Interspecific hybrids in the genus Elaeis II. vegetative growth and yield of F1 hybrids E. guineensis x E. oleifera

Summary Yield and morphology of F₁ hybrids E. guineensis x E. oleifera are discussed. Yield of the hybrids in terms of total fruit weight is promising but the oil content of the mesocarp is intermediate between the parental species and lower than in E. guineensis.E. oleifera has a marked tendency towards the production of parthenocarpic fruits. This character is fully dominant in the hybrid. Because of this the percentage fruit per bunch in the hybrids therefore tends to become higher than in E. guineensis partly offsetting the lower percentage oil on mesocarp.The oil composition of the parental species and hybrids are compared.Height increment of the hybrids is substantially lower than of E. guineensis but annual frond production is approximately the same. There is some hybrid vigour for frond area. For most morphological, vegetative and reproductive characteristics E. oleifera exhibits complete dominance over E. guineensis.