Oil Palm Breeding Programs Research Articles

Multi-character selection for identifying superior oil palm cultivar using MGIDI

Efficient selection methods are needed in oil palm breeding programs. Selection efficiency will increase if the selection is conducted on several characters simultaneously. However, the selection of segregating progeny is difficult because it is quantitative. MGIDI (Multi-trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index) is formed based on Monte Carlo simulation to select superior progeny by considering several characters simultaneously. The aim of this study is to evaluate and identify planting materials with compact palm and good production traits using MGIDI. Data were obtained from 21 DxT palms planted at Dolok Sinumbah Plantation, PT. Nusantara IV Plantation, North Sumatra. The imbalanced North Carolina II mating design was employed to produce the materials for this study. The observed characters are the bunch analysis component and vegetative traits. Based on the factorial analysis (FA) results, these characters were grouped into three groups where FA1 contains ODM, OWM, HI, and DIAM. FA2 consists of BW and FB. FA3 consists of MF, OB, SF, KF, and LAI. Based on MGIDI, the selected superior progenies were DT11, DT6, and DT1. Aside from these genotypes DT15 was near the cut point, suggesting that it has an interesting feature. Positive selection gains (0.57-1.52) are obtained for the desired traits, and negative selection gains (-0.24 – (-0.88)) for undesirable traits. Visualization of the strength and weaknesses of each genotype can also assist breeders in decision-making to improve the progeny in the next breeding cycle.

Bunch component performance of AVROS and Yangambi population

The IOPRI oil palm breeding program has developed a total of 11 varieties through two selection cycles since 1974, using the RRS scheme. The performance of the varieties from the first and second cycles in the AVROS and Yangambi groups was compared using data from progeny test bunch analysis. The AV-02 variety from the second cycle of AVROS line showed an increase in fruit/bunch (F/B) and oil extraction rate (OER) by 0.92% and 0.50%, respectively, compared to the AV-01 variety from the first cycle. The AV-03 variety increased mesocarp/fruit (M/F) to 4.92% and OER to 1.21%. However, M/F and OER enhancement was compensated by kernel/fruit (K/F) and shell/fruit (S/F) decrease by 2.35% and 2.57%. In the Yangambi group, the YA-02 variety from the second cycle had an improved average weight bunch (AWB) of 4.00 kg or 21.4% greater than the YA-01 variety from the first cycle. The YA-02 AWB improvement was followed by an increase in M/F and K/F by 0.87% and 0.30%. The YA-03 variety had better kernel characters with a rise in K/F and S/F of 0.54% and 0.44%, and OER still increased by 0.57%, which may be due to its oil/dry mesocarp (ODM) increase. CART® analysis showed that the F/B, ODM, and M/F were the three highest predictors for OER values for all varieties, except for YA-02 with F/B, S/F, and M/F, and YA-03 with M/F, F/B, and S/F. ODM is an important consideration in the assembly of high-yielding varieties, as it is one of the three major predictor characters that affect OER values which highly inherited.

