Oil Palm Seedlings Research Articles

THE EFFECT OF ANTAGONIST PLANTS IN SUPPLYING THE PROGRESS OF THE EVENT OF GANODERMA SP ROOT DISEASE

Activity Testing the Effect of Antagonist Plants in Suppressing the Development of Incidence of Root Rot Disease Ganoderma sp. aims to determine the effect of antagonist plants in suppressing the development of stem rot disease incidence of Ganoderma sp. in oil palm nurseries. The study used a randomized block design with 7 treatments, namely Ganoderma+ginger isolate, Ganoderma+turmeric isolate, Ganoderma+lemongrass isolate, Ganoderma+temulawak isolate, Ganoderma+garut isolate, Ganoderma isolate and control. Each treatment with 5 replications with 2 sample plants. The parameters observed were the development of disease incidence through symptoms, height and number of leaf midribs of oil palm seedlings. The data were analyzed using the SPSS program. The effect of the treatment was analyzed by using fingerprints. If there is a treatment that has a significant effect, further tests are carried out with Duncan's Multiple Distance Test (DMRT) with a level of : 0.05. Based on the test results, it was found that the incidence of Ganoderma stem rot disease was the fastest, highest and most developed in each observation, namely in the treatment using ginger and lemongrass antagonists. While the lowest incidence of disease was found in the treatment of arrowroot, turmeric and temulawak. These antagonist plants have exudate containing antibiotics that can inhibit the growth of the Ganoderma fungus. The development of oil palm seedling plant height is strongly influenced by the physical properties of the soil and the presence of Ganoderma pathogens. While the Ganoderma pathogen did not affect the development of the number of leaf midribs, but only caused changes in leaf color such as necrosis.

Kandungan hara serta kemantapan agregat tanah akibat penambahan limbah pabrik kelapa sawit decanter solid pada Ultisol

Introduction: It is known that palm oil mills produce decanter solid as a byproduct in the form of organic solid waste. To test the opportunity to use decanter solid as a growing medium for oil palm seedlings, a study was conducted to evaluate, nutrient content, pH, and aggregate stability in media with different ratios of soil and decanter solid. Method: The design used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 6 levels of treatment, namely A1 (1000 g soil + 0 g decanter solid), A2 (900 g soil + 100 g decanter solid), A3 (800 g soil + 200 g decanter solid), A4 (700 g soil + 300 g decanter solid), A5 (600 g soil + 400 g decanter solid), and A6 (500 g soil + 500 g decanter solid), and each the experimental unit was repeated 4 times. Result: The results showed that the addition of a decanter solid to Ultisol soil affected the pH value, macro and micro nutrient content and also improved soil aggregation. Conclusion: The best composition in increasing pH value, improving soil aggregation and increasing nutrient content is by mixing 40% decanter solid and 60% soil with an incubation time of 45 days.

PERFORMANSI MORFOLOGI BIBIT KELAPA SAWIT (ELAEIS QUINEENSIS JACQ) DI PRE NURSEY PADA APLIKASI SP-36 DAN UREA

Background and Objective: The role of phosphorus and nitrogen is very important for the metabolism of oil palm plants in the nursery phase. This study aims to determine the morphophysiological performance of oil palm (Elaeis quineensis Jacq) seedlings in the pre-nursery due to the application of SP-36 fertilizer and urea. Materials and Methods:The research was conducted on Jln. Bunga Ncole Permai, No.30 Medan Tuntungan District with an altitude of ± 20 meters above sea level. This research is done June 2021 to August 2021. The study used a factorial Randomized Block Design with two factors. The first factor is the dose of SP-36 fertilizer with 3 levels of S1 = 5 g/polybag; S2 = 10g/polybag; S3 = 15 g/polybag. The second factor is the dose of urea fertilizer with 3 levels: U1 = 3 g/polybag, U2 = 5 g/polybag and U3 = 7 g/polybag. Results: The results showed that the dose of SP-36 fertilizer had a significant effect on stem diameter at 12 WAP, number of leaves at 8, 10 and 12 WAP, and leaf length at 10 and 12 WAP. The urea dose treatment significantly affected plant height at 6, 8, 10, and 12 WAP, stem diameter at 10 and 12 WAP, number of leaves at 6, 8, 10 and 12 WAP, and leaf length at 8, 10 and 12 WAP. The interaction between the two treatments did not have a significant effect on all ages of observation. Conclusions: the best oil palm seedling growth was found in the treatment of SP-36 S3 fertilizer dosage = 15 g/polybag and urea 7g/polybag.

