Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute Research Articles

Growth Response of Mucuna bracteata with the Application of Local Micro Organisms (LMO) of Banana Weevil

This research aims to determine the effect of concentration and duration immersion giving LOM banana weevil against the gowth of Mucuna bracteata. The research was conducted in the garden of Jalan Setia Bangun Pasar III, Sei Beras Sekata, Kecamatan sunggal, Kabupaten Deli Serdang, Sumatra utara and continued in the laboratory of the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI). This research was started in April-June 2020. This study used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial. The first factor was the concentration of local microorganisms (LMO) of Banana Weevil consisting of 4 levels, namely: Without treatment, 15%, 30%, 45%. The second factor. The duration of immersion consists of 4 levels, namely: No immersion time, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45 minutes. Observation data were analyzed usingDuncan's Multiple Range Test with a significant 5%. The results showed that the LMO concentration of banana weevil was effective in increasing the gowth of the number of leaves 39.77, tendril length 83.14 cm, shoot fresh weight 28.54 g, and shoot dry weight 6.03 g. The duration of soaking had a significant effect on the highest number of leaves at week 3 (9.63 pieces). The interaction application of banana weevil concentration and soaking time affected the number of root nodules (40.50 gains) and root dry weight (0.73) g of theplant Mucuna bracteata.

Identification of oil palm tissue culture contaminants by using DNA barcodes: preliminary results

The success of oil palm tissue culture is constrained by the microbes contaminating cultures in the laboratory. Accurate identification of contaminant species leads to the right strategies for solving the contamination problem. This research was done to identify contaminant species at the Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute Tissue Culture Laboratory at its stages by using DNA barcodes. Bacteria identification was done by 16S rRNA sequencing, while fungi identification was done by ITS region sequencing. Preliminary results showed that bacteria and fungi were identified in the laboratory’s stages of the tissue culture process. Four species were identified in the dark room, two in the light room, and four in the advanced light room. The identified bacteria were Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus parasuis, Priestia megaterium, and Bacillus sp. The identified fungi were Tritirachium candoliense, Penicillium citrinum, Irpex laceratus, Aspergillus reticulatus, and Perenniporia tephropora. More data is needed to determine the right strategies to control the contamination problem.

ANALYSIS OF SOIL CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN PABATU SERDANG BEDAGAI UNIT OIL PALM PLANTATIONS

Soil is a natural medium that is one aspect of supporting the life of all living things, including plants. Soil chemical properties greatly affect the growth process of oil palm plants, especially in the production process of oil palm fruit bunches. The purpose of this study was to determine the soil's chemical properties in oil palm plantations. The method used in this study is a descriptive method by conducting surveys and laboratory analysis. Soil samples were taken randomly at a depth of 0-20cm at four points of plantation land. Several parameters have been analyzed, such as pH, total N, CEC and exchangeable Al (Al-dd). Soil samples were analyzed at the Laboratory of Soil Research Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (PPKS) Medan. Determination of the criteria for assessing soil chemical properties based on the soil fertility standards issued by the Soil Research Center (BPT) Bogor (2009). The results of the analysis showed that the soil pH was slightly acidic, total N was low, CEC was low and Al-dd was very low.

ISOLATION AND NODULATION TEST OF Rhizobium sp. FROM Pueraria javanica (Benth.) Benth. AND LIABILITY TEST ON THE CARRIER MEDIUM OF PEAT AND COMPOST FROM PALM OIL PALM EMPTY FRUITS

Isolation and Nodulation Rhizobium sp. from Pueraria javanica (Benth.) Benth. and Study of Its Survival on Peat Soil and Compost of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch was done from March to July 2008, in the Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology of Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) Marihat Research Station in Pematang Siantar, and Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biology, FMIPA USU. The sampel of nodules were taken from the roots of Pueraria javanica growing in the oil palm plantation at Sei Aek Pancur, Marihat, and University of North Sumatera. Ten isolates were isolated from the nodules and all of them could form root nodule after 8 weeks of inoculation in a nodulation trial. Another trial was conducted to study the survival of the Rhizobium in 2 different types of media: peat soil and compost of oil palm empty fruit bunch. It was found that all of the isolates could survive in both media during 4 weeks of observation. Statistically, the Rhizobium had a more stable viability in compost.

