for distribution to growers.The planting of selected superior types derived from seed is expected to produce one t crude palm oil ha−1 yr−1 more than currently available materials in well managed plantations. These superior materials will become available to farmers rapidly.The proposed scheme offers the opportunity to rapidly intensify palm oil production by providing farmers with improved genetic material. As growers participate in the selection process the material will be well adapted to their conditions. The materials are not cloned and hence can be distributed through standard multiplication channels. The increased production per unit land area will decrease pressure to bring new land into cultivation to satisfy the demand for vegetable oils.