palm oil
BIOTECHNOLOGY FOR BREEDING: FELDA’S EXPERIENCE
Sharifah Shahrul Rabiah Syed Alwee1, Seng Tzer Ying1, Sheryl Leao Ling Jiun1 and
Vengeta Rao2
1
Felda Biotechnology Centre, PT23417 Lengkuk Technology, 71760 Bandar Enstek, Negeri
2
Sembilan, Malaysia and Green Hectares, No. 2, Jalan Jed 1, Taman Jed, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor,
Malaysia
ABSTRACT
FASSB has embarked on the development of molecular markers for key traits since 2006. The large number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified in mapping studies has provided much information on marker-trait association. In this paper we aim to highlight the potential impact this technology may have on our oil palm breeding programme and how this potential can be realized. We will also show why the adoption of this technology is paramount to the progress in oil palm crop improvement.
INTRODUCTION
Oil palm breeding has made remarkable progress in increasing oil palm yield for over 150 years. The four African Elaeis guineensis palms brought over by the Dutch in 1848, and planted in Buitenzorg
Botanical Garden (now Bogor) Indonesia laid the foundation for the oil palm industry in Indonesia and
Malaysia. From these, the Deli dura palms with unique and favourable fruit qualities were developed.
In the conventional breeding methods, the Deli dura population (group A) with small number of large bunches and the African Pisifera and Tenera palms (group B) which consists of large number of small bunches, are widely utilized for seed production and in genetic improvement programmes.
Apart from raising the total yield of fresh fruit bunches (FFB), breeding and selection also focus on achieving high FFB oil and kernel content. The quality of the oil in terms of high levels of unsaturation
[high iodine value (I.V)] and minor but important constituents such as vitamin E and carotenoids, is also being selected for. Vegetative characters are also taken into account where reduced rates of trunk extension and
Sharifah Shahrul Rabiah Syed Alwee1, Seng Tzer Ying1, Sheryl Leao Ling Jiun1 and
Vengeta Rao2
1
Felda Biotechnology Centre, PT23417 Lengkuk Technology, 71760 Bandar Enstek, Negeri
2
Sembilan, Malaysia and Green Hectares, No. 2, Jalan Jed 1, Taman Jed, 43800 Dengkil, Selangor,
Malaysia
ABSTRACT
FASSB has embarked on the development of molecular markers for key traits since 2006. The large number of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) identified in mapping studies has provided much information on marker-trait association. In this paper we aim to highlight the potential impact this technology may have on our oil palm breeding programme and how this potential can be realized. We will also show why the adoption of this technology is paramount to the progress in oil palm crop improvement.
INTRODUCTION
Oil palm breeding has made remarkable progress in increasing oil palm yield for over 150 years. The four African Elaeis guineensis palms brought over by the Dutch in 1848, and planted in Buitenzorg
Botanical Garden (now Bogor) Indonesia laid the foundation for the oil palm industry in Indonesia and
Malaysia. From these, the Deli dura palms with unique and favourable fruit qualities were developed.
In the conventional breeding methods, the Deli dura population (group A) with small number of large bunches and the African Pisifera and Tenera palms (group B) which consists of large number of small bunches, are widely utilized for seed production and in genetic improvement programmes.
Apart from raising the total yield of fresh fruit bunches (FFB), breeding and selection also focus on achieving high FFB oil and kernel content. The quality of the oil in terms of high levels of unsaturation
[high iodine value (I.V)] and minor but important constituents such as vitamin E and carotenoids, is also being selected for. Vegetative characters are also taken into account where reduced rates of trunk extension and