Supergene is the most superior oil palm hybrid and has thicker roots/stem The nuts of these hybrid products are bigger, the productivity is higher, the waiting period before production is greatly reduced. Earlier harvest (22 – 24months) The first-year harvest can be up to 7 to 8 tons FFB per hectare. This variety is resistant to diseases like genoderma and basal stem rot virus. Higher oil-to-bunch ratio, more than 25% bigger seed, thinner shell, and smaller kernel. More female flowers, the ratio is 2 times higher than the normal species. Shorter tree, easy to reach, subsequently, the harvesting cost is reduced. Tree diameter and circumference is bigger, supports more branch and fruits, reduction of gravity effect allows easy transfer of nutrients from the soil to fruit. Wider gap between the leaf stems results in increase photosynthesis for more robust growth.
Oil Palm Nursery Management
The nursery is raised by planting germinated sprouts initially in a pre-nursery bed or in poly-bags in a primary nursery and transplanting them at a five-leaf stage to a secondary nursery of large-sized poly-bags.
The potting mixture is made by mixing top-soil, sand and well-decomposed cattle manure in equal proportions. Smaller poly-bags of 250 gauge and 23 x 13 cm size, preferably black are used for raising primary nurseries.
The water requirement for different stages of growth of seedlings are as follows: 0 – 2 months at 4 mm/day, 2 – 4 months at 5 mm/day, 4 – 6 months at 7 mm/day and 6 – 8 months at 10 mm/day.
Field Planting
Prepare the land for oil palm plantings at least 3 months before transplanting the seedlings to the main field. In soils with low permeability, drainage channels are to be constructed to prevent water stagnation in upper layer of soil.
It is advisable to plant well-grown seedlings of 12 – 14 months old.
Transplanting to the main field has to be done during the onset of the rainy season. In very impermeable soils and where there is a chance for the seedlings to suffer severely during the rainy season, proper drainage has to be ensured.
Spacing and method of planting
Triangular system of planting with 9 x 9 x 9 m spacing accommodates 143 palms/ha. is being recommended.
Pits of 60 cm3 are taken prior to planting and filled with surrounding topsoil and allowed to settle. Rock phosphate is applied at 200 g per planting pit.
Nitrogen is not usually applied in the planting pits as the application of fertilizers may damage the root system and affect the survival of the plants if there is a dry period soon after planting.