Palm Growth Research Articles

How to Cope With Stress in the Desert-The Date Palm Approach.

Increasing desertification constitutes a global environmental problem, mainly driven by climate change and inappropriate land-use that limits agriculture, forestry and human colonization. The selection of suitable plant species to mitigate desertification is particularly challenging, as it usually requires simultaneous counteraction against a whole set of unfavourable environmental conditions, including heat, drought, high tropospheric ozone and salinity. It therefore seems useful to identify the survival strategies of plants native in desert environments. Date palm constitutes a plant species native in desert environments and cultivated worldwide in arid regions that have been studied intensively for stress defence during the last decade. The present review summarizes the current state of biochemical stress defence mechanisms including avoidance, osmotic and metabolic adjustments and reactive oxygen species scavenging, addresses whole-plant regulations and trade-off between stress compensation/defence and growth of date palms. The review advances our knowledge about how this typical desert species copes with both individual and multiple environmental stresses at the cellular to the whole-plant level, and identifies areas of future research required to fully understand the strategies of this plant species to survive in the desert, thereby contributing to efforts for the mitigation of climate change and desertification.

Characterization of the Synergistic Effect of Fungal Isolates in Suppressing Ganoderma boninense and Enhancing Oil Palm Growth

ABSTRACTThe globally vital oil palm, a major oil producer, confronts productivity challenges due to Ganoderma boninense (Gb), causing output decline. Chemical control efforts have proven ineffective, prompting exploration of microbial‐based biocontrol. While single fungal biocontrol research exists, the impact of employing multiple biocontrols concurrently to combat Ganoderma and enhance oil palm growth remains uncharted. This study examined four soil‐derived fungal isolates for their ability to antagonize Gb PER71 in vitro. Molecular identification categorized them as Talaromyces spp. and Penicillium sp. Moreover, all isolates were revealed to have at least three plant growth‐promoting (PGP) traits and were shown to have phosphoric hydrolase, ester hydrolase, peptide hydrolase, and glycosidase activities which are essential for plant growth. Furthermore, the synergistic evaluation of fungal isolates was tested against Gb PER71. One out of six combinations of fungal isolates showed a synergistic effect in vitro, and two showed a synergistic effect in planta. The application of single and combined fungal isolates tested in planta also suppressed Gb PER71 and enhanced oil palm growth compared to control groups. The findings indicate the promising potential of these isolates as biocontrol agents (BCAs) and bioformulations against Gb in oil palm cultivation.

Ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal association in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) palms: Analysis of factors influencing AMF in fields

This study is the first thorough ecological analysis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) diversity in randomly selected traditional coconut fields across Kerala, South India. We conducted a critical analysis of AMF diversity, percentage root length colonization (PRLC), and mean spore density (MSD) across 248 sites, taking into account variations in plant, environmental, and soil factors like coconut varieties, palm health conditions, agroclimatic zones, soil types, and seasons in the region. A total of 23 AMF species from seven genera (Acaulospora, Archaeospora, Funneliformis, Glomus, Sclerocystis, Septoglomus, and Scutellospora) were identified, with Acaulospora scrobiculata being the dominant species in all studied fields. A critical analysis of diversity indices, including the Shannon-Weiner Index, Simpson's diversity index, and Gini-Simpson index, concerning variables indicated that soil series influences AMF diversity in specific fields. Correlational and principal component analyses highlighted the interrelationships between specific soil types and quality parameters affecting AMF characteristics, underscoring their crucial role in coconut palm growth. The study also revealed the ecological amplitudes of indigenous AMF species related to specific soil fertility parameters. Overall, this research serves as a model for identifying root- and soil-specific AMF in agricultural fields and provides valuable ecological insights for utilizing indigenous AMF species as ecotechnological tools for sustainable coconut cultivation.