The Effect of Irrigation Time and Slow-Release Fertilizer on Oil Palm Seedlings Under Controlled Drip Irrigation System

Irrigation and fertilization are critical aspects in oil palm nurseries, so they need to be appropriately managed. Automatic drip irrigation technology has the advantage of saving water and labour usage. On the other hand, correctly applying slow-release fertilizer can fulfil the need for oil palm seedlings. The combination of drip irrigation and the application of slow-release NPK fertilizer can increase the effectiveness of maintaining oil palm seedlings. This study aims to obtain the best watering time and rate of slow-release NPK fertilizer on the growth and performance of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery. A field study was conducted since June 2021 until August 2021 at the Oil Palm Nursery Unit in Politeknik Negeri Lampung, Indonesia. The experiment arranges in split-plot design in randomized block design with three replications. The watering time is the main plot, and the slow-release NPK fertilizer rate is the subplot. The results showed that application of drip irrigation system with watering time in the morning, midday, and afternoon significantly affect stem diameter and number of leaves at three months after observation. The rate of 20 g plant-1 slow-release NPK fertilizer best-affected plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, and greenness index.

The Application of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Reduced the Required Dose of Compound Fertilizer for Oil Palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) in Nursery

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi have the ability to increase nutrient availability for the plant as well as improve the soil quality. However, the effectiveness of AMF is affected by soil fertility. Therefore, this study was carried out to determine the best dose of compound fertilizer for oil palm seedlings with and without AMF application. The factorial experiment (2 × 5) with four replication was carried out with the first factor was AMF inoculation, consisting of 2 levels: without AMF inoculation (m0) and with AMF inoculation (m1). The second factor was compound fertilizer dose, consisting of 5 levels: 0 mg polybag-1 (f0), 250mg polybag-1 (f1), 500 mg polybag-1 (f2), 750 mg polybag-1 (f3), and 1000 mg polybag-1 (f4). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The data obtained were tested using analysis of variance and means separation tested using Least Significant Difference (LSD) at α 5%. The result showed that oil palm seedlings’ response towards AMF inoculation was influenced by the dose of compound fertilizer based on plant height, leaf surface area, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. The best dose of fertilizer compound for oil palm seedlings inoculated with AMF was 500 mg polybag-1, whereas without AMF inoculation was 1000 mg polybag-1. In other words, the AMF application reduced 50% of compound fertilizer needed for oil palm seedlings.

Growth Response of Oil Palm Seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) at Several Intervals of KNO3 Fertilization in Main-Nursery

The objectives of this research to get the frequency and interval of potassium nitrate fertilizer suitable to optimize the growth of oil palm seedlings in the main-nursery. Research will be conducted at the Land Development Lampung State Polytechnic Campus 2 New City, South Lampung, Lampung or at Oil Palm Nursery Unit, Lampung State Polytechnic. The experimental design used a single treatment in a randomized block design (RAK) with 4 treatment levels with 6 repetitions. The treatments consisted of fertilizing KNO3 once a week (W1), fertilizing KNO3 every 2 weeks (W1), fertilizing KNO3 once every 3 weeks (W1), fertilizing KNO3 once every 4 weeks (W1). If the results of analysis of variance was significant it will proceed with the least significant difference test (LSD) at level α = 5%. The results showed that the difference in the frequency of kno3 fertilization resulted in significantly different growth of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery. The frequency of KNO3 fertilization once a week showed higher seedling growth in all observation variables when compared to other treatments and was not significantly different from KNO3 fertilization every 2 weeks.

