15 Best Oil Palm Varieties: Commercially Viable, Disease Resistant, High Yield, and Hybrid Oil Palm Cultivars

Delving into oil palm cultivation reveals various varieties, each with unique attributes. This blog post is a go-to resource for discovering commercially viable, disease-resistant, high-yield, and hybrid oil palm cultivars. We’ll explore the characteristics that make these varieties stand out, providing a roadmap for planters seeking optimal performance and sustainability in their oil palm plantations.

High-yield, Disease-Resistant Oil Palm Varieties

Oil palm cultivation faces profit, workforce efficiency, and environmental impact challenges. Adopting practices that enhance productivity while minimizing resource use is crucial to achieving sustainable palm oil production. Understanding the ideal conditions for oil palm cultivation, such as sunshine, solar radiation, rainfall, humidity, and temperature, is essential. Loose-textured, non-layered soil is optimal for oil palm growth.

Oil palm is most productive oil crop, yielding 6-9 times more oil per hectare than crops like soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower. It dominates global oil crop production, contributing 42.3% of total production from 8.3% of the total cultivated area. Two primary oil palm species, Elaeis guineensis from West Africa and Elaeis oleifera from Central South America, form the backbone of oil palm cultivation. Understanding the reproductive biology of oil palm is essential for effective cultivation.

Breeding programs focus on higher oil yield, lower height increment, and disease tolerance, supported by MPOB’s extensive germplasm collection. Tissue culture clones offer a mass propagation method for high-quality planting materials, with elite materials from Deli dura and AVROS sources ensuring optimal performance. Selective ortet sampling results in improved planting materials, with clones like P368 and P379 exhibiting impressive performance.

15 Best Oil Palm Varieties

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is one of the most productive oil crops in the world. It can produce up to 4 to 5 tonnes of oil per hectare per year, more than any other oil crop. Oil palm is a hardy crop that can tolerate various climatic and soil conditions. However, not all oil palm varieties are equally suitable for commercial cultivation.

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Oil palm fruits with biofuel in beaker in laboratory

Dura (Pisum spp.)

This is the original wild form of oil palm that has a thick shell (2 to 8 mm) and low oil content (16 to 18%). It is not recommended for commercial cultivation but is used as a parent for breeding hybrid varieties. Dura palms are resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Dusky (Pisum spp.)

This is a mutant Dura form with a dark brown mesocarp and a thinner shell (1 to 2 mm). It has a higher oil content (20 to 22%) than Dura and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Pisifera (Pisum spp.)

This is another wild oil palm with no shell and high oil content (24 to 28%). However, it is also sterile and produces no fruits. It is used as a female parent for breeding hybrid varieties. Pisifera palms are susceptible to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Tenera (Pisum spp.)

This is the most common oil palm hybrid derived from crossing Dura and Pisifera. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 2 mm) and a high oil content (22 to 24%). It is the preferred variety for commercial cultivation because of its high yield potential and good-quality oil. Tenera palms are moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

B40 (Pisum spp.)

B40 (Pisum spp.) is a hybrid oil palm variety created by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB). It is derived from crossing Dura x Pisifera x Dura. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has a higher yield potential than Tenera and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Calypso (Pisum spp.)

Calypso (Pisum spp.): This is another hybrid oil palm variety developed by the MPOB. It is derived from crossing Dura x Pisifera x Dusky. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has a similar yield potential as B40 and is also resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Rex (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid variety of oil palm that the MPOB developed. It is derived from crossing Dura x Pisifera x Deli Dura. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has higher yield potential than Calypso and B40 and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

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Freshly harvested oil palm fruits on palm leaf

Pembel (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid oil palm variety developed by the MPOB. It is derived from crossing Dura x Pisifera x Nigrescens Dura. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has a similar yield potential as Rex and is also resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Mega (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid variety of oil palm that the MPOB developed. It is derived from crossing Dura x Pisifera x La Me Dura. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has a higher yield potential than Pembel and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Super Dura (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid variety of oil palm that the MPOB developed. It is derived from crossing Dura x Dura. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (22 to 24%). It has higher yield potential than Dura and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Super Tenera (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid variety of oil palm that the MPOB developed. It is derived from crossing Tenera x Tenera. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (22 to 24%). It has a higher yield potential than Tenera and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Super B40 (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid variety of oil palm that the MPOB developed. It is derived from crossing B40 x B40. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has a higher yield potential than B40 and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Super Calypso (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid oil palm variety developed by the MPOB. It is derived from crossing Calypso x Calypso. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has higher yield potential than Calypso and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Super Rex (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid variety of oil palm developed by the MPOB. It is derived from crossing Rex x Rex. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has higher yield potential than Rex and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

Super Pembel (Pisum spp.)

This is a hybrid variety of oil palm developed by the MPOB. It is derived from crossing Pembel x Pembel. It has a thin shell (0.5 to 1 mm) and a high oil content (24 to 26%). It has a higher yield potential than Pembel and is resistant to Fusarium wilt and Ganoderma root rot diseases.

