Fruit and seed development in Elaeis oleifera (HBK) Cortes of Surinam origin

Abstract

A dwarf American oil palm (Elaeis oleifera) germplasm accession planted at Field Gene Bank of Directorate of Oil Palm Research, Regional Station, Palode, Kerala state was studied for fruit, seed development and maturity. Seeds extracted during matured fruit development stages were tested for germination. The study revealed that the fruit has developed steadily in size and weight from anthesis (0.27 g) to 135 days after anthesis (DAA) (8.62 g). The embryo has matured at 78 DAA and shell became hard and lignified during 113 to 126 DAA. Low moisture content was recorded in mesocarp (29.5%), shell (12.5%), kernel (27.2%) and embryo (59.5%) at 135 DAA with high seed germination (44.4%). Mesocarp oil synthesis initiated (3.91%) at 65 DAA and elevated to 50.9% at 113 DAA onwards and peaked at 135 DAA. Surinam oleifera fruit bunches took about 4.5 months (135 DAA) for fruit ripening and harvestable maturity. These experimental results will be utilised for breeding and improvement of dwarf oleifera palm of Surinam origin.