Prof. Dr. Theera Eksomtramage from the Department of Plant Science of the PSU Faculty of Natural Resources, together with a team of researchers from the same faculty, developed an exceptional high-yield oil palm breed that would be able to adapt to the climate of Thailand. The project received support from several funding bodies, such as Thailand Research Fund, National Research Council of Thailand and National Research Universities, among others.

The general characteristics of Pansup PSU 1 are: can be harvested after 36 months of planting, palm bunch is oval-shaped with short thorns, unripe palm is black in color, turning red-orange when fully ripen, and palm nuts are oval-shaped. This new oil palm breed produces large amount of bunches and oil, has medium-size mesocarp and can adjust to low-nutrient soil or drought conditions.

Pansup PSU 1 has a high economic and social impact illustrated by several factors, including a reduced reliance on imported seeds, high-value yields, a 30% increase in productivity per area and income, all culminating in increased industrial production for the country. All these factors create confidence in oil palm production and in the self-sufficiency economic aspect for famers and private operators.

Moreover, farmers and private operators have access to academic information regarding the development of palm breeds and production know-how, which keeps increasing the quality of palm oil and creates a continuous learning process to further improve palm breeds in Thailand.