Elaeis Guineensis Research Articles

Multi-Level Temporal Variation of Sap Flux Densities in Oil Palm

Oil palms (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) are increasingly cultivated throughout the humid tropics and are reported to have high transpiration rates. A potential contribution of stem water storage to transpiration has been discussed in previous studies. We assessed the water-use characteristics of oil palms at different horizontal and vertical positions in the plant by using three sap flux techniques, i.e., thermal dissipation probes, the heat ratio method and heat field deformation sensors. In a radial profile of the stem, sap flux densities were low at the outer margin, increased to 2.5 cm under the bark and remained relatively high to the innermost measured depth at 7.5 cm. In a vertical profile of the stem and with further sensors in leaf petioles, we found only small time lags in sap flux densities. Time lags along the flow path are often used for analyzing the contribution of water storage to transpiration. Thus, the small observed time differences in our study would leave only little room for the contribution of water storage to transpiration. However, water storage might still contribute to transpiration in ways that are not detected by time lag analysis. Such mechanisms may be explored in future studies.

Sustainable alternative of palm wine analogue from different tiger nut milk-sugar syrup blends for local production

Aim: The unfermented pale-yellow exudates (“palm sap”) emerge from tapped unopened spathe of mostly oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) and raphia palm (Raphia hookeri). Besides, tiger nut milk (Kunuaya) is among the non-alcoholic refreshing drinks with dairy appearance. A sustainable alternative could therefore emerge from blends of tiger nut milk and sugar syrup to serve a resembling role as palm wine. In this context, therefore, palm wine analogue from different tiger nut milk and sugar syrup blends using palm wine dreg as inoculum was evaluated by proximate, physicochemical, microbial, and sensorial analyses at different time intervals. Methods: The materials were processed, analyzed, and packed using standard referenced procedures. This required freshly tapped palm sap juxtaposed with blends of tiger nut milk-sugar syrup beverage, and thereafter subjected to aerobic fermentation. Importantly, the tiger nut milk-sugar syrup medium has been pitched with palm wine dreg (inoculum source) between fermentation time 26–30 h, and temperature 29.8°–32°C. Results: Considering all the analytical outcomes, from proximate, microbiological, physicochemical, to sensory data, the control appeared to somewhat resemble those of the experimental samples of this study. Conclusions: Potentially, the (palm wine) analogue produced from tiger nut milk and sugar syrup blends using (palm wine) dreg as inoculum could be embraced by the market as natural palm wine. Indeed, the emergent product should serve as an alternative sustainable promise for palm wine, which could help fill the market supply gap, especially in the seasons of reduced supply/yield.

Bioethanol Production from Elaeis Guineensis Oil Palm Trunk Sap using Repeated Batch Fermentation

Elaeis guineensis (E. guineensis) oil palm tree (OPT) presented a novel biomass source, with its OPT sap demonstrating the potential for bioethanol production due to its rich sugar content. The increasing waste of the OPT necessitated exploring ways to maximize its utilization and functionality, making bioethanol production a pertinent avenue for sustainable resource utilization. This study aimed to compare the bioethanol yield concentration production in optimized conditions and non–optimized conditions based on response surface methodology (RSM) data from Box–Behnken design (BBD). This study also investigated the viability of felled E. guineensis OPT sap for bioethanol production on the effect of sugar composition and fermentation conditions. Analysis revealed significant variations in fructose, glucose, and sucrose levels across different trunk segments, with sucrose notably higher in some areas. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) Kyokai no. 7 in a 2L bioreactor, the study employed repeated batch fermentation to explore the efficiency of bioethanol yield production across 13 cycles under optimized and non–optimized conditions. The optimized fermentation conditions included a felled E. guineensis OPT sap medium with an initial pH of 6.50, supplemented with 6.80 g/L of peptone and 13.28 g/L of corn steep liquor (CSL) at 30°C. The non–optimized conditions were similar but conducted at room temperature. The maximum bioethanol yield concentration of 35.65 g/L, averaging 23–35 g/L per cycle, highlighted the effectiveness and stability of repeated fermentation under optimized conditions, with the bioethanol yield ranging from 3–4 volume/volume percentage (v/v %). The optimized condition significantly improved bioethanol concentration (38.42 %) and volume content (28.67 %), enhancing production efficiency. Bioethanol yield production was markedly improved under optimized conditions, as confirmed by statistical analysis, while non–optimized settings yielded unstable reported data. This research highlighted the importance of controlled environmental conditions and optimized fermentation processes. The study underscored the potential of felled E. guineensis OPT sap as a biomass source for bioethanol, suggesting promising avenues for the scale–up of bioethanol production in the future.