ANALISA SENSITIVITAS SENSOR TGS PADA HIDUNG ELEKTRONIK UNTUK IDENTIFIKASI GANODERMA DI BAGIAN AKAR KELAPA SAWIT

Palm oil is one of the main commodities for Indonesia. It is important to identify the disease-causing the decline in productivity. Root rot disease that causes total damage to oil palm plants due to fungal infection G. boninense sp has volatile organic compounds that can be detected using an electronic nose. The electronic nose system is designed with 6 sensor arrays, namely TGS 2612, TGS 822, TGS 2611, TGS 2610, TGS 813, and TGS 2620 which are sensitive to certain VOC compounds. The sample used was infected and uninfected oil palm seedlings aged 4 months. The detection process is carried out on plant roots. Python program is used as a data acquisition system in voltage retrieval. The obtained voltage is processed and further analyzed using a trapezoidal area to determine the sensor response in the identification of Ganoderma. The results of processing using a trapezoidal plane show that TGS 2611 has a very good response. The TGS 2611 sensor has a higher trapezoidal area in identifying oil palm plants that are attacked by Ganoderma with 4 classifications, namely healthy, moderate, sick, and severe.

Jengkol Peel Extract (Pithecellobium jiringa (Jack) Prain) as a Biofungicide Against Fungus Curvularia sp., the Cause of Leaf Spot Disease on Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Seedlings

Leaf spot disease of oil palm caused by fungus Curvularia sp. is a major disease in Oil Palm Seedlings (Elaeis guineensis Jacq). Implementation of best nursery practices is the key to prevent it. This study aims to determine the antifungal activity of Jengkol peel (Pithecellobium jiringa (Jack) Prain) extract against the fungus Curvularia sp. which is the cause of leaf spot disease in oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) seedlings. This study was carried out for five months at the Plantation Plant Protection Center (Balai Proteksi Tanaman Perkebunan, BPTP) in Pontianak. Jengkol peel extract was screened for its ability to inhibit Curvularia sp. growth by in vitro technique. The research method used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a single factor, namely the concentration of Jengkol peel extract, P0: as a control (without extract), P1: extract with a concentration of 10%, P2: extract with a concentration of 20%, P3: extract with a concentration of 30%, P4: extract with a concentration of 40%, and P5: extract with a concentration of 50%. Parameters observed were suppression of colony diameter and suppression of colony biomass. The results of the study showed that the administration of Jengkol peel extract in P5 treatment (50% extract concentration) had a major effect on suppressing the diameter of fungal colonies (36.44%) and showed a significant difference between each concentration (p < 0.05), while the P3 treatment (30% extract concentration) was able to suppress colony biomass up to 100%. The use of Jengkol peel (Pithecellobium jiringa (Jack) Prain) extract has potential as bio fungicide based on the effect found on the suppression of growth both from the diameter and biomass of the fungal colony of Curvularia sp.

Defense response changes in roots of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) seedlings after internal symptoms of Ganoderma boninense Pat. infection