Genotyping by sequencing for the construction of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) genetic linkage map and mapping of yield related quantitative trait loci.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is one of the major oil-producing crops. Improving the quality and increasing the production yield of oil palm have been the primary focuses of both conventional and modern breeding approaches. However, the conventional breeding approach for oil palm is very challenging due to its longevity, which results in a long breeding cycle. Thus, the establishment of marker assisted selection (MAS) for oil palm breeding programs would speed up the breeding pipeline by generating new oil palm varieties that possess high commercial traits. With the decreasing cost of sequencing, Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) is currently feasible to many researchers and it provides a platform to accelerate the discovery of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) as well as insertion and deletion (InDel) markers for the construction of a genetic linkage map. A genetic linkage map facilitates the identification of significant DNA regions associated with the trait of interest via quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis. A mapping population of 112 F1 individuals from a cross of Deli dura and Serdang pisifera was used in this study. GBS libraries were constructed using the double digestion method with HindIII and TaqI enzymes. Reduced representation libraries (RRL) of 112 F1 progeny and their parents were sequenced and the reads were mapped against the E. guineensis reference genome. To construct the oil palm genetic linkage map, informative SNP and InDel markers were used to discover significant DNA regions associated with the traits of interest. The nine traits of interest in this study were fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield, oil yield (OY), oil to bunch ratio (O/B), oil to dry mesocarp ratio (O/DM) ratio, oil to wet mesocarp ratio (O/WM), mesocarp to fruit ratio (M/F), kernel to fruit ratio (K/F), shell to fruit ratio (S/F), and fruit to bunch ratio (F/B). A total of 2.5 million SNP and 153,547 InDel markers were identified. However, only a subset of 5,278 markers comprising of 4,838 SNPs and 440 InDels were informative for the construction of a genetic linkage map. Sixteen linkage groups were produced, spanning 2,737.6 cM for the maternal map and 4,571.6 cM for the paternal map, with average marker densities of one marker per 2.9 cM and one per 2.0 cM respectively, were produced. A QTL analysis was performed on nine traits; however, only QTL regions linked to M/F, K/F and S/F were declared to be significant. Of those QTLs were detected: two for M/F, four for K/F and one for S/F. These QTLs explained 18.1-25.6% of the phenotypic variance and were located near putative genes, such as casein kinase II and the zinc finger CCCH domain, which are involved in seed germination and growth. The identified QTL regions for M/F, K/F and S/F from this study could be applied in an oil palm breeding program and used to screen palms with desired traits via marker assisted selection (MAS).

Monitoring Drought Tolerance in Oil Palm: Choline Monooxygenase as a Novel Molecular Marker.

Water scarcity negatively impacts oil palm production, necessitating the development of drought-tolerant varieties. This study aimed to develop molecular markers for oil palm breeding programs focused on drought tolerance. Genes associated with drought tolerance were selected, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based markers were developed. Genomic DNA was successfully extracted from 17 oil palm varieties, and 20 primers out of 44 were effectively amplified. Screening with single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) revealed an informative SNP marker from the choline monooxygenase (CMO) gene, exhibiting CC, CT, and TT genotypes. Notably, the oil palm variety La Mé showed the CT genotype, while Surat Thani 2 (Deli × La Mé) exhibited the CT and CC genotypes in a 1:1 ratio. Gene expression analysis confirmed the association of the CMO gene with drought tolerance in commercial oil palm varieties. The full-length CMO gene was 1308 bp long and shared sequence similarities with other plant species. However, amino acid sequence variations were observed compared with existing databases. These findings highlight the potential utility of the CMO marker for drought tolerance selection, specifically within the La Mé parent of oil palm Surat Thani 2 varieties, and strongly confirm the La Mé S5 population and Surat Thani 2 as drought-tolerant varieties.

A SNP variation in an expansin (EgExp4) gene affects height in oil palm.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), an Aracaceae family plant, is utilized for both consumable and non-consumable products, including cooking oil, cosmetics and biodiesel production. Oil palm is a perennial tree with 25 years of optimal harvesting time and a height of up to 18 m. However, harvesting of oil palm fruit bunches with heights of more than 2–3 meters is challenging for oil palm farmers. Thus, understanding the genetic control of height would be beneficial for using gene-based markers to speed up oil palm breeding programs to select semi-dwarf oil palm varieties. This study aims to identify Insertion/Deletions (InDels) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of five height-related genes, including EgDELLA1, EgGRF1, EgGA20ox1, EgAPG1 and EgExp4, in short and tall oil palm groups by PacBio SMRT sequencing technology. Then, the SNP variation’s association with height was validated in the Golden Tenera (GT) population. All targeted genes were successfully amplified by two rounds of PCR amplification with expected sizes that ranged from 2,516 to 3,015 base pair (bp), covering 5′ UTR, gene sequences and 3′ UTR from 20 short and 20 tall oil palm trees. As a result, 1,166, 909, 1,494, 387 and 5,384 full-length genomic DNA sequences were revealed by PacBio SMRT sequencing technology, from EgDELLA1, EgGRF1, EgGA20ox1, EgAPG1 and EgExp4 genes, respectively. Twelve variations, including eight InDels and four SNPs, were identified from EgDELLA1, EgGRF1, EgGA20ox1 and EgExp4. No variation was found for EgAPG1. After SNP through-put genotyping of 4 targeted SNP markers was done by PACE™ SNP genotyping, the association with height was determined in the GT population. Only the mEgExp4_SNP118 marker, designed from EgExp4 gene, was found to associate with height in 2 of 4 height-recordings, with p values of 0.0383 for height (HT)-1 and 0.0263 for HT-4. In conclusion, this marker is a potential gene-based marker that may be used in oil palm breeding programs for selecting semi-dwarf oil palm varieties in the near future.

