Advances in the research and development program of Unipalma DxP seeds

The Unipalma DxP Seed Breeding and Production Program derives from the seed breeding and production program that the multinational company Unilever developed in Congo (Zaire) and Cameroon which was brought to Colombia (Unipalma) in 1982. Unilever breeding program included an agreement between this multinational and Dami Oil Palm Research Station, called Combined Breeding Program (CBP). Most of these materials were planted in Colombia (Unipalma), Congo, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Thailand. As of 2000, the seed research and development program of Unipalma S.A. began a new phase led by Dr. R.H.V. Corley. In this new phase, important advances were made such as the selection of Dura palms, based on high oil/bunch ratio. Additionally, fertile Pisifera palms were identified. The selection in Unipalma is reinforced with performance records of crosses made in Thailand, Dami, Indonesia and Congo. The Dura palms selected have a broad genetic base, as they encompass 21 codes with 9 origins such as: Ekona, Djongo, Ekona x Djongo, three combinations Congo Mix, Yangambi x Nifor, Brabanta x Djongo, Mongana x Congo, The origins of the tested Pisifera palms are Congo Mix, Djongo, Avros x Djongo, Mongana, Mongana x Nifor. Additionally the seed production Program of Unipalma has materials resistant to fusariosis, which were tested in Congo, where they showed fusariosis incidence of less than 10 percent, specifically the 1911 and 1999 codes of Congo Mix origin. The selection criteria for Dura Palms based on oil production per palm/year allows us to estimate the potential of the Teneras at 8 tons of oil per year. The broad origins of the Unipalma?s breeding program permit the possibility of creating new palm populations where high bunch index palms can be combined with short-height palms. Between 1982 and 1991, approximately 150 hectares were planted to trial palms for the breeding research program. Later, from 2004 to 2006, 62 additional hectares were planted for breeding and agronomic performance trials.

Bibliographic Details

Main Authors:	Castro J., Fernando, Corley, R. H. V.
Format:	Digital revista
Language:	spa
Published:	Fedepalma 2007
Online Access:	https://publicaciones.fedepalma.org/index.php/palmas/article/view/1259
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