BackgroundThe development of basal stem rot (BSR) disease in oil palm is associated with lignin during vegetative growth and salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis. The increase in the lignin content, SA accumulation, growth, and root biomass could indicate the resistance of oil palm seedlings to BSR disease. Therefore, although there are many studies on the interactions between the Ganoderma boninense and oil palm, research on evaluation of physiological processes, biochemistry, and molecules occurring during early internal symptoms of BSR in roots of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) are essential.ResultsGanoderma boninense inoculation indicated that C01, C02, and C05 seedlings were susceptible, while the other three seedlings, C03, C07, and C08, were resistant based on Ganoderma Disease Index (GDI). Infection by G. boninense in the most susceptible seedlings C05 reduced fresh weight of roots (FW) by 9.0%, and lignin content by 10.9%. The most resistant seedlings C08 were reduced by only 8.4%, and 0.2% regarding their fresh weight and lignin content, respectively. BSR disease induced SA accumulation in the most susceptible C08 and decreased peroxidase (PRX) enzyme (EC 1.11.1.7) activities in root tissues of oil palm seedlings except C07 and C08 where PRX activities remained high in the 4 months after planting. Infection with G. boninense also increased glutathione S-transferase U19-like (EgGSTU19) gene expression in the root tissues of susceptible seedlings, while laccase-24 (EgLCC24) gene expression was associated with resistance against BSR disease. Based on the relative expression of twelve genes, two genes are categorized as receptors (EgWAKL5, EgMIK1), two genes as biosynthesis signal transduction compound (EgOPR5, EgACO1), five genes as defense responses (EgROMT, EgSOT12, EgLCC24, EgGLT3, EgGSTU19), and one gene as trans-resveratrol di-O-methyltransferase-like (EgRNaseIII) predicted related to BSR infection. While two other genes remain unknown (EgUnk1, EgUnk2).ConclusionsGanoderma infection-induced SA accumulation and lignification in resistant accessions promote the seedlings root biomass. Oil palm seedlings have a synergistic physical, biochemical, and molecular defense mechanism to the BSR disease. The utilization of nucleotide-based molecular markers using EgLCC24 gene is able to detect resistant oil palm seedlings to G. boninense.

Efficacy of Hendersonia on the growth of seedlings of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and Ganoderma disease control: A field-based study using GanoEF biofertilizer at Medan, Indonesia

The present study aimed to test the efficiency of Hendersonia GanoEF biofertilizer against Ganoderma disease in the seedlings of oil palm (OP) Elaeis guineensis, and was carried out from February 2020 – January 2021 in Pulo Mandi Garden Nursery, at Medan, Indonesia. Experimental set up followed a completely randomized design with four treatments. Observation results showed that the percentage of root colonization by Hendersonia sp. in OP roots reached an average of 70.6% in the treatment with Ganoderma inoculation, and an average of 69.6% in the treatment without Ganoderma inoculation. The GanoEF treatment provided higher growth of seedlings and faster growth of bowl diameter when the seedlings were 9 months old. Three instances of GanoEF application had high potential to inhibit the development of Ganoderma on OP seedlings. Endophytic fungi Hendersonia sp. was capable of symbiosis with OP roots with a colonization rate reaching 70.6%. Disease incidence or percentage of plants infected with Ganoderma in GanoEF treatment reached 20.4% which was significantly (P<0.05) lower than under the control treatment (44.2%). Meanwhile, the level of severity of Ganoderma disease in seedlings with GanoEF treatment reached 5.23% which was significantly (P<0.05) lower than the control treatment (11.1%). The efficacy of Hendersonia GanoEF as a biocontrol method for the OP pathogen G. boninense to control the basal stem rot of E. guineensis seedlings was well proven in this field study.

Growth Analysis of Seeds Oil Palm on Stage Pre Nursery and Main Nursery at PT. Socfindo

Oil palm (Elaeis Guineensis Jagc.) is an oil palm plant belonging to the palm group which is an annual plant, oil palm is also a source of non-oil and gas foreign exchange for Indonesia. This research activity was carried out at PT. Socfindo Kebun seunagan, Nagan Raya, West Sumatra from 18 November 2021 to 16 December 2021. Research activities are specifically at learning and improving technical and managerial skills. The data obtained are primary data (direct) and secondary data (indirect). Primary data is data that the author directly observed during his internship at PT. Socfindo, in the form of plant height, stem diameter, and number of leaves. Direct observations to determine technical activities in the field and compared to standards, as well as direct discussions with workers and staff about oil palm nurseries. Secondary data obtained from daily reports, monthly reports and plant archives, secondary data includes climate, fertilization, organizational structure and matters related to labor. Observations on the vegetative growth of oil palm seedlings are expected to achieve appropriate growth. The purpose of this observation activity is to improve understanding, and technical skills, as well as to analyze oil palm nursery activities at the Pre-nursery and Main nursery stages at PT. Socfindo Seunagan Gardens.