Predicting Heritability of Oil Palm Breeding Using Phenotypic Traits and Machine Learning

Oil palm is one of the main crops grown to help achieve sustainability in Malaysia. The selection of the best breeds will produce quality crops and increase crop yields. This study aimed to examine machine learning (ML) in oil palm breeding (OPB) using factors other than genetic data. A new conceptual framework to adopt the ML in OPB will be presented at the end of this paper. At first, data types, phenotype traits, current ML models, and evaluation technique will be identified through a literature survey. This study found that the phenotype and genotype data are widely used in oil palm breeding programs. The average bunch weight, bunch number, and fresh fruit bunch are the most important characteristics that can influence the genetic improvement of progenies. Although machine learning approaches have been applied to increase the productivity of the crop, most studies focus on molecular markers or genotypes for plant breeding, rather than on phenotype. Theoretically, the use of phenotypic data related to offspring should predict high breeding values by using ML. Therefore, a new ML conceptual framework to study the phenotype and progeny data of oil palm breeds will be discussed in relation to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In silico QTL mapping in an oil palm breeding program reveals a quantitative and complex genetic resistance to Ganoderma boninense.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11032-021-01246-9.

Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) for Bunch Components of The Interspecific Population of Elaeis oleifera and Elaeis guineensis

The oil palm breeding program for the species Elaeis guineensis and the backcross Elaeis oleifera is running slowly because oil palm is an annual plant. Therefore, it is necessary to have an alternative approach that can accelerate the oil palm breeding program. The SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genome-wide approach was then used to study the association between 18 phenotypes of bunch component in oil palm germplasm of E. oleifera from Suriname and Brazil Coari, some interspecific hybrids and some elite progeny of E. guineensis. The genotyping by sequencing (GBS) analysis produced a total of 459 million or approximately 798 thousand reads per sample and 3,252 SNPs were eligible for 456 genotypes. Using various association models, eleven normalized phenotypic data showed significant associations with 29 SNPs. Based on the annotations, 17 SNPs were related to genes wtih certain biological functions. Three SNPs were found to be at the exon of a gene, namely SNP4416, SNP349 and SNP3865, while the other 15 SNPs were at the intragenic to a gene. Four SNPs are common SNPs in phenotypes C16:0 and C18:1 as weel as in C20 0 and C20:1. This research shows the potential of SNPs that can be used as an alternative approach to E. oleifera backcross breeding, although further research is needed for validation purposes.

EARLY SIGN OF DWARF STEM TRAIT INHERITANCE IN THIRD CYCLE DURA DERIVED FROM NIGERIAN PROSPECTION MATERIAL - A STUDY IN LARGE POLYBAG NURSERY

Selection for annual increment of short trunk (dwarf) is one of the objectives in this oil palm breeding programme with the expectation of prolonging the economic lifespan of a cycle of field cultivated commercial plantings. Bi-monthly vegetative measurement of seedlings in the main nursery indicates the early inheritance of low height increment trait in the third cycle of duras developed from Nigerian Prospection Material (NPM) of MPOB trial 0.150 as compared to the third cycle of inbred lines Limited Breeding Programme (LBP) dura, which is considered as the traditional Deli dura population. The main nursery measurement showed that the third cycle inbred NPM dura was shorter and the character could have been inherited from the selected second cycle parents. Other agronomical observations related to palm physiology on the uptake of magnesium recorded during the study is also discussed in this paper. Keywords: Oil palm, Nigerian prospection material, nursery growth measures.