Physiological responses, growth and productivity of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) as affected by boron fertilization

Physiological responses, growth and productivity of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) as affected by boron fertilization

Effect of Rice Straw Compost and NPKMg Fertiliser Treatment on Growth of Sugar Palm [Arenga pinnata merr] Age 12 Months

Effect of Rice Straw Compost and NPKMg Fertiliser Treatment on Growth of Sugar Palm [Arenga pinnata merr] Age 12 Months

Integrative Analysis of Transcriptomic Profiles and Physiological Responses Provide New Insights into Drought Stress Tolerance in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.).

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a highly productive crop economically significant for food, cosmetics, and biofuels. Abiotic stresses such as low water availability, salt accumulation, and high temperatures severely impact oil palm growth, physiology, and yield by restricting water flux among soil, plants, and the environment. While drought stress's physiological and biochemical effects on oil palm have been extensively studied, the molecular mechanisms underlying drought stress tolerance remain unclear. Under water deficit conditions, this study investigates two commercial E. guineensis cultivars, IRHO 7001 and IRHO 2501. Water deficit adversely affected the physiology of both cultivars, with IRHO 2501 being more severely impacted. After several days of water deficit, there was a 40% reduction in photosynthetic rate (A) for IRHO 7001 and a 58% decrease in IRHO 2501. Further into the drought conditions, there was a 75% reduction in A for IRHO 7001 and a 91% drop in IRHO 2501. Both cultivars reacted to the drought stress conditions by closing stomata and reducing the transpiration rate. Despite these differences, no significant variations were observed between the cultivars in stomatal conductance, transpiration, or instantaneous leaf-level water use efficiency. This indicates that IRHO 7001 is more tolerant to drought stress than IRHO 2501. A differential gene expression and network analysis was conducted to elucidate the differential responses of the cultivars. The DESeq2 algorithm identified 502 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The gene coexpression network for IRHO 7001 comprised 274 DEGs and 46 predicted HUB genes, whereas IRHO 2501's network included 249 DEGs and 3 HUB genes. RT-qPCR validation of 15 DEGs confirmed the RNA-Seq data. The transcriptomic profiles and gene coexpression network analysis revealed a set of DEGs and HUB genes associated with regulatory and transcriptional functions. Notably, the zinc finger protein ZAT11 and linoleate 13S-lipoxygenase 2-1 (LOX2.1) were overexpressed in IRHO 2501 but under-expressed in IRHO 7001. Additionally, phytohormone crosstalk was identified as a central component in the response and adaptation of oil palm to drought stress.

Impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil health, nutrient availability, and date palm fruit quality

Water scarcity and droughts are among the most challenging issues worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Saudi Arabia. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a major crop in Saudi Arabia, is being significantly affected by water scarcity, soil salinity, and desertification. Alternative water sources are needed to conserve freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has a significant number of aquaculture farms that generate substantial amounts of wastewater, which can be utilized as an alternative source of irrigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential of aquaculture wastewater as an alternative irrigation source for date palm orchards. Aquaculture wastewater was collected from 12 different farms (Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions, Saudi Arabia) and its quality was analyzed. The impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil quality, nutrient availability, nutrient status of date palm trees, and dates fruit quality were assessed in comparison to source water (freshwater) irrigation at Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions. The water quality analyses showed higher salinity (EC = 3.31 dSm−1) in farm Q3, while all other farms demonstrated no salinity, sodicity, or alkalinity hazards. Moreover, the aquaculture wastewater irrigation increased soil available P, K, NO3−–N, and NH4+–N by 49.31%, 21.11%, 33.62%, and 52.31%, respectively, compared to source water irrigation. On average, date palm fruit weight, length, and moisture contents increased by 26%, 23%, and 43% under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Further, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents in date palm leaf were increased by 19.35%, 34.17%, 37.36%, 38.24%, and 45.29%, respectively, under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Overall, aquaculture wastewater irrigation significantly enhanced date palm plant growth, date palm fruit quality, and soil available nutrients compared to freshwater irrigation. It was concluded that aquaculture wastewater can be used as an effective irrigation source for date palm farms as it enhances soil nutrient availability, date palm growth, and date fruit yield and quality. The findings of this study suggest that aquaculture wastewater could be a viable alternative for conserving freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia.

