Characterization of reproductive morphological characteristics of sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) and its relationship with sap yield and Brix value

Abstract Arenga pinnata (sugar palm) is a multipurpose palm species with interesting economic potential, well known for the high sugar content of its sap. We characterized various morphological characteristics of male and female inflorescences and correlations between these parameters and sap yield were determined. We found strong correlations between peduncle girth and various morphological parameters in both types of inflorescence. Our results revealed a highly significant correlation between the average sap volume/day and various morphological parameters of male inflorescences such as the peduncle girth and average rachillae length. These morphological parameters are proposed as potential indicators for the identification of superior germplasm with high sap yield.