PENGARUH PERUBAHAN IKLIM TERHADAP EKOFISIOLOGI TANAMAN KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Distinction in oil palm growth and productivity are caused by the interaction of genotypes and the environment. Therefore, environmental changes, especially climate change, have a negative impact on oil palm growth and production. Climate change that affects oil palm yields in the tropics and sub-tropics consists of two important factors, namely water availability and temperature. The first impact of a period of water deficit is a decrease in gas exchange, during the dry season photosynthesis can be inhibited due to an increase in water pressure deficit which causes stomata to close. The dry season is associated with high temperatures, which causes a decrease in photochemical efficiency temperature, decreased photosynthesis and decreased transpiration. Water deficit affects oil palm male flower production. High temperatures increase photorespiration and dark respiration so that the total biomass production decreases. Oil palm breeding program must be a multidisciplinary effort that involves molecular tools, understanding the response of oil palm cultivation to limiting conditions caused by abiotic.

Genetic Diversity and Sequences Analysis from Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Infected with Ganoderma boninense

Early screening tests on the seedling phase of Elaeis guineensis would have a significant effect on diminishing the time and the resources needed to increase variations in the oil palm breeding program to resistance Ganoderma. This research was conducted to evaluate the genetic diversity and heterozygosity among eight populations of E. guineensis Jacq. Seedlings and matures using the molecular of variant loci analysis to an early screening. PCR and GenAlEx studied the method of genetic diversity and oil palm resistance genes. The results showed the microsatellite markers (EgIFR, Eg001, Eg002, and Eg003) pattern in the DNA and protein-encoding in the oil palm seedlings' root tissue to Ganoderma resistance played a potential early screening role in material planting. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values were identified as 0.655-0.998. The means number of allele distribution in each population and loci showed Ho = 0.48. The mean of heterozygosity was found in 0.67 level. The analysis molecular of variance (AMOVA) showed a significant variability by 45% among individuals and 53% within individuals in the population. A total of 92 data sequences were identified and available on the NCBI database. They have a similarity from proteins, i.e., isoflavone reductase, polyadenylated, heat shock cognate, and thaumatin. The highest total score was showed 117, and the similarity was identified at 100%. Furthermore, the phylogenetic clusters were distinct between the seedling and mature based on the same gene and protein. This study suggested the markers and proteins important to E. guineensis against Ganoderma boninense.

Isolasi dan Karakterisasi Potongan DNA Gen Sterol Metiltransferase 1 (SMT1) Asal Kelapa Sawit

Tanaman dengan pertambahan tinggi yang lambat merupakan karakter penting dalam program pemuliaan kelapa sawit dan brasinosteroid merupakan hormon penting yang berpengaruh untuk karakter tersebut. Gen sterol metiltransferase 1 (SMT1) merupakan salah satu gen kunci dalam biosintesis brasinosteroid. Pengembangan marker molekuler dapat dimulai dengan identifikasi dan karakterisasi gen yang terkait dengan karakter target. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengisolasi dan mengkarakterisasi keragaman nukleotida gen SMT1. Amplifikasi PCR dilakukan menggunakan genom Elaeis oleifera (E.o.), E. guineensis (E.g.) dan hibrida dari keduanya (E.g. x E.o.) dengan sepasang primer spesifik gen SMT1. Dalam penelitian ini berhasil diamplifikasi satu potongan DNA gen SMT1 dan dari hasil DNA sequencing berhasil diidentifikasi sebanyak 501- 505 pb. Potongan DNA yang diidentifikasi terdiri atas partial intron 8, exon 9, intron 9, dan patial exon 10, yang menyandi antara 104-105 residu asam amino. Domain residu asam amino terkonservasi ditemukan dalam hasil translasi amplikon, yang berkorelasi dengan situs aktif dalam biosintesis brasinosteroid dan mengkonfirmasi identitas amplikon sebagai bagian dari gen SMT1. Keragaman nukleotida potongan DNA gen SMT1 yang teridentifikasi berpotensi dapat digunakan untuk pengembangan marker molekuler yang bermanfaat untuk pemuliaan tanaman kelapa sawit, terutama untuk karakter pertambahan tinggi tanaman yang lambat.
 Kata kunci: Brasinosteroid, sterol, tanaman kerdil

