Plantation Crops

Leaf Pruning in oil palm

Development of leaves in the crown of palm is initially slow. Each leaf remains enclosed for about 2 years and then develops into a central spear (spindle leaf) before opening. The leaf stalk is strong and fibrous and is almost 8m long. A mature leaf may have 250-300 leaflets; each about 1.3m long and 6cm broad.
Rate of leaf production in oil palm : 20 to 25 leaves per year . Each leaf will also carry one inflorescence.
Persistence of leaves in oil palm : The leaf bases adhere to the stem for about 12 years and longer and fall away gradually.
Frond pruning in oil palm has influence on yield and hence is of economic importance.
If pruning of frond has not been attended it results in
 1) Interferes with the pollination, ( Both assisted and natural)
 2) Visual assessment of fruit ripeness.,
Excessive pruning is harmful i.e., Causes reduction in yield.
Immature (Pre bearing period) : Removal of senescent and useless fronds which are lying very close to the soil surface. (Annual leaf production in areca = about 6 while in coconut = 12 to14 leaves, oil palm = 24 leaves)
Adult palms: About 32 to 35 top leaves are left undisturbed on adult palms. (Each palm produces about 24 leaves annually i.e., 2 leaves per month) .