Page 8 - Vol.39-No.6

CROP PROTECTION

plastic bags that they make themselves regain of moisture to the desired level.
from 69 cm wide 500-gauge flat tube. Seeds are now returned to the polythene
This is cut into 60 cm lengths with one bags, which are sealed as before and placed
cut edge sealed to make a bag. Bags are in a cool situation. Bags are inspected and
filled with seeds and the open end secured sorted once every 7 days to remove seeds
with a strong elastic band. that have germinated (i.e. those showing
an emerged radicle or at the white spot
Germination Induction stage). Seeds that have not yet germi-
At the end of the 80-day heat treatment nated are lightly sprayed with water and
period, seeds are re-soaked for 5 days, with returned to the bag. Generally speaking,
daily change of water. Seeds are then dried there is a delay of some 10-20 days after
under shade for several hours until they are Oil palms at various stages of growth the 80-day treatment before germination
and development. Ground sown and
transformed from a shiny black to a dull covered with leguminous cover crop as gets underway. From then on germination
dark colour. This surface change signifies is the standard practice for oil palm will be rapid and virtually complete within
(Picture courtesy Omex) another 10-15 days.
Circle 4 on enquiry card

6 Vol. 39 No. 6
Circle 5 on enquiry card