Abstract
ABSTRACT Elaeis oleifera chromosomes are similar to those of E. guineensis, with close gene pools for the production of interspecific O x G hybrids. The pollen viability and germination of E. oleifera ‘Coarí’ and E. guineensis ‘La Mé’ were compared to their interspecific hybrid O x G (‘Coarí’ x ‘La Mé’). The pollen viability was determined by the acetocarmine staining method (0.5 %) and the pollen germination by in vitro incubation on agar-sucrose medium (1.2-11.0 g in 100 mL of distilled water). The pollen viability and germination of the ‘Coarí’ x ‘La Mé’ hybrid were significantly lower than those of their parents. The percentage of pollen viability by acetocarmine staining was higher than that of in vitro germination, indicating that not all pollen grains classified as viable germinated on the agar-sucrose medium. The pollen germination test is a more reliable indicator than the staining viability test, because the latter only reveals that the pollen contains the enzymes necessary to initiate germination, while the germination test determines the emission and development of the pollen tube.
Highlights
Interspecific oil palm O x G hybrids are obtained from the cross between the American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera HBK Cortes) and the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)
This study performed a comparative analysis of pollen viability and germination of the American oil palm ‘Coarí’ (Elaeis oleifera HBK Cortes) and the African oil palm ‘La Mé’ (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) with those of their interspecific hybrid ‘Coarí’ x ‘La Mé’
Since the success of assisted pollination in O x G hybrid crops fundamentally depends on pollen viability and germination, it is necessary to perform laboratory tests before applying pollen to commercial lots, because the results may vary with the prevailing weather conditions
Summary
Interspecific oil palm O x G hybrids are obtained from the cross between the American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera HBK Cortes) and the African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) They are a valuable alternative for oil production, due to characteristics such as tolerance to pests and diseases, acceptable fresh fruit bunch production (20-25 t ha-1), high oil quality (oleic 55 %; linoleic 11 %) and higher contents of vitamin E (Mozzon et al 2013) and carotenes (Rey et al 2004, Peláez et al 2010, Rivera et al 2013, Choo & Nesaretnam 2014). Peduncular bracts or spathes cover female inflorescences, hindering the pollen entry These characteristics affect natural pollination and, bunch production and oil yield per hectare.
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