Options for mutation breeding in oil palm.

Abstract

Theoretical and practical options for mutation breeding in oil palm are discussed. In theory, haploids are considered the ideal targets, as the induced mutation can be fixed instantly on conversion to doubled haploids. However, haploid/doubled haploid technology is in its infancy in oil palm and therefore other practical targets need to be considered. The two obvious targets are pollen and seed, as these are produced in large numbers in breeding and commercial seed production. Schemes for pollen and seed irradiation and subsequent mutant population development are compared. The irradiation of germinated seed is currently considered to be the better approach in terms of convenience and time. A major constraint in mutation breeding in oil palm is the long life cycle. Oil palm has a long juvenile stage, and it takes 4-5 years from sowing a seed to getting seed of the next generation. Traditionally, mutant selection has relied on phenotypic selection, which can only take place in the second mutant generation (M2) due to the presence of physiological disorders and chimeras in the M1. However, now that the oil palm genome has been sequenced, it is feasible to select for mutants genotypically in the M1. Early detection of mutants is extremely valuable in oil palm, as it saves space in growing up only selected mutants in the field. Mutation breeding is a non-GM technique that has been used for over nine decades. New methods in genetic manipulation include gene editing, which has huge potential for the future but is currently still under debate as to whether it is considered a GM method and is subject to restrictive regulations.

Basal stem rot of oil palm revisited

“…An alternative approach to traditional breeding is mutation breeding (Nur et al, 2018), which is faster than traditional cross breeding but is not a Genetic modification (GM) technology. Mutation induction is quick, cheap and easy without the need to invest in specialised equipment, as registered irradiation facilities are available nationally, regionally and internationally (Nur et al, 2018). Nevertheless, there are limitations to the technique.…”