Abstract:
Abstract
The effect of three different moisture and shade regimes on the seedling growth of three Dura x
Pisifera oil palm progenies was investigated at the Oil Palm Research Institute, Kusi between
July 1998 and February 2000. A split plot design with four replications was used. Data were
collected on leaf number per plant, plant height, butt circumference and leaf area as well as dry
weight of plant parts and total plant dry weight. Growth analysis was performed and correlation
among traits calculated. Phenotypic and genotypic variances as well as heritability estimates
were also determined. Significant effects on seedling growth due to shade, moisture supply and
progeny as well as their interactions were observed. All the characters studied were
significantly and positively (P<0.01) correlated with each other except leaf area ratio (LAR).
The highest correlation were found between total plant dry weight and crop growth rate (r2 =
0.90) and between leaf area and plant height (r2= 0.81). The highest phenotypic and genotypic
coefficients of variations for plant growth parameters were those of net assimilation rate (NAR
81.57% and 75.51% respectively) and crop growth rate (CGR 80.43% and 64.86%
respectively). For plant biomass the highest was for total plant dry weight (67.66% and 54.91%
respectively) The highest broadsense heritability estimates for plant growth parameters were for
crop growth rate (65.03%) leaf area index (68.03%) relative growth rate (80.38%). net
assimilation rate (85.68%) and leaf area ratio (91.36%) while that for plant biomass was for
total plant dry weight (65.86%) indicating high genetic control over these characters and the
potential to select for desired levels of expression. The implications of these findings in oil
palm nursery management and seedling selection are discussed.
