FLOWER DEVELOPMENT OF MALE AND FEMALE INFLORESCENCE OF OIL PALM, Elaeis guineensis Jacq.

Abstract

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is monoecious plants that relies on cross pollination to ensure the production of viable seeds and prevent parthenocarpy. Understanding the phenology of Elaeis guineensis flower development enables to optimize the timing of assisted pollination and harvesting. The aim of this study is to describe the development of male and female inflorescence of oil palm, Elaeis guineensis var. Tenera. The frequency of observation of development was daily, starting from pre-anthesis until post-anthesis for female inflorescence and spikelet degradation for male inflorescence. The flower developments were coded according to Biologische Bundesantalt Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie (BBCH) scales. The anthesis period for male inflorescence occurs around four to five days. A male inflorescence consists of spikelets that accommodate almost 30% of rachis. Spikelets are full with yellow flowers and contains millions of pollen grains in form of dust particles during anthesis. Spikelet are arranged in spiral around the rachis in one direction and are fully elongated and exposed. The size of spikelet is between 102 mm and 215 mm in length. Female flowers are fully receptive for three to four days where rachillae are elongated and fully exposed. The total number of rachillae cover 36% of rachis length. Each rachilla composes of eight to 25 flowers in a female inflorescence. Anthesis phase of male inflorescence is longer than female inflorescence. The phenological information about inflorescences can be used to enhance the pollination techniques and optimize fruit formation.