Oil Palm Species Research Articles

Chromosome-scale Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera assemblies: comparative genomics of oil palm and other Arecaceae.

Elaeis guineensis and E. oleifera are the two species of oil palm. E. guineensis is the most widely cultivated commercial species, and introgression of desirable traits from E. oleifera is ongoing. We report an improved E. guineensis genome assembly with substantially increased continuity and completeness, as well as the first chromosome-scale E. oleifera genome assembly. Each assembly was obtained by integration of long-read sequencing, proximity ligation sequencing, optical mapping, and genetic mapping. High interspecific genome conservation is observed between the two species. The study provides the most extensive gene annotation to date, including 46,697 E. guineensis and 38,658 E. oleifera gene predictions. Analyses of repetitive element families further resolve the DNA repeat architecture of both genomes. Comparative genomic analyses identified experimentally validated small structural variants between the oil palm species and resolved the mechanism of chromosomal fusions responsible for the evolutionary descending dysploidy from 18 to 16 chromosomes.

Factors Affecting Pollination and Pollinators in Oil Palm Plantations: A Review with an Emphasis on the Elaeidobius kamerunicus Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Pollination is crucial for oil palm yield, and its efficiency is influenced by multiple factors, including the effectiveness of Elaeidobius kamerunicus weevils as pollinators in Southeast Asia. Weevils transfer pollen between male and female flowers, leading to successful fertilization and fruit development, which contributes to higher oil palm yields and increased production of valuable oil. Understanding and conserving the weevil population is important for sustainable oil palm cultivation practices. The interaction between pollinators, including weevils, and environmental factors is complex, involving aspects such as pollinator behavior, abundance, diversity, and effectiveness, which are influenced by weather, landscape composition, and pesticide use. Understanding these interactions is critical for promoting sustainable pollination practices, including effective pest management and maintaining optimal pollinator populations. This review discusses various abiotic and biotic factors that affect pollination and pollinators in oil palm plantations, with a particular focus on weevils as primary pollinators. Factors such as rainfall, humidity, oil palm species, temperature, endogamy, parasitic nematodes, insecticides, predators, and proximity to natural forests can impact the weevil population. Further research is recommended to fill knowledge gaps and promote sustainable pollination practices in the oil palm industry.

Stenocranus pacificus (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) and Spodoptera frugiperda (Noctuidae; Lepidoptera) are important pests on maize mix-cropped with oil palm in West Sumatra

Maize is commonly planted in monoculture. However, in several areas of West Sumatra, it is also cultivated as polyculture side-by-side with oil palm. The study aimed to investigate the important pests that attacked maize plants in oil palm plantations in Pasaman, West Sumatra. This research was conducted in existing and replanting oil palm plantations. Insect pests data collection was purposive random sampled from represented plots of maize plants that were attacked by pests. Five sample plots of 1x1 m2 were taken for assessing insect pests incidence. The average number of maize plant stalks observed 32. Observations were made on the condition of the maize and oil palm agroecosystem, species and populations, and symptoms of insect pests that attack maize. The result showed that Stenocranus pacificus and Spodoptera frugiperda were the most dominant insect pests. The insects damaged the leaves and stems of maize plants. Stenocranus pacificus population was 4.45 individuals/plants, and Spodoptera frugiperda was 1.7 individuals/plants. The maize in West Pasaman is mostly planted on oil palm plantations consisting of monoculture and in oil palms that would be replanted. It was found that two insect pest species were dominant attackers, i.e., Symptoms of the attacks were seen on the leaves and stems of the plants.

Bat point counts: A novel sampling method shines light on flying bat communities.

