Development and maturation of fruits of two Indupalma OxG hybrids (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis)

OxG hybrids are materials with characteristics notable for

tolerance to pests and diseases, high quality oil and acceptable

bunch production, but the physiological processes of growth

and maturation of the fruits are not well known. For the two

hybrid materials (Coarí x La Mé and Sinú-Coarí x La Mé), the

physiological and biochemical changes during the growth and

maturation of the bunches were studied in San Alberto, Cesar

(Colombia) with a climate of 2,497 mm/year precipitation and

27°C. Female inflorescences in anthesis were selected and the

changes in size, color, and oil content of the external, internal

and red parthenocarpic fruits of the bunches were recorded

from 98 days after anthesis (DAA). A completely random

experimental design was used with five replications and 13

sample dates. In hybrid Coarí x La Mé, 70% of the oil in the

fruits accumulated between 98 and 126 DAA and reached the

maximum at 168 DAA, while in hybrid Sinú-Coarí x La Mé,

more than 90% of the oil accumulated between 98 and 140

DAA, also reaching the maximum at 168 DAA. The external,

internal and red parthenocarpic fruits of the bunches reached

the maximum percentages of oil/dry mesocarp at the same

time (day). It is possible to estimate the percentage of oil/moist

mesocarp based on the moisture percentage of fresh fruits.