Nexus between climate change and oil palm production in Malaysia: a review.

Climate change is believed to be caused by natural processes such as volcanic eruptions, which release ash into the atmosphere, and anthropogenic activities that increase the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), which trap energy and cause intense warming. This article conducts a comprehensive review of existing literature relating to climate change and its impact on oil palm production in Malaysia. To enable analysis, articles were arranged, sorted, and categorized into various themes and associations based on the title of the article, abstract, and later the content. The findings reveal that climate change causes variability in the intensity and duration of rainfall, which ultimately affects the production of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) and the quality of crude palm oil (CPO). The decline in FFB increased the price of crude palm oil. The impacts of climate change on oil palm vary and are felt differently in different regions. Climate change increases the vulnerability and exposure of oil palms to various diseases, exposes them to water stress, and disrupts metabolic activities. The surface temperature in Malaysia is anticipated to rise by 1.5 to 2°C, worsening the adaptation plans. Oil palm growers explore possible ways to adapt to and withstand the impacts of climate change by adopting the use of an improved variety of oil palm seedlings, soil management and fertility preservation, silt pit, mulching, intercropping, livelihood diversification, buying insurance, and best water conservation practices.

Applications of Arbuscular Mycorrhiza Fungi to Improve Growth of Oil Palm Seedlings and Disease Resistance Against Ganoderma sp.

Currently, basal stem rot disease incident in oil palm caused by the Ganoderma sp. increasing rapidly. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are one of the types of mycorrhizae that are useful for plants as they can increase plant growth and resistance to disease. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether the application of AMF to oil palm seedlings was able to increase the growth and resistance of oil palm seedlings against Ganoderma sp. The study used a factorial treatment design (4x2) with 5 replications arranged according to a completely randomized block design. The first factor was the type of AMF, namely without AMF (m0), Glomus sp. (m1), Entrophospora sp. (m2), and a mixture of Glomus sp. with Entrophospora sp. (m3). The second factor was soil from the oil palm rhizosphere that was attacked by Ganoderma sp., namely sterilized soil (g0) and unsterilized soil (g1). The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance and the mean separation was tested using the Least Significant Difference test at the 5% level. The results showed that all AMF treatments (m1, m2, and m3) increased the growth of oil palm seedlings compared to controls. Ganoderma sp. present in the planting medium has not inhibited the growth of oil palm seedlings (both control and those applied with AMF) as there is no Ganoderma sp. infection in the roots of oil palm seedlings observed at the end of the study (5 months after planting)

Ganoderma zonatum Is the Causal Agent of Basal Stem Rot in Oil Palm in Colombia.

Basal stem rot (BSR), caused by Ganoderma spp., is one of the most important emerging oil palm diseases in Colombia, and is restricted to two oil palm production areas in the country. To identify the causal agent of the disease, basidiocarp of oil palms affected by BSR were used to prepare isolates, and their pathogenicity was then assessed in pre-nursery plants. Four-month-old oil palm seedlings were inoculated with rubber wood (Hevea brasiliensis) blocks colonized with dikaryotic mycelia of Ganoderma. The incidence, severity, and symptoms of the pathogen were assessed. A multiregional analysis (ITS, rpb2, and tef1-α) was carried out to identify the isolates; all isolates were determined to be Ganoderma zonatum. Phylogenetic analyses with the three regions yielded concordant phylogenetic information and supported the distinction of the isolates with high bootstrap support. Seven isolates (CPBsZN-01-29, CPBsZN-02-30, CPBsZN-03-31, CPBsZN-04-34, CPBsZN-05-35, CPBsZN-06-36, and CPBsZN-07-38) were pathogenic in oil palm, with incidences greater than 90% and a maximum severity of 34%, and the highest severity index was found in isolates CPBsZN-03-31, CPBsZN-04-34, and CPBsZN-06-36. The pathogen was recovered from inoculated oil palms in all cases. This study reveals the pathogenic association of Ganoderma zonatum with BSR in Colombia.

