Palm Oil Research Articles

Fibre Distribution and Dosage Performance on the Impact Resistance of Oil Palm Shells Concrete with Hybrid Polypropylene Fibre-Mesh

Fibre Distribution and Dosage Performance on the Impact Resistance of Oil Palm Shells Concrete with Hybrid Polypropylene Fibre-Mesh

Profitability of Oil Palm Production and Processing in Edo State, Nigeria

This work presents a comprehensive literature and studies conducted on the economic point of oil palm cultivation and processing and the factors that influences profitability of the sector as well as its contribution to the socioeconomic development of the farmers in Edo state. The study highlights the importance of oil palm production and processing in Edo, a major oil palm producing state in Nigeria.

Quality assessment of artisanal palm oil from smallholders in the department of Man, western region of Côte d'Ivoire

In the western region of Côte d'Ivoire, more particularly from the department of Man, artisanal crude palm oil enjoys a reputation for quality among consumers and is the subject of a developed trade. To guarantee consumers quality palm oil, it is crucial to register this product as a Geographical Indication artisanal palm oil. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of this artisanal palm oil to better understand his quality. A descriptive survey of palm oil processing was conducted among 200 smallholders in 10 localities in the department of Man, Western region of Côte d'Ivoire. Then, samples were collected from the producers and were taken to the laboratory for analysis. The physicochemical properties of CPO samples were determined using standard analytical method. The results showed that manual processing and screw hand press methods were used for palm oil extraction. About 58% of the processors have 11-20 years’ experience in oil palm processing and have no formal education (48.2%). Concerning the physicochemical quality of artisanal palm oil producing, the lipid oxidation, carotenoids contents, DOBI, slip melting point, iodine and saponification indexes were relatively conformed to the standard while FFA, moisture and impurities content were different. These results demonstrate a need for monitoring of artisanal palm oil production by smallholders in the sector who should adopt good agricultural practices.

Study on the Phosphate Compound Adsorption onto MgO-KOH/Biochar Adsorbent as Binding Agent in Diffusive Gradient in Thin Film (DGT) Technique for Bioavailable Phosphate Detection

Phosphate compounds, particularly bioavailable forms like PO₄³⁻, are critical contributors to eutrophication. In this study, MgO-KOH/biochar was used as a binding agent in the Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films (DGT) technique to enhance phosphate detection. The adsorbent was synthesized from biochar derived from palm oil waste, activated with KOH to increase surface area, and combined with MgO for enhanced adsorption efficiency. The adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, indicating that chemical interactions dominated the adsorption mechanism. Under different pH levels and phosphate concentrations, the material showed a good selectivity for orthophosphate, achieving an adsorption capacity of approximately 100 mg/g. Characterization via FTIR, XRD, and SAA confirmed the successful synthesis of MgO-KOH/biochar and its structural properties, which contributed to its performance. Additionally, the MgO-KOH/biochar DGT device demonstrated better efficiency in adsorbing PO₄³⁻ compared to conventional ferrihydrite-based DGT systems, positioning it as a highly effective tool for monitoring bioavailable phosphates in aquatic environments. Copyright © 2024 by Authors, Published by BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Structural, rheological and thermal properties of crude palm oil obtained in pressed, sifted and clarification stages using ultrasound-assisted

Abstract Crude palm oil (CPO) is commonly used in the oil industry. This study presents a comparison of the structural, rheological, and thermal properties of clarified CPO (CCPO) sample obtained using the conventional method and ultrasound-assisted (UA)-treated samples. These samples were obtained in the pressed (press liquor, PL), sifted (sifted liquor, SL), and clarification (outlet sludge, OS) stages. The frequencies used for the UA-treated samples were 40 and 80 kHz for 30 min. The PL and SL samples exhibited higher resistance to oxidative deterioration and nutritional quality than the CCPO sample did. The maximum oil extractability percentage (OEP) of the UA-treated samples relative to that of CCPO was 7.4 %. The bleachability index (DOBI) values of the UA-treated samples were higher (between 2.06 and 2.58) than that of the CCPO sample (1.43). However, the viscosity (η) displayed opposite trend. The thermal stability did not exhibit consistent patterns with increasing frequency.

Erratum: Oil palm boom: its socioeconomic use and abuse

Erratum: Oil palm boom: its socioeconomic use and abuse

Macroeconomics Factors Affecting Net Exports of Oil Palm Industry in Malaysia

This quantitative study investigates the impact of oil palm production, oil palm pricing, inflation, and GDP growth rate on the net exports of Malaysia's oil palm industry. This research is aimed at analyzing how the net export of oil palm relates to certain macroeconomic variables. This study has employed multiple regression analysis through Ordinary Least Squares for 26 years of time series data from 1996 to 2020 in Malaysia. The findings from this study improve our understanding of the major factors contributing to net exports in the oil palm industry. Palm oil production, price, as well as GDP growth, drive net export of palm oil in Malaysia found during this research. An increase in production leads to the reduced amount of palm oil exported, all other things remaining constant. Conversely, inflation and GDP growth are major drivers behind the increased net export of palm oil.

