Contents

1

Morphology, physiology  and growth of the oil palm

Emphasis is placed on environment effects on plant development and on aspects that determine productivity.

2

Plant breeding and seed/clones production

History and basic principles in oil palm breeding. Selection of superior palms, and development of innovative seed varieties and superior clones

3

Design, establishment and management of oil palm nurseries (seeds and clones)

Area selection, logistic, establishment, agricultural practices, plant selection criteria

4

Soils

Soils appropriate for oil palm cultivation and its management, and land preparation.

5

Climate

Oil palm requirements and environmental effects on palm growth and yield.

6

Drainage and irrigation

Soil aeration and its effect on yield and plant health. Principles of drainage and irrigation in nurseries and established plantations

7

Infrastructure

Roads, bridges and other communication infrastructure. Land preparation for new plantings and replanting.

8

Planting and young palm management

Planting methods, agronomic management of young plantings.

9

Plant nutrition and fertilization

General concepts on plant nutrition, interactions between soil characteristics, environment and nutrition. Timing and place of application of fertilizers according to environment and plant age. Sources of fertilizers and estimation of amounts and balances needed.

10

Weed management and cover crops

Types of weeds and integrated management, herbicides and mode of action, equipment and calibration for herbicide application, cover crops and management

11

Integrated management of phytosanitary problems

Concepts of integrated managements, practical examples of successful programs, main diseases and pests of the oil palm in different environments. The decline concept: interactions between biotic and abiotic elements determining plant response

12

Harvesting, leaf pruning and logistic for transportation of fresh fruit bunches.

Harvesting criteria, organization of harvesting, transport within the plantation and on main roads, payment schemes, quality controls. Care of pack animals

13

Administrative, economical and social aspects

Impact of the agroindustry on the community and the environment. Oil palm projects and profitability (project profile, cash flow, sensibility analysis). Administrative models and estate management