The Effect of Covering Media Composition and Fertilizer Cow Manage on The Growth of Palm Oil (Elaeis Guineensis J.) Seeds in Pre-Nursery

The impact of using humus as a medium for planting oil palm seeds continuously canreduce the availability of humus in the field. Therefore, the use of subsoil as a plantingmedium and the use of cow manure are expected to increase the growth of oil palmseedlings. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of the composition ofthe planting medium on the growth of oil palm seedlings. The research was conductedin Simalas Village, Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra. The research method used was a 2factor randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The results showedthat topsoil and subsoil planting media with a ratio of 1:1 had an effect on increasingplant height and leaf number of oil palm seedlings, while the application of cow manure25 g/polybag also had an effect on increasing the number of leaves of oil palmseedlings. There is a treatment interaction between the composition of the plantingmedium and cow manure on the number of leaves of oil palm seedlings.

Effectiveness of Various Foliar Fertilizer on the Growth and Performance of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Seedlings in Main Nurseries

Fertilizer can be applied through soil and leaves. Fertilizer application through leaves is more effective than soil application due to faster nutrient absorption. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of applying various foliar fertilizer compositions on the growth and performance of oil palm seedlings. The research was conducted from April 2020 to September 2020 at the Oil Palm Nursery Unit at Politeknik Negeri Lampung. A single factor in a completely randomized design with four replications was used in the experiment. The treatment involved the nutrient composition of foliar fertilizer consisting of five levels, namely control (no fertilizer), NPK 20-15-15, NPK 27-18-9, NPK 11-8-6, and NPK 27.5-5.5-4.8. Measurements were made on seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf greenness, rachis length, and leaflet length. The data were analyzed by means of variance, followed by orthogonal contrast if the result was significantly different. The results showed that the application of foliar fertilizers could increase the growth of seedling height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf greenness index, rachis length, and leaflet length. Generally, a foliar fertilizer application gives better results than without a foliar fertilizer application (control). There was no difference in the powder and liquid foliar fertilizer effect on increasing the growth of oil palm seedlings. The formulation of NPK 20-15-15 and NPK 11-8-6 foliar fertilizer had a better effect on the leaf greenness index of oil palm seedlings.

Beneficial Effects of Silicon Fertilizer on Growth and Physiological Responses in Oil Palm

Vigorous and well-established nursery seedlings are an important component of sustainable oil palm production. We postulated that Si fertilization at the seedling stage could help to achieve improved performance of oil palm seedlings leading to healthy and vigorous nursery establishment. In this study, we evaluated the growth and physiological responses of oil palm Tenera hybrid seedlings under three Si fertilization treatments and a control including (i) 0 g Ca2SiO4 (T0), (ii) 0.5 g Ca2SiO4 (T1), (iii) 3.5 g Ca2SiO4 (T2), and (iv) 7.0 g Ca2SiO4 (T3) per plant per month. Ca2SiO4 was used as the Si fertilizer source and was applied for four consecutive months. Nondestructive data including stem diameter, plant height, leaf length, photosynthetic rate, leaf angle, and leaf thickness and destructive data including leaf, stem, and root fresh weight and dry weight, as well as chlorophyll a, Si, and nitrogen contents, were recorded before treatment (0 DAT), as well as 60 (60 DAT) and 120 days after treatment (120 DAT). Results indicated that Si fertilization enhanced Si accumulation in oil palm seedlings, and maximum accumulation was observed in the aerial parts especially the leaves with the highest accumulation of 0.89 % dry weight at T3. Higher Si accumulation stimulated the growth of seedlings; a total fresh weight of 834.28 g and a total dry weight of 194.34 g were observed at T3. Chlorophyll a content (0.83 gm−2) and net photosynthetic rate (4.98 µM CO2·m−2·s−1) were also observed at T3. Leaf morphology was not significantly influenced under Si fertilization, whereas the nitrogen content of seedlings was significantly increased. Correlation analysis revealed a highly significant and positive association among Si accumulation, chlorophyll a content, photosynthetic rate, total fresh weight, total dry weight, and nitrogen content of seedlings, indicating that Si fertilization enhanced the performance of these attributes. On the basis of the research evidence, it was concluded that Si fertilization should be considered for improved nutrient management for oil palm seedling and nursery production.