ANALYSIS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF PALM OIL PLANT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) PALM OIL RESEARCH CENTER (PPKS) BASED ON PRIMARY SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats)

The background of this research was to obtain information of genetic diversity within and among populations of E. guineensis using SSR markers. This research was conduted in Biology Molecular Laboratory, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute, Marihat, Pematangsiantar, North Sumatra from March 2016 to January 2017. A total of 100 palm oil samples used in this research, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis TR01S, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis BJ022S, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis BJ42S, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis BO52S, and including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis MA19S. Calculation and Desciptive analysis in this research using software GeneMarker® version 2.40, software DARwin version 6.0.13 and Microsoft Excel 2007. Research shows that the number of banding patterns detected 104 The banding patterns WITH range 8-9 per primary banding pattern, and the size of the banding patterns ranging from 101 bp -328 bp. mEgCIR2569 primary is the most widely primer to amplify DNA and the average of the percentage of polymorphism in the primer being used by 71%. Analysis dendogram 100 samples All 3 hearts big group of Jatropha genetic WITH BETWEEN Yang ranged from 0.03 to 1.00 Based on the findings of the analysis of genetic relationships WITH Matrix Method using differences Simple Matching Value factorial analysis (PCoA) declared WITH axis I and axis II ON 12 primary SSR of 20.3%. mEgCIR2569 primary is the most widely primer to amplify DNA and the average of the percentage of polymorphism in the primer being used by 71%. Analysis dendogram 100 samples All 3 hearts big group of Jatropha genetic WITH BETWEEN Yang ranged from 0.03 to 1.00 Based on the findings of the analysis of genetic relationships WITH Matrix Method using differences Simple Matching Value factorial analysis (PCoA) declared WITH axis I and axis II ON 12 primary SSR of 20.3%. mEgCIR2569 primary is the most widely primer to amplify DNA and the average of the percentage of polymorphism in the primer being used by 71%. Analysis dendogram 100 samples All 3 hearts big group of Jatropha genetic WITH BETWEEN Yang ranged from 0.03 to 1.00 Based on the findings of the analysis of genetic relationships WITH Matrix Method using differences Simple Matching Value factorial analysis (PCoA) declared WITH axis I and axis II ON 12 primary SSR of 20.3%.

Polyprenol and Dolichol Content in the Seed Tissues of Elaeis guineensis Jacq. from Commercial Seeds

Polyisoprenoid alcohols are found in the cells of all living organisms. This work aims to investigate their distribution in the seed tissues of oil palms in commercial and non-commercial companies using two-dimensional thin layer chromatography (2D-TLC). The distribution of dolichols and polyprenols found in oil palm plants varies depending on the region. There is no difference in the distribution of polysoprenoids between Socfin Indonesia (Socfindo) CI Ganoderma susceptible, Socfindo Lame, and Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) BSY2C seeds tissue (4.5 mg/g dry weight). The total polyprenol and dolichol in the seed tissues of oil palms from Socfindo MTG was higher than those from other oil palms: it was 6.1 mg/g dry weight and 4.7 mg/g dry weight, respectively. The highest polyisoprenoids concentration in the seed tissues of oil palms was found in those from Socfindo Yagambi. Polyprenol; longer chain lengths were observed in the oil palms of non-commercial (C75-C100) and dolichol of commercial seeds from IOPRI 05-73 (C70-C100). The seeds from Socfindo Yagambi were clearly separated from other samples, however, the seeds from commercial and non-commercial seeds (IOPRI B SMB and oil palm PT Harapan Sawita (OPHS) respectively were observed in one group. This study indicated that there are distinct groups of polyisoprenoid carbon chains randomly derived from cluster analysis in the origin of oil palm seeds.

