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Genetic Variability of Leaf Nutrient Concentration in Oil Palm¹

The objective of this study was to determine the genetic variation of leaf nutrient concentration of eight elements (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, B, and Cu) and ash content of oil palm (_{Elaeis guineensis} Jacq.) leaves from 20 single crosses grown in Malaysia. Measurements of general combining ability for both the paternal and maternal lines were significantly different for N, P, and Cu, while only the paternal lines deviated significantly in Mg and ash content. Specific combining ability was significantly different for K, Mg, Ca, and B. High values of narrow sense heritabilities were obtained for N (0.88 and 0.75) and P (0.97 and 0.78) as measured both parental lines, and for Mg (0.85) by parental lines only. Thus, the major portion of the total genetic variances for N, P, and Mg were additive.

Results from phenotypic and genotypic correlations indicated that the concentration of certain nutrients would simultaneously increase or decrease the concentration of other elements in the leaves. Selection for greater N concentration increased the concentration of P and Cu. Increased Ca also increased the concentration of Mg, Mn, and B. However, Mg, Ca, Mn, and B decreased with increasing concentration of K. High positive correlations were found between the concentration of N and P and yield. Further analysis of yield components revealed that N increased yield through weight of bunches, while P influenced yield through the number of bunches produced. Maximum yield could therefore be expected through simultaneous selection for high concentration of N and P in the leaves. The results also suggested that variation attributed to materials with different genetic backgrounds should be taken into consideration in the interpretation of leaf analysis data for fertilizer recommendation.

Key Words: General combining ability • Specific combining ability • Heritability • Phenotypic and genotypic correlation

² Former plant breeder (presently alfalfa breeder, Dep. of Plant Science, The Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton. Alberta, Canada TOG 2E3), and Head, Oil Palm Section, Chemara Res. Stn., Seremban, Malaysia.

Received for publication January 21, 1977.