Palm Cultivation Research Articles

Technical Efficiency of Smallholder Oil Palm Farms in Batanghari District Jambi Province, Indonesia

Smallholder oil palm farming is the main livelihood in Batanghari District, although its productivity has not shown maximum results. Maximum productivity achieved, it is necessary for farmers to do their business efficiently. This study aims to analyze technical efficiency and socio-economic factors that affect the technical efficiency of smallholder oil palm farming in Batanghari District. The research sample was determined using the multistage sampling method, which was used to sample farmers using simple random sampling. The number of respondents was 100 farmers. The stochastic frontier production function was used for data analysis. The results showed that the average technical efficiency of oil palm farming was 0,89 and had reached efficiency. However, this level can still be increased by 0,11 to achieve the highest level of technical efficiency. The technical efficiency of farming is affected by socio-economic factors, namely farming experience, distance from home to the farm, and the existence of partnerships. Based on the study's results, the technical efficiency of oil palm cultivation can be improved by utilizing production parameters precisely and accurately and increasing farmers' resources to achieve maximum production. For sustainable agricultural development, further research is needed to analyze the economic efficiency of oil palm farming so that the overall picture of both technical and economic efficiency can be seen.

Sawit Kita WebApp Development: Artificial - Based E-Learning Intelligence and Community to Drive Actual Information Collaboration and Innovation of Palm Oil Farmers In Indonesia

Web App development within the scope of the company is very in necessary in today's technological era. Development increasingly advanced technology is proof that the level of technology is high in the field of computer science. Data management is very important for a company companies, especially palm oil companies. A company needs a tool or system for managing and monitoring data company to be more efficient, simple, fast and precise. There fore the author designing a system to make it easier for companies to manage data palm oil plantations using a very easy Web App used. This research aims to develop the Sawit Kita Web App, an Artificial Intelligence based e-learning platform and community forpalm oil farmers in Indonesia. The Sawit Kita Web App consists of three main features, namely GPT 4 chat, e-learning modules and community platform. Chat GPT 4 is an Artificial Intelligence-based virtual assistant that can answer questions, provide suggestions, and produce creative content about oil palm cultivation with customization of data input by developer. The e-learning module is a feature that provides interactive and easy-to-understand learning materials about cultivation sustainable palm oil. The community platform is a feature that facilitate communication and collaboration between oil palm farmers and researchers, extension workers, and other related parties in a discussion forum. Target This research is to improve access and quality of information, literacy and skills, participation and collaboration, as well as productivity and well-being palm oil farmers in Indonesia. The research method used is method research and development with stages of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. This research is expected to provide contribution to the development of the oil palm plantation sector in Indonesia.

Modeling the Performance Parameters of Pollen Grains of Male Date Palms Using an Artificial Neural Network Based on the Mineral Composition and Morphological Properties of Their Leaves

One of the key factors for sustainability in agricultural systems, particularly, for cultivation of date palms, is the identification of the performance parameters of the pollen grains of male date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.). This study was carried out to predict the performance parameters of pollen grains using an artificial neural network (ANN) model. The morphological features of spathe length, spathe weight, number of pinnae per leaf, leaf length, leaf width, length of the pinna part, pinna length, pinna width, length of the spathe stem, and spathe width, as well as the concentrations of minerals such as Mg, N, K, P, and Ca in their leaves were used as inputs to the ANN model. For this purpose, we collected the required data from nine male date palms grown in Saudi Arabia. The ANN model utilized in this work included an input layer with 15 parameters, a hidden layer of 30 neurons, and an output layer with 8 neurons. The ANN model was trained with 27 patterns. Seven patterns were utilized for testing purposes. The coefficient of determination (R2) obtained between the observed and predicted performance parameters’ values using the testing dataset was 0.902 for the number of strands per spathe, 0.967 for strand length, 0.963 for the number of flowers per strand, 0.941 for the number of flowers per spathe, 0.985 for the weight of pollen grains per spathe, 0.810 for the pollen grains’ viability, 0.936 for the pollen grains’ length, and 0.992 for the pollen grains’ width. The length of the spathe stem had the most critical effect on how the ANN model predicted the values of the dependent variables, i.e., the number of strands per spathe, with a percentage of contribution of 17.66%; the weight of pollen grains per spathe, with 17.85%; the pollen grains’ length, with 19.78%, and the pollen grains’ width, with a percentage of contribution of 30.59%. Spathe weight had the most critical influence on strand length and pollen grains’ viability, with percentages of 26.29% and 14.92%, respectively. Leaf width had the most critical effect on the number of flowers per spathe, with a percentage of 12.55%. The elemental concentration of K in the male date palm leaves had the most critical effect on the number of flowers per strand, with a percentage of 13.98%. It was therefore concluded that using a modeling process with the ANN technique can help estimate the performance parameters of male date palms’ pollen grains for different purposes, such as providing a starting point for mathematical analyses associated with the physiological mechanisms of male date palm. Moreover, the outcomes of this research work can be supportive as a practical tool in this field of study.