Emerging technologies based on the detection of electro‐magnetic energy offer promising opportunities for sampling biodiversity. We exploit their potential by showing here how they can be used in bat point counts—a novel method to sample flying bats—to overcome shortcomings of traditional sampling methods, and to maximize sampling coverage and taxonomic resolution of this elusive taxon with minimal sampling bias. We conducted bat point counts with a sampling rig combining a thermal scope to detect bats, an ultrasound recorder to obtain echolocation calls, and a near‐infrared camera to capture bat morphology. We identified bats with a dedicated identification key combining acoustic and morphological features, and compared bat point counts with the standard bat sampling methods of mist‐netting and automated ultrasound recording in three oil palm plantation sites in Indonesia, over nine survey nights. Based on rarefaction and extrapolation sampling curves, bat point counts were similarly effective but more time‐efficient than the established methods for sampling the oil palm species pool in our study. Point counts sampled species that tend to avoid nets and those that are not echolocating, and thus cannot be detected acoustically. We identified some bat sonotypes with near‐infrared imagery, and bat point counts revealed strong sampling biases in previous studies using capture‐based methods, suggesting similar biases in other regions might exist. Our method should be tested in a wider range of habitats and regions to assess its performance. However, while capture‐based methods allow to identify bats with absolute and internal morphometry, and unattended ultrasound recorders can effectively sample echolocating bats, bat point counts are a promising, non‐invasive, and potentially competitive new tool for sampling all flying bats without bias and observing their behavior in the wild.

An Efficient Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-Associated Protein 9 Mutagenesis System for Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis).

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system has emerged as a powerful tool for the precise editing of plant genomes for crop improvement. Rapid in vitro methods for the determination of guide RNA (gRNA) cleavage efficiency and an efficient DNA delivery system is essential for gene editing. However, we lack an efficient gene-editing system for palm species. In this study, we described the development of a transient oil palm protoplast assay to rapidly evaluate the cleavage efficiency of CRISPR/Cas9 mutagenesis and the generation of stable transformed oil palms using biolistic particle bombardment in immature embryos. Using the phytoene desaturase (EgPDS) gene, we found cleavage frequency of up to 25.49% in electro-transfected protoplast, which enables the production of transgenic oil palm shoots exhibiting chimeric albino phenotypes as a result of DNA insertions, deletions (InDels), and nucleotide substitutions, with a mutation efficiency of 62.5–83.33%. We further validated the mutagenesis efficiency and specificity of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in oil palm by targeting the brassinosteroid-insensitive 1 (EgBRI1) gene, which resulted in nucleotide substitutions in EgBRI1 with premature necrosis phenotype in oil palm transgenic shoots and stunted phenotype resulting from DNA InDels. Taken together, our results showed that effective and efficient editing of genes using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be achieved in oil palm by optimizing the selection of efficient gRNA and DNA delivery methods. This newly designed strategy will enable new routes for the genetic improvement in oil palm and related species.

A Non-Shedding Fruit Elaeis oleifera Palm Reveals Perturbations to Hormone Signaling, ROS Homeostasis, and Hemicellulose Metabolism

The developmentally programmed loss of a plant organ is called abscission. This process is characterized by the ultimate separation of adjacent cells in the abscission zone (AZ). The discovery of an American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) variant that does not shed its has allowed for the study of the mechanisms of ripe fruit abscission in this species. A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed to compare the fruit AZs of the non-shedding E. oleifera variant to an individual of the same progeny that sheds its ripe fruit normally. The study provides evidence for widespread perturbation to gene expression in the AZ of the non-shedding variant, compared to the normal fruit-shedding control, and offers insight into abscission-related functions. Beyond the genes with known or suspected roles during organ abscission or indehiscence that were identified, a list of genes with hormone-related functions, including ethylene, jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, cytokinin and salicylic acid, in addition to reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, transcriptional responses and signaling pathways, was compiled. The results also allowed a comparison between the ripe fruit abscission processes of the African and American oil palm species at the molecular level and revealed commonalities with environmental stress pathways.

CANDIDATE GENES IDENTIFICATION OF OIL PALM (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) INTEREST CHARACTERS USING PUBLISHED DATABASE

Palm oil has supplied more than 30% of vegetable oil consumption worldwide. Rising demand has pushed oil palm plantations to increase the yield. It is well known that genetic has played a significant role in phenotypic performance. Moreover, in recent years, genomic data has emerged tremendously. Unfortunately on the gene related to oil palm yield. Therefore, a preliminary study to classify and select oil palm candidate genes associated with characteristic by scanning existing genes in oil palm or other in-silico species were conducted. Based on Blast2Go results, 22 genes related to oil biosynthesis, two specifically related to fruit number and fruit weight were analysed. Furthermore, 19 candidate genes were able to amplify.

