Seasonal influence on bunch characteristics and fatty acid profile in dura oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

Abstract

Rainfall and temperature in the different seasons can affect yield and oil quality of oil palm. A study was carried out 
on bunch components and fatty acid content of oil samples from Dura oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in the wet (July to 
October 2007) and dry (January to April 2008) seasons. Experimental area was a farmer’s plantation in Pathio district, 
Chumphon province, the southern part of Thailand. Significant differences among seasons were observed in 
fruits/bunch, kernels/bunch and oil/bunch ratios. Myristic and palmitic acid in mesocarp oil from the fruits harvested 
in dry season showed reduction of percentage compared to those from wet season. However, stearic and linoleic 
acid percentages increased 0.90 and 1.79%, respectively, in the samples from dry season more than those from wet 
season. In kernel oil, oleic acid content from dry season was higher than that from wet season. The data suggest that 
different harvesting times affect oil content and fatty acid composition in the oil. This study found a statistically 
significant correlation (P < 0.01) between mesocarp oil yield (kg) and amount of rainfall as well as accumulated 
temperature in the three months before harvesting while the kernel oil yield (kg) showed higher correlation with 
accumulated temperature than the amount of rainfall.