Palm Oil Research Articles

Cost reduction for upscaling voluntary sustainability standards: the case of independent oil palm smallholders in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Upscaling Voluntary Sustainability Standards (VSS) can generate ecological and social benefits at a scale that is meaningful to address pressing environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity losses. Lack of resources and risks of implementation gaps may, however, hinder the success of upscaling VSS. This paper aims to fill the gap in the literature regarding options to reduce certification costs to upscale VSS amid the limited financial resources available for certification. The paper presents the result of action research involving 3,507 independent oil palm farmers who are members of six farmer groups in two districts in Central Kalimantan to achieve Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) certification. The research found that achieving economies of scale by increasing the total number of certified farmers can reduce the certification costs per farmer. By establishing a district-level entity, the costs related to audits, RSPO membership fees, and the establishment of farmer groups, such as developing standard operating procedures (SOPs), can be lowered. Implementation gaps were not found with the increase of farmers joining the project based on the training frequency and the external audit findings reports on farmers' compliance with RSPO principles and criteria. The findings of this study provide a basis for promoting the upscaling of VSS, including through the RSPO jurisdictional approach.

PREDIKSI KANDUNGAN MINYAK DAN ASAM LEMAK BEBAS BUAH SAWIT SECARA NON-DESTRUKTIF MENGGUNAKAN NEAR-INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY DAN METODE KALIBRASI HYBRID

The study used near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy and hybrid calibration methods to predict oil and free fatty acid content of oil palm fruitlets non-destructively. The reflectance and chemical content of oil palm fruitlets were measured and the calibration between near infrared spectra and chemical content was performed using hybrid calibration methods. The developed hybrid calibration model was validated to predict oil and free fatty acid of other oil palm fruitlets. The best models to predict oil and free fatty acid of oil palm fruitlets respectively were the hybrid model of Partial Least Square-Artificial Neural Network with 25 factor components (R2 = 0.96; SEP= 2.21%, RPD = 4.79) and 19 factor components (R2 = 0.96; SEP= 0.25%, RPD = 4.24) using Savitzky-Golay first derivative spectra pre-treatment.

1H NMR analysis of metabolites from leaf tissue of resistant and susceptible oil palm breeding materials against Ganoderma boninense.

Breeding for oil palm resistance against basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma boninense is challenging and time-consuming. Advanced oil palm gene pools are very limited, hence it is assumed that parental palms have experienced genetic drift and lost their resistance genes against Ganoderma. High-throughput selection criteria should be developed. Metabolomic analysis using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is easy, and the resulting metabolite can be used as a diagnostic tool for detecting disease in various host-pathogen combinations. The objective of this study was to identify metabolite variations in Dura (D) and Pisifera (P) parental palms with different resistance levels against Ganoderma and moderately resistant DxP using 1H NMR analysis. Leaf tissues of seven different oil palm categories consisting of: resistant, moderate, and susceptible Dura (D); moderate and susceptible Pisifera (P); resistant Tenera/Pisifera (T/P) parental palms; and moderately resistant DxP variety progenies, were sampled and their metabolites were determined using NMR spectroscopy. Twenty-nine types of metabolites were identified, and most of the metabolites fall in the monosaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids compound classes. The PCA, PLS-DA, and heatmap multivariate analysis indicated two identified groups of resistance based on their metabolites. The first group consisted of resistant T/P, moderate P, resistant D, and moderately resistant DxP. In contrast, the second group consisted of susceptible P, moderate D, and susceptible D. Glycerol and ascorbic acid were detected as biomarker candidates by OPLS-DA to differentiate moderately resistant DxP from susceptible D and P. The pathway analysis suggested that glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism and taurine and hypotaurine metabolism were involved in the oil palm defense mechanism against Ganoderma. A metabolomic study with 1H NMR was able to describe the metabolite composition that could differentiate the characteristics of oil palm resistance against basal stem rot (BSR) caused by G. boninense. These metabolites revealed in this study have enormous potential to become support tools for breeding new oil palm varieties with higher resistance against BSR.

