Oil Palm Elaeis Guineensis Research Articles

The genetic evaluation of plant genetic resources

The characterization of the nature and extent of the genetic diversity preserved in plant genetic resources collections has received much less attention than other aspects of the discipline such as collecting and storage techniques. The workshop was designed to focus on three aspects of genetic evaluation: what is the utility and significance of genetic evaluation, what do we know about the genetic diversity preserved in current collections of plant genetic resources, and what techniques are available for the analysis of genetic diversity. Each of these themes was the subject of an invited presentation, followed by discussion. The workshop was attended by about 50 geneticists. Gkrard Second (ORSTOM, France) addressed the first theme. Genetic evaluation wits defined as the characterization of the amount and structure of genetic polymorphism and of the phylogenetic relationships within and between germ plasm accessions. This was contrasted with agronomic evaluation, which deals with characters involved in the economic sustainability of crops. It was stated that genetic markers used for genetic evaluation may be linked to agronomic traits, but are unlikely to be of direct economic interest. Determining the genetic structure of germ plasm collections provides breeders with a useful framework to take advantage of transgression. Genetic evaluation can be used to predict the likelihood of a successful genetic transfer or to indicate the best strategy for such a transfer. This is complemented by information on the history of the domestication of a crop, obtained by studying the genetic interrelationships between landraces and wild relatives from evolutionary and biogeographical points of view. A sound classification of genetic resources provides the basis for efficient communication between breeders. Genetic evaluation contributes to genetic resources management by orienting collecting trips, determining localities and strategies of conservation, detecting duplication in germ plasm collections, and forming the basis for the choice of accessions for working collections destined for agronomic evaluation. Three examples illustrated these points. Isoenzyme analysis of diploid coffee (CofSea canephorn), a recent domesticate, revealed the existence of two main genetic groups in the wild species: Guinean and Congolese, corresponding to the ecogeographic distribution in West and Central Africa. The majority of the best commercial clones proved to be hybrids between the two groups, thus indicating a strategy for improvement of this crop. Likewise, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) stocks were traced to Guinean and Congolese origins. The situation is more complex when ancient domesticates such as the rice complex are considered. Separate analyses using morphophysiological, isoenzyme, and nuclear and

The Structure and Mechanical Properties of Palm Timber as a Fibre Composite

A study has been made of wood extracted from the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis), coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), and fan palm (Borassus flabe) which are common species of tropical palms. The wood from the palms is a natural composite material and measurements show that between 1/3 and 1/2 of the volume consists of fibre. However, the properties of both fibre and matrix vary with the species of palm. Mechanical testing of the wood as used in local constructions has shown that palm timber can indeed withstand tensile and compressive loads parallel to the grain better than the common nonfibrous tropical woods. The elastic moduli of palm timbers in tension parallel to the grain and in static bending are higher than those of obeche and mahogany and vary approximately linearly with the density of the material. The elastic modulus in compression parallel to the grain is related to the volume fraction of fibre, suggesting a shear-mode type of deformation. The intrinsic high hardness and strength of palm timber recommends it as a structural material, suitable for trusses. The fibrous structure also leads to an attractive surface appearance on polishing and the aesthetic consideration suggests that the material could also be utilized for such items as furniture and tiles.

Histology of Somatic Embryogenesis from Leaf Explants of the Oil Palm Elaeis guineensis

Une analyse histologique des differentes etapes de l'embryogenese somatique du palmier a huile a ete effectuee. Les cals issus de la division des cellules perivasculaires se forment sur les nervures des jeunes explants foliaires. La proliferation consecutive de nodules histologiquement similaires s'effectue par l'intermediaire d'une zone de type cambium. Dans certaines conditions, ces cals tous formes presque uniquement de cellules meristematique. Ils se differencient ensuite rapidement : la zone de type cambium se fragmente et forme des protuberances dans lesquelles les cellules se divisent rapidement; les structures epidermiques se forment et la synthese des lipides de reserve accompagne la formation de ces structures pseudo-embryonnaires qui produisent des groupes d'embryons somatiques veritables. D'autres structures, frequemment observees au cours de la culture in vitro, sont decrites. Les structures et l'evolution des embryons somatiques sont comparees a celles des embryons zygotiques