Long-term application of organic matter improves soil properties and plant growth-promoting bacteria in soil communities of oil palm plantation

ABSTRACT Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) is a major contributor to global vegetable oil production; however, ensuring its sustainability remains a critical challenge, particularly concerning soil health. In this study, we investigated the impact of long-term organic matter application as part of good soil management (GSM) practices on oil palm plantations and compared it with poor soil management practices to determine the presence of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) in soil communities. The ten-years regular application of organic matter to the soil in the GSM plots led to notable improvements in soil chemical properties, including total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and cation exchange capacity. Metagenomic analysis revealed a significantly higher abundance of beneficial microbial species exclusively found in GSM plots, supporting oil palm growth. Furthermore, a novel finding emerged from this study, as it successfully predicted the metabolic function of PGPB in soil communities using PICRUST2 provided by the soil microbiome. PICRUST2 analysis indicated that the long-term application of organic matter in GSM plots increased functional enzymes related to PGP activities, such as nitrogen fixation, phosphate solubilization, potassium solubilization, and phytohormone synthesis. This study underscores the significance of implementing GSM practices in oil palm plantations by incorporating eco-friendly materials, such as organic matter, to enhance soil health and fertility and ensure oil palm sustainability.

Optimization of fertilizer use efficiency, soil quality and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) growth with biochar under drip irrigation conditions irrigation conditions

Biochar (BC) is an eco-friendly product characterized with high content of carbon and usually obtained by heating biomass without oxygen. Utilizing BC as organic material to amend the problematic soils and improve plant growth and yield has been proved previously. This study investigated the effect of vetiver grass biochar (VGB) on fertilizer use efficiency, soil quality, and oil palm growth performance. A net house experiment was conducted at the Farm Unit, UiTM Sarawak Branch, between August 2022 and March 2023. A factorial randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five treatments and four replications was devised. Treatments applied were: T0) absolute control; T1) 100% NPK fertilizer; T2) 100% vetiver grass biochar; T3) 50% vetiver grass biochar + 50% NPK fertilizer; and T4) 25% vetiver grass biochar + 75% NPK fertilizer. The BC application significantly improved the fertilizer use efficiency through reducing the rate of fertilizer applied. It also significantly enhanced most soil-measured chemical properties and soil nutrients. The growth performance of oil palm plant was significantly enhanced by BC application in terms of plant height, hump diameter, leaf number, chlorophyll content, and plant biomass. The BC application demonstrated its usefulness in managing soil and cultivating oil palm plant sustainably by reducing the rate of fertilizer applied and improve the fertilizer use efficiency. Based on the output, we suggest that treatment T3 (50% vetiver grass biochar + 50% NPK) can be used to improve the growth performance of oil palm.

Development and validation of an oil palm model for a wide range of planting densities and soil textures in Malaysian growing conditions

A semi-mechanistic oil palm growth and yield model called Sawit.jl was developed to account for a wide range of planting densities and soil textures under Malaysia's climate conditions. The model comprises components related to meteorology, photosynthesis, energy balance, soil water content, and crop growth. The model simulates instantaneous meteorological properties using daily weather data, calculates simultaneous evaporation from crop and soil with the Shuttleworth-Wallace model, determines soil water content through Darcy's law, and adapts a biochemical C3 model for photosynthesis. The model is also parameterized using updated measurements from the newer tenera oil palm, including temperature-dependent Rubisco kinetics, specific leaf area, and the partitioning of nutrients and dry matter between various tree parts. Sawit.jl was validated using historical field measurement data from seven Malaysian oil palm sites, encompassing palm ages spanning 1–23 years. These seven sites differed in soil type (Inceptisols and Ultisols), planting density (82–299 palms ha−1), soil texture (27–59 % clay and 7–67 % sand), and rainfall (1800–2800 mm yr−1). The model showed overall good accuracy in simulating oil palm parameters (except for trunk weight) across diverse conditions, with model agreement metrics ranging from 6 to 27 % for model absolute errors, −22 to +17 % for model bias, and 0.38 to 0.98 for the Kling-Gupta Efficiency index. The model also predicted the response of oil palm yield to abrupt rainfall changes, such as those during El Niño and La Niña events, while accounting for how soil texture, rainfall, and other meteorological factors influence water deficits and crop photosynthesis. However, model accuracy varied by site, planting density, and oil palm parameter. Model accuracy can be increased by more accurately representing the oil palm microclimate, incorporating fruiting activity, and refining the dry matter partitioning mechanism for the trunk.

