Evaluation of the growth and development of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) under two nursery production systems

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate under nursery conditions the growth and development of two varieties of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) planted in bags and tubes.

Design/methodology/approach: The research was developed in a nursery located in Macuspana Tabasco, Mexico, in an experimental design of complete randomized blocks, with four treatments and four repetitions, two commercial varieties of E. guineensis were studied, which are: Deli x Compact and Compact x Ghana in two tube containers and a bag. In the treatments, height, number of leaves and stem diameter were recorded every 15 days for 180 days. To determine if there are statistical differences in the recorded variables, ANOVA analysis and Tukey's means tests were applied.

Results: Significant differences in plant height were found between the treatments (p < 0.0001), with T3 (CxGt) registering the greatest increase with 32.33 ± 0.51 cm; With respect to the number of leaves, the tube treatments with both germplasms obtained a higher average (p > 0.05); In terms of strain diameter, the tube method treatments were outstanding with both varieties (p > 0.05) compared to the bag

Limitations of the study/implications: The probable variability of the germplasm impacts the development of the plant with respect to the containers.

Findings/conclusions: The prevailing conditions, the tube treatments achieved greater plant height, number of leaves and greater diameter of the strain. It is considered that the tube treatments allow the development of robust plants.