Cameroon Virescens Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) from IOPRI’s Germplasm

In the assumption of oil palm breeders, virescens oil palm type has no real economic value. Therefore, the nigrescens is more considered. However, the virescens gives a visual cue that fruits are ripe without waiting to detach. In 2010, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) successfully planted an open-pollinated population of Cameroon oil palm. The population was characterized for virescens type frequency, as well as the bunch components, quantity and quality of crude palm oil. The virescens frequency per accession was sufficiently wide, ranging from 3.33-65.71%, and was affected by the parent type, nigrescens or virescens. Most of the virescens’s fruit form is observed to be of dura, except one sample, which was observed to be tenera. The mesocarp to fruit (MF) and industrial extraction ratio (IER) percentage are similar to the nigrescens dura, namely 37.7% and 9.5%, respectively. Its oil quality is better than nigrescens, and it has total carotene ranging from 155-1246 ppm. The oleic fatty acid is higher than 50%, and the palmitic is lower than 40%. Due to the ease of determining mature fruits, as well as the higher oil quality, virescens oil palm type is recommended to be introgressed in a breeding program.

Distribution of Vascular Bundles and Physical Properties Analysis of Variety DxP Oil Palm Trunk Based on Various Zones and Trunk Heights

In an attempt to obtain a homogenous board density from the palm trunk, this research was carried out to analyze the distribution of vascular bundles and the physical properties of the oil palm trunk (moisture content, density, and specific gravity) in various zones and trunk heights. Oil palm trunk samples were used from 29 years old palm (Planted on 1991) which acquired from Aek Pancur Experimental plantation, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI). The oil palm trunk sample was cut based on the trunk zones (peripheral, central, and inner), and trunk heights (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 m). The observed parameters were vascular bundles, moisture content, density, and specific gravity. The results showed that the highest number of vascular bundles in the peripheral zone (73.66 vb/cm2). In addition that, the highest density and specific gravity also found in peripheral zone with an average 0,73 gram/cm3 and 0.53, whereas the highest moisture content was found in the inner zone with an average value 141%(w/w). Furthermore, the statistical analysis ((ANOVA and regression test (R2)) in this study showed that the trunk zone factor was more significant than the trunk height for all observed parameters (distribution of vascular bundles, moisture content, density and specific gravity).

DINAMIKA AIR DAN FASE-FASE PERKEMBANGAN PEMBUNGAAN PENENTU PRODUKTIVITAS KELAPA SAWIT

Untuk mengetahui fase-fase perkembangan pembungaan yang paling menentukan produktivitas kelapa sawit dalam kaitannya dengan dinamika air pada pertanaman kelapa sawit, maka dilakukan penelitian pada areal pertanaman kelapa sawit di kebun percobaan Pusat Penelitian Kelapa Sawit (PPKS), Tandun, Riau. Peubah yang diamati adalah parameter air meliputi curah hujan, muka air tanah, kadar air tanah, dan laju kenaikan air kapiler pada lapisan 0 – 200 cm. Hubungan peubah parameter air dan produktivitas kelapa sawit dianalisis dengan statistik korelasi dan model regresi linier ganda. Analisis model regresi linier ganda menggunakan teknik stepwise regression untuk memilih parameter yang paling kuat hubungannya antara peubah bebas dan tidak bebasnya. Pengolahan data dalam analisis korelasi dan model persamaan menggunakan piranti lunak MATLAB R2017b. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan produktivitas bulanan kelapa sawit ditentukan oleh fase-fase perkembangan tandan bunga yang terjadi beberapa waktu sebelum matang fisiologis. Fase-fase kritikal yang mempengaruhi produktivitas tersebut adalah pembentukan perhiasan bunga, diferensiasi jenis kelamin, pemunculan kuncup bunga, dan pematangan buah. Fase diferensiasi jenis kelamin bunga yang terjadi pada 20 bulan sebelum tandan buah matang fisiologis adalah fase yang paling kritikal dalam menentukan produktivitas bulanan kelapa sawit dibanding fase-fase perkembangan bunga yang lain.

