Variability of bunch yield among the D x T inter-population progenies of the NIFOR second cycle oil palm (elaeis guineensis jacq.) breeding programme

The performance of 51 D x T inter-population progenies derived from the second cycle modified reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) breeding programme of Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) was evaluated to estimate variability among the progenies and to identify the best performing progenies for introduction into the locality where the experiment was conducted. The trials were laid out in a randomized complete block design. Data was collected on number of harvested bunches (BN), single bunch weight (SBW), and fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yield. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant difference in all the traits analyzed among the progenies. Each trait was also analyzed using F-LSD. The results showed that De10, Dut6, Du15, Du12 (BN); Det6, Det1, and Du16 (SBW) and Det5 and Du10 (FFB) were quite outstanding and thus, recommended for the production of genetically superior progenies as new commercial planting materials.