Growth parameters of backcross-derived Elaeis oleifera (Kunth) Cortés from Taisha - Ecuador and their potential for plant breeding in oil palm

Abstract

The palm Elaeis oleifera from Taisha was first described in 1986, but remains a valuable genetic resource to be evaluated, as it may be important for obtaining high-yielding hybrid genotypes and good-quality oil. This research aimed to determine the attributes of Elaeis oleifera (O) Taisha, E. guineensis Jacq. (G), their hybrids (O × G) and backcrosses [(O × G) × G = Bc], regarding leaf, stipe and pollen parameters, to expand the potential knowledge toward the obtention of interspecific hybrids that improve the crop competitiveness and sustainability. Contrasts were shown between both genotypes. E. oleifera showed a foliar emission of 1.67 leaves per month, when compared to a mean value of 2.37 leaves per month for O × G, Bc and E. guineensis. The leaf area of the leaf number 17 was 5.55 m² for E. oleifera and 8.50 m² in the other materials. Additionally, E. oleifera reached a shorter height and lower number of leaflets for the leaf 17 and stipe growth, in comparison to the other genotypes that showed vegetative hybrid vigor. Regarding pollen germination, E. oleifera and E. guineensis showed high percentages, whereas the hybrids obtained 14.26 % and Bc 62.47 %. Therefore, the introgression of genes from E. oleifera to E. guineensis for slow growth and smaller foliar area and from backcrosses for high pollen germination can be useful for selecting and obtaining high-yield improved hybrids and short and compact palms.

KEYWORDS: Elaeis spp., interspecific hybrid, pollen germination.