Sidik Jari DNA Material Kultur Jaringan Menggunakan SSR dan AFLP

Kultur jaringan dimanfaatkan sebagai alat dalam program pemuliaan dan perbanyakan material komersial kelapa sawit. Untuk mengontrol proses kultur jaringan di laboratorium, analisis DNA dapat dilakukan dalam usaha menjamin kebenaran informasi identitas serta untuk mengetahui kestabilan genetik material pada tiap tahap proses kultur jaringan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji ekstraksi DNA material kultur jaringan kelapa sawit serta sidik jari DNA pada material kultur pada tiap tahapan proses kultur jaringan, menggunakan 11 marka SSR dan 6 kombinasi primer selektif AFLP. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa protokol ekstraksi DNA yang dilakukan dapat digunakan untuk memperoleh DNA dengan kuantitas dan kualitas yang cukup untuk PCR-SSR dan PCR-AFLP. Profil SSR yang sama ditunjukkan pada semua cuplikan material yang dianalisis pada tiap tahap proses kultur jaringan. Terdapat variasi hasil sidik jari DNA menggunakan AFLP, dimana terdapat profil AFLP yang berbeda pada material yang sama pada tahap kalus dan eksplan, serta embrio dan ramet. Perbedaan profil DNA pada material yang sama pada tahap kultur yang berbeda tersebut menunjukkan adanya perubahan genetik material kultur yang mungkin disebabkan oleh pengaruh proses kultur jaringan. SSR dapat digunakan untuk identifikasi atau verifikasi identitas material kultur, sedangkan marka DNA yang menunjukkan ketidakstabilan genetik material kultur dapat digunakan untuk kajian lebih lanjut mengenai perubahan genetik material kultur dalam kaitannya dengan abnormalitas klon.

American oil palm from Brazil: Genetic diversity, population structure, and core collection

AbstractThe American oil palm [Elaeis oleifera (Knuth) Cortés] has pronounced importance in oil palm breeding programs. Here, a germplasm bank (GB) of E. oleifera plants collected in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil was submitted to single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker identification, selection, and use, aiming to characterize genetic diversity and population structure and to design a core collection (CC). Five hundred and fifty‐three plants from 206 subsamples, collected at 19 localities spread throughout six geographic regions, were submitted to genotyping‐by‐sequencing analysis. A set of 1,827 high‐quality SNP markers was then selected and used to run the genetic diversity and population structure analysis. The genetic diversity found is of moderate degree, and probably only a small portion of the species diversity is represented in the collection. The possible reason for that is the collecting strategy used, which collected subsamples only around the most prominent watercourses in the region. The average degree of genetic differentiation among subsamples is very high, indicating the presence of high interpopulation differentiation. The collection showed a low level of endogamy. The low average gene flow found indicates that genetic isolation caused by drift is occurring, and there is a need to review the conservation strategy. A set of 245 SNPs distributed throughout all 16 chromosomes was used to design CC based on maximizing the strategy of diversity. The optimal adjustment of the validated parameters, maintained while taking fewest subsamples, led to the choice of a model containing 20% of the entire collection as the ideal to form the CC.

Analysis on Fruit Oil Content and Evaluation on Germplasm in Oil Palm

Fruit oil content (FOC) is one of the most important commercial traits in oil palm; however, extensive study on related traits is still limited. The present study was conducted to analyze the relationship between FOC and fruit-related traits, as well as to predict the oil palm germplasm for potential improvement. In this study, a total of 11 traits, including fruit bunch number (FBN), average fruit weight (AFW), mesocarp-to-fruit ratio (M/F), kernel-to-fruit ratio (K/F), shell-to-fruit ratio (S/F), average fruit length (AFL), average fruit width (AFWD), average shell thickness (AST), mesocarp oil content (MOC), kernel oil content (KOC), and FOC were analyzed in 39 germplasms collected from seven different countries in Asia and Africa. Different statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the relationship between FOC and fruit-related traits. Correlation analysis showed that FOC was positively and significantly correlated with M/F, MOC, and KOC, whereas negatively and significantly correlated with S/F and AST. Likewise, path analysis indicated that M/F and MOC have high positive direct effect on FOC, whereas S/F and AST have high negative direct and indirect effects on FOC. Furthermore, regression analysis showed significant correlation between predicted and observed FOC. In conclusion, FOC was mainly determined by M/F, MOC, S/F, and AST, and the FOC prediction in this study was reliable for germplasm evaluation. In addition, G39 (Tenera) and G2 (Parthenocarpy) have the highest FOC with 58.62% and 57.68%, respectively, indicating that they might be potential candidates for FOC improvement. These results could be applicable to oil palm breeding programs.

