KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Nov 2023 – 12 papers on oil palm breeding were presented by world renowned experts and scientists on oil palm breeding and production at the International Seminar on Elaeis oleifera and Interspecific Hybrid, here, last Friday.

The seminar, jointly organised by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) and International Society for Oil Palm Breeders (ISOPB), was held on 10th November in conjunction with the International Palm Oil Congress and Exhibition (PIPOC) 2023 held from 7 until 9 November 2023.

The theme of the seminar, Elaeis oleifera and Interspecific Hybrid reflected the indepth discussions and deliberations on the progress of breeding and seed production utilising E. oleifera during the seminar today.

“Although the utilisation of E. oleifera in the production of OxG interspecific hybrids as commercial planting material mooted primarily to bud rot resistance in South America, the experiences from our counterparts in South America are shared through a few eminent breeders and speakers, in specific the potential of these planting materials beyond disease resistance including beneficial agronomical traits such as slow height increment and late abscission and the challenges in breeding of associated undesirable traits such as low oil content in bunch. Oil palm breeders worldwide are captivated by the potential that could be offered by interspecific hybrid. Hence, we are excited and looking forward to their sharing,” said Director-General of MPOB Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Hj Ghulam Kadir in his welcoming remarks at the seminar.

According to Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez, the seminar provided a platform to oil palm breeders worldwide to share their experience for the common goal of crop improvement as well as building relationship among oil palm breeders and oil palm scientists.

Corporate Communications Unit (CCU)
Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB)