Evaluation of the growth and development of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) under two nursery production systems

Resumen

Objective: To evaluate the growth and development of two varieties of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) under nursery conditions, planted in bags and tubes.

Design/methodology/approach: The research was carried out in a nursery located in Macuspana Tabasco, Mexico, under a randomized block experimental design, with four treatments and four repetitions each. Two commercial varieties of E. guineensis were studied: Deli x Compacta and Compacta x Ghana, in two tube and bag containers. The variables recorded were height, number of leaves, and stem diameter every 15 days for 180 days. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s mean tests.

Results: Significant differences were found between the treatments in plant height; T3 was the one that recorded the greatest increase with 32.33 ± 0.51 cm. In relation to the variables number of leaves and stems, the tube treatments obtained the highest averages with both germplasms compared to the bag treatments.

Limitations of the study/implications: The probable variability of germplasm impacts the development of the plant with respect to the containers.

Findings/conclusions: The tube treatments achieved greater plant height, number of leaves, and greater stem diameter. It is considered that the tube treatments allow the development of robust plants.