KADAR MINYAK DAN KERNEL PADA BUAH TERLUAR SELAMA PEMATANGAN TANDAN BUAH KELAPA SAWIT

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan komposisi minyak dan kernel pada buah sawit terluar selama pematangan tandan dari tanaman kelapa sawit jenis Tenera. Kegiatan yang dilakukan meliputi: i) pengamatan buah terlepas (berondolan) dari tandan meliputi jumlah, berat, kadar minyak dan kernel, ii) pengamatan pengaruh penginapan berondolan di tempat terbuka dan teduh (di bawah pohon sawit) terhadap berat, kadar minyak dan kernel dan iii) analisa komposisi minyak dan kernel pada variasi kematangan buah di lahan dataran rendah, dataran tinggi dan gambut. Hasil yang diperoleh dari kegiatan pertama adalah berondolan pada hari pertama sebanyak 1-2 butir per tandan (rerata 1,3± 0,5 butir/tandan) dan jumlahnya meningkat pada hari kedua hingga hari keenam sebanyak 3,2 ± 0,8 butir/tandan. Berondolan pada hari pertama dan kedua cenderung lebih berat dibandingkan hari setelahnya. Berondolan pada hari pertama memiliki kadar minyak lebih tinggi dibandingkan hari setelahnya. Kadar minyak pada mesokarp kering meningkat seiring dengan meningkatnya waktu terlepasnya buah sedangkan kadar kernel relatif sama. Hasil yang diperoleh dari kegiatan kedua adalah penurunan berat berondolan selama penginapan di tempat terbuka (hari 1-10 sebesar 4,8-27,1%) lebih tinggi dibandingkan di tempat teduh (2,1-17,2%). Kadar minyak pada berondolan meningkat seiring dengan meningkatnya waktu penginapan. Selama waktu 10 hari, kadar minyak pada berondolan yang diinapkan di tempat terbuka meningkat signifikan dan berbeda nyata pada level p≤0,05 dibandingkan waktu sebelumnya yang disebabkan oleh berat berondolan menurun secara signifikan. Sementara itu, kadar kernel per buah selama penginapan tidak berbeda nyata hingga hari kesepuluh di kedua tempat tersebut. Hasil yang diperoleh dari kegiatan ketiga adalah kadar minyak meningkat pada buah mentah hingga lewat matang dan tidak berbeda nyata pada taraf 5% pada buah matang dan lewat matang. Kadar kernel meningkat namun tidak berbeda nyata pada taraf 5% pada buah mentah hingga lewat matang. Kadar air buah mentah menurun dengan meningkatnya kematangan buah. Kadar minyak buah di dataran rendah lebih tinggi dibandingkan di dataran tinggi dan gambut. Buah yang memiliki kadar minyak dan kernel optimum adalah buah yang telah memberondol minimum 1 butir per tandan.

Genetic diversity in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera) germplasm as revealed by microsatellite (SSR) markers

Genetic variability and relationship of 29 germplasm accessions of two species, viz. Elaeis guineensis Jacq (25 accessions) and Elaeis oleifera (4 accessions) along with two Palode teneras were evaluated at ICAR-Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Regional Station, Palode, India during 2014-2016 with an objective to assess the germplasm diversity.Nine oil palms specific SSR primer pairs were used to assess the genetic diversity. All the nine primer pairs produced reproducible unambiguous markers. The total number of alleles per primer pair varied from six (sMo00129, sMo00128, mEgCIR3890, sMo00130, mEgCIR0268, mEgCIR0905, sMo00020, sMo00154,) to seventeen (mEgCIR3399). It produced a total of 107 alleles from the selected two oil palm species and all the makers were polymorphic. Cluster analysis, based on UPGMA was performed in order to realize the extent of similarity/ dissimilarity among the germplasm accessions. The dendrogram showed two major clusters at 0.09 similarity coefficient one with E. oleifera and other with E. guineensis. Among E. oleifera, Chithara (Oleifera palms identified in the commercial plantation owned by OPIL, Kerala) accessions were grouped separately indicating confirmation of distinctness. Among E. guineensis accessions, G1(Nigerian dwarf tenera) and G55 (Tanzanian dura) showed maximum diversity. Evaluation data obtained in this study on the ‘extent of genetic distance’ among accessions can be explored carefully for planning hybridization programme so as to accelerate palm oil yield by maximizing the hybrid vigour. The significant genetic diversity observed among the germplasm accessions indicated the scope of introgression into the current breeding programme.