Exploring the intersection of digitalization and sustainability in oil palm production: challenges, opportunities, and future research agenda.

The increasing global demand for palm oil and its derivatives has led to significant environmental and social concerns, prompting the need for sustainable practices in oil palm production. In recent years, digital technologies have emerged as a potential solution to enhance sustainability in this sector. The objective of this review was to provide insights into the potential benefits and limitations of digital technologies in promoting sustainable practices in the oil palm industry, and to identify key challenges that must be addressed to ensure that digitalization contributes to sustainable development in this sector. To obtain valuable insights on this topic, this review employed a thorough analysis and exploration of relevant literature. Our findings highlight the transformative potential of digital technologies such as precision agriculture, data analytics, blockchain, and robotics to optimize resource utilization, improving efficiency, promoting social welfare, improving supply chain transparency, mitigating environmental impacts, and enhancing sustainability in oil palm production. However, the adoption of these technologies is hindered by several challenges, including high cost, lack of knowledge, and inadequate infrastructure. Our findings emphasize the importance of supportive policies, collaborative efforts, and targeted research to promote technology adoption and ensure equitable benefits across the oil palm industry. Recommendations are provided for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers to leverage digitalization effectively and promote sustainable practices in the oil palm industry, ultimately contributing to global sustainability goals.

From chocolate to palm oil: The future of Indonesia's cocoa plantations.

Indonesia is the world's third largest cocoa producer, but production is decreasing since 2011. We revisited cocoa farmers for an environmental assessment in Luwu Timur, Sulawesi, 7months after a socio-economic survey on cocoa certification outcomes and observed many cocoa plantations being converted into oil palm and maize. Including our field data as well as secondary data on commodity prices and yields, we outline reasons for cocoa conversion, potential consequences for biodiversity, and assess the future outlook for the Indonesian cocoa sector. Low cocoa productivity, volatile cocoa prices and higher revenue for oil palm, among others, drive land-use change. If shade trees are cut during cocoa conversion, it may have negative implications for biodiversity. Solutions to low soil fertility, omnipresent pests and diseases, and stable producer prices are needed to increase profitability of cocoa and prevent conversion of cocoa agroforests to oil palm monocultures.

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia G17: Potential antifungal agent isolated from the gut of black soldier fly larvae against Ganoderma boninense

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the primary source of foreign exchange in Indonesia's plantation sector. However, these plants are very vulnerable to attack by Ganoderma spp., which causes basal stem rot (BSR) and upper stem rot (USR) disease, resulting in significant economic losses. In this study, antagonistic assays of the G17 isolate obtained from the gut of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae showed potential biocontrol against G. boninense. Furthermore, antibiosis assays showed that the Stenotrophomonas maltophilia G17 isolate inhibited the growth of G. boninense by up to 85.56%–91.98%. Molecular identification using 16S rRNA, reinforced by biochemical characterization tests, confirmed the G17 isolate as S. maltophilia. Growth test results showed that S. maltophilia G17 cannot grow at a temperature of 37 °C within 24 h. The isolate also exhibited negative hemolytic activity, indicating it is not a pathogenic bacterium. S. maltophilia G17 exhibited lytic enzymes such as proteolytic, lipolytic, and chitinolytic activity. Among them, chitinolytic enzymes might be involved in the biocontrol process.

ANALYSIS OF THE DEPENDENCIES COMMODITY PRICES AND STOCK MARKET INDEXES USING COPULA

Indonesia is rich in natural resources and occupies an important position in the global raw materials market. The country's rich resources such as oil, coal, nickel, and crude palm oil (CPO) have a significant impact on the economic situation. As one of the world's leading producers and exporters of these raw materials, Indonesia's economic fate is closely linked to price fluctuations. This study uses the copula method to model the dependence between stock and commodity returns and calculates the dependence between commodity prices (oil, coal, nickel, CPO) and Indonesian stock market index (IHSG) The data used for this analysis was sourced from Bloomberg.com, covering the period from 29 September 2021 to 29 September 2023. This study investigates the dynamic dependencies between commodity price returns and the Indonesian stock market index. The results show that the correlations between oil prices and the Indonesian stock index, and between CPO prices and the stock index are generally weak. However, there are exceptions to stock index returns, such as their relatively high dependence on coal and nickel. This diverse research provides valuable insight into the complex interdependencies in Indonesia's financial landscape. Understanding dependence between commodity prices and stock indexes is of great value to investors and policymakers, as it is the basis for making informed decisions to navigate the complex global economy.

