The Elaeis guineensis palm tree is popularly known as oil palm. Its economic prominence is due to its oil, that can be extracted from both the fruit (palm oil) and the nut (palm kernel oil).

Through genetic studies of forest populations, knowledge about the genetic variability and the distribution of genotypes in space have been useful for both genetic conservation and genetic improvement.

This study aimed to estimate the genetic diversity of three E. guineensis populations, as well as to verify the decreases in effective population size. The data obtained in this study will support ex-situ conservation projects for E. guineensis, contributing to the selection of genotypes and their sustainable use. Read More.

Elaeis guineensis: one of the world’s leading sources of vegetable oil