F1 Hybrids in oil palm

Abstract

F1 Hybrid production in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a reality. F1 Hybrids have the potential to provide massive increases in yield as demonstrated in a range of crops. Verdant has the intellectual property and “know-how” to produce haploids and double them to give doubled haploids. Doubled haploids are fertile and 100% homozygous (genetically pure lines), making them ideal as parents for F1 Hybrids. There has been no genetic modification. Verdant now has a collection of Dura and Pisifera doubled haploids that span the genetic diversity of oil palm from which parents can be selected based on genetic contrasts (using Diversity Array Technology). The first F1 Hybrid crosses (Dura x Pisifera) were made in 2019 and field progeny trial testing started in 2021. Performance in the field is being monitored by a range of physiological tests, but ultimately on palm product yield per hectare plus commercially significant secondary traits, such as disease tolerance, will determine selection. The intention is to start commercial F1 Hybrid seed production in 2029. A phenomics nursery has been set up to correlate seedling physiological traits with yield with the aim of developing early indicators for yield potential and to screen for variation between crosses for 1) Ganoderma tolerance, 2) nutrient uptake, and 3) drought tolerance. Genotyping is also being deployed to identify and select heterotic combinations that result in hybrid vigour.