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Oil and Free Fatty Acid Content of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Based on Thermal Properties Using Partial Least Square (PLS)

Non-Destructive Evaluation of Oil and Free Fatty Acid Content of Oil Palm Fresh Fruit Bunch Based on Thermal Properties Using Partial Least Square (PLS)

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

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

Nonlinear impacts of climate anomalies on oil palm productivity

Oil palm contributes to various global needs as one of the most productive oil crops, but there exist ongoing concerns regarding its yield reductions and associated environmental impacts resulting from land conversion. This is the first detailed report investigating the nonlinear threats to estate-level oil palm yields posed by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, a major driver of climate variability. Using the Malaysian Palm Oil Board administrative records on monthly performances reported by oil palm estates through the e-submissions portal spanning from January 2015 to June 2023, we focused on elucidating the impacts of ENSO on fresh fruit bunch yield, oil extraction rate, and oil yield. We found that both El Niño and La Niña conditions, characterized by extreme levels of ENSO indices cumulated over lags of 0–23 months prior to harvest, were associated with statistically significant reductions in yields. Lag association patterns unveiled that production risks were linked to pre-harvest exposure to extreme ENSO indices in various time windows. Subgroup analyses further revealed that the effects were pronounced in labor-intensive estates and those lacking fertilizer investments. This study underscores the necessity for adaptation strategies in response to future climate anomalies.

In silico prediction of effector proteins in oil palm pest, Metisa plana

Metisa plana is one of the main oil palm leaf defoliators in Malaysia. Infestation of M. plana at the oil palm plantation caused severe yield loss in the past. Many control methods have been introduced to combat the infestation, but the problem persists till today. More information regarding the bagworm is needed to understand the pest-host interaction so that an effective control method can be properly designed. This study was carried out to predict the repertoire of effector proteins secreted by M. plana that could potentially suppress the host defence mechanisms. In silico screening of the secretory proteins from predicted genes was done by using several tools namely SignalP, TMHMM, TargetP and WOLFPSORT. Then, the acquired dataset was subjected to functional annotation through a similarity search against UniProt-Trembl database, gene ontology (GO) using BLAST2GO, InterPro protein domain classification, cluster of orthologous groups (COG), and KEGG pathway prediction. To determine the expression of the predicted genes, TPM value was calculated using the available transcriptomic dataset of M. plana. We identified a total of 948 secretory proteins from the initial screening of the 28,738 proteins predicted from BRAKER2 pipeline. Several proteins were classified as specific protein classes associated with effector functions in insect pests, namely detoxifying enzymes, lipases, peroxidases, Ca2+ binding proteins, and chemosensory and odorant binding proteins. This predicted effector data can be used as a reference for future works in validating the protein’s interaction and mechanisms with the oil palm defence responses.

Combining spaceborne lidar from the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation with local knowledge for monitoring fragmented tropical landscapes: A case study in the forest-agriculture interface of Ucayali, Peru.