A conceptual framework for characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas

PurposeThis study aims to propose a comprehensive conceptual framework for the characterization of agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas, with a focus on Siwa Oasis in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilizes a multidimensional approach, integrating perspectives from sustainability principles, stakeholders and the agricultural heritage frameworks of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). It involves thematic analysis of qualitative data collected through focus group discussions and interviews with a diverse range of participants, including community members, government officials, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and researchers.FindingsThe study identifies five key elements of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis: cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific. Cultural elements include traditional farming practices, irrigation systems and architectural features, while ecological elements encompass crop biodiversity, wildlife habitats and traditional landraces. Economically, date palm cultivation, olive production and agritourism activities play crucial roles in livelihood security and local economies. Socially, community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices shape the social fabric of the oasis, with festivals and rituals fostering a sense of belonging. From a scientific perspective, the integration of traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices enhances sustainability and resilience.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focused solely on Siwa Oasis as a case study, limiting generalizability to other desert-prone areas. Further research could explore additional regions to enhance the understanding of agricultural heritage in diverse contexts. Additionally, the qualitative nature of the study may limit statistical analysis. Future studies could employ mixed-methods approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of agricultural heritage dynamics.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the multifaceted aspects of agricultural heritage in Siwa Oasis can inform sustainable development initiatives, tourism planning and cultural preservation efforts. Local policymakers and stakeholders can utilize these insights to develop policies that support traditional farming practices, ecotourism and community development. Furthermore, the promotion of agricultural heritage can enhance economic opportunities, food security and environmental sustainability in desert-prone regions.Social implicationsRecognition of the social elements embedded within Siwa Oasis’s agricultural heritage highlights the importance of community cohesion, gender roles and cultural practices. By acknowledging and preserving these aspects, initiatives can be developed to empower local communities, promote gender equality and preserve cultural identity. Such efforts can enhance social cohesion, strengthen cultural bonds and promote inclusivity in the development agenda of desert-prone areas.Originality/valueThis study contributes a novel conceptual framework that bridges multifunctionality concepts, sustainability principles and stakeholder perspectives to characterize agricultural heritage in desert-prone areas. It offers insights into the complex interplay of cultural, ecological, economic, social and scientific dimensions of agricultural heritage systems.

A high-quality genome assembly and annotation of Thielaviopsis punctulata DSM102798

Black scorch disease (BSD), caused by the fungal pathogen Thielaviopsis punctulata (Tp) DSM102798, poses a significant threat to date palm cultivation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, Chicago and Hi-C libraries were prepared as input for the Dovetail HiRise pipeline to scaffold the genome of Tp DSM102798. We generated an assembly with a total length of 28.23 Mb comprising 1,256 scaffolds, and the assembly had a contig N50 of 18.56 kb, L50 of three, and a BUSCO completeness score of 98.6% for 758 orthologous genes. Annotation of this assembly produced 7,169 genes and 3,501 Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Compared to five other Thielaviopsis genomes, Tp DSM102798 exhibited the highest continuity with a cumulative size of 27.598 Mb for the first seven scaffolds, surpassing the assemblies of all examined strains. These findings offer a foundation for targeted strategies that enhance date palm resistance against BSD, and foster more sustainable and resilient agricultural systems.

