Invited by CATAS-RRI Dr. Estelle Jaligot, Principal Investigator in oil palm research, CIRAD, France visited CATAS-RRI from 31 Oct to 4 Nov. 2016. A seminar and a field and lab visit was arranged. At the seminar she gave two presentations entititled “Epigentics and in vitro culture in the oil palm” and “The flower to fruit research group” (research results and activities of the group). A discussion then was made for closer collaboration in identifying cold tolerance trait of oil palm for selection of cold tolerance germplasm for breeding and propagation. Dr. Jaligot also visited CATASRRI tissue culture lab and oil palm collections and roadside planting for landscaping. With lab and field trip Jaligot acquired a good picture of research activities of oil palm in CATAS-RRI and shared her idea of collaboration with RRI scientists. Upon the presentations and discussions RRI scientists brainstormed the cold tolerance of oil palm in China. A close collaboration is expected between CATAS-RRI and CIRAD.