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Oil palm fruits with different grade and sizes

These are the best 15 oil palm varieties that are commercially viable, disease resistant, high yield, and hybrid oil palm cultivars. They can be grown in different regions of India, depending on the climatic and soil conditions. However, before planting any of these varieties, it is advisable to consult with the local agricultural department or extension service for the best agronomic practices and pest management strategies.

Best Management Practices for Oil Palm Plantations

Land Clearing: Land clearing is a critical initial step in oil palm cultivation. Mechanical methods involving bulldozers and chainsaws are commonly used in areas previously occupied by jungle, rubber, coconut, or oil palm. An environmentally friendly approach is adopted, with zero burning as the norm. In cases where burning is deemed necessary, a permit must be obtained, and burning should be executed 6-8 weeks after felling. To mitigate erosion, planting with cover crops is recommended.

Agronomic Research: Sustainable practices in oil palm cultivation are underpinned by ongoing agronomic research. This encompasses optimizing fertilizer inputs, nutrient recycling to preserve soil fertility, maintaining biodiversity in soil fauna and microbial communities, and strategies for moisture conservation coupled with improved soil fertility.

Cover Crops: The utilization of cover crops serves multiple purposes in oil palm plantations. These include erosion control, reduction of nutrient losses, enhancement of nutrient status through leguminous covers, soil moisture stabilization, soil structure and aeration improvement, and weed prevention. Notable cover crops include Mucuna spp., Calopogonium mucunoides, Pueraria phaseoloides, and Calopoganium caeruleum.

Biodiversity Conservation: Biodiversity conservation takes center stage in oil palm plantations, encompassing flora and fauna conservation. The emphasis extends to dicotyledons, monocotyledons, sedges, ferns, brackens, arthropods, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The overarching goal is to enhance biodiversity within the oil palm environment.

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Harvesting Paths and Frond Piles: Efficient harvesting practices involve organized paths and frond piles. Strategic planning and layout ensure optimal harvesting paths and frond piles, contributing to streamlined operations and increased productivity.

Fertilizer Requirements and Application: Fertilizer management is a major cost consideration in oil palm plantation operations. The timely and correct application significantly impacts yield production and economic returns. Recommendations for fertilizer application depend on factors such as palm age, soil type, and field conditions. Fertilizers are applied within palm circles, with specific schedules for young and mature palms.

Nutrient Recycling: An integral aspect of sustainable practices is nutrient recycling. This involves utilizing by-products such as empty fruit bunches, palm oil mill effluent, pruned fronds, and residues from land-clearing for fertilizer production. These recycled nutrients contribute to maintaining soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management: Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is adopted for effective pest control. Environmentally friendly biopesticides, such as MPOB Ecobac-1 (EC) and Bacillus thuringiensis, are employed. Integrating approaches, including preventive and curative measures, are implemented for disease management, particularly against basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma.

Mechanization of Field Activities: Mechanization is pivotal in increasing productivity and reducing labor requirements in oil palm cultivation. Harvesting technologies, mechanized FFB loaders, and efficient transportation methods contribute to streamlined operations.

Cost of Production: Understanding the cost structure is vital for effective plantation management. Costs encompass general upkeep, fertilizers, harvesting and transportation, maintenance and supervision, depreciation, research and advisory, and miscellaneous expenses.

Optimizing Fertilizer Usage for Efficient Oil Palm Cultivation

Fertilization is a pivotal aspect of oil palm plantation operations, impacting yield production and economic returns. The correct application, considering the substantial quantities of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Magnesium required, is crucial for plant health. Recommendations are contingent on factors like palm age, soil type, and field conditions, determined through rigorous soil and foliar analyses.

Fertilizer Application Schedule: Tailored schedules are designed for young and mature palms, ensuring optimal nutrient uptake. For young palms, a progressive increase in NPKMg, SA (N), MOP (K), CIRP (P), and Kieserite (Mg) is prescribed over the initial three years. Mature palms follow a refined application regimen to sustain balanced growth.

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Nutrient Recycling: Efficient nutrient recycling further enhances sustainability. Empty fruit bunches (EFB), palm oil mill effluent (POME), pruned fronds, and land-clearing residues are repurposed as valuable fertilizers. The equivalent nutrient content in these by-products is converted into practical application rates, promoting eco-friendly and cost-effective practices.

Cost Breakdown in Oil Palm Production

In oil palm cultivation, a meticulous breakdown reveals the distribution of production costs. Fertilizers constitute a significant portion at 22%, emphasizing the importance of efficient nutrient management. Harvesting and transportation lead with 34%, underlining the logistical intricacies.

General upkeep, maintenance, supervision, and facility-related depreciation collectively account for 25%. Research and advisory services claim a modest 1%, while miscellaneous expenses round out the financial landscape at 18%. This nuanced understanding aids in strategizing cost-effective and sustainable production practices.

Conclusion

Exploring the best 15 oil palm varieties reveals a dynamic landscape of commercially viable, disease-resistant, high-yield, and hybrid cultivars. This diverse selection promises robust economic returns and underscores the industry’s commitment to resilience, sustainability, and innovation in oil palm cultivation.