Estimation of Oil Palm Tree Quantity Using Oil Palm Ecognition and SAGA GIS Based on UAV Imagery (Case Study: Dumai, Riau)

Abstract Oil palm is a plantation commodity in Indonesia that drives the growth of the national economy. The growth of oil palm is rapidly expanding every year, thus requiring efficient land monitoring strategies. Tree counting is one technique used to monitor current conditions in vast plantation areas. Utilizing UAV technology in agricultural mapping is the best option as a tool for capturing high-resolution aerial photos. The objective of this research is to automatically count the number of oil palm trees by comparing two methods and algorithms. GEOBIA (Geography-Based Image Analysis) and Deep Learning classification are methods used for automatic object counting. In this study, high-resolution aerial photo data was utilized, making object detection much more feasible. The research applied the Template Matching and Watershed Segmentation algorithm models in a sample area of 32.5 hectares divided into two blocks: Unknown-2 and E-1. It can be concluded that both methods, with their respective algorithm models, are sufficiently relevant for use in the automatic counting process of oil palm trees. This is evidenced by the accuracy test error values, which are not more than 15%, indicating that the counted oil palm tree results can be used for further data analysis.

Risk quantification as an epidemiological analysis strategy: Analysis and application to bud rot in oil palm

AbstractBud rot (BR), caused by Phytophthora palmivora, limits growth and development of oil palms in the American continent, particularly in Colombia. Due to the absence of systematic epidemiological analyses and determination of risk factors associated with BR, this study aimed to employ deterministic mathematical models and frequentist and Bayesian statistical methods to quantify the genetic response and edaphoclimatic variables as risk indicators of BR. From 2011 to 2014, the severity of BR in oil palm crops was recorded monthly in two locations: Tumaco (hot spot) and Villavicencio (cold spot), determining the edaphoclimatic variables at each site. Using the area under the disease progress stairs curve, temporal models were applied to determine the rate of disease development (R0) to quantify risk at locality and genotype levels. Subsequently, the observed intensity and severity levels of BR were adjusted to models such as survival curves, Cox proportional hazard risk and transition probabilities, or Markov states, with the aim of quantifying and characterizing risk factors associated with genotype and edaphoclimatic variables at each location. The risk in Tumaco was three times higher than in Villavicencio, and the R0 values were differential by genotype, with Tenera more susceptible than Hybrids. Moreover, the risk of BR increased when periods of 2–3 months occurred with successive instances of precipitation and relative humidity greater than 150 mm/month and 90%, respectively, and when manganese and zinc levels were below optimal. This approach allowed us to characterize epidemiological factors that cause plant diseases, allowing quantification of the risk of BR.

Root cutting on growth and yield of oil palm (Elaeis guenesis Jacq.)