The Influence of Extrinsic Motivation and Cross-Cultural Adjustment on Foreign Worker Commitment: The Mediating Role of Cross-Cultural Adjustment and Moderating Role of Employer Trust

Palm oil is a key income source in Malaysia, with the industry heavily reliant on foreign workers. This reliance necessitates a focus on their welfare to address workforce shortages. This study examines the relationship between extrinsic motivation and organizational commitment, mediated by cross-cultural adjustment and moderated by employer trust among foreign workers. This study employed a quantitative research design, using SPSS for data analysis, and surveyed 242 foreign workers from companies listed on the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) website in 2022, achieving a 100% response rate. The key findings show that organizational commitment positively influences extrinsic motivation, with cross-cultural adjustment significantly enhancing both. Employer trust moderates the relationship between organizational commitment and cross-cultural adjustment, underscoring its importance in cultural adaptation and motivation. These insights highlight the need for targeted strategies to improve job satisfaction and retention among foreign workers by addressing extrinsic motivational factors and cultural adaptation challenges. The research contributes to the literature by detailing the interplay of organizational factors and cultural adaptation in shaping motivational outcomes, suggesting future research to explore longitudinal studies and other moderating variables. These findings offer valuable implications for improving workforce performance and retention strategies in the palm oil industry.

Identification and Functional Analysis of Git3 G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Ganoderma boninense PER71

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral components of eukaryotic heterotrimeric G proteins, playing crucial roles in detecting extracellular signals and initiating the activity of signaling proteins within cells to activate cellular responses to these signals. The objectives of this study are to identify and characterize the function of Git3, a Class III GPCR protein, in the oil palm pathogen Ganoderma boninense. To identify the potential genes encoded for GPCR in this fungus, intensive data mining on the genome and transcriptome data has been carried out. A total of six classes of GPCRs have been identified. These include Class II pheromone detectors, Class III carbon detectors, Class IV nitrogen detectors, Class VII proteins similar to glycosyltransferase, Class VIII proteins similar to hemolysin, and Class X protein receptors. Among these, the Class III protein Git3, postulated to be involved in glucose sensing and fungal pathogenicity, was selected for gene knockdown using RNA interference (RNAi). A plasmid, designated pUChph-GIT3, was constructed, to target git3 silencing by incorporating a hygromycin resistance gene cassette and antisense sequences of git3. Transformation of G. boninense PER71 with pUChph-GIT3 produced five potential Δgit3 gene-silenced mutants. PCR analysis confirmed the integration of the RNAi expression cassette into the fungal genome. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis revealed significant reductions in git3 expression in three G. boninense mutants, M42, M66, and M5 by 47%, 23%, and 13%, respectively. The Disease Severity Index (DSI) indicated slower disease progression in oil palm plantlets infected with Δgit3 mutants compared to those infected with wild-type G. boninense PER71. In conclusion, this study successfully isolated and characterized the git3 GPCR from G. boninense and demonstrated that it might play a role during the early stages of infection, as the mutants were able to slow the progression of infection in oil palm plantlets.

Synthesis of low‐cost microporous activated carbon adsorbents for CO2 capture from Palmyra palm fruit shell waste biomass

AbstractUsing chemical activation techniques at dissimilar carbonization temperatures, activated carbon adsorbents were produced from Palmyra palm fruit biomass in this work. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, CHNS‐elemental analysis, and N2 adsorption studies were among the characterization techniques used to assess the characteristics of the carbon adsorbents. The carbon adsorbents from Palmyra palm fruit were used to absorb CO2 in a temperature range of 25–70°C. The findings of the characterization showed that these carbons have a large surface area and microporosity. The temperature of carbonization and the activating agent had an impact on the surface characteristics. The samples with the highest adsorption capacity, 4.70 mmol/g at 25°C, were the activated carbons made by treating them with KOH and then carbonizing them at 750°C. The physicochemical properties of the adsorbents provided an explanation for their high adsorption capacity. The adsorbents showed simple desorption and maintained constant activity during ten cycles of recycling.