EFISIENSI SERAPAN HARA BEBERAPA JENIS PUPUK PADA BIBIT KELAPA SAWIT

Efisiensi pupuk merupakan rasio antara jumlah hara yang diserap tanaman dengan jumlah hara yang diaplikasikan lewat pupuk. Efisiensi pupuk yang tinggi digambarkan dengan semakin banyaknya hara yang dapat diserap tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membandingkan efisiensi beberapa jenis pupuk terhadap pertumbuhan bibit kelapa sawit. Penelitian dilakukan di Pusat Penelitian Kelapa Sawit Medan, Sumatra Utara. Sebanyak empat perlakuan dengan tiga ulangan disusun menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap. Perlakuan yang dicobakan adalah: 1) P0 = Kontrol/tanpa pupuk; 2) P1 = Pupuk majemuk Briket, 3) P2 = Pupuk majemuk granular, dan 4) P3 = Pupuk tunggal lengkap yang terdiri dari Urea, TSP, MoP, dan Kieserit. Hasil penelitian memperlihatkan bahwa (i) serapan hara (nutrient uptake) N, P, K dan Mg pada perlakuan pupuk majemuk briket lebih tinggi sekitar 11%; 21%; 9%; dan 23% dibanding perlakuan pupuk majemuk granular dan 5%; 1%; 1% dan 19% lebih tinggi dibanding perlakuan P3; (ii) efisiensi serapan hara (recovery efficiency) N, P, K dan Mg perlakuan pupuk majemuk briket lebih tinggi sekitar 18%; 42%; 16%; dan 20% dibanding perlakuan pupuk majemuk granule dan lebih tinggi sekitar 8%; 1%; 2%; dan 19% dibanding perlakuan pupuk tunggal; dan (iii) efisiensi agronomis (agronomic efficiency) N, P, K dan Mg pada perlakuan pupuk majemuk briket lebih tinggi sekitar 26% dan 18% dibanding nilai efisiensi agronomis hara N, P, K, dan Mg pada perlakuan pupuk majemuk granular dan pupuk tunggal lengkap.

PRODUCTION OF OIL PALM SEX INFLORESCENSE AND ITS RESPONSE ON THE TREATMENT OF PLANT EXOGENOUS HORMONE TREATMENT UNDER DROUGHT CONDITION

To determining effects of drought on the oil palm sex inflorescene and its response on plant hormone treatmet under drought condition. Then it was carried out the serial treatment at indonesian oil palm research institute (IOPRI) field area trial in Pulau Maria, Asahan District, North Sumatra during 4 year (2013 until midle of 2016). These area having flat topography class with sandy loam texture of typic paleudult soil type and suffering frequently of 200- 460 mm water deficit per year. The trial were undertaken on oil palm tenera's type with 8 years old (planted in 2005). The trial including, 4 kind of phytohormone plus the control treatment, which treated on plant with several of dose and frequency. The phytohormone were IAA (auxsin, Indole-3-acetic acid), BAP (citokinin, 6-benzylaminopurine), GA_3 (gibberelline, gibberellic acid), dan ABA (absisic acid). The dose of each of these kind of hormone were 100, 300, dan 500 ppm, with frequenscy application once and twice per year. The trial design following randomized block design with 3 replicated. Individual unit treatment was the indivduplant. The variable that observed were female, male, and aborted inflorescence; number of frond production; and vegetative growth (height of plant and length of rachis frond). Analysis effect the drought on oil palm sex inflorescene were done by correlation analysis between rainfall and water deficit with inflorescene production. The result shown drought period decline of female inflorescense, and increasing male and aborted inflorescense. Auxin (IAA) treatment, induced vegetatif growth, but contrarily, declining female inflorescense production and increasing male and aborted inflorescense. Gibberelline (GA_3) treatment, decreasing commonly female inflorescense production, and increasing male and aborted inflorescense, mainly in the certain peak of drought periods. Citokinin (ABA) and absicic asid (ABA), tend tokeep female inflorescense production in drought condition, in a way reducing number of aborted inflorescense. Citokinin (BAP), was dominantly plant hormone to keep female inflorescense production.