Root cutting is speculated able to increase nutrient uptake by oil palm. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of root trimming on the growth, flowering, and yield of oil palm. The research focused on oil palm plants aged five years old in the field. The experiment used a nested design with two key factors: root-cutting depth as the main plot and root-pruning intensity as the subplot. Results showed that root cutting at a depth of 0 to 20 cm from the soil surface followed by cutting intensities of 50% and 75% enhanced plant height at 0, 3, and 9 months after treatment. The treatments did not affect other variables including flowering and yield of oil palm trees. Keywords: bunch weight; cutting intensity; root trimming; sex ratio

Mobile Robot Detects Pests And Diseases In Palm Oil Nurseries

The palm oil industry is an important economic pillar in various countries, making a significant contribution to global vegetable oil production. Despite its vital role, oil palm growth is often faced with serious challenges such as pest and disease attacks that can threaten crop yields and plant health. Oil palm seeding, as the initial stage in the plant growth cycle, is key in ensuring optimal quality and productivity in the future. The successful application of mobile robot technology in detecting pests and diseases in oil palm nurseries will not only increase production efficiency, but also support the principles of sustainability and wise resource management.

Intragenerational Dynamics in the Indonesian Oil Palm Growth Zone: The Resolution between Circular Dimensions and Human Capital

Intragenerational Dynamics in the Indonesian Oil Palm Growth Zone: The Resolution between Circular Dimensions and Human Capital

The Impact of Rainfall on Oil Palm Production: A Case Study in Berau Regency, East Borneo, Indonesia

This study examines the impact of rainfall on oil palm growth and productivity in the Berau region of East Borneo, Indonesia. The research utilized qualitative and quantitative field studies, employing correlation and regression analysis. The study focused on the oil palm plantation area as its subject. Data was collected from a plantation in the Berau region of East Borneo. The plantation has homogeneous plant age (same planting year, 2009) and homogeneous progeny (Scofindo variety) and is included in the company's core plantation. The observation parameters included rainfall, rainy days, fresh fruit bunches, and plant productivity. It was found that rainfall and rainy days have an impact on oil palm productivity. The regression results indicate a positive correlation between rainfall and oil palm productivity, with a correlation coefficient of 0.025109171. However, rainy days have a negative effect on oil palm productivity, with a correlation coefficient of -0.036778304, despite being positively correlated with rainfall. The correlation coefficient of 0.768386269 indicates a direct impact on reducing oil palm productivity. Rainfall indirectly affects oil palm productivity by influencing temperature, humidity, intensity, and length of daily irradiation. These factors directly affect the productivity of oil palm plants.

Phosphorus Uptake Model of Oil Palm Seedlings in the Main Nursery

Oil palm is generally cultivated on tropical soils that have low levels of chemical fertility and various physical fertility. Environmental factors, genetics, and cultivation techniques generally influence oil palm productivity. This study aimed to obtain a model of oil palm growth and phosphorus (P) uptake in the main nursery. The oil palm growth model was carried out through literature studies and field trials. The trial was conducted at Leuwikopo Trial Farm (Bogor Agricultural Institute) IPB University from May 2021-January 2022. The experiment was designed using a non-factorial randomized block design with five replications. The experiment consisted of one treatment with five levels of P fertilization: P0 = no fertilizer; P1 = 50% standard fertilization; P2 = 100% standard fertilization; P3 = 150% standard fertilization; and P4 = 200% standard fertilization. The fertilizer dose of 100% using the standard fertilization for oil palm of the Damimas variety was 28 g P seedling-1. This study concluded that the model of oil palm nutrient P uptake for the main nursery was able to simulate oil palm nutrient uptake as shown by actual measurements (observations in the field). The dry weight simulation results fell within the range of standard deviation values for average measurements in the field. The nutrient uptake simulation model is thus a valid tool for planning the optimal fertilization of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery.

