Recurrent reciprocal selection in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) for the creation of Deli x La Mé hybrids of the third cycle : First results of genetic tests planted in Cote d’Ivoire

The genetic improvement of the palm tree is based on a reciprocal recurrent selection scheme which exploits the complementary characters of two groups of different genetic populations. To date, two breeding cycles have been carried out and their results popularized for seed production. The third cycle of selection under evaluation in Côte d\\\'Ivoire, tested crosses between recombinations of selected parents of first and second cycle only on the one hand and, for a second type of trials, with the use of introduced materials. having undergone tests. For the first type using 4-way recombinations, twelve progenies were tested in one trial in comparison with first and second cycle controls for the bunches and oil production traits. Although the bunches production of the hybrid progenies is identical to that of the second cycle control of C1001 category, the performance of these for bunch oil rate and total oil production is between 10 and 20% for the best progenies in relation to the C1001 control. Height growth rate was reduced by up to 22% as a percentage of the control, and almost all trees in this trial showed no symptoms of Fusarium wilt. Three male parents and one female showed very good general combining abilities for several traits.