EVALUASI KERAGAMAN GENETIK TANAMAN KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) DI KEBUN PERCOBAAN PPKS BERDASARKAN PRIMER SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats)

This research aimed to obtain information on genetic diversity populations of E. guineensis using SSR markers. This research was conducted in Biology Molecular Laboratory, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute, Marihat, Pematangsiantar, North Sumatera from March 2016 to November 2016. A total of 100 palm oil samples used in this research, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis TR01S, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis BJ022S, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis BJ42S, including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis BO52S, and including 20 samples from the populations of E. guineensis MA19S. Calculation and Descriptive analysis in this research using software GeneMarker® version 2.40, software Power Marker V3.25, software NTSys version 2.1.1a and Microsoft Excell 2007. Research shows that the number of banding patterns detected 104 The banding patterns WITH range 8,7 per primary banding pattern and the size of the banding patterns ranging from 101 bp -328 bp. mEgCIR2569 primary is the widest primer to amplify DNA, the average of the percentage of polymorphism in the primer being used by 71% and the average value of. polymorphic information content(PIC) 0,63. At 77% genetic similarity dendogram 100 samples split into 3 groups. Lowest genetic similarity value is 75% or the highest genetic diversity was 25

PENGGUNAAN BERBAGAI PLASMA NUTFAH KELAPA SAWIT KOLEKSI PPKS RIAU TERHADAP POPULASI SERANGGA PENYERBUK KELAPA SAWIT

This research was to study the use of various oil palm germplasm collection of Indonesian Oil PalmResearch Institute (IOPRI) Riau on a population of insect pollinators (Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust.)in Riau Province Kalianta Gardens. The research was conducted from May until July 2016 bya purposive sampling method. The results showed that E. kamerunicus total population of 9,123head/0.5ha with E. kamerunicus male sex ratio of 3,160 head/0.5ha and females amounted to 5,963heads/0.5ha in male flowers and a total population of 433 head/0.5ha with a ratio E. kamerunicusmale genitals of 182 head/0.5ha and females of 251 head/0.5ha in the female flowers. The populationof E. kamerunicus on more male flowers than the female flowers. Germplasm highest in V3 (AccessionWild Angola) on the male flowers and V1 (Elaeis guineensis) in the female flowers, while the lowestgermplasm on male and female flowers are V7 (Elaeis oleifera).

PRODUCTION OF OIL PALM SEX INFLORESCENSE AND ITS RESPONSE ON THE TREATMENT OF PLANT EXOGENOUS HORMONE TREATMENT UNDER DROUGHT CONDITION