Isolation and characterization of a native strain of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana for the control of the palm weevil Dynamis borassi (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the neotropics

This study aimed to isolate and characterize a native strain of Beauveria bassiana, coded as Bv065, showcasing its potential as a biological control agent targeting the palm weevil Dynamis borassi. Originating from a naturally infected D. borassi specimen collected in southwestern Colombia, the fungus underwent molecular identification and was identified as B. bassiana, exhibiting high sequence similarity with known reference strains. The physiological characterization revealed that Bv065 thrived within a temperature range of 25 to 30 °C and a pH range of 6 to 9. Moreover, the key carbon sources that allow optimal growth of the strain were identified through metabolic profiling, including sucrose, D-mannose, and γ-amino-butyric acid. These findings offer strategic insights for scalability and formulation methodologies. Additionally, enzymatic analyses unveiled robust protease activity within Bv065, crucial for catalysing insect cuticle degradation and facilitating host penetration, thus accentuating its entomopathogenic potential. Subsequent evaluations exposed Bv065’s pathogenicity against D. borassi, causing significant mortality within nine days of exposure, albeit exhibiting limited effectiveness against Rhynchophorus palmarum. This study underscores the importance of understanding optimal growth conditions and metabolic preferences of B. bassiana strains for developing effective biopesticides. The findings suggest Bv065 as a promising candidate for integrated pest management strategies in neotropical regions, particularly for controlling palm weevil infestations in coconut and peach palm cultivation. Future research avenues include refining mass production methodologies, formulating novel delivery systems, and conducting comprehensive field efficacy trials to unlock the full potential of Bv065 in fostering sustainable pest management practices. Overall, this study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on entomopathogenic fungi and their pivotal role in biological control, offering nuanced perspectives on eco-friendly alternatives to conventional insecticidal interventions.

Analisis Pengaruh Produksi dan Luas Lahan Kelapa Sawit terhadap PDRB Sektor Pertanian: Pendekatan Regresi Linier Berganda menggunakan Data Sekunder 2013-2022

The issue in this research is that the increase and decrease of agricultural GDP per capita in Southeast Sulawesi are significantly influenced by several factors, one of which is the production factor and the availability of land for oil palm cultivation. Therefore, an analysis is needed regarding the impact of GDP on the production and land area of oil palm in Southeast Sulawesi. This study aims to understand the impact of oil palm production and cultivated area on the Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) of the agricultural sector in Southeast Sulawesi Province. The sample for this study uses secondary data derived from the Southeast Sulawesi Provincial Statistics Agency and the Indonesian Palm Oil Statistics Book from 2013 to 2022. This research is analyzed using multiple linear regression methods with IBM SPSS Statistics 25 software. The results of this study indicate that oil palm production in the Southeast Sulawesi region has a negative and significant effect on the agricultural GRDP of Southeast Sulawesi, while the expansion of oil palm plantation area has a positive and significant effect on the agricultural sector GRDP in Southeast Sulawesi Province.

Changes in calcium accumulation and utilization efficiency and their impact on recycling, immobilization, and export across the oil palm cycle

Effective calcium (Ca) management is crucial for optimizing oil palm cultivation and enhancing crop yield. This study aimed to gain insights into the dynamics of Ca concentration, accumulation, exportation, immobilization, and recycling in various oil palm organs relative to plant age. The experiment was conducted at the Agropalma enterprise site in the northeastern region of Pará State, Brazil, evaluating seven plant age treatments: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 years old. Employing a completely randomized design with four replications. The results demonstrated an age-related increase in Ca concentration in petioles, rachis, arrows, male inflorescences, peduncles, and fruits. Furthermore, Ca accumulation exhibited an upward trend in all organs with progressing plant age. Notably, the study revealed an enhanced Ca use efficiency across all plant organs in correlation with the age of oil palm cultivation. These findings underscore the dynamic nutritional demands of oil palm, influencing Ca immobilization, cycling, and export throughout its developmental stages.

