Oil Palm Trees Research Articles

Local and landscape drivers of natural enemy communities in Indonesian oil palm plantation

Abstract Oil palm plantations are typically managed in a monoculture system over large areas. This system contributes to biodiversity loss and promotes pest outbreaks by reducing natural enemies. However, ecosystem functions in oil palm plantations vary spatially and temporally and can still support biodiversity under certain conditions. We conducted a study on the species richness, abundance and species composition of natural enemies in oil palm plantations and investigated the factors influencing natural enemy communities in oil palm plantations at both local and landscape scales. We selected 12 sites in an oil palm plantation in Central Borneo, Indonesia, which were grouped into 4 sub‐areas based on the presence of natural habitats, which varied in local and landscape characteristics. Arthropods were sampled using canopy knockdown fogging with a pyrethroid insecticide. Different taxa of natural enemies responded differently to changes in habitat characteristics within oil palm plantations. Species richness of spiders was not affected by either local or landscape scale, but their species composition was affected by oil palm tree age (local scale) and the total edge of dominant oil palm tree age (landscape scale). Ant species richness was influenced by the class area of natural habitat (landscape scale), whereas their species composition was not influenced by either local or landscape scale. On the other hand, species richness of parasitoid wasps was influenced by light intensity (local scale) and the variation of oil palm tree age within a landscape (landscape scale). However, their species composition was only affected by light intensity. The results suggest that oil palm management practices need to consider both local and landscape scales to maintain biodiversity and biological control and to achieve sustainable management of oil palm plantations.

Root cutting on growth and yield of oil palm (Elaeis guenesis Jacq.)

Root cutting is speculated able to increase nutrient uptake by oil palm. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of root trimming on the growth, flowering, and yield of oil palm. The research focused on oil palm plants aged five years old in the field. The experiment used a nested design with two key factors: root-cutting depth as the main plot and root-pruning intensity as the subplot. Results showed that root cutting at a depth of 0 to 20 cm from the soil surface followed by cutting intensities of 50% and 75% enhanced plant height at 0, 3, and 9 months after treatment. The treatments did not affect other variables including flowering and yield of oil palm trees. Keywords: bunch weight; cutting intensity; root trimming; sex ratio

Variation of plant species as feed sources in honey beekeeping in Jambi and South Sumatera Indonesia

Plant species as a feed source for honey bees are an important factor in their survival. In addition to supporting the production process of honey bees, plants also affect the quality of honey produced. This study aimed to study plant species’ presence in honey bees’ lives and behaviors. The research used a survey method with honey beekeepers as respondents in Jambi and South Sumatra, asking about various plants grown around rearing boxes. Beekeepers have planted various plants producing pollen, resin, and nectar. Plants can also be categorized into three major groups: annual fruit, ornamental, and industrial plants. The distance between plants and rearing boxes will affect the different behaviors of honey bees. In honeybees such as Apis cerana, planting was done at a radius of 5–100 meters, while Apis mellifera in Jambi was mostly farmed around acacia and oil palm trees. For stingless bees, such as Heterotrigona itama, the presence of plants must be closer, considering their ability to fly was more limited than that of honey bees. Ornamental plants such as Antigonon flavescens were visited by honey bees in the morning (7–9 am) and afternoon (3–5 pm), while annual fruit plants were visited in the morning (7–9 am).

Single and basal crop coefficients for estimation of water requirements of subtropical and tropical orchards and plantations with consideration of fraction of ground cover, height, and training system

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the research carried out over the last 25 years on the FAO56 single and basal crop coefficients of subtropical and tropical orchards and plantations of cactus pear, dragon fruit, fig, jujube, passion fruit