To determining effects of drought on the oil palm sex inflorescene and its response on plant hormone treatmet under drought condition. Then it was carried out the serial treatment at indonesian oil palm research institute (IOPRI) field area trial in Pulau Maria, Asahan District, North Sumatra during 4 year (2013 until midle of 2016). These area having flat topography class with sandy loam texture of typic paleudult soil type and suffering frequently of 200- 460 mm water deficit per year. The trial were undertaken on oil palm tenera's type with 8 years old (planted in 2005). The trial including, 4 kind of phytohormone plus the control treatment, which treated on plant with several of dose and frequency. The phytohormone were IAA (auxsin, Indole-3-acetic acid), BAP (citokinin, 6-benzylaminopurine), GA_3 (gibberelline, gibberellic acid), dan ABA (absisic acid). The dose of each of these kind of hormone were 100, 300, dan 500 ppm, with frequenscy application once and twice per year. The trial design following randomized block design with 3 replicated. Individual unit treatment was the indivduplant. The variable that observed were female, male, and aborted inflorescence; number of frond production; and vegetative growth (height of plant and length of rachis frond). Analysis effect the drought on oil palm sex inflorescene were done by correlation analysis between rainfall and water deficit with inflorescene production. The result shown drought period decline of female inflorescense, and increasing male and aborted inflorescense. Auxin (IAA) treatment, induced vegetatif growth, but contrarily, declining female inflorescense production and increasing male and aborted inflorescense. Gibberelline (GA_3) treatment, decreasing commonly female inflorescense production, and increasing male and aborted inflorescense, mainly in the certain peak of drought periods. Citokinin (ABA) and absicic asid (ABA), tend tokeep female inflorescense production in drought condition, in a way reducing number of aborted inflorescense. Citokinin (BAP), was dominantly plant hormone to keep female inflorescense production.

EKONOMI INDUSTRIKELAPA SAWIT DI INDONESIA SERTA KAITANNYA DENGAN PROGRAM PENELITIAN DAN PENGEMBANGAN

This paper presents the role of oil palm into national economy, especially into Gross Domestic Product, fiscal earnings, employment, and regional development. Thispaper also brings up research and development program of oil palm, in terms of technology and socio-economic, by considering governmental policy, especially Board of Agriculture Research and Development. "2003 oil palm production is Rp39.39 trillion, with the contribution to plantation, agriculture, and entire sector GDP are 84%, 13%, and 2%, respectively. Land tax (PBB) is Rp3.8 billion, income tax (PPh) Rp5.12 trillion, value added tax (PPn) Rp3.94 trillion, and export tax(PE) Rp731.85 billion. In the end of2003, area of oil palm is 5,247,171 hawith labor necessity is 35 people per 100 ha. There are 320 unit of oil mills,with total processing capacity is 13.521 ton fresh fruit bunches per hour.Each oil mill under 30 ton of FFB per hour processing capacity needs 136labor. More labor can be employed by downstream industry which provideraw material for oil palm. Plantation development also cover the development of physical infrastructure, i.e. road, bridge, school building, mosque, church, etc. Furthermore, it is followed by socio-economic development, i.e. commerce center, financial, education, health, sport, entertainment, etc. Technological innovation have been developed by Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute through research and development program. Some technological package also have been produced, both upstream and downstream industries.

Estimates of Parental Best Linear Unbiased Predicted (BLUP) Additive Genetic Values for Oil Yield in an Indonesian Oil Palm Breeding Programme

The additive genetic value for oil yield of 135 parents from several African populations tested in the first cycle of Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) breeding programme were estimated by best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) using an unbalanced data set. These values were used to evaluate the possibility of reduction in generation selection time in an oil palm breeding programme. The ranks of parental additive genetic values obtained with early yield period and whole cycle was found to be consistent. These make that highly potential parents could be selected and recombined at a more precocious time in order to reduce the period between cycle. Since oil yield trait is mainly controlled under additive gene effect, the recombination should be done carefully for retaining as highly as possible this character in a parent to be improved.

Daya saing dan determinan permintaan ekspor minyak sawit Indonesia ke China

This study aims to analyze: 1) the competitiveness of Indonesian palm oil exports in the Chinese market; 2) factors that influence the demand for Indonesian palm oil exports to China. The data used are secondary time series data for the period 2000 - 2010. Data is sourced from the Central Bureau of Statistics, Foreign Trade Statistics, Indonesian Economic and Plantation Statistics, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Trade, Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute, Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Oil World Annual Report. To analyze export competitiveness using the RCA model, while analyzing the factors that influence exports using multiple linear regression models. The results of the study found: 1) During the period 2000 - 2010 Indonesian CPO exports to China already had competitiveness which was high above the world average market share; 2) Simultaneously and partially, the rupiah exchange rate against the US dollar, the population and the price of soybean oil have a significant effect on Indonesian CPO exports to China.