Development of Pluronic-Based Micelles from Palm Oil Bioactive Compounds Incorporated by a Dissolvable Microarray Patch to Enhance the Efficacy of Atopic Dermatitis Therapy.

The high content of vitamin E, including tocopherols and tocotrienols (TCF-TTE), in palm oil (Elaeis guineensis) has made it a promising candidate for the alternative treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the limited solubility of TCF-TTE has restricted its therapeutic efficacy. In this study, pluronic-based micelles (MCs) encapsulating palm oil-derived TCF-TTE were formulated with dissolvable microarray patch-micelles (DMP-MC) using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) synthesized from empty fruit bunches of palm to optimize its delivery for AD. The MC was prepared using a direct dissolution method using Pluronic F68 and F127. The results showed that MC increased the solubility of TCF-TTE, which was further confirmed by an in vitro study where 90.23 ± 2.07% TCF and 4.56 ± 1.36% TTE were released compared to the unencapsulated TCF-TTE extract. Furthermore, CMC biopolymers and MC integrated into DMP-MC with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) exhibited favorable physical properties, such as mechanical strength and penetration ability. DMP-MC also exhibited a better platform with lower permeation, indicating higher retention and increased localized effects on AD skin than cream-MC. Additionally, dermatokinetic profile parameters showed significant improvement. The mean residence time (MRT) parameter indicated that TCF-TTE was retained for longer times 19.28 ± 0.02 h and 20.68 ± 0.01 h. Moreover, an in vivo study revealed that DMP-MC could relieve AD symptoms more rapidly than oral doses and cream-MC, indicating that DMP-MC proved to be more efficient. Furthermore, DMP-MC showed no tissue destruction (granulation and fibrosis) in rats treated with DMP-MC on the seventh day. Therefore, this study successfully developed the MC formula in DMP-MC formulation using synthesized CMC, which could potentially improve AD's therapeutic efficacy.

Bacterial community profiling and identification of bacteria with lignin-degrading potential in different gut segments of African palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis).

The microbiota within the guts of insects plays beneficial roles for their hosts, such as facilitating digestion and extracting energy from their diet. The African palm weevil (APW) lives within and feeds on the high lignin-containing trunk of palm trees; therefore, their guts could harbour a large community of lignin-degrading microbes. In this study, we aimed to explore the bacterial community within the gut of the APW larvae, specifically with respect to the potential for lignin degradation in various gut segments as a first step to determining the viability of mining bacterial lignin-degrading enzymes for the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels and biomaterials. Bacterial metagenomic DNA was extracted from the foregut, midgut, and hindgut of larvae of the APW, and the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The generated data were analysed and taxonomically classified to identify the different bacterial phylotypes within the gut community cumulatively and per gut segment. We then determined the presence, diversity, and abundance of bacteria associated with lignin degradation within each larval gut compartment as a basis for suggesting the gut segment(s) where lignin degradation occurs the most. All sequences were classified and belonged to the bacterial kingdom. Firmicutes (54.3%) and Proteobacteria (42.5%) were the most dominant phyla within the gut, followed distantly by Bacteroidota (1.7%) and Actinobacteriota (1.4%). Enterococcus, Levilactobacillus, Lactococcus, Shimwellia, Megasphaera, Klebsiella, Pectinatus, Salmonella, Lelliotia, and Enterobacter constituted the most abundant genera found across all gut segments. The foregut and midgut had many similar genera, whilst the hindgut appeared unique. Overall, 29.5% of total gut bacteria comprising 21 genera were lignin degraders found predominantly in the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla (56.8 and 39.5%, respectively), then moderately in Actinobacteriota (2.5%) and Bacteroidota (1.1%). The most abundant ligninolytic genera were Levilactobacillus (46.4%), Klebsiella (22.9%), Enterobacter (10.7%), Lactiplantibacillus (5.9%), Citrobacter (2.2%), Corynebacterium (1.8%), Paucilactobacillus (1.8%), Serratia (1.5%), Bacteroides (1.1%), and Leucobacter (1.0%) found in different amounts in different gut compartments. The foregut had the most diverse and highest abundance of lignin-degrading phylotypes, and we present reasons that point to the foregut as the main location for the depolymerization of lignin in the APW larval gut.

