DNA analysis provides an opportunity to screen for certain traits prior to field planting. This is particularly important in screening for shell thickness. The shell thickness gene (Sh) is probably the most valuable gene in oil palm breeding and commerce. Pre-field planting screening is important...

A brief introduction to selection is given. This is based on a natural process, but breeders aim to accelerate it by screening selected palms within and between genotypes or progenies under field conditions. Breeding is only effective if the trait of interest is controlled genetically (traits that...

Before trialling can begin, various considerations and preparations need to be made. First it is beneficial to know if the trait of interest is governed mainly by genetic or environmental factors. If the trait is controlled by genes which are little affected by the environment then field trials may ...