Development of an automatic grading machine for oil palm fresh fruits bunches (FFBs) based on machine vision

Despite being the main oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) producer in the world, Indonesia still has scope to improve its productivity, which is currently limited by inconsistency in manual grading through human visual inspection. In this research, an automatic grading machine for oil palm fresh fruits bunch (FFB) is developed based on machine-vision principles of non-destructive analytical grading, using Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) standard. It is the first automatic grading machine for FFBs in Indonesia that works on-site. Machine consists of four subsystems namely mechanical, image processing, detection and controlling. The samples used were tenera variety fruit bunches from 7 to 20year old trees. Statistical analysis was performed to generate stepwise discrimination using Canonical Discriminant with Mahalanobis distance function for classifying groups, and appoint cluster center for each fraction. Results showed adaptive threshold algorithm gave 100% success rate for background removal, and texture analysis showed object of interest lies in intensity within digital number (DN) value from 100 to 200. Group classification of FFBs resulted average success rate of 93.53% with SEC of 0.4835 and SEP of 0.5165, while fraction classification had average success rate of 88.7%. Eight models are proposed to estimate weight of FFBs with average R2 of 81.39%. FFBs orientation on conveyor belt showed no influence on the sorting result, and with examination time of 1 FFB/5s, machine performs more than 12tons FFBs grading per hour.

Enhancing biological control of basal stem rot disease (Ganoderma boninense) in oil palm plantations

Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease caused by Ganoderma boninense is the most destructive disease in oil palm, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. The available control measures for BSR disease such as cultural practices and mechanical and chemical treatment have not proved satisfactory due to the fact that Ganoderma has various resting stages such as melanised mycelium, basidiospores and pseudosclerotia. Alternative control measures to overcome the Ganoderma problem are focused on the use of biological control agents and planting resistant material. Present studies conducted at Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) are focused on enhancing the use of biological control agents for Ganoderma. These activities include screening biological agents from the oil palm rhizosphere in order to evaluate their effectiveness as biological agents in glasshouse and field trials, testing their antagonistic activities in large scale experiments and eradicating potential disease inoculum with biological agents. Several promising biological agents have been isolated, mainly Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Gliocladium viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus sp. A glasshouse and field trial for Ganoderma control indicated that treatment with T. harzianum and G. viride was superior to Bacillus sp. A large scale trial showed that the disease incidence was lower in a field treated with biological agents than in untreated fields. In a short term programme, research activities at IOPRI are currently focusing on selecting fungi that can completely degrade plant material in order to eradicate inoculum. Digging holes around the palm bole and adding empty fruit bunches have been investigated as ways to stimulate biological agents.

A new aspect of genetic diversity of Indonesian oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) revealed by isoenzyme and AFLP markers and its consequences for breeding

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) plays an important economic role in some countries of Southeast Asia like Indonesia, which is the world’s second producer of palm and palm kernel oil. The quality improvement of planting material needs a better understanding of the genetic relationships between genotypes from different populations used in the breeding programmes. In this study, 48 parents, representative of four populations used in Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI) breeding programmes, were analysed with five selected AFLP primer pairs and four isoenzymatic systems. One hundred and fifty eight scorable band levels were generated of which 96 (61%) were polymorphic. AFLP allowed us to identify off–type descendants which were excluded from analysis. The use of unbiased Rogers distance clearly separated the four studied populations. The Neighbor-Joining method re-groups two African populations which are known as originating from different regions. Nevertheless, the variability revealed is in accordance with oil palm breeders’ knowledge. The results obtained with AFLP showed that the crosses among the African sub-population, which is excluded in oil palm reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) breeding programmes, may be more interesting than the crosses between the African and the Deli populations.