The Malaysian National Average Oil Palm: concept and evaluation.

Summary This paper develops the concept of the Malaysian National Average Oil Palm and evaluates the phsysiological characteristics required in produce the mean fresh fruit bunch (FBB) and mesocarp oil yields recorded in Malaysia between 19962000. The results are contrasted with those for oil palm in years of peak yield and with palms growing on a highly productive coastal site. The influence of the age distribution of oil palm on the national average yield is examined. It is dem­ onstrated how the mean yield obtained is lowered, in relation to that expected from peak yields or even from the mean yields of the material, due to the age distribution of the plantings. Some indications of the allowances that need to be made in realistically evaluating expected yields are provide. By contrast, yield differences to be expected from varying the rate of replanting (palm cycle time) are quite small. The consequences of these findings are discussed in relation to the perceived problem of yield stagnation. The effects of replanting with im­ proved materials are simulated. Palabras Clave