Physiological and morphological characterization of american oil palms (Elaeis oleifera HBK Cortes) and their hybrids (Elaeis oleifera × Elaeis guineensis) on the Indupalma plantation

The morphological and photosynthetic activity were characterized

in six genotypes of American oil palm (E. oleifera) of

different origins and three of their OxG hybrids (E. oleifera × E.

guineensis) with a completely randomized experimental design,

three replications and 16 palms per replication. Determinations

were made for: photosynthesis, internal CO2 concentration,

chlorophyll content, stomatal openings and density, specific leaf

area, and measurements of vegetative growth. The genotypes

were differentiated by growth rate, emission, area and dry

weight of the leaves. The stomatal openings of all the genotypes

were maximum in the morning hours, with partial closures at

midday; therefore, the maximum rate of photosynthesis was

between 9:00 and 12:00 hr. The ‘Perú’ American oil palm and

‘hybrid 2’ (Sinú-Coarí × La Mé) showed higher CO2 internal

concentrations, total chlorophyll contents, light saturation

points and photosynthetic rates, even with low levels of photosynthetically

active radiation; characteristics that indicate

a high capacity for the fixation of CO2. The photosynthetic

rate showed a high positive correlation with the chlorophyll

content and a negative correlation with the specific leaf area.

In conclusion, the ‘Perú’ American oil palm showed relevant

characteristics for use in breeding programs as female parent

of OxG hybrids, while ‘hybrid 2’, due to its outstanding morphophysiological

characteristics, is considered a genotype with

good agronomic performance.