Suitability of soil in Ukpiovwin community in Udu LGA of Delta state for oil palm plantation based on its physicochemical properties

Soils of Ukpiovwin community in Udu LGA of Delta State were evaluated for suitability for oil palm cultivation based on its physicochemical properties. Suitability of soils for oil palm was assessed using FAO’s land and soil requirement and suitability ratings. Soil texture classes identified were dominated by clay. The soils were slightly acidic, with pH ranged from 4.49 to 6.40. The results showed that certain land characteristics such as, mean annual temperature, rainfall, soil depth and drainage were rated highly suitable (S1) to marginal suitable (S2), organic matter, total nitrogen, and potassium were rated highly suitable (S1) Available phosphorus and ECEC were generally low and rated as marginally suitable (S3) for oil palm cultivation in the study area. The main limiting factors that lower the suitability of these soils for oil palm establishment in the area were the soil texture which is clay and the low level of phosphorus available the soil. In order to enhance the soil condition and raise the productivity of the land to an ideal level, focus should be put on soil management practices that will improve the soil’s ability to effectively drain water in order to prevent water logging and keep water at ≥20cm below soil surface. The amount of phosphorus available in the soil can be increased through the application of phosphate fertilizer and through installation of erosion control measures such as bunds, platforms, and terraces to lessen losses of native and applied phosphate in surface run-off water and eroded soil.

CHALLENGES AND GAP CAPACITY OF PALM OIL FARMERS IN ACCESSING DIGITAL EXTENSION AND ASSISTANCE SERVICES

Palm oil cultivation practices in the future must adopt good agricultural practices (GAP) to ensure sustainability and market acceptance. If farmers fail to implement GAP, they will face the threat of being marginalized and even eliminated from the supply chain. Extension services can be a means of disseminating information regarding the palm oil GAP. With the development of ICT, opportunities have opened up to use digital platforms as a medium for extension. In this research, a socio-economic and demographic characteristics of farmers for digital-based extension services was studied. Farmer data from four locations namely East Kotawaringin, Paser, Sekadau, and Central Mamuju were collected. Data from each parameter component at each location was analyzed for variance (Anova) at a 5% level of significance. The results show that the level of education is directly proportional, while age is inversely proportional to the level of ownership of smartphones as a means of digital education. The existence of farmer groups increases the percentage of conventional extension received by farmers, and where farmers also get information regarding the availability of digital extension materials. The variations in the level of importance and type of information needed by farmers are caused by the development phases of oil palm plantations. Recommendations for overcoming challenges and reducing the gap in farmer capacity in accessing digital extension is development of an integrated digital platform specifically for extension on oil palm cultivation that is adaptive to the needs of farmers and to various digital tools to enhance dissemination.

Peran Kemitraan Masyarakat dan Perusahaan Kelapa Sawit dalam Pengelolaan Limbah serta Implikasinya pada Kesehatan Lingkungan: Sebuah Telaah Pustaka

The development of the Indonesian palm oil industry has direct implications for the increasingly widespread cultivation of oil palm, both managed by small-scale companies and those managed by large-scale companies. This condition is directly proportional to the increase in the amount of solid waste and liquid waste produced from industrial activities. Solid waste and liquid waste can pollute the environment and endanger public health if not managed properly. This literature review aims to examine the role of partnerships between communities and the palm oil industry in managing palm oil waste and its implications for environmental health. Partnerships involve active community participation in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating waste management programs. The results of the literature review show that the partnership has had a positive impact, such as improving water and air quality and reducing the prevalence of environmentally related diseases. Apart from that, community empowerment programs in processing waste into economically valuable products also provide economic benefits. However, there are inhibiting factors such as low public awareness, limited human resources, and lack of other supporting facilities and infrastructure.

Characterization and Mapping of the Potential Area of Oil Palm Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in a Geographic Information Systems Environment

