Induced Parthenocarpy in the Oil-palm

Parthenocarpy induced by application of exogenous growth substancesto Dura and Tenera oil palms is reported. A range of chemicalsare effective to varying degrees; being in roughly decreasingranked order 2,4,5-TP (virtually complete parthenocarpy), NAA,2 CPA, 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T, IBA, GA₃, 4 CPA, IPA (20 per cent effective);some of these effects are statistically significant, othersnot strictly comparable. Only IAA was entirely ineffective.Induction could be diagnosed by the flower stigmas not openingand remaining fleshy on the fruit. Some evidence is given foran effect on concentration and of a cumulative influence of2,4,5-TP. Parthenocarpic fruit bunches possess a lower oil contentdue to decreased mean fruit size; however, other advantagesof parthenocarpy are discussed which would outweigh this consideration.