Oil yield is derived from a composite of characters and is dependent on a number of components, the most important being fresh fruit bunch (FFB) and fruit composition, such as mesocarp to fruit (M/F), shell to fruit (S/F) and oil to bunch (O/B). One of the determinant factors leading to the colourful success story in oil yield improvement is the exploitation of a single gene controlling shell thickness. The discovery led to the commercial utilization of the dura x pisifera (DxP) or tenera planting materials with thicker oil-bearing mesocarp and reduced shell contents of the fruit.

Main Researcher: Dr Ahmad Kushairi Din    
Email: kushairi@mpob.gov.my