ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concepts and definitions of the oil palm plant and crop vegetative, reproductive, morpho-physiological, and agroecological traits of breeding interest. Crop physiological traits are extensions of plant physiological traits taking into consideration the resources such as, light energy, space, soil, moisture and nutrients utilized for productivity in a crop situation. The resource use efficiency (ReUE) concept arose from the application of agricultural inputs which proved to be damaging to the environment thus affecting the sustainability of crop production. Water is a very important "element" or resource for the crop, both functionally, to use in photosynthesis, but also as a critical part of the physiological processes in the palm. Palms that are grown in agroecological environments or agro-management regimes suboptimal for their growth and productivity are said to undergo abiotic stress. The agronomist will draw up the most economical fertilizers, rates, and combinations and recommend when and where best to apply them together with other best agro-management practices.