Improving our ability to monitor fragmented tropical ecosystems is a critical step in supporting the stewardship of these complex landscapes. We investigated the structural characteristics of vegetation classes in Ucayali, Peru, employing a co-production approach. The vegetation classes included three agricultural classes (mature oil palm, monocrop cacao, and agroforestry cacao plantations) and three forest regeneration classes (mature lowland forest, secondary lowland forest, and young lowland vegetation regrowth). We combined local knowledge with spaceborne lidar from NASA's Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation mission to classify vegetation and characterize the horizontal and vertical structure of each vegetation class. Mature lowland forest had consistently higher mean canopy height and lower canopy height variance than secondary lowland forest (μ = 29.40 m, sd = 6.89 m vs. μ = 20.82 m, sd = 9.15 m, respectively). The lower variance of mature forest could be attributed to the range of forest development ages in the secondary forest patches. However, secondary forests exhibited a similar vertical profile to mature forests, with each cumulative energy percentile increasing at similar rates. We also observed similar mean and standard deviations in relative height ratios (RH50/RH95) for mature forest, secondary forest, and oil palm even when removing the negative values from the relative height ratios and interpolating from above-ground returns only (mean RH50/RH95 of 0.58, 0.54, and 0.53 for mature forest, secondary forest, and oil palm, respectively) (p < .0001). This pattern differed from our original expectations based on local knowledge and existing tropical forest succession studies, pointing to opportunities for future work. Our findings suggest that lidar-based relative height metrics can complement local information and other remote sensing approaches that rely on optical imagery, which are limited by extensive cloud cover in the tropics. We show that characterizing ecosystem structure with a co-production approach can support addressing both the technical and social challenges of monitoring and managing fragmented tropical landscapes.

Investigating the effects of oil type, emulsifier type, and emulsion particle size on textured fibril soy protein emulsion-filled gels and soybean protein isolate emulsion-filled gels.

The effects of oil type, emulsifier type, and emulsion particle size on the texture, gel strength, and rheological properties of SPI emulsion-filled gel (SPI-FG) and TFSP emulsion-filled gel (TFSP-FG) were investigated. Using soybean protein isolate or sodium caseinate as emulsifiers, emulsions with cocoa butter replacer (CBR), palm oil (PO), virgin coconut oil (VCO), and canola oil (CO) as oil phases were prepared. These emulsions were filled into SPI and TFSP gel substrates to prepare emulsion-filled gels. Results that the hardness and gel strength of both gels increased with increasing emulsion content when CBR was used as the emulsion oil phase. However, when the other three liquid oils were used as the oil phase, the hardness and gel strength of TFSP-FG decreased with the increasing of emulsion content, but those of SPI-FG increased when SPI was used as emulsifier. Additionally, the hardness and gel strength of both TFSP-FG and SPI-FG increased with the decreasing of mean particle size of emulsions. Rheological measurements were consistent with textural measurements and found that compared with SC, TFSP-FG, and SPI-FG showed higher G' values when SPI was used as emulsifier. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) observation showed that the distribution and stability of emulsion droplets in TFSP-FG and SPI-FG were influenced by the oil type, emulsifier type and emulsion particle size. SPI-stabilized emulsion behaved as active fillers in SPI-FG reinforcing the gel matrix; however, the gel matrix of TFSP-FG still had many void pores when SPI-stabilized emulsion was involved. In conclusion, compared to SPI-FG, the emulsion filler effect that could reinforce gel networks became weaker in TFSP-FG.

Dissolved gas analysis comparison of electrically stressed methyl ester and mineral oil

Methyl ester is considered one of the alternative substitutes to mineral oil as an insulating liquid. This study investigates the dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of the methyl ester derived from palm oil, under low energy discharge faults. The aims are to understand the gas composition and evaluate the applicability of the well-established fault interpretation methods for mineral oil to the methyl ester. Experimental procedures were conducted based on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. It involved simulating electrical breakdowns in laboratory conditions as per IEC-156 standard and analyzing gas samples using gas chromatography based on IEC-567. Results show that methyl ester oils produce similar types of gases as mineral oils but at higher concentrations. The interpretation of DGA results using fault identification methods such as Duval Triangle, Duval Pentagon, and IEC ratio indicates an overestimation of fault severity in methyl ester oils, and categorizing the faults as high energy discharge. However, the key gas method correctly identifies the discharge in both methyl ester and mineral oils. These findings suggest the need for adjustments in existing DGA methods to account for the higher gas concentrations in methyl ester oils, for effective condition monitoring and maintenance of transformers if it was filled with methyl ester oil.