This study presents a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) spatial model to assess land suitability for oil palm (OP) cultivation in rainfed conditions. Initially, twelve parameters, viz., rainfall, number of rainy days, mean temperature, RH, ground water level, soil pH, salinity, soil depth, surface texture, stoniness, slope, and drainage, were selected for assessing OP suitability in one of the states (Kerala). However, subsequent ground verification revealed significant discrepancies, which prompted refining the model by focusing on key parameters with greater accuracy and relevance. Accordingly, only five the most critical parameters affecting OP cultivation under rainfed conditions were selected through the rank sum method, and weights were assigned ac-cording to their significance. This study was aimed at creating a comprehensive tool for informed decision making in agricultural planning. District-level spatial data from reliable sources were utilized for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Thematic rasters, representing key factors influencing land suitability, were created in a GIS. Utilizing MCDA techniques, a digital suitability map was generated in ArcGIS 10.3, delineating three distinct classes over an extensive area of 10.5 million hectares. Further, with an aim to focus on actual locations that can be readily planted with oil palm, the suitable locations identified were restricted to eight selected land use/land cover (LULC) classes. This strategic limitation aimed to facilitate the expansion of OP cultivation exclusively to areas deemed most suitable based on the identified criteria. The validation of this developed model involved comparing the suitability map generated with the performance of existing oil palm plantations across diverse locations. The reasonable similarity between the model’s predictions and real-world plantation outcomes validated the effectiveness of this MCDA spatial model. This model not only helps identify suitable locations for rainfed oil palm cultivation but also serves as a valuable tool for strategic decision making in agricultural land use planning.

Metabolomic profiling unravels divergent adaptive responses of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) seedlings to drought stress under shaded and unshaded conditions

Abstract. Adrian M, Wulandari R, Sembiring E, Natawijaya A. 2024. Metabolomic profiling unravels divergent adaptive responses of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) seedlings to drought stress under shaded and unshaded conditions. Biodiversitas 25: 2404-2414. This research takes a unique approach by investigating the metabolomic responses of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) seedlings to drought stress under both shaded and unshaded conditions. Drought stress poses a significant threat to oil palm cultivation, with profound implications for global palm oil production. Our study aims to unravel the adaptive mechanisms of oil palm seedlings through metabolomic profiling, specifically focusing on amino acids and isoprenoids. The methodology involved collecting samples at distinct time points, including normal conditions, 7 days after drought stress (7 DAT), and 14 days after drought stress (14 DAT). Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for comprehensive metabolite analysis. The results unveiled substantial changes in metabolite profiles, particularly in amino acids and isoprenoids, indicating the plant's concerted efforts to maintain biochemical homeostasis and vitality during drought stress. Cluster analysis revealed distinct metabolic responses between shaded and unshaded conditions, suggesting an initial conservative response followed by subsequent adaptive measures over time. The fold-change analysis identified key compounds such as Proline, Methyl Palmitate, and octadecylamine, which are crucial for the plant's adaptation to drought conditions. ROC analysis further confirmed Proline and D-Glucuronic Acid Amide as potential biomarkers for distinguishing plant responses to drought stress. This comprehensive metabolomic investigation provides valuable insights into the adaptive strategies employed by oil palm seedlings, thereby offering practical implications for developing sustainable cultivation practices and mitigating drought stress in oil palm cultivation.

Wandering under the Oil Palm Canopy

Abstract During the past two decades, Indonesia has transformed a third of its rainforest into oil palm plantations. Although attention has been paid to the environmental consequences, the connection between oil palm cultivation and the evolving use of alcohol within local communities has received little attention. Studies conducted within rural communities have demonstrated that significant environmental changes frequently result in increased drug and alcohol consumption. Through an ethnographic study of an Indonesian village, this article reveals how the changing living and working environments have not only altered people’s ‘place-world’ but also their sense of identity and position in the world, leaving many disoriented and lost in the homogenous expanse of oil palm plantations. This has seemingly led to increased alcohol use among the village community. This finding offers a fresh and updated way to understand and interrogate the challenges with regard to present-day human-nature relations in agricultural interventions in Indonesia and beyond.