Study of salicylic acid concentration in suppressing the development of Ganoderma spp. causes of stem rot disease in vitro and its effect on oil palm seedling growth

Ganoderma spp. is the main pathogen that is commonly found in oil palm plantations, which is known to cause stem rot and top stem rot disease. Many control techniques have been carried out, but there are still few that use salicylic acid suppression techniques on oil palm seedlings to inhibit the development of Ganoderma spp. This study aimed to examine the inhibitory ability of Ganoderma spp. using salicylic acid in vitro. This research was conducted descriptively with several concentrations of salicylic acid, namely 50 ppm (A1), 100 ppm (A2), 150 ppm (A3) and 200 ppm (A4) against Ganoderma sp. isolates LPTUNRI-Gan001 and LPTUNRI-Ga003. The aplication of 50 and 100 ppm salicylic acid was able to inhibit the growth of Ganoderma sp. isolate LPTUNRI-Gan001 by 100% and Ganoderma sp. isolate LPTUNRI-Gan003 by 100% after application of 50, 100 and 150 ppm. The application of 100-200 ppm salicylic acid can increase the height and number of leaves of oil palm seedlings. The application of 50-200 ppm salicylic acid can increase the total chlorophyll content.

Exploring The Potency of Microalgae-Based Biofertilizer and Its Impact on Oil Palm Seedlings Growth

Indonesia is a major producer of palm oil. Consequently, the use of chemical fertilizers has become more extensive. Microalgae represent a potential alternative for enhancing and protecting crops based on their cell elements. This study applies dry biomass or liquid culture formulation of the green microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis to the rhizosphere of oil palm pre-nursery as a biofertilizer. Soil application of microalgae biomass of 0.5 g/l (MA) or liquid culture of 10% (v/v) (BCMA) is carried out to assess its effects on 4-months-old oil palm at the nursery stage. The compatibility test between microalgae and bio fungicide agents in agricultural practices, Trichoderma spp., is also tested on both microalgae formulations. The result shows that both microalgae biomass and liquid culture, alone or combined with Trichoderma spp., give a better growth performance to the oil palm. The application of MA and BCMA result in a maximum increment of plant height, leaves count, and chlorophyll content. Furthermore, the application of BCMA gives better oil palm growth performance, which may probably be influenced by the accessibility of nutrients for microalgae growth. The study reveals that soil application of microalgae as biofertilizers can improve oil palm growth performance.

Occurrence and identification of Basidiomycetous Fomitopsis species the causal agent of Brown-rot in oil palm Elaeis guineensis in Johor, Malaysia

Macro fungi belonging to the family “Polyporaceae” in the phylum Basidiomycota are among the commonplace causal agents of plant diseases. In the present study, we reported the molecular characterization of a macro fungi basidiomycetous brown-rot fungal phytopathogen Fomitopsis strain MM4. The fungal phytopathogen was identified and molecular characterized from the infected stem and tissue of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) in Kulai, Johor. The 18SrRNA nucleotide sequence of the fungal pathogen strain MM4 showed 99% similarity with partial sequences of Antrodia serialis maintained in the genebank database. The pairwise multiple sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis revealed that the fungus clustered into a single branch of a phylogenetic tree; hence the fungus was designated as Fomitopsis meliae (MM4). The pathogenicity test revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in disease severity caused by the characterized basidiomycetous brown-rot F. meliae fungal pathogen on oil palm seedlings and the pathogen was successfully re-isolated from infected samples. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of 18S rRNA F. meliae Basidiomycota brown-rot fungi infecting oil palm (Elaeis guineensis). The findings of this study thus support the diversity of pathogenic macro fungi affecting oil palm trees in Malaysia.