The necessity for assisted pollination in areas of low male inflorescence production and its effect on the components of yield of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)
Evidence is given to support the contention that, in Malaya, male inflorescence production of young palms (3-8 years of age) is at times insufficient to allow satisfactory fruit set. An experiment is described in which, over 5 years, assisted pollination had only a slight effect on yield. However, during periods of a few months each year, assisted pollination prevented large drops in yield and produced a more even cropping regime. The effect of assisted pollination was also to induce a more balanced sex ratio within a relatively short period. Assisted pollination had a positive effect on average bunch weight, but reduced frond production, altered sex ratio and increased floral abortion. In areas of low male inflorescence production, it is necessary to carry out assisted pollination, so as to obtain crop and balance the sex ratio. In large areas, where the sex ratio is high, there is probably very little pollen transported in from outside. In extreme cases, yields remain very low for several years unless assisted pollination is practised. The intensity of assisted pollination depends on the male inflorescence production within the area. The maximum yield of oil palms is genetically controlled and attempts to increase yield by the effect of assisted pollination on bunch size are cancelled by reduced frond production, increased floral abortion and alteration in sex ratio
| Main Authors: | , , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | biblioteca |
| Published: |
Londres (Inglaterra)
1965
|
| Subjects: | ELAEIS GUINEENSIS, POLINIZACION, INFLORESCENCIAS, RENDIMIENTO, |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|