Study of the Morpho-physiological Behaviour of 16 Productive Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Genotypes with Varying Sensitivity to Water Deficit during the First Year of Cultivation in a Traditional Growing Zone

Abstract

Identifying genotypes tolerant to water deficit involves subjecting them to stress in a greenhouse environment. It is essential to evaluate the performance of these greenhouse-identified genotypes under natural field conditions—specifically in areas prone to water deficit versus those favourable (traditional) for cultivation. The objective of this study was to assess the morpho-physiological performance of 16 oil palm genotypes—exhibiting varying sensitivities to water deficit—during their first year of cultivation in a region suitable for the crop. A field trial was established at the CNRA La Mé station using a randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The experimental layout consisted of three uniform blocks, with each block serving as a replicate containing plants from all 16 genotypes. Mortality was assessed for all 26 plants per genotype in each replicate (78 plants per genotype across the three replicates), whereas 12 plants per genotype per replicate (36 plants per genotype across the three replicates) were selected for the remaining morpho-physiological measurements, including number of leaves produced, plant height, collar circumference, and chlorophyll and nitrogen content. Statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.5.0). Results indicated that mortality was below 10% for the majority of the genotypes studied, with the exception of G5T (10.25%); genotype GTT recorded 0% mortality. Genotypes G16S, G22S, and G9S exhibited the greatest heights, whereas G18S showed the lowest. Genotypes G11S, G22S, G21S, and G5T recorded the largest collar circumferences, while GTS recorded the smallest. The rate of leaf emergence was consistent across all genotypes studied. Three genotypes, G14S, G7T, and GTT, exhibited the highest chlorophyll levels, whereas G10S showed the lowest. Two genotypes, G7T and G14S, displayed the highest nitrogen content values. Genotypes G7T, G14S, and GTT emerged as the top performers in terms of morpho-physiological growth. They adapted more rapidly to this favourable growing area, resulting in more reliable vegetative development and a more assured onset of production.