Study on the characteristics of novel fiber extracted from Foxtail palm fruits – A steps towards the sustainable development

This study explores the properties of fibers extracted from the fruits of the Foxtail palm (FPF) and assesses their potential for advancing sustainable development. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that these fibers significantly inhibit the growth of gram-negative bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica, with inhibition zones of 24 mm and 30 mm, respectively. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a predominantly crystalline structure, which is crucial for use as reinforcing materials, showing distinct peaks at 20° and 30° diffraction angles that signify the presence of cellulose I. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the fibers’ complex composition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, indicated by the presence of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aliphatic functional groups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis showed a rough and irregular surface texture adorned with numerous microfibrils and cavities, which are beneficial for mechanical interlocking with polymer matrices. The densely arranged cellulose microfibrils, approximately 210 µm in diameter, lend the fibers high tensile strength and stiffness. Although some surface imperfections were observed, the inherent porosity of the fibers facilitates resin absorption, enhancing their reinforcement capabilities in composite materials.

Evolution of collisional condensation of biodiesel combustion particulate matter in engine exhaust pipe

To investigate the evolution of biodiesel combustion particulate matter (PM) within the engine exhaust system, PM samples were analyzed from diesel fuel, soybean oil methyl ester (SME), catering waste oil methyl ester (WME) and palm oil methyl ester (PME) at various locations along the engine exhaust pipe, and a gas-solid two-phase flow model of exhaust gas and PM was developed using the coupled computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (CFD-DEM). The results indicate that the average primary particle diameter of biodiesel PM is smaller than that of diesel PM at the same position within the exhaust pipe, and it exhibits an increasing trend with respect to the iodine value of biodiesel. The adhesion forces of diesel, SME, WME, and PME PM at 0m downstream from the exhaust pipe were measured as 9.83 nN, 16.74 nN, 26.54 nN, and 34.31 nN, respectively. The biodiesel PM with higher mass density readily formed structurally stable particulate agglomerates at the inlet of the exhaust pipe. With an increase in exhaust flow velocity, there was a corresponding rise in particle collision frequency. The initial agglomeration probability of particles exhibited an increase followed by a subsequent decrease. The normal overlap of particle collisions decreased with an increase in the Young’s modulus of the particles, thereby reducing the likelihood of adsorption and adhesion during particle collision and hindering the formation of a greater number of particle aggregates.

From A Supervisor To A Plantation Owner

The looming financial crisis threatened to transform Mr. Rostam's thriving agribusiness into a sinking ship, casting a shadow of uncertainty over his entrepreneurial dreams. The once-promising future now appeared murky and fraught with challenges, leaving him to navigate the business desperately to keep his venture afloat. It is a test of resilience, innovation, and unwavering determination as he grapples with the harsh realities of an uncertain market. With limited resources, he coped with more of the challenges of a struggling business. The road ahead seemed daunting, with uncertainty lurking at every turn. Mr. Rostam pondered over the situation, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders; he muttered, "The business has reached the critical point, and failure was not an option”. Mr. Rostam has to look for the right opportunity and decide about taking the next big leap of faith to start his next agriculture business venture. Terengganu Agrotech Development Corporation Sdn. Bhd. (TADC) looking for proposals to develop a large palm oil plantation farm in Terengganu state. Mr. Rostam has to develop the right plan with a partner that can invest in the proposed corporate farming project.

Exploration of High-Nutritional-Quality Vegetable Oil Blend with Enhanced Oxidative Stability as a Frying Medium Substitute for Palm Oil

Exploration of High-Nutritional-Quality Vegetable Oil Blend with Enhanced Oxidative Stability as a Frying Medium Substitute for Palm Oil

Optimization of palm oil biodiesel production: Environmental impact analysis and POME waste utilization

