Following a survey involving all the oil palm groves in Côte d'Ivoire in 1968, 17 parents were chosen at Yocoboué (southern Côte d'Ivoire). The 17 parents were assessed through Deli x Yocoboué hybrids in 5 trials planted at La Mé (Côte d'Ivoire), Mondoni and La Dibamba (Cameroon), and Pobè (Benin). When compared to the Deli x La Mé progenies used as controls, the Deli x Yocoboué hybrids produced 91% for total bunch weight and 86% for oil yields. However, the existence of relatively high variability within the Deli x Yocoboué progenies meant that progenies as productive as the Deli x La Mé controls could be chosen. A study of all the agronomic traits led to the choice of parent YO 11 T , which combines the largest number of favourable traits. On average, Deli x Yocoboué progenies have slower vertical growth and are susceptible to Fusarium wilt, except 2 parents (YO 3 T and YO 9 T), which seem to be resistant.