By Richard Sanders

Scientists have used biotechnology to achieve a breakthrough in
distinguishing between male and female palmyrah plants in the nursery
itself, which would have taken 12 to 15 years if the plant was grown
naturally, according to a top scientist.
"It is now possible to distinguish between male and female palm plants in
the nursery itself by means of a molecular marker," Dr Anitha Karun,
Principal Investigator and senior scientist at the Centre for Plantation
Crops Research Institute, Kasaragod, told PTI.

This could pave the the way for profitable cultivation of palm trees on a
large scale in the country.

Dr Anitha said palmyrah was a slow-growing perennial plant which is
dioecious. But the sweet sap from the inflorescence, toddy, palm sugar,
brush fibre and wood are obtained both from male and female palms, she said.

However female palms are superior in quality and quantity. Further, some
products which can be used like immature endosperm, mesocarp pulp and
tuberous seedlings obtained only from female palms, Karun said.

Since it takes 12 to 15 years for a palmyrah plant to flower, farmers are
uncertain about the economic returns and do not evince any interest in
cultivating this crop, she said.

www.checkbiotech.org