Studies were carried out to determine whether oil palm clones could be maintained long-term in vitro by means of root cultures. It was found that isolated root explants excised from axenic ramets could be maintained in culture for at least 18 months by repeated subculture. Root explants 3 cm in length produced more axillary roots than 1 cm root explants.

A full strength modified MS medium supported root tip elongation and production of axillary roots better than a half strength nutrient medium. Root explants with root tips (RT) mutiplied by root tip elongation and production of axillary roots whilst roots devoid of root tips (RS) multiplied by production of axillary roots only. Root tip segments (RT) sustained growth better than RS segments during subculturing, but there was a decline in the growth vigour of the new explants in the subsequent subcultures.