Genetic diversity and selection criteria of MPOB-Senegal oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) germplasm by quantitative traits

Understanding genetic structure of different vegetative, yield and yield component traits play a major role in oil palm breeding program. Based on this background, this study was carried out to evaluate the genetic diversity and heritability among 26 families of MPOB-Senegal oil palm germplasm using multivariate analysis to identify superior palms for future oil palm breeding program. To achieve this objective, data on yield components, bunch quality and vegetative traits were collected for eight consecutive years. The analysis of variance showed a significant variability among the families for most of the traits evaluated. The mean nut weight and rachis length showed high broad sense heritability value of 62.15% and 61.06% while the rest of the traits ranged from moderate to low. The evaluated families were grouped into six major clusters at the coefficient of 0.72 based on morphological traits with the aid of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrogram. This findings revealed that MPOB-Senegal germplasm exhibited important economic traits which are vital in oil palm improvement programs. Based on the results, the three families SEN02.05, SEN05.02 and SEN06.01 were identified as prospective families for high kernel content which could be the most essential sources of lauric acids for oleochemical industry. The information obtained from this study would be more useful if integrated with molecular study to have a comprehensive genetic variation pattern of MPOB-Senegal oil palm germplasm which could then be utilized in the development of core collection to preserve the widest genetic diversity with minimum family.

Genetic diversity analysis of Tenera × Tenera and Tenera × Pisifera Crosses and D self of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) parental populations originating from Cameroon

Abstract. Budiman LF, Apriyanto A, Pancoro A, Sudarsono S. 2019. Genetic diversity analysis of Tenera × Tenera and Tenera × Pisifera Crosses and D self of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) parental populations originating from Cameroon. Biodiversitas 20: 937-949. There are three types of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) based on the shell thickness, such as the Dura (D type, with a thick shell), the Pisifera (P type, with no or very thin shell) and the Tenera (T type, with medium shell thickness), respectively. The T type is a commercially grown oil palm, originated from hybridization between D × P types. The success of oil palm breeding depends on the availability of diverse parental populations, especially in the D and the P types. Unfortunately, the improved P type of oil palm may only be produced by crossing between Tenera (T × T) or between Tenera and Pisifera (T × P) while improved D type may easily be produced from selfing of a single Dura type palm (D self). Therefore, evaluation of the potential genetic diversity of Dura parental lines derived from D self and Pisifera lines derived from T × T or T × P is essential. The objectives of this research were to analyze the genetic diversity of T × T, T × P and D self oil palm progenies originated from Cameroon which would be used as parental population for breeding the commercial T types of oil palm in Indonesia, determine whether the progenies were from legitimate hybrids of the desired parents and evaluate their potential values for creating Tenera hybrid in the oil palm breeding programs. A total of 148 individuals from one combination of T × T and two T × P crosses and three D self-pollinations were evaluated. Genotyping was conducted using 16 SSR marker loci. The genotype data were analyzed using software for population genetic and genetic diversity analysis. Results of the analysis indicated the evaluated 16 SSR marker loci were either highly or moderately polymorphic based on their Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values. Hence, they could be used for genetic diversity analysis of the evaluated oil palm progenies. Both the T × T and T × P progenies were more diverse than the D self-ones. Clustering and Principle Component Analysis (PCA) showed that all populations were grouped into three groups consisting of (1) B02 – T × P progenies, (2) B57 – T × T progenies, and (3) the rest of the populations (a mixture of the B01 – T × P progenies, and the three D self progenies). Moreover, the third group was further divided into five sub-groups, consisting of sub-group 3.1: the B01 progenies, and sub-group 3.2 to 3.5 comprising of a mix of individuals from members of at least two different D self progenies. All the studied T × T and T × P progenies could potentially be used as improved male parents for producing future Tenera oil palm hybrid varieties. The T x T and T × P progenies had a wider genetic distance than that of the D self progenies. Moreover, for practical breeding purposes, the members of D self oil palm progenies should not be grouped based only on the family but should be based on the results of the clustering analysis. The reported data should be beneficial for aiding future oil palm breeding in Indonesia.