Proteomics analysis on lipid metabolism in Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera.

Proteome data was obtained from the fruit mesocarps of the two oil palm species, namely, the African Elaeis guineensis (commercial tenera or commonly known as D x P and MPOB-Nigerian tenera) and the South American Elaeis oleifera. Total proteins were extracted from randomly selected fruitlets and subjected to proteomics characterisation by means of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Number of proteins identified, the grouping of the biological replicates from five developmental weeks after anthesis, and the localisation of gene corresponded to the detected proteins on the oil palm chromosomes, were presented. A total of 4,116, 4,210 and 4,081 proteins were found in commercial tenera and MPOB Nigerian tenera for Elaeis guineensis; and Elaeis oleifera, respectively. Principal component analysis showed two distinct clusters that corresponded to Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera. Collectively, genes that corresponded to the identified proteins were found to be located in all 16 oil palm chromosomes. A total of 59 proteins from Elaeis guineensis and Elaeis oleifera were down-regulated for >5-fold change during the peak of lipid biosynthesis compared to the onset. The same comparative analysis revealed that 66 proteins were up-regulated for >5-fold change. About 60.0% of the observed proteins were involved in catalytic activity while 28.5% were associated with redox reaction. Based on same datasets, the tricarboxylic acid cycle and 5-hydroxytryptamine degradation pathways were found to be enriched the most (>36-fold change). These data can be used to support the oil palm gene model validation and lipid metabolism research, particularly in the areas of oil yield and quality. The tabulated protein lists of identified proteins and their expression changes from these varieties were provided as supplementary files. Raw MSF and mzid files for all the oil palm species were deposited in the ProteomeXchange (PXD017436).

Response of Understory Bird Feeding Groups to Deforestation Gradient in a Tropical Rainforest of Cameroon

Birds are crucial in maintaining the balance of many ecosystems and provide various ecological services. Understanding their sensitivity to human disturbances should be prioritized in understudy areas for effective conservation practices. Using mist nets, this study characterized mostly understory bird communities (insectivorous, frugivorous, granivorous, and nectarivorous birds) in three habitat types (pristine forest, selectively logged forest, and young oil palm plantation) in the Talangaye rainforest, Southwest Cameroon. A total of 845 birds belonging to 27 families and 85 species were recorded in the three habitats after 294 h of mist netting. Overall, the mist-netted community was largely dominated by insectivores, followed by frugivores, nectarivores, granivores, and carnivores. Although mean species richness, abundance, and Simpson diversity index did not vary significantly among habitat types, mean species abundance and diversity index decreased in selectively logged forest and young oil palm plantation and species richness increased in both habitats. The species richness, abundance, and diversity index for insectivorous and frugivorous birds were lowest in the young oil palm plantations. For granivores, species richness and abundance increased following selective logging and the establishment of oil palm plantation. The highest mean species richness and diversity index in nectarivores were recorded in the young oil palm plantations. The study showed that selective logging and establishment of oil palm plantation had variable effects on the bird communities in the Talangaye rainforest. Also, the frugivorous birds appeared to be more sensitive to both types of disturbances, while the insectivores were more sensitive to habitat loss/conversion.

Association of Pollinators of Different Species of Oil Palm with the Metabolic Profiling of Volatile Organic Compounds.

The development of studies on emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by inflorescence of oil palms deserves a special attention regarding the importance to reproduction success and for increase of production. This study aimed to evaluate metabolic profiling of VOCs expelled by male and female inflorescences of different oil palm species (African oil palm, Amazonian Caiaué and the interspecific hybrid BRS-Manicoré), associating the composition variability with main pollinators to improve the comprehension of the plant-insect relationship. The phenylpropanoids, terpenoids and the aliphatic hydrocarbons were predominant classes detected in inflorescences of oil palms and the major compound was estragole. This result may be correlated with attraction of Elaidobius pollinators, since these insects were not attracted by Caiaué, which emitted estragole only in trace amounts. However, Caiaué and the hybrid species were visited by other native species whose frequencies were low and their success as pollinators could not be expected.

