Field Trials in Oil Palm Breeding: A Manual

Field trials are essential for selecting and verifying target traits in oil palm breeding, such as yield, tolerance to pests and diseases, oil quality, and adaptability to the environment. This book provides a hands-on guide to conducting field trials, covering pre-trial considerations, land preparation, material preparation, trial planting, recording, and Ganoderma trials. It is invaluable for oil palm breeders, oil palm institutes, plantation managers, and training purposes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2019
Publisher: CABI Publishing

This comprehensive guide provides a hands-on and practical approach to conducting field trials in oil palm breeding, which are crucial for selecting and verifying the real expression of diverse target traits. In the oil palm industry, these traits include yield, pest and disease tolerance, oil quality, and adaptability to different environments. Breeding success hinges on the availability of genetic resources and the efficiency of screening these resources for desired traits. While DNA technologies have made many of these screening processes more accessible, field trials remain the ultimate test of commercial performance.

The preparation of land and the provision of high-quality planting material, typically derived from deliberate cross-pollinations, form the foundation of these trials. This book covers a range of pre-trial considerations and activities, including land preparation, material preparation, trial planting, recording, and Ganoderma trials. It also provides valuable insights into pre-trial screening using DNA diagnostics, which is becoming increasingly important in oil palm breeding.

Designed for oil palm breeders, oil palm institutes, plantation managers, and individuals embarking on a career in oil palm improvement, this manual is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the oil palm industry. Its comprehensive coverage and practical insights make it a must-read for professionals and researchers alike, particularly in tropical zones.

Weight: 258g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789241396