Screening Studies on Isozyme Pattern in all leaves of Dura Variety of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) for Selection of Leaf Index

Patterns of soluble proteins, peroxidase and esterase isozymes were identified in 32 leaves (unopened-leaf to leaf no. 31) of dura variety of palm. In addition, peroxidase enzyme activity of all the 32 leaves was carried out. The results indicated that patterns of soluble proteins, peroxidase, esterase isozymes and also the peroxidase enzyme activity were varying from leaf to leaf. The present study suggested that the 9^th leaf can be sampled for analyzing soluble protein patterns due to development of high intensity bands. However, younger leaves (from 9^th to 24^th) for peroxidase and immature leafs i.e., unopened or 1^st leaf can be used for esterase isozyme study. Thus, identification of index/candidate leaf is of utmost importance, it helps to screen tolerance of oil palm trees for large scale plantations.