Genetic structure and diversity between and within African and American oil palm species based on microsatellite markers

Abstract. Natawijaya A, Ardie SW, Syukur M, Maskromo I, Hartana A, Sudarsono S. 2019. Genetic structure and diversity between and within African and American oil palm species based on microsatellite markers. Biodiversitas 20: 1233-1240. The genus Elaeis consists of only two species, Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (the African oil palm species) and E. oleifera (HBK) Cortes (the American oil palm species). E. guineensis (E.g) is widely cultivated in southeast Asia and Africa, whereas E. oleifera (E.o) is naturally existed and cultivated in Central and South America. The objectives of this research were to analyze genetic diversity of eight groups of E.g and two groups of E.o using co-dominant genetic markers (SSRs) and evaluate their genetic structures. A total of 27 SSR loci was used to genotype a total of 128 accessions of African oil palm species (E.g) belonging to three different types (Dura, Pisifera and Tenera) and eight genetic backgrounds (Dumpy Dura and Deli Dura; Avros, Dumpy Avros, Binga, and Angola Pisifera; and Angola and Dumpy Avros Tenera) and 64 accessions of E.o collected from two different regions (Tefe and Manaus). The genotype data were used to calculate the population genetic diversity and structures for each oil palm species using the appropriate software. Results of the analysis indicated although they belonged to two different species, E.g and E.o shared many of the same SSR alleles in their genome and only contain few species-specific SSR alleles. Most of the evaluated genetic parameters were similar between E.g and E.o oil palm species but E.o has higher average number of effective allele than that of E.g. The calculated genetic variance is mostly belonged to the within-species variance source while the between species is relatively small. The phylogenetic tree and structure analysis reveal the high genetic variability among the evaluated oil palm groups which would be beneficial for future breeding program at Mekarsari Research Station. The tested E.o specific alleles were effective for identifying introgression lines between Eo × E.g // E.g carrying the E.o chromosome fragments. Therefore, these E.o specific alleles could be used in oil palm backcrossing program to monitor the introgression process.

English

The oil and raffia palm species are indigenous to West and Central Africa, and their exploitation both at industrial and artisanal scale generate important quantities of renewable fibrous biomass that can be converted to high and low value bio-based products. Fibre samples were prepared from three raffia palm species drawn from three locations and Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (OPEFB) from an industrial palm oil mill, all in the South West Region of Cameroon. The samples were tested for chemical composition using wet chemical methods and an elemental analyzer. The functional groups were determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR) spectroscopy while morphological analysis and crystallinity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction respectively. The results obtained show that extractives-free raffia palm fibres are similar to OPEFB with respect to lignin, hemicellulose and cellulose contents, morphology, occurrence of silica bodies on the surface of fibres and internal porosity. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) indicated that the diameter of raffia fibre were larger than those of OPEFB stalk and spikelet fibres. The content of extractives determined by gravimetric method showed significantly lower values for raffia biomass compared to EFB fibres. The response of the fibres to hypochlorite treatment as revealed by FT-IR and morphological studies was very similar. The raffia fibres reflected significantly lower ash content and the powder X-ray studies showed slight differences in crystallinity index between raffia and OPEFB. The variability in key characteristics of biomass from the different species of palm are within the limits of the variability shown by biomass from the same species of plants. This leads to the conclusion that, the two types of palm which are both indigenous to the West and Central Africa can serve as source of blended renewable biomass. Promotion of cultivation and conservation of existing raffia plantations presents as a strategy for a more sustainable supply of biomass feedstock for bio-based products. Key words: Raffia palm, oil palm, fiber sample, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analysis of selected fatty acid biosynthesis genes and CNL disease resistance genes in oil palm.

