Development and maturation of fruits of two Indupalma OxG hybrids (Elaeis oleifera x Elaeis guineensis)

OxG hybrids are materials with characteristics notable for tolerance to pests and diseases, high quality oil and acceptable bunch production, but the physiological processes of growth and maturation of the fruits are not well known. For the two hybrid materials (Coari x La Me and Sinu-Coari x La Me), the physiological and biochemical changes during the growth and maturation of the bunches were studied in San Alberto, Cesar (Colombia) with a climate of 2,497 mm/year precipitation and 27°C. Female inflorescences in anthesis were selected and the changes in size, color, and oil content of the external, internal and red parthenocarpic fruits of the bunches were recorded from 98 days after anthesis (DAA). A completely random experimental design was used with five replications and 13 sample dates. In hybrid Coari x La Me, 70% of the oil in the fruits accumulated between 98 and 126 DAA and reached the maximum at 168 DAA, while in hybrid Sinu-Coari x La Me, more than 90% of the oil accumulated between 98 and 140 DAA, also reaching the maximum at 168 DAA. The external, internal and red parthenocarpic fruits of the bunches reached the maximum percentages of oil/dry mesocarp at the same time (day). It is possible to estimate the percentage of oil/moist mesocarp based on the moisture percentage of fresh fruits.