Carlos et al. (2006) have observed this
phenomenon where seedlings extended in the field for
more than 18 months (also known as advanced planting
material; APM) produced higher accumulated early yields
of their first 10 years compared to palms planted from
conventionally raised seedlings. These palms also had high
standing biomass due to increased leaf area and frond
numbers, which are able to intercept more sunlight, hence
enhancing net assimilation per plant growth. However, the
practice of APM nursery requires wide spaces and high
capital in maintaining the palms. The supplies of APM are
also inconsistent and scarce. The introduction of a new
technique that is able to reduce the nursery time and
enhance standing biomass of planting material is important
for the supply of good, uniform and vigorous palms for
successful field planting.