Comparative genomics and transcriptomic analyses were performed on two agronomically important groups of genes from oil palm versus other major crop species and the model organism, Arabidopsis thaliana. The first analysis was of two gene families with key roles in regulation of oil quality and in particular the accumulation of oleic acid, namely stearoyl ACP desaturases (SAD) and acyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) thioesterases (FAT). In both cases, these were found to be large gene families with complex expression profiles across a wide range of tissue types and developmental stages. The detailed classification of the oil palm SAD and FAT genes has enabled the updating of the latest version of the oil palm gene model. The second analysis focused on disease resistance (R) genes in order to elucidate possible candidates for breeding of pathogen tolerance/resistance. Ortholog analysis showed that 141 out of the 210 putative oil palm R genes had homologs in banana and rice. These genes formed 37 clusters with 634 orthologous genes. Classification of the 141 oil palm R genes showed that the genes belong to the Kinase (7), CNL (95), MLO-like (8), RLK (3) and Others (28) categories. The CNL R genes formed eight clusters. Expression data for selected R genes also identified potential candidates for breeding of disease resistance traits. Furthermore, these findings can provide information about the species evolution as well as the identification of agronomically important genes in oil palm and other major crops.

CHARACTERIZATION OF GENE KETOACYL-ACP SYNTHASE II (KAS II) β ON Elaeis guineensis, Elaeis oleifera, AND INTERSPECIFIC HYBRID

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is currently the highest edible oil-producing plant in the world. E. oleifera is another species of oil palm that is not widely cultivated due to lower productivity. Oil extracted from E. guineensis has a balance ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids level, while E. oleifera has a higher unsaturated fatty acids. Long chain saturated fatty acids are more harmful for human health than unsaturated fatty acids. Gene encoding β-ketoacyl ACP synthase II (KAS II, EC 2.3.1.179) was studied, as this enzyme is responsible for biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Observation and analysis were conducted for KAS II gene and fatty acids content of E. guineensis represented by DxP Lame, DxP Langkat and CMR78 samples, E. oleifera represented by Suriname origin, and two hybrids (E. guineensis x E. oleifera (Brazil and Suriname)). The results showed E. oleifera Suriname had the highest concentration of oleic acid, followed by E. guineensis (CMR78). KAS II gene sequences alignment showed some genetic variation within E. guineensis and hybrids, while the high level of variation found between E. guineensis and E. oleifera was considered caused by species difference.

GENETIC VARIATION OF E. oleifera POPULATION AND POPULATION E. guineensis x E. oleifera ON NUTFAH PLASMA COLLECTION PPKS

The oil palm species of Elaeis oleifera have some superior characters not possessed by E. guineensis species. The cross between E. oleifera x E. guineensis (E. o x E. g.) Is carried out to insert the superior character of E. oleifera into the E. guineensis species and to obtain individuals who possess a superior characteristic blend of both species. This study aims to determine the genetic diversity within and between populations of E. oleifera, as well as relationships between E. oleifera, E. guineensis and its interspecific hybrids. A total of 8 germplasm populations used were E. oleifera originating from Suriname and Brazil, E. guineensis population of Dura Deli and SP540T, and interspecific crosses of hybrid E. guineensis x E. oleifera from Colombia, hybrid E. guineensis x E. oleifera which is presumably from Colombia, as well as hybrid E. guineensis x E. oleifera from Brazil. A total of sixteen Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers were used to analyze 92 individuals from 8 populations. PCoA results show that 8 Elaeis populations cluster in each group. The hybrid population of E. guineensis x E. oleifera suspected of Colombia has a very close kinship relationship with hybrid E. guineensis x E. oleifera from Colombia and clumped in the same quadrant. This suggests that the hybrid is indeed a hybrid of E. guineensis x E. oleifera from Colombia. The population of E. oleifera from Suriname showed the lowest genetic diversity, with the number of different alleles, specific alleles, heterozygosity values, and the percentages of polymorphic loci sequentially were 1.37, 0.18, 0.09, and 37.50%. While the population of interspecific interspecific crossbreeds of the E. oleifera species showed the highest genetic diversity with values ​​of 3.81, 0.43, 0.62 and 100%.