Background: Indonesia is still an energy importer, especially in the form of crude oil and fuel products to meet the needs of its industrial sector. The reduced production of fossil energy, especially oil, as well as the global commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, has prompted the Indonesian government to continue to support the role of new and renewable energy. The production of palm oil-based biodiesel is faced with a number of environmental problems, which may occur from the release of emissions during the production of FFB (Fresh Fruit Bunches), CPO (Crude Palm Oil), and biodiesel. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to compile an LCI (Life Cycle Inventory) covering the production of FFB, CPO, and biodiesel; analyze the environmental impact of the CPO bodysel production process which includes CO2 (eq) emissions, acidification and eutrophication; and develop a life cycle concept for biodiesel production from palm oil as a renewable energy. Methods: The method used in this study is a combination of quantitative LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) and qualitative. Findings: The results of this study are LCI in 1 ton of biodiesel consisting of NPK fertilizer of 141.1 Kg; herbicide (0.25 Kg); water (1578 m3), diesel oil (25 Kg); fresh fruit bunches of 5.67 tons; electricity of 33.8 kWh, POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) (3,47 m3), CPO needed for biodiesel conversion of 1.17 tons; methanol (0.41 tons), and 0.01 tons of Sodium Hydroxide. The total CO2 emission (eq) of biodiesel production from palm oil is 1489 Kg CO2 (eq), eutrophication is 1.12 Kg PO43- (eq) and acidification is 3.06 Kg SO2 (eq). With the largest contribution of CO2 (eq) emissions in CPO production and the contribution of eutrophication and acidification in oil palm plantations or FFB production (Fresh Fruit Bunches). Environmental hotspot of LCA, CO2 (eq) emissions from palm oil biodiesel production show that 53% mainly comes from POME (Palm Oil Mill Effluent) waste, other contributors are NPK fertilizers (23%), methanol (18%), and diesel oil (7%). Hotspot eutrophication showed that 61% mainly came from NPK fertilizer, methanol (20%), diesel oil (11%), and POME waste (8%). Hotspot acidification showed that 48% mainly came from NPK fertilizers, methanol (28%), POME waste (13%), and diesel oil (11%). Conclusion: The concept of a biodiesel production life cycle can be applied with the best alternative utilization of POME waste with a priority weighting of 0.357 and a CO2(eq) emission criterion of 0.494. From the optimization of the life cycle of biodiesel production with the use of POME, the potential for emission reduction is 667.2 Kg CO2 (eq). Novelty/Originality of this Study: This study's novel application of LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of biodiesel production from palm oil in Indonesia, identifying critical hotspots in CO2 emissions, eutrophication, and acidification. Additionally, it proposes an innovative optimization approach by utilizing POME to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, highlighting a viable path for enhancing the sustainability of biodiesel production.

Assessing the Susceptibility and Tolerance of Oil Palm Cultivars to Leaf-Bending: A Comparative Physiological and Nutritional Balance Study

Selecting the best oil palm cultivars adapted to specific agro-climatic conditions helps ensure fruit and oil production success. Many biotic and abiotic problems can limit the productivity of the crop, some of which have not yet been described, as well as their symptoms and degree of impact. In oil palm, a disturbance known as leaf-bending occurs, in which the palms present a bending or breakage of the petiole in the leaves, representing a significant challenge for oil palm cultivation. Although leaf-bending in oil palm plantations is known, its effect on the palm’s performance and its possible causes are unknown. Thus, the objectives of the present work were to describe and propose a quantitative way to evaluate leaf-bending in different cultivars (Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and the interspecific O×G hybrid) and to evaluate the disturbance effect on the physiology and nutritional balance of the oil palm. The results showed that most leaves from leaf rings three and four of the palm phyllotaxis have the highest affectation, with 74% leaf-bending. The cultivars with a Deli × La Mé and Coarí × La Mé genetic background were the most tolerant; however, the Deli × AVROS and Deli × Yangambi genetic crosses were the most susceptible. The difference in the affectation between the groups was 60% to 70%. Leaf-bending affected physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance. Thus, below the second ring of leaves, the affected plants’ physiological parameters decreased between 40% and 50%. The nutritional diagnosis showed that the most sensitive cultivars to leaf-bending were Deli × AVROS, which presented the highest average index of nutritional balance (IBNm), indicating that this genetic cross had the highest nutritional imbalance. On the contrary, the most tolerant cultivars were Deli × La Mé, which presented the lowest IBNm, associated with a better nutritional condition.