Comparative analysis of the physicochemical properties and trace metal content of palm oil, from selected markets in Jos south and Jos north LGA, Plateau state, Nigeria

The quality of palm oil samples collected from three different markets in Jos South and Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were analyzed and evaluated using standard analytical laboratory procedures. The relative ranges of the physicochemical values obtained were as follows; Moisture Content (MC): 0.56 - 1.89, Iodine value (IV); 51.88 - 55.57 g I2/100g, Peroxide Value (PV): 0.98 - 4.16 mEq02/kg, Saponification Values (SV): 198.46 - 201.54 mgKOH/g, Acid Value (AV): 9.93 - 57.65, and Refractive Index (RI), 1.4576 - 1.4580. The moisture content, iodin value, pH values and acid values were found to exceed the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) permissible limits of moisture content (0.29 mgKOH/g), iodine value (45 - 53 mg I2/100g), pH (5 - 7 mg/L), and acid value (0.7 max mg/L) for edible oils respectively while the refractive index, saponification values, peroxide values falls within the SON allowable limits of refractive index (1.4612-1.4707 mg/L), saponification value (195-205 mgKOH/g) and peroxide value (10 mEq02/kg) respectively . The amounts of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd) determined in the palm oil using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer ranged from Cu(0.34 - 0.52 mg/l), Zn(1.58 - 2.33 mg/l), Fe(19.18 - 26.74 mg/l), Pb(2.87 - 4.06 mg/l) and Cd(1.58 - 2.24 mg/l). However, the levels of Zn, Fe, Pb and Cd exceeded the WHO/FAO recommended values of (1.50, 1.00, 0.05 and 0.02 mg/L) respectively while only Cu concentration was below the WHO/FAO limits of 2.00 mg/L for trace metals in edible palm oil. Consequently, the results of this study shows that the palm oil consumed from these selected markets does not meet the standard quality specification for edible palm oils and hence can post significant health threat to consumers. Therefore, food regulatory agencies should strengthen their surveillance to promote food and health safety of the populace.

The Potential Benefits of Palm Oil Waste-Derived Compost in Embracing the Circular Economy

The environmental impact of peat extraction in plant nurseries requires urgent attention due to climate change and habitat destruction. Substituting peat moss with compost derived from palm oil waste in oil palm nurseries presents a viable solution. However, the challenges in its implementation must be considered. This research focuses on optimizing composting conditions for palm oil waste and examines the impact of the compost on soil quality, nutrient availability, and seedling growth. Measurements such as the culling rate, plant height, leaf length, and chlorophyll content were taken to assess seedling growth in nurseries. The compost was also tested as a soil amendment for 5-year-old palm trees, with foliar analysis conducted to evaluate the nutrient assimilation. The results show that optimized compost significantly enhanced the seedling growth by 20–50%, evidenced by the increased plant height, longer leaf length, and higher chlorophyll content. Additionally, the foliar analysis demonstrated an improvement of 5–15% in the nutrient assimilation in the 5-year-old palm trees. This research highlights the potential of optimizing oil palm waste composting for sustainable planting media in nurseries, mitigating environmental impacts and promoting productivity in oil palm plantations. Adopting this circular economy model can address waste management challenges while ensuring a resilient and sustainable approach in the palm oil industry.

Investigation of the Frying Fume Composition During Deep Frying of Tempeh Using GC-MS and PTR-MS

This study employed proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR-MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify and monitor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in frying fumes generated during the deep frying of tempeh. The research aimed to assess the impact of frying conditions, including frying temperature, oil type, and repeated use cycles, on the formation of thermal decomposition products. A total of 78 VOCs were identified, with 42 common to both rapeseed and palm oil. An algorithm based on cosine similarity was proposed to group variables, resulting in six distinct emission clusters. The findings highlighted the prominence of saturated and unsaturated aldehydes, underscoring the role of fatty acid oxidation in shaping the frying fume composition. This study not only corroborates previous research but also provides new insights into VOC emissions during deep frying, particularly regarding the specific emission profiles of certain compound groups and the influence of frying conditions on these profiles.

Efektivitas Asap Cair Kayu Rambutan dalam Menghambat Pertumbuhan Colletotrichum sp Secara In Vitro

Leaf blight is one of the main diseases in oil palm nurseries, as a result of the attack of the pathogen Colletotrichum sp. The initial symptoms are found on the edges of the leaves. Colletotrichum sp. is a pathogenic fungus that causes blight in oil palm, so it needs to be controlled. One of the alternative controls is by using rambutan wood liquid smoke. This study aims to obtain an effective concentration of rambutan wood liquid smoke that can inhibit the growth of Colletotrichum sp. in vitro. This research was carried out from November 2023 to January 2024 at the Laboratory of Pathology, Entomology, Microbiology and Soil Science, Faculty of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Sultan Syarif Kasim State Islamic University, Riau. This study used an experimental method with a complete randomized design (RAL) with 6 treatments (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) with each treatment repeated 4 times, so that there were 24 experimental units. Observation parameters include total phenol analysis and PH test of liquid smoke, macroscopic, growth rate (cm/day) and inhibition (%) Colletotrichum sp. The results showed a total phenol content of 3.47% and a PH test. Rambutan wood liquid smoke with a concentration of 4% is very effective in inhibiting Colletotrichum sp. 100% inhibition and growth rate of 0 cm/day.

