Yield and fruit morphology of selected high productive Papua nutmeg trees (Myristica argentea Warb.)

Abstract

Fakfak nutmeg is also known as Papua Nutmeg, and has become one of the main income sources of local communities in Fakfak and Kaimana Districts. It produces butter nutmeg, a fat derived from the seed used in perfumery and soaps. It grows wild or semi cultivation, so the productivity is generally low. To improve productivity, it is necessary to use planting materials derived from high productive trees. The study was aimed to identify nutmeg trees with high yield, good quality of fruit, seeds and essential oils. The study was undertaken in eight locations of Fakfak district. Mother trees selection were carried out during 2013-2015. About 136 mother trees have been selected with average fruit yield 2275 ± 340 fruits tree−1 and have bigger fruit and seed compared with original population. The average fruit weight 106 ± 9.6 g, fruit length 7.26 ± 0.54 cm, seed weight 13.52 ± 1.44 g, seed length 3.81 ± 0.34 cm, and mace weight > 2 g. Essential oil content of mature seeds and mace was considered low (<5%). The main chemical constituents of seeds and mace essential oils were sabinen, limonen and safrol. The safrole content was higher (> 20%) than standard.