Strategi Program Pemuliaan Tanaman Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guinensis Jacq.) pada Lahan Suboptimal di PT Binasawit Makmur

Pratama et al, 2018. Oil Palm Breeding Program Strategy for Suboptimal Area in PT Binasawit Makmur . JLSO 7(1): Suboptimal areas have great potential to be used an alternative land for cultivation of oil palm.We needed superior oil palm material to be able to grow well on that land. PT. Binasawit Makmur (BSM) through the Breeding Unit has developed a strategy regarding the assembly of superior material oil palm drought resistant. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a strategy regarding breeding program in suboptimal lands of PT Binasawit Makmur. The strategies used were introducing, evaluating, and selecting genetic material based on productivity components (total and weight of fresh fruit bunches/ha, extraction rate) and high increment. In addition, the efforts have been made to obtain drought tolerant material are conducting a progeny trial (DXP Trial) on mature palm to obtain drought tolerant in the dried season. Based on the results of the progeny trial, both of parents were traced to a crossing program. Currently, the seeds of the crossing have been obtained to confirm the results of the research on the nursery scale. In the nursery trial, research will be conducted to measure the proline content, stomata and chlorophyll content. Selection in the mature palm DXP progeny trial was followed by application a molecular tool such as SSR and SNP. Through this approach, a superior genetic material in terms of productivity and also drought tolerance can be developed and therefore can be used for recombination and release of new varieties.

Molecular oil palm breeding at Sampoerna Agro

Sampoerna Agro and NEIKER perform jointly since many years collaborative R&D projects related to Molecular breeding and Marker assisted selection in Oil palm in order to accelerate the oil palm breeding program and to improve its efficiency. The detection of candidate genes for useful traits offers the possibility to apply them – after developing the corresponding markers – in marker assisted selection (MAS) within breeding programmes. The survey of the allelic diversity of such genes in available germplasm and the analyses of their particular effects permits to select the most efficient alleles or allele combinations for these purposes. Within this project, we have identified useful candidate genes for different productive and quality traits as well as for stress tolerance using different molecular tools. We have characterized the allelic variation in this germplasm in order to develop marker assisted breeding strategies through Model building. The developed Models which show large correlations between predicted and observed values explaining large portions of the total variance can be used to assign breeding values to parents and to predict progeny performances of their crosses. In this paper, we summarize the R&D activities which are being performed and practically implemented at Sampoerna.

Early assessment of drought tolerance in oil palm D × P progenies using growth and physiological characters in seedling stage

AbstractDrought is a major constraint to oil palm plantation in many regions relying on rainfall. One strategy to overcome this problem is to develop drought-tolerant cultivars through screening and selection. Drought tolerance assessment based on growth and physiological traits provides an alternative approach for rapid screening especially in tree crops. The aims of this study were to determine the contribution of some growth and physiological parameters to drought response variation in oil palm seedling and to use those parameters to evaluate relative drought stress tolerance in tenera oil palm progenies. Eight D × P progenies were grown under well-watered, moderate and severe stressed conditions for a total of 6 months. Data on growth traits, maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm), SPAD value and proline content were recorded. Principal component analysis (PCA) on studied traits revealed that PC1 and PC2 explained 74.57 and 76.80% of total variance in moderate and severe drought treatments, respectively. Major contributions towards the variation of control and drought-treated plants were identified and appeared to be growth traits in moderate drought stress and growth trait plus proline content in severe drought stress. According to drought tolerance index, PCA analysis and ranking method using integrated PCA values, PSU-106 and PSU-206 were identified to be relatively high tolerant to severe drought stress, while PSU-106, PSU-128, PSU-206 and PSU-208 were tolerant to moderate drought stress. Field validation of D × P progenies selected as drought tolerance is recommended to establish this indirect selection approach in oil palm breeding programme.