Potencial económico de la palma aceitera (Elaeis guineensis Jacq)

The objective of this research was to highlight the economic importance of the optimal use of products and byproducts of oil palm. In Colombia, productive crops per hectare can generate, over one year, an average of 3.14 tons of oil, and up to 21.68 t of solid and liquid waste when the plant is on a productive stage. These data allowed the researcher to estimate that more than nine million of t of solid and liquid waste was produced from the 450 131 ha present in 2014, in Colombia; the produced biomass was used to generate energy and steam, releasing carbon dioxide back again into the environment. These residues have great potential in many industries, some to be developed, therefore, it is of special importance to try to maximize the use of waste produced by oil palm production, to generate economic and environmental benefits. An example of this is the palm kernel cake, with a nutritional potential in animal feed, fiber in the biocompound industry, biomass and stipe in the timber industry, glycerol, biodiesel, and liquid effluents in the chemical and biotechnological industry. The use of these raw materials may help to establish a positive balance in the cultivation of this species of oil palm in the country.

Diel Patterns of Activity for Insect Pollinators of Two Oil Palm Species (Arecales : Arecaceae).

The pollination of two oil palm species, Elaeis guineensis Jacquin and Elaeis oleifera Cortés (Arecales: Arecaceae), depends on a mutualistic relation with insects, which use male inflorescences as a brood site, and visits female inflorescences lured by the emitted odor, which is similar to that of males. Although the activity of visiting the inflorescences by these insects is critical for the adequate natural pollination of the host plant, their activity is poorly documented. In the present study, we determine the diel activity of two specialized pollinator weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on inflorescences of their respective host-palm: Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust specialized on E. guineensis, and Grasidius hybridus O’Brien and Beserra specialized on E. oleifera. The average timing of activity was studied by using passive interception traps. Then the pattern and the duration were refined by using aspiration trapping within the active period for each insect species at the male and female inflorescences. All the experiments were conducted in an Ecuadorian oil palm plantation, located close to Amazonian forest. El. kamerunicus and G. hybridus were found to be the pollinators of E. guineensis and E. oleifera, respectively. The two species differed in their diel pattern of activity: E. kamerunicus was active in the morning and G. hybridus during a short period at dusk. For both palm species, insect visits were synchronous on both male and female inflorescences. The synchronicity is discussed as a strategy to maintain the relation mutualistic between partners. These findings increase our understanding of the oil palm pollination system.

PEMANFAATAN TEKNOLOGI GENOMIKA DAN TRANSFORMASI GENETIK UNTUK MENINGKATKAN PRODUKTIVITAS KELAPA SAWIT / The Use of Genomic and Genetic Transformation Technologies for Oil Palm Productivity Improvement

One of the main constrains oil palm cultivation in Indonesia is the low productivity with national yield average of 4 ton oil/ha/year much lower than the yield potential of up to 18.5 ton oil/ha/year. Conventional breeding method is a slow process and time consuming. It takes 10-12 years just to complete a breeding cycle. Applying genomic together with DNA tansformation methods should expedite oil palm breeding program. The objective of this manuscript was to review the application of genomic and DNA transformation technologies to improve oil palm productivity and its potential use for yield improvement program in Indonesia. Genomic technology has resulted reference genome sequence map of two oil palm species (E. guineensis and E. oleifera) that resulted the isolation of Sh gene controlling oil yield heterosis, discovery of mantled fruit mechanism, and as a foundation for superior gene and tait-associated marker discoveries to accelerate oil palm breeding program. The use of Sh gene markers together with mantled fruit detection kit at early stages of plant development accelerates oil palm breeding cycle and facilitates mantled seedling detection to guarantee productivity improvement. Multiplication of superior individual plants using in vitro culture should guaranty plantation high productivity in the field. Genetic engineering technique is potentially applied to improve palm oil quality and nutrition content as well as developing products useful for producing bioplastics. Resequencing studies of three Indonesian oil palm genotypes resulted millions of genomic variations (SNPs and Indels) important for high valued breeding resources to accelerate national oil palm breeding programs. Genomic as well as DNA transformation technologies are potentially applied in Indonesia to support national oil palm productivity and oil quality improvement programs.