Biochemical Responses of Date Palm Phoenix dactylifera L. to Combined Stress of Salinity and Nickel

This study examined the effects of nickel (Ni) at 0, 25, and 50 mg.L-1 concentrations, applied alone or in combination with salinity (represented by NaCl at 0, 100, and 200 mM concentrations), on the biochemical traits of date palm. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), membrane stability index (MSI), peroxidase (POD) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and proline content were among the parameters evaluated. The results revealed significant effects of nickel and salinity on the studied biochemical markers. Nickel at 50 mg.L-1 significantly increased H2O2 (0.87 µmol. L-1) and MDA (2.46 nmol.g-1) levels, while decreasing MSI (75.85%). Moreover, it enhanced POD (25.09 U.min-1.g-1) and SOD (3.78 U. min-1.g-1) activity, as well as proline content (4.35 µmol.g-1). Salinity at 200 mM significantly increased H2O2 (0.90 µmol L-1) and MDA (2.54 nmol.g-1) levels, decreased MSI (77.69%), and increased POD (27.61 U. min-1.g-1) and SOD (3.77 U.min-1.g-1) activity, along with increased proline content (4.54 µmol.g-1). Additionally, the combined application of nickel and salinity, particularly at higher concentrations, resulted in significantly increased biochemical responses compared to individual treatments. The findings highlight the interactive effects of nickel and salinity on the oxidative and antioxidant mechanisms in date palm plants. This study contributes to our understanding of plant responses to abiotic stressors and provides insights for optimizing date palm cultivation under challenging environmental conditions.

Study on Palm Oil Cultivation and Processing Technology to Support The Biofuel Program (Optimization for The Development of Palm Oil-Based Energy Plantation in Indonesia)

Abstract Crude Palm Oil (CPO) is an important commodity for Indonesia, after fossil oil is no longer the main component of export products. The bioenergy product that has been well developed and applied is biodiesel. The development of CPO for bioenergy has some obstacles, such the amount of CPO needed is large so that it will affect the capacity of CPO used for food. In addition, the price of CPO which is considered high is around US$ 700-900/ton, whereas the ideal price of CPO as a bioenergy raw material is a maximum of US$ 400/ton. Several approaches that are recommended as a solution to overcome these problems are optimization of palm oil cultivation, harvesting management, and also processing technology. The methodology used in this research includes collecting data from palm oil industry players, palm oil mills (PKS), academics involved in the development of the palm oil industry, and professional organizations related to palm oil. The data was obtained by conducting discussions and knowledge sharing with them. The results of this study will assist policy makers, in this case the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) and the Ministry of Agriculture to determine bioenergy development policies that involve aquaculture ecosystems, land selection, industrial location and optimal process technology. The Ministry of Industry and Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) can partner to develop palm oil-based energy, the Ministry of Agriculture will develop palm cultivation which is sufficient to support mustard products for energy, palm land can be restructured according to energy needs. To support the energy plantation program, it is recommended that the government set up a palm plantation devoted to energy covering an area of 250,000 hectares on state land or state-owned enterprises (BUMN). Procurement of palm oil plantations can be done in stages from 25 hectares, according to land potential and budget.

Potensi Dan Prospek Industri Gula Aren Di Indonesia

Palm sugar produced from sugar palm plants is an alternative sugar to granulated (refinery) sugar produced from sugar cane plants. Recently, more and more consumers are switching from granulated sugar to palm sugar. However, because entrepreneurs are still traditional, efforts to meet changing consumer tastes still have many obstacles. This research aims to (1) determine the potential of sugar palm plants as; (2) analyze the prospects for the Indonesian small palm sugar industry in the future. The method for determining the research location was carried out purposively, namely the Republic of Indonesia, which is one of the largest palm sugar producers in the world. This research was carried out from March 2024 to May 2024. This research was carried out using a survey approach and used secondary data, especially BPS publication data. To find out the prospects for palm sugar in Indonesia, it is explained using simple linear regression. Meanwhile, the analysis of plant potential is explained descriptively qualitatively and quantitatively. The research results show that sugar palm cultivation in Indonesia has great potential, especially because sugar palm plants do not require complicated growing requirements. Almost all areas in Indonesia can be planted with palm trees. The availability of land in Indonesia is quite extensive, has hydrological and conservative functions. There is a traditional farming culture in cultivating palm sugar. The results of regression analysis using time series data from 1992 to 2020 show that the development of land area, which is a manifestation of farmers' response to demand for palm sugar, shows an increasing trend. With ß of 1,046.5, it shows that on average every year there is an increase in the area of ​​sugar palm plantations of 1,046.5. Meanwhile, from the production aspect, the results of the regression analysis also show a significant increasing trend with ß of 2,575.4, which shows that from the production aspect there has been a significant increase in production, namely 2,575.4 tonnes each year. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the potential for palm tree development is quite good and the prospects for the palm sugar industry in Indonesia are quite bright.