Seasonal price variation analysis of palm oil: case study of Nigeria (2016–2022)

To enhance the benefits derived from palm oil processing by the farmers, there is a need for the producers (farmers) and buyers of palm oil to understand the seasonal price for making informed decisions on when to buy and sell the commodity. In order to determine price at the appropriate time of the season, the study looked at the seasonal price variation analysis of palm oil and the relationship between producers and buyers. This was done by understanding buyers’ requirements, producers’ effort, measurements taken, and contracting with buyers’ credit from customers. A multiphase sampling strategy was used. Organized interviews and questionnaires were utilized to collect primary data, while the National Bureau of Statistics provided secondary time series data on the average monthly retail price of palm oil from 2016 to 2022. The need for bio-fuel, production growth, governmental regulations, market dynamics, and the seasonality of palm oil products are then identified by the study as important factors influencing palm oil price fluctuation throughout the year. The study then suggests that there’s a need for economic diversification to reduce reliance on a single sector. This study will serve as a basis for future research on palm oil price variation analysis.

Diversification of Stationary Data for Optimizing Risk of Portfolio

Diversification is a process of distributing capital that minimizes the exposure of each individual asset. The purpose of diversification is to minimize risk. This paper examines how these two strategies (stationary and non-stationary) can minimize portfolio risk. To achieve this, data on palm oil and copper from 2010 to 2016 are explored, and two methods are used: correlation and mean-variance. Diversification has different degrees, and correlation is used to check the degree of diversification of the two types of data, while the mean-variance method (MV) is used to estimate the risk of the two datasets after the correlation. The analyses in this paper show that the correlation of stationary data leads to moderately weak diversification, while non-stationary data results in very weak diversification. In estimating the risk of the two datasets, stationary data diversifies 93% of the risk, while non-stationary data diversifies 6%. This shows that stationary data minimizes portfolio risk more effectively than non-stationary data.

Improving Early Detection of Bud Rot in Oil Palm Through Digital Field Monitoring

Improving Early Detection of Bud Rot in Oil Palm Through Digital Field Monitoring

Influence of Utilization of Natural Waste Fibers Pyrolysis on Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Concrete

ABSTRACT The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of the thermal processing of natural fibers on the strength of what is considered fiber-reinforced concrete. Natural fibers extracted from palm trees and bamboo residues were collected and pyrolyzed. The investigation of the morphological alterations that occur during the pyrolysis of natural fibers at a temperature of 200°C showed the impact of the cementitious environment on this process. In addition, the mechanical characteristics of fiber-reinforced concrete were conducted on different dosages (1, 1.5, 2, and 5% wt.) of treated and untreated palm oil, date kernel, and bamboo fibers. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of fibers up to 1.5% wt. enhanced the concrete mixes mechanical properties, which included pyrolyzed fibers. Analyzes of the concrete microstructure revealed that the treated fibers were not damaged. The 1.5% wt. addition of fibers after pyrolysis process can effectively improve their adhesion to the matrix and reduce the width and number of cracks. The analysis of variance results for flexural strength indicated that all sources had no significant impact on the flexural strength of untreated or pyrolysis treated natural fiber reinforced concrete.

Effects of oil palm trunk biochar as filler on physical and mechanical properties of deproteinised and epoxidised natural rubber latex foam

Effects of oil palm trunk biochar as filler on physical and mechanical properties of deproteinised and epoxidised natural rubber latex foam

Growth and initiation of third stage of immature oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) by giving oil palm frond compost and paclobutrazol

The third stage of immature oil palm is the phase where the plants enter preparation for flowering, so efforts are needed to initiate flowering, one of which is by using plant growth regulators (PGR) such as paclobutrazol. It is expected that the use of oil palm fronds as compost and application to oil palm plants can support sustainable oil palm management activities. Paclobutrazol, as a growth regulator, plays a role in stimulating the flowering of immature oil palm plants. This research aims to determine the response to the growth and development of immature oil palm plants in the third stage by administering palm frond compost and paclobutrazol at certain doses and concentrations. The experiment was carried out from June to December 2020 at the Ciparanje Experimental Garden, Faculty of Agriculture, Padjadjaran University. The experimental design used was a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 12 treatments and three replications. The experimental results showed that the application of compost to oil palm fronds and paclobutrazol had a significant effect on plant height and stem girth, but there were no significant differences in the number of fronds, leaf area, chlorophyll index, and flowers. All treatments did not produce flower shoots but showed inhibition of vegetative growth in immature oil palm plants in the third stage. The application of 12.8 kg of oil palm frond compost and 150 ppm paclobutrazol had the best effect on the height and girth of the oil palm stem and had an effect that was not significantly different from other treatments on the parameters of a number of fronds, leaf area, leaf chlorophyll, and flower growth.