Bactris gasipaes also known as peach palm or pejibaye is an important food crop in the humid lowlands of Central and South America. This species gives two edible products; starchy fruits and palm heart (salad). There is a great pressure to diversify the current plantation crops which are largely dominated by oil palm, rubber and cocoa. Demand for new exotic crops with new tastes, textures and nutritional qualities are increasing. In this respect, peach palm is a potential candidate as a new plantation crop for agroforestry (Mora-Urpi, 1984; Mood, 2000) and inter-crop. Bactris gasipaes is considered for palm heart because it produces multiple stems and grows rapidly. The palm heart has excellent taste and texture, and low level of calcium oxalate which account for less browning of shoots.

Main Research:Dr. Ahmad Kushairi Din and Dr. Rajanaidu