Strengthening oil palm smallholder farmers' resilience to future industrial challenges.

Oil palm cultivation has improved living standards and alleviated the poverty of many smallholder farmers. However, challenges such as climate change, aging palms and negative sentiments in the major markets, threaten the wellbeing of and raise the question on smallholder farmers' resilience, which remains poorly understood. Using primary data from Indonesia, the largest palm oil producer in the world, we measure and evaluate the resilience of oil palm smallholder farmers using the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach. Our results revealed five classes of smallholders with different levels of resilience: vulnerable, economically and socially constrained, low-skilled, semi-secure and adaptive smallholders. The farmers in the least resilient group are majorly olderlocal farmers, who established oil palm plantations independently. Meanwhile, the most resilient group is dominated by smallholders who participated in the migration program, and in the past, received support from the government to start oil palm plantations. Our study highlights the heterogeneity of smallholders' livelihood resilience and the need for inclusive and tailored interventions for the various classes of smallholder farmers to establish sustainable communities.

Optimizing oil palm farming: Soil quality, fertilization and agro-environmental performance

The essential role of fertilization in the management of oil palm plantations cannot be overstated, with the understanding that effective strategies must be fine-tuned to accommodate the diversity of soil types present. The nuanced response of oil palm to fertilization under different soil conditions underscores the critical nature of this research. This study investigates the relationship between oil palm farming practices and agro-environmental performance of plantations. This research aims to understand the complex mechanisms influencing plantation productivity. Five agronomic field experiments were carried out on various soil types (Podzol, Inceptisol, Peat) during 2022. These experiments involved various types of soil and used different plant materials in a total land area of 33 hectares. The results of the peat soil trials revealed a positive effect of RP fertilizer on leaf phosphorus (P) content and a visible gradient in potassium (K) content with different doses of KCl. Average plantation yields peaked in 2022, showing the best yields ever recorded. On the contrary, experiments in podzolic soils showed that oil palm responded better to organic fertilizers than to mineral fertilizers in podzolic soils. The inceptisol soil revealed a significant increase in leaf potassium (K) content with KCl dose, confirming the positive effect of fresh oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) on potassium levels. In particular, EFB acts as a good K fertilizer, positively influencing the K content but negatively affecting the calcium content (Ca) due to K/Ca antagonism. These findings emphasize the need for diversified agricultural strategies to optimize oil palm cultivation, increase productivity, and reduce dependence on external input.

Managing Dust Mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acari: Tetranchidae) Infesting Date Palm Orchards By Using Lemongrass Extract and Nanosulfur

The dust mite Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor 1939) (Acari: Tetranychidae) poses a significant threat to date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. productivity in Iraq. To address this issue, a field study was conducted in a private date palm orchard in Al-Zubair district, Basrah province, Iraq, to assess the efficacy of some treatments in controlling the dust mite population on date palm fruits. The treatments included lemongrass extract, nanosulfur, a combination of lemongrass extract and nanosulfur, liquid sulfur, and a distilled water as control treatment. Treatments were applied by spraying on leaves and fruits at three dates: five weeks, eight weeks, and eleven weeks after pollination. Dust mite mortality rates were measured at intervals of 1, 3, 5, and 7 days after treatment application. Results revealed that the second date, eight weeks after pollination, exhibited the highest mortality rate of 76.77%, significantly outperforming other dates. Among the treatments, liquid sulfur showed the highest efficiency, with an 87.83% mortality rate, followed closely by the combination of lemongrass extract and nanosulfur (84.14%). Nanosulfur alone recorded a mortality rate of 79.26%, while lemongrass extract alone showed a mortality rate of 49.15%. The mortality rate increased over time, reaching 80.79% after 7 days and 65.76% after 1 day. In conclusion, liquid sulfur emerged as the most effective treatment for controlling the dust mite population on date palm fruits. The second date, eight weeks after pollination, was the optimal time for treatment application. These findings offer valuable insights into sustainable and environmentally friendly pest control strategies for date palm cultivation in Iraq.