The suppression of Ganoderma boninense on oil palm under mixed planting with taro plants

Abstract. Suwandi S, Alesia M, Munandar RP, Fadli R, Suparman S, Irsan C, Muslim A. 2024. The suppression of Ganoderma boninense on oil palm under mixed planting with taro plants. Biodiversitas 25: 1143-1150. Basal stem rot, caused by Ganoderma boninense, is highly destructive in monoculture oil palm plantations. This study evaluated Ganoderma boninense infections and oil palm growth in mixed plantings of oil palm seedlings and taro plants (Japanese, Bogor, and Indralaya taro). Ganoderma, colonizing rubber wood blocks, was inoculated into mixed plants, and the infection was compared to single-inoculated oil palm and taro plants. The interference of mixed planting with taro plants on the growth of oil palm seedlings was compared between inoculated and noninoculated mixed and single planting. Ganoderma inoculation caused simultaneous disease (dual-host infection) in mixed oil palm and taro plants. Ganoderma infection was less severe in taro plants compared to oil palm, whether in single or mixed planting. Over six months, oil palm root necrosis and disease index were reduced by 82% to 96% and 65% to 71%, respectively, while no significant effect was observed at nine months. The decay of Ganoderma-colonized wood improved by 44.1% to 84.0% in mixed planting, with no significant impact on mycelium viability. Taro plants did not inhibit oil palm growth, including plant height, leaf area, and relative growth rate of primary root length, in both the presence and the absence of Ganoderma infection. This study highlights the potential of mixed planting with taro to reduce Ganoderma disease in oil palm.

PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN VARIASI PERANGKAP HAMA TERHADAP SERANGAN KUMBANG TANDUK (Oryctes rhinoceros,L.) UNTUK PENGENDALIAN HAMA PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the main plantation commodity in Indonesia. In the development of oil palm growth. Problematic and influential pests in the growth of oil palm, namely the horn beetle Oryctes rhinoceros, L. The low level of public knowledge regarding the control of the horn beetle Oryctes rhinoceros, L. has caused plantations to decline. This research intends to find out the differences in the use of variations of pest traps to total beetle pests. This research is an experimental research. The object of this research is the beetle traps made with 3 types, namely derigen traps, funnels, and buckets. This research test was assisted by utilizing pheromones, so that the horn beetle is easily trapped because it carries hormones to attract the horn beetle Oryctes rhinoceros L.. The results of data analysis showed that Oryctes rhinoceros L. was trapped in four monitoring times. Making several varied catches, namely 43 funnels, 41 drigens and 53 buckets. Based on data analysis using Anova Sig. (P-value) = 0.036 P is the value obtained. Thus at the significance level = 0.05 rejecting Ho, the conclusion obtained is that there is an important difference in the average of the three media used in the experiment.

Pengaruh Pemberian Pupuk Kotoran Walet Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bibit Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Gueneensis Jacq) di Pre Nursery

This research was carried out in the koto Panjang Ikur village, Koto tangah District, Padang city, West Sumatra Provience. This research starts in January-April 2022. The objective of the study was to obtain a comparison of the best growing media from the application of swallow droppings fertilizer on the growth of oil palm (elaeis guineensis jacq) seedlings in the pre nursery. This experiment used a completely randomized design (RAL) with 4 treatments and 6 replications, so there were 24 experimental units. Each experimental units. Each experimental unit consisted of 6 polibags, so there were 144 polybags. The treatment is as follows : A = Top Soil, B = Top Soil : Swallow manure fertilizer (1:1), C = Top Soil : Swallow manure fertilizer (2:1). Observational data were analyzed statistically with variance (f test). If f count > from f table 5%, proceed with duncans new multiple range test (DNMRT) test at 5% significance level. Variables observed were seedling height. Number of leaves (midrib), tuber diameter, top fresh weight, top dry weight, root length, root fresh weiht, root dry weight, and visual observation. From the experimental results it was concluded that the application of swallow manure fertilizer had a very significantly different effect on the increase in seedling height, number of leaves . hump diameter, upper fresh weight, upper dry weight, root length, fresht root weight, and was not significantly different in weightdry roots. The ratio of Top Soil : Swallow manure fertilizer (1:2) is the best ratio for the growth of oil palm seedlings (elaeis guineensis jacq) in the pre nursery when compared to other treatments