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Fruiting Activity, Growth and Yield of Oil Palm. II. Observations in Untreated Populations

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 October 2008

C. J. Breure
Affiliation:
Dami Oil Palm Research Station, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea
R. H. V. Corley
Affiliation:
Layang-layang, Johore, Malaysia

Summary

The extent to which the number and weight components of oil palm fruit yield are affected by the total weight of fruit bunches on the palm (fruiting activity) was investigated by multiple regression analysis, with plant available water and sunshine hours as additional covariates. Fruiting activity significantly increased the percentage of aborted inflorescences six months after leaf opening, and reduced the ratio of female to total inflorescences (sex ratio) seven to eight months prior to leaf opening. Mean weight of bunches was negatively affected by fruiting activity ten to eleven months before harvest, the number of flowers per spikelet and the mean single fruit weight being the only components to show a clear response. Fruiting activity significantly reduced the petiole cross sectional area of leaves six months before opening.

Simulation models for oil palm yield forecasting must take account of the endogenous yield cycles resulting from these effects of fruiting activity.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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References

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