Evaluation of phenotypic diversity in african oil palm ( Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) genotypes from diverse agro-climatic regions of Tanzania using multivariate analysis

This study characterized the phenotypic traits of African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) genotypes from four Tanzanian regions, including Kigoma, Morogoro, Mbeya, and Tabora, to support future breeding programs aimed at improving palm oil yield and adaptability. The main objective was to categorize the key traits that influence phenotypic variability across the selected agro-climatic regions. A total of thirteen (13) phenotypic parameters, including yield-related characteristics such as bunch weight and fruit weight, were evaluated in 69 oil palm genotypes. Data collection was performed following the East Asia Plant Variety Protection Forum Guidelines approved by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, and hierarchical cluster analysis were utilized. The results revealed significant variations in fruit weight, with Kigoma displaying the highest variability (CV: 63.9%; SD: 164.7). Principal component analysis identified two principal components, principal component 1 (49.72%) and principal component 2 (38.68%), accounting for 88.68% of the total variability. The shell-to-fruit and mesocarp-to-fruit ratios were identified as key traits. A strong negative correlation (−0.77) between the shell-to-fruit and mesocarp-to-fruit ratios indicated a trade-off in fruit composition. The significant regional variability in oil palm traits suggests agro-climatic influence.