Efficient regeneration protocol for producing true-to-type oil palm (Elaeis guineensis (jacq.) through somatic embryogenesis from immature male inflorescence.

Producing homogeneous planting material in oil palm poses a significant challenge, which can be addressed through somatic embryogenesis. This study successfully achieved somatic embryogenesis using immature male inflorescence from Tenera hybrid. Modified Eeuwens medium yielded better results than the Murashige and Skoog (MS) and CHU (N6) media when supplemented with 2,4-D, picloram and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). The Eeuwens (Y3) medium supplemented with picloram led to an increased callus percentage, ranging from 25% to 63.7%. The highest rate of somatic embryogenesis was observed with a combination of 2,4-D (16mg/l), picloram (24mg/l), and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5 -T) (2mg/l), resulting in an average embryogenesis percentage between 2.54% and 7.24%. The average embryogenesis percentage varied from. Additionally, the liquid media proved effective for root growth and proliferation (R2 medium), which included Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) (2mg/l) and NAA (0.5mg/l), along with activated charcoal (100mg/l). The elongated, nodular-shaped root-like structures developed into root primordial structures. This protocol will be instrumental in producing homogeneous oil palm planting material through micropropagation and cloning of mother palms, facilitating the establishment of semi-clonal seed gardens.

Assessment of Quantum of Electricity Generation of Selected Plants from Middle Belt of Nigeria

The prevailing energy needs globally is a major sign that can create energy crisis in the future. The objectives of the research was to find out the quantum of electric potentials that can be generated from some selected tropical plants. The use of living plants to obtain electrical energy through living plant bio-energy fuel cells was studied as a mechanism that can supply electrical energy, especially in rural areas of the world. In this study, the voltage produced by living plant bioenergy fuel cells was measured using a digital multi-meter connected to different electrolytic paired electrodes of copper, iron, aluminium, silver and zinc inserted into stems of plants at a height of 50cm above ground level and at different distances of 0.5m, 1m and 1.5m away from plant. The multimeter probes, Black probe connected electrodes on plant stems (cathodes), and Red probe connected to electrodes on the ground (anodes). The voltages and currents measurements were carried out for 10 minutes at an interval of every 2 minutes. The selected plants belonging to the species of; Mango, Boabab, Gmelina, Cactus, Pawpaw, Palm tree, African Fan Palm and Hospital too far. They were selected for their availability, great fluid contents and fibrous nature of root systems, all within the tropical region of Nigeria. The higher voltages measured were of Pawpaw, Gmelina, Mango and African Fan Palm with voltages using silver-zinc electrode pairs; 1.042V, 818mV, 756mV and 745mV respectively. From the findings, it was discovered that plants can be good sources of electrical energy at varying magnitudes as there was significant differences among electrical potentials generated by some selected tropical plants. There was also significant difference among electrical potentials generated by some selected pairs of electrolytic electrodes. Therefore, it was recommended amongst others that the use of living plant bio-energy fuel cells have the potentiality of generating electrical energy. Scientists should be encourage to fully develop plant bio-energy fuel systems that could generate bigger quantum of electrical energy.

