Oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) genetic differences in mineral nutrition: specific leaflet mineral concentrations of high-yielding oil palm progenies and their implications for managing K and Mg nutrition

Background and aims In oil palm, similar fertilization treatments can result in leaflet potassium and magnesium concentrations that vary significantly from one progeny to another. This hinders the development of standardized fertilizer recommendations for this crop, as they are usually calculated based on optimum leaflet nutrient concentrations. Methods Four high-yielding oil palm progenies with contrasting leaflet K and Mg concentrations (C1, C2, and C3 of Deli x La M é origin and C4 of Deli x Yangambi origin) were treated with combinations of three levels of KCl and MgSO 4 , in a completely randomized split-plot factorial design with six replicates, where progenies were a sub-factor. Results For a given level of KCl or MgSO 4 , different leaflet K and Mg concentrations were found between progenies ( p < 0.0001). Leaflet K concentration and yield response to KCl applications revealed that the four oil palm progenies have different optimum leaflet K concentrations. In our study period (5–8 YAP), progenies C1 and C3 showed their highest fresh fruit bunch (FFB) yields (13.62 and 16.54 t ha −1 year −1 , respectively) at K2, whereas progenies C2 and C4 showed their highest yields (14.62 and 12.39 t ha −1 year −1 , respectively) at K1. Conclusion Our study highlighted specific optimum leaflet K and Mg concentrations for different oil palm progenies in a given environment. It paves the way for adopting K and Mg fertilizer application rates adapted to specific requirements of each type of oil palm planting material.