Plantation Crops

Varieties in oil palm

Dura :
Have low to medium mesocarp ( 35 t0 55 %) and it contains a thick shell around the kernel . It is not preferred for commercial cultivation. Shell thickness
Mesocarp = 35- 55 % (54 % by weight),
Shell = 30% by weight
Kernel= 16 % by weight
Shell thick ness = 2 to 8 mm
Tenera :
It is a hybrid i.e., = Dura (Female ) x Pisifera (male ) = Tenera ( F1 hybrid)
It is commercially/ widely cultivated all over the world due to high proportion of mesocarp (60 to 95 %). It is characterized by the presence of thin shell. Tenera is characterized by the presence of distinct ring of fibres embedded in the mesocarp near to and encircling the seed. Tenera fruits have a lot of pulp. Thin shell and a big kernel.
Mesocarp = 60 to 95 % (74 % by weght)
Shell = 10 % by weight
Kernel = 16 %

Pisifera :

It is a shell less fruit and pea like kernel inside. Embryo abortion is common in this variety and often kernel is also absent. The presence or absence of shell is genetically controlled. Dura is a genetic constitution of Sh+ Sh+ while Pisifera is Sh-,Sh- and hybrid is Sh+Sh-. On selfing or intercrossing, the hybrid fruits forms segregate in to 25 % Dura, 50 % Tenera and 25 % Pisifera. Mesocarp = 90 % by weight Kernel = 10 %

Note : In Pisifera seed propagation is not possible as many of the fruits do not have embryo. Embryo abortion is common in this variety and often kernel is also absent. It is used as male parent in the production of Tenera. Pisifera palms are generally recovered from segregating populations since direct reproduction of this type is difficult due to the scarcity of fruits with embryo and the absence of protective shell.

Table: Features differentiating fruit types of oil palm

Sl. No	Characters/Composition	Dura	Tenera	Pisifera
1.	Mesocarp proportion in fruit (%)	35-50	60 –96	98
2.	Shell thickness (mm)	2 to 8	0.5 to 4	--
3.	Oil percentage	15 %	36 %	25%
4.	Average proportion of shell in fruit (%)	30	10	--
5.	Average proportion of kernel in fruit (%)	16	16	10

Type of progenies as a result of  

a) Durra x Pisisfera
b) Dura x Dura
c) Tenera x Tenera

Dura = Sh+ Sh+
Tenera = Sh+ Sh-,
Pisifera = Sh- Sh-