Thermophilic fungi and the deterioration of nigerian oil palm kernels

The fruits of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq., are drupes borne in a large compact bunch. The drupe has a thin exocarp, a fleshy mesocarp and a hard endocarp enclosing an oily endosperm. The fruit yields both palm oil and palm kernel which are of economic importance to Nigeria. For some 20 years before the discovery of petroleum in Nigeria palm kernel occupied the third position in value of export commodities, and palm oil was in the fifth position. Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) were first and second. Between 1949 and 1969, palm produce (palm oil and palm kernel) formed the number one earner of foreign exchange for Nigeria, contributing about 32 percent of the aggregate export earnings. Nigeria supplies approximately half of the palm produce entering the world market (Coursey et al., 1963; Kilby, 1967; Oyenuga, 1960; Oni, 1969). Palm oil is extracted from the mesocarp of the fruit by pressure after the mesocarp has been separated from the kernel. It is one of the world's most important vegetable oils, used principally in the manufacture of soap, margarine, lubricating oil and candles, and is an important item in the Nigerian diet. It is valuable as a food oil since it contains, among other things, appreciable amounts of carotene, the precursor of vitamin A. In traditional medicine, palm oil is used in the preparation of antidotes to relieve pains and to neutralize the effect of poisons and evil charms. It is an essential ingredient whenever sacrifices are made to appease Ogun, the god of Iron, who is believed to control accidents. The palm kernel of commerce is the endosperm of the palm fruit, obtained by forcibly splitting off the hard covering of endocarp. The oil extracted from the kernel (palm kernel oil) is used principally in the manufacture of soap and margarine and also in the production of biscuits and ice cream. The cake left after the oils are extracted forms a good livestock feed. Extraction of palm oil is done in Nigeria, while the kernels are exported to Britain for the extraction of the palm kernel oil which is normally light yellow in color. However, local people extract the palm kernel oil by heating the kernels in an open pot with gentle stirring. The oil so extracted is black and is separated from the remains of the kernels by running through a basket. This oil is used locally as a hair oil and in the preparation of the African black soap which is of great importance in local medicine. Traditional doctors use the oil in mixing medicinal ingredients both for oral consumption and for external application. Medicinal preparations include those used to relieve stomach pains and headache and those employed in neutralizing the effect of evil charms. The oil is also used in the preparation of purgatives. Palm oil and palm kernels are susceptible to fungal attack during processing and in storage resulting in the breakdown of oil into free fatty acids (f.f.a.) which reduces their market value and leads to considerable loss of revenue. Both mesophilic and thermophilic fungi have been isolated from decomposing oil palm produce in Nigeria (Coursey & Eggins, 1961a, 1961b; Eggins, 1964; Eggins & Coursey, 1964). The present study was designed to find out the effect of thermophilic fungi on the oil content, and hence the quality, of Nigerian palm kernels.

Effects of growth regulators on fruit abscission in oil palm, Elaeis guineensis

SUMMARYBy delaying harvest of fruit bunches of the oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq., an increase in their oil content can be obtained, but this is accompanied by increased harvesting costs and lower oil quality, as the number of detached fruit increases. Treatment of ripening bunches with auxins, gibberellic acid, or ethephon retards fruit abscission, and harvest can be delayed by up to 5 days without increase in the number of detached fruit. Indications are that oil yield might increase by more than 5% during this period, without change in harvesting costs or oil quality.

Effects of Vacuum-Drying on the Viability of Oil Palm Pollen

SUMMARYPollen of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) was vacuum dried for various lengths of time and stored under vacuum in ampoules at 28°, 5° and −10°C. Little loss in viability over a period of 12 months was observed in any of the storage treatments when vacuum drying did not exceed one hour. Progenies resulting from crosses with pollen stored three months under vacuum have shown no anamolous seedling development.

