Effect Of Different Moisture And Shade Regimes On Seedling Growth Of Three Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis) Progenies

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