Summary
A study was conducted on the segregating populations from tenera × tenera, tenera x fertile Pisifera crosses and tenera selfings. Pisifera palms were categorised as (1) fertile Pisifera palms if producing mature ripe bunches regularly under natural conditions, and (2) partially female sterile pisifera palms if producing a few or no bunches in several years.
Based on observations on the segregation patterns of the fruit forms (dura, tenera and pisifera) and bunch production patterns, a genetic model was formulated to explain the genetic basis of fertility in the oil palm. Fertility in the oil palm is shown to be controlled by a single gene which is linked to the gene controlling fruit form. Chi-square tests confirmed that the model agreed with the segregating ratios of fruit form and fertility observed.
The implications of this finding with regard to oil palm breeding and improvement, and the potential of the fertile pisifera palm for increasing palm oil yields in plantations are discussed.
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Wonkyi-Appiah, J.B. Genetic control of fertility in the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). Euphytica 36, 505–511 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00041494
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00041494