Evaluation of bunch quality components in Dura x Dura progenies of Zambia and Camaroon sources of oil palm germplasm

Abstract

Aim: The present study was conducted to evaluate oil palm dura progenies developed from Zambia and Cameroon germplasm sources for bunch components for the selecting of high oil yielding mother palms. Methodology: Total 77 dura genotypes were evaluated by considering 15 different bunch components. Bunch analysis data were collected from tenth year onwards after planting. The genetic diversity, Principal component analysis, correlation and path analysis of the genotypes were estimated. Results: Study revealed that oil-to bunch ratio depends on fruit-to-bunch ratio and mesocarp-fruit ratio. The ANOVA value showed a significant variability among the genotypes for most of the bunch traits and the identified genotype P35 (24.53 %) was highest oil yielder. Positive significant correlation (p≤ 0.01) of mesocarp-to-fruit ratio and oil-to-dry mesocarp with oil-to-bunch ratio were noted in this study. Based on path analysis, the information obtained from this study is the oil-to-wet mesocarp ratio (0.697) showed the highest significant positive direct effect on oil-to-bunch ratio followed by mesocarp-to-fruit ratio (0.570). Interpretation: This study may support for the future selection of mother palms to utilize in oil palm improvement programmes. Introgression into existing breeding materials and breeding for seed production utilising selected palms.