Sime Darby publishes oil palm genome research for public use

In Malaysia, Sime Darby Plantation (SDP published its oil palm genome research that has paved the way for the company to produce significantly more oil palm yield on its existing land. The genome sequence that Sime Darby Plantation (SDP) is sharing is 80% more detailed than any findings that has been publicly available previously and is the result of over a decade of research led by SDP’s Chief Research and Development (R&D) Officer, Dr Harikrishna Kulaveerasingam. Since 2009, the Company has invested over RM150 million into R&D and established one of the biggest genotyping labs in Southeast Asia.

By putting the genome map into the public domain, SDP aims to get this research into the hands of scientific research centers and other major industry players to enable them to fast track their work on improving yield. SDP’s research on the genome sequence also provides a much clearer route map to identify genetic markers for traits that will be crucial to the future success of the industry, including climate resilience and disease resistance that will facilitate more stable harvests across seasons.
The genome sequence also has relevance beyond palm oil for other palm industries, such as dates and coconut, that are seeking to modernize and increase their ability to produce more crop from less land.