Selection of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in Africa.

HITHERTO, work on the selection of the oil palm in Africa has been directed chiefly towards increasing the pericarp content of the fruit, the hereditary behaviour of the relevant factors being comparatively well known as a result of the work carried out by the INEAC in the Belgian Congo. It would appear, however, that the production in weight of bunches has as yet been little improved. In large-scale plantations, blocks planted with seed taken from natural palmeries have, under similar conditions, given bunch-weight yields comparable with those obtained from blocks planted with selected seed. This lack of improvement in production in weight of bunches manifests itself particularly in a very wide variation in the yields of individual palms of the present varieties; indeed, this constitutes one of the main causes of the relatively low yields obtained from such plantations. With the view of reducing this wide variability in individual production1, the possibility of eliminating mediocre producers in the nursery before field-planting has been investigated.

Observations on strains of Fusarium oxysporum from the oil palm and banana from Central and West Africa

Summary 1. An account is given of strains of Fusarium oxysporum isolated from the necrosed vasculai strands of the oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis ) from West and Central Africa and from banana wilt disease in the Cameroons. 2. The cultural characters of twenty-eight isolations from the oil palm on a standard synthetic medium are discussed. The isolations were found to form a close assemblage of strains. 3. The growth of a wild strain (strain W) and its mutant form and a few other strains of F. oxysporum from the oil palm and strains from the banana was compared in the synthetic and natural potato-dextiose agar. The standard synthetic medium was found more useful than the natural medium in distinguishing the mutant form from the parent. 4. Evidence of mutation in the wild strains is given. The mutant forms may show small variations or may differ from the parent to a great extent morphologically and biochemically, these characters being retained. Cultural tests by which a mutant form may be recognized and compared are also indicated. 5. The development of the pigment was found to be affected by the carbon: nitrogen ratio in the medium. The same pigment may be either blue or red according to the alkalinity or acidity in the medium. Acid reaction is not always necessary for pigment formation. The pigment is diffused in the medium. 6. It has been shown that the wild strain maintains its original characters for a considerable period of time in soil culture. 7. The isolations of F. oxysporum cubense from the banana wilt disease showed characters closely comparable to those of F. oxysporum from the oil palm when grown in the standard synthetic medium and in steamed rice grains. 8. The fact that other species of Fusarium , viz. F. solani and F. dimerum , have also been isolated from necrosed vascular strands shows that F. oxysporum may not be the only pathogenic species associated with palm wilt disease.

The Political Significance of Tropical Vegetable Fats for the Industrial Countries of Europe

In the first decades of the nineteenth century a decided change occurred in the economic structure of central and western Europe. The continent had just recovered from the Napoleonic Wars; the industrial revolution was spreading from England to the continent and the population of western and central Europe was rapidly increasing. With industrialization there also came from England the system of crop rotation which destroyed the old three-field economy and made possible the cultivation of potatoes on the formerly fallow lands. By this means starch flour became an important constituent in the diet. However, there soon appeared an acute shortage of animal fats, especially since the animal fats of the Arctic, particularly whale oil, were quickly depleted. Under these circumstances it was natural that industrial Europe should turn more and more to reliance upon the abundant and cheap vegetable fats and oils of the tropics. Each of the three tropical regions has its own indigenous fat plant, as it has also its characteristic cereal and luxury plant. In tropical Asia the coconut palm is the most important fat plant, and in tropical Africa the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). The outstanding producer of fat native to tropical America is not a palm but an annual plant, the peanut (Arachis hypogaea). Tropical America has never played an important world r6le in the production of fats for export. The American peanut is not grown in America for the European market but in Africa and Asia. This fact has nothing to do with the soil or climate but is historically induced. In tropical America the Europeans with the help of Negro slaves had established the; plantation industry which, because of great expenditure of labor and capital, was profitable only if products of high value were cultivated. Under these conditions the commercial cultivation of the peanut did not pay.