Comparing pollination bag types for micro-environmental parameters influencing seed production in oil palm
2017
Bonneau, Luc | Eli, Deborah | Vovola, Phillip | Virk, Daljit Singh
For oil palm seed production, the pollination bag must prevent contamination by unintended pollen to ensure the genetic integrity. An investigation was undertaken by the seed production unit of Dami Oil Palm Research Station (DAMI OPRS) in Papua New Guinea to compare the impact of the type of pollination bags on both the genetic integrity and seed yield in the commercial seed production environment. Three pollination bag types [canvas, high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyester] were compared during pollination and blank pollination exercises. The production of seeds and results for intactness, presence of insects, impact of water and economic parameters such as average time taken for isolating, demonstrated that the polyester bags outperformed the HDPE and canvas bags. Bunches isolated with polyester bags produced 13% more seeds per bag than the HDPE bags and 6% more seeds per bag than those using canvas. The canvas bag took longer to apply than the polyester or HDPE bags, and was not averting presence of insects. Both HDPE and canvas bags showed significant collapse when wet. The resulting economics on seed production profitability and risk of contaminations which would alter commercial reputation indicate that the polyester bags are a better choice than the canvas and HDPE bags.
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