Pollen Analysis of Elaeis guineensis-Dominated Honeys in Lower Casamance: Floral Diversity and Honey Typology

Background: A honey's pollen spectrum serves as an indicator for determining its place of origin in terms of vegetation resources. This data might be utilised to create pollen analytical standards, which would help certify honey. The melliferous plants are plant species on which the bee takes substances, including nectar, pollen and resin to feed and to develop its various products (honey, royal jelly...). Aim: The aim of this study was carried out to contribute to melliferous plants in Casamance (Senegal) : pollen spectrum of honeys with Elaeis guineensis dominant. Results: Pollen analysis of 14 samples of dominant Elaeis guineensis honey from Lower Casamance in the Ziguinchor region identified 25 plant taxa in 11 families foraging for bees. The species richness varied from 5 to 10 taxa per honey sample. The most representative families are Fabaceae with 7 species, followed by Malvaceae with 3 species, Combretaceae, Myrtaceae, Rubiaceae, Poaceae, Arecaceae, Lamiaceae with 2 species and Avicenniaceae, Méliaceae, Asteraceae with 1 species. Pterocarpus erinaceus is present in 11 spectra including 7 spectra where it is isolated and in 3 spectra where it is isolated. It is the only taxon that is a companion pollen in 1 of the spectra. The most common taxa associated with Elaeis are Detarium senegalense, Daniellia oliveri and Myrtaceae. Conclusion: The data reflects the floral situation of the place were particular honey was produced and the identification of geographical origin based on the presence of a combination of pollen types of that particular area.

Floristic structure, potential carbon stocks, and dynamics in cocoa-based agroforestry systems in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

With about 46% of global production, Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s leading producer of cocoa beans. However, this production contributes to deforestation, exacerbating the effects of climate change. In response to this observation, this study aims to deepen knowledge on the contribution of agroforestry systems in cocoa production areas in Côte d’Ivoire to atmospheric carbon storage. These main areas are the Centre-West, South-West, and West. In these areas, floristic richness was determined in 115 plots. Carbon stocks in living biomass, dead matter, and soil were evaluated. The dynamics of carbon stocks with age were also determined. The results revealed that the West area contains the most diversified cocoa agroforests, with 161 species compared to 71 and 119 in the Centre-West and South-West, respectively. Entandrophragma angolense, Nesogordonia papaverifera, and Sterculia oblonga, common to these areas, are on the IUCN Red List. Carbon stock varies by area, its history, the practices present, and especially the associated species. Thus, in the former cocoa production zone (Centre-West) and the current main production zone (South-West), Elaeis guineensis is the main carbon reservoir, with 25.576 tC.ha⁻1 in the Centre-West and 36.862 tC.ha⁻1 in the South-West. In the West, local trees form the main carbon reservoir with 11.701 tC.ha⁻1. The dynamics of total carbon stocks show heterogeneous changes in production areas according to the different stages of development of agroforestry systems. This is evidence of the complexity of carbon flow and the dynamics of cocoa systems, which are strongly influenced by the sociology of the producers.

Core transcriptome network modulates temperature (heat and cold) and osmotic (drought, salinity, and waterlogging) stress responses in oil palm

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) yield is impacted by abiotic stresses, leading to significant economic losses. To understand the core abiotic stress transcriptome (CAST) of oil palm, we performed RNA-Seq analyses of oil palm leaves subjected to drought, salinity, waterlogging, heat, and cold stresses. A total of 19,834 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Cold treatment induced the highest number of DEGs (5,300), followed by heat (4,114), drought (3,751), waterlogging (3,573), and, lastly, salinity (3096) stress. Subsequent analysis revealed the CAST of oil palm, comprising 588 DEGs commonly expressed under drought, salinity, waterlogging, heat, and cold stress conditions. Function annotation of these DEGs suggests their roles in signal transduction, transcription regulation, and abiotic stress responses including synthesis of osmolytes, secondary metabolites, and molecular chaperones. Moreover, we identified core DEGs encoding kinases, ERF, NAC TFs, heat shock proteins, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase, terpineol synthase, and cytochrome P450. These core DEGs may be potential key modulators that interplay in triggering rapid abiotic stress responses to achieve delicate equilibrium between productivity and adaptation to abiotic stresses. This comprehensive study provides insights into the key modulators in the CAST of oil palm, and their potential applications as markers for selecting climate-resilient oil palms or opportunities to develop future climate resilient oil palm using genome editing.

Antagonistic Potential of a Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (B. cereus PS1.1, B. cereus PS1.2, B. cereus PS1.4) Against the Patogent Fungus Ganoderma sp. Isolated from Basal Stem of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) with Rot Disease

Ganoderma sp. is a pathogenic fungus whose attack can cause basal stem rot disease of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.). Disease control using phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), namely Bacillus cereus can be an alternative to biological control. The purpose of this study was to determine the antagonistic ability of PSB (B. cereus PS1.1, B. cereus PS1.2, B. cereus PS1.4) in inhibiting the growth of Ganoderma sp. BP1 and changes in hyphal morphology of Ganoderma sp. BP1 after antagonistic testing. The research was conducted from January to May 2023 at the Microbiology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tanjungpura University, Pontianak. Antagonist testing used a completely randomized design (CRD) with the treatments consisted of Ganoderma sp. BP1 (negative control), 1% hexaconazole fungicide (positive control), PSB isolates PS1.1, PS1.2 and PS1.4. The test method used the dual culture on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) media with each treatment repeated four times so that 20 experimental units were obtained. The results showed that PSB isolate PS1.4 had strong inhibition with an inhibition zone diameter of 11.01 mm, while isolates PS1.1 and PS1.2 had moderate inhibition with inhibition zone diameters of 9.43 mm and 9.45 mm, respectively, against Ganoderma sp. BP1. Hyphal morphology changes in of Ganoderma sp. BP1 that occurred after the antagonist test consist of lysed hyphae, twisted hyphae, hook-like hyphal tips, curly hyphae, bulbous hyphae, branched hyphae and bent hyphal ends.

Mapping oil palm plantations and their implications on forest and great ape habitat loss in Central Africa

AbstractOil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation in Central Africa (CA) has become important because of the increased global demand for vegetable oils. The region is highly suitable for the cultivation of oil palm and this increases pressure on forest biodiversity in the region. Accurate maps are therefore needed to understand trends in oil palm expansion for landscape‐level planning, conservation management of endangered species, such as great apes, biodiversity appraisal and supply of ecosystem services. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of a U‐Net Deep Learning Model and product fusion for mapping the extent of oil palm plantations for six countries within CA, including Cameroon, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Equatorial Guinea, Gabon and Republic of Congo. Sentinel‐1 and Sentinel‐2 data for the year 2021 were classified using a U‐Net model. Overall classification accuracy for the final oil palm layer was 96.4 ± 1.1%. Producer Accuracy (PA) and User Accuracy (UA) for the industrial and smallholder oil palm classes were 91.6 ± 1.7% and 95.0 ± 1.3%, 67.7 ± 2.8% and 70.0 ± 2.8%. Post classification assessment of the transition from tropical moist forest (TMF) cover to oil palm within the six CA countries suggests that over 1000 Square Kilometer (km2) of forest within great ape ranges had so far been converted to oil palm between 2000 and 2021. Results from this study indicate a more extensive cover of smallholder oil palm than previously reported for the region. Our results also indicate that expansion of other agricultural activities may be an important driver of deforestation as nearly 170 000 km2 of forest loss was recorded within the IUCN ranges of the African great apes between 2000 and 2021. Output from this study represents the first oil palm map for the CA, with specific emphasis on the impact of its expansion on great ape ranges. This presents a dependable baseline through which future actions can be formulated in addressing conservation needs for the African Great Apes within the region.

Formulation and Characterization of Bio-Briquettes and Bio-Pellets from Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) Biomass as Renewable Fuel

This study evaluates bio-briquettes and bio-pellets made from ramie (Boehmeria nivea), sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis), and palm kernel shell (Elaeis guineensis) as renewable fuel sources. Proximate analysis was conducted to measure moisture, ash, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and calorific values, while combustion tests assessed boiling efficiency and burn time. Results reveal that bio-briquettes generally outperform bio-pellets in calorific value, with sample B-S8R2 achieving the highest at 6455 kcal/kg and the fastest boiling time of 14 min at 88 °C. This enhanced performance is attributed to its high fixed carbon (71.81%) and low volatile matter, optimizing combustion and energy yield. In contrast, bio-pellets like sample P-PO7R3, with a calorific value of 4212 kcal/kg, offer moderate heat and durability, making them suitable for household use. The high density and low moisture content across all samples support efficient combustion, while the bio-briquettes’ low ash production indicates a more environmentally friendly fuel. The findings suggest that bio-briquettes are optimal for high-energy applications due to their superior combustion efficiency and environmental benefits, whereas bio-pellets provide a viable option for moderate-energy needs. This research supports the development of sustainable biofuel from biomass waste, providing a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels.

Impact of phosphate-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria on growth and yield of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) fields

Oil palm is typically planted in wider spacing (9×9m), creating gaps that can facilitate weed growth but also provide opportunities for intercrops like upland rice. Inceptisols, commonly used for oil palm cultivation, often have low yield potential due to limited phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) content and acidic soil pH. This limitation can be addressed by applying a biofertilizer mixture of Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria (NFB), which can enhance upland rice's growth and yield. This study investigates the impact of various doses of a PSB and NFB mixture on the growth and yield of upland rice grown alongside oil palm. Conducted from January to May 2024 at the Ciparanje Experimental Garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University. The research utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with six different treatment levels and four replications. The treatments involved applying different quantities of Pseudomonas sp. and Azotobacter sp. combined with carrier compost to the upland rice plants. The doses tested were 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kg/ha. The results showed that the application of a mixture of PSB and NFB at a dose of 40 kg/ha was able to increase 33.48% of plant height, 38.14% of the number of leaves, 30% of the stomatal conductance index, and 32.91% of the number of grains per panicle of upland rice plants compared to without the application of a mixture of PSB and NFB. Meanwhile, intercropping upland rice on oil palm land did not affect the growth of oil palm plants.

Nutritional profiles of edible African palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) harvested from two palm species in Uganda

Nutritional profiles of edible African palm weevil larvae (Rhynchophorus phoenicis) harvested from two palm species in Uganda

Molecular basis of resistance to leaf spot disease in oil palm

IntroductionLeaf spot disease caused by the fungal pathogen Curvularia oryzae is one of the most common diseases found in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) nurseries in South East Asia, and is most prevalent at the seedling stage. Severe infections result in localized necrotic regions of leaves that rapidly spread within nurseries leading to poor quality seedlings and high economic losses.MethodsTo understand the molecular mechanisms of this plant-pathogen interaction, RNA-Seq was used to elucidate the transcriptomes of three oil palm genotypes with contrasting pathogen responses (G10 and G12, resistant and G14, susceptible) following infection with C. oryzae spores. Transcriptomes were obtained from Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing of mRNA at four different time points (day 0, before treatment; day 1, 7, and 21 post treatment).Results and discussionAnalysis of differentially expressed gene (DEG) profiles in these three genotypes provided an overview of the genes involved in the plant defence. Genes involved in disease resistance, phytohormone biosynthesis, gene regulation (transcription factors), and those encoding proteins associated with cell wall hardening were identified and likely contribute to the resistance of oil palm to C. oryzae. Such genes represent good candidates for targets to enhance oil palm productivity and resilience through molecular breeding approaches.

Tissue Culture of Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq): Techniques and Applications in Genetic Breeding

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) has become a leading plantation crop in Indonesia because it can provide employment opportunities and contribute to the country's foreign exchange earnings. The productivity of palm oil always experiences fluctuations. Over the past four years, the highest productivity of palm oil was in 2020, amounting to 48,296.30 tons/ha. Efforts to increase palm oil productivity need to be continuously pursued considering the high consumer demand for oil. One of the efforts to increase palm oil productivity is to cultivate superior seed varieties. The type of superior seedlings can be obtained from tissue culture. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method with a literature study technique. The purpose of this research is to understand the tissue culture process, the inhibiting and supporting factors of tissue culture, the advantages and disadvantages of tissue culture, and the opportunities and challenges of palm oil tissue culture. The research results show that tissue culture affects palm oil production because the seedlings produced through tissue culture have superior traits, and the supporting factors of the tissue culture technique are the type of media and the addition of appropriate growth regulators (ZPT).

Hydrogel Plus as Alternative Technology In Sustainable Palm Oil Agricultural

Palm oil (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is one of the most important plantation crops in the agricultural sector. However, during the dry season the production of palm oil is decreasing, due to the reduced availability of water especially on peatlands. One way to overcome this problem is by the use of Hydrogel Plus technology (Hydrogel based bagasse with the addition of Pseudomonas fluorescens). This study aims to determine the role of Hydrogel Plus (Hydrogel with the addition of Pseudomonas fluorescens) to the growth and production of palm oil on the peat during the dry season. The method used in this research is the experimental method using Completely Randomized Design. Treatment was done by 4 treatments and each treatment was repeated 5 times. So the experimental unit amounted to 20 units. The treatments include (P1) Control, (P2) Hydrogel application (P3) Application of Pseudomonas fluoresces suspension and (P4) Hydrogel Plus applications. Based on the result of the research, it can be concluded that Hydrogel administration with the addition of Pseudomonas fluorescens bacteria tends to have a significant effect on leaf diameter, leaf number and height of plant at each treatment and only at plant height on treatment of Pseudomonas fluorescens and only hydrogel treatment which has no effect real utilization of Hydrogel Plus can provide the effect of palm oil plant growth and production to be a specific effort as an alternative technology in sustainable palm oil management in peatlands during the dry season.

Effect of acetic acid concentration on obtaining cellulose acetate from oil palm mesocarp fibers (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

This work aimed to produce cellulose acetate from the mesocarp fibers of palm oil treated with sodium hydroxide (MFA) and bleached with sodium chlorite. Cellulose acetate was obtained from the different materials by homogeneous acetylation in the mass proportions of: 1:5, 1:10 and 1:15 (acetic acid), 1:15 (acetic anhydride) and 1:0.1 (sulfuric acid). The degree of substitution was determined by chemical methods and by 1H-NMR. The cellulose acetate obtained from the combination of alkaline treatments followed by bleaching showed degree of substitution of 2.81 (CAAB5), 3.02 (CAAB10) and 3.07 (CAAB15), corresponding to yield values (w/w) of 50.45%, 65.5% and 97.21%. Based on the analysis of the results, we can say that the amount of acetic acid and the type of treatment used in the fibers of the mesocarp of oil palm directly influenced the quality and yield of cellulose acetate, with CAAB15 being the best reaction condition.

Mycobiome analysis of leaf, root, and soil of symptomatic oil palm trees (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) affected by leaf spot disease.

Recently, attention has been shifting toward the perspective of the existence of plants and microbes as a functioning ecological unit. However, studies highlighting the impacts of the microbial community on plant health are still limited. In this study, fungal community (mycobiome) of leaf, root, and soil of symptomatic leaf-spot diseased (SS) oil palm were compared against asymptomatic (AS) trees using ITS2 rRNA gene metabarcoding. A total of 3,435,417 high-quality sequences were obtained from 29 samples investigated. Out of the 14 phyla identified, Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the most dominant accounting for 94.2 and 4.7% of the total counts in AS, and 75 and 21.2% in SS, respectively. Neopestalotiopsis is the most abundant genus for AS representing 8.0% of the identified amplicons compared to 2.0% in SS while Peniophora is the most abundant with 8.6% of the identified amplicons for SS compared to 0.1% in AS. The biomarker discovery algorithm LEfSe revealed different taxa signatures for the sample categories, particularly soil samples from asymptomatic trees, which were the most enriched. Network analysis revealed high modularity across all groups, except in root samples. Additionally, a large proportion of the identified keystone species consisted of rare taxa, suggesting potential role in ecosystem functions. Surprisingly both AS and SS leaf samples shared taxa previously associated with oil palm leaf spot disease. The significant abundance of Trichoderma asperellum in the asymptomatic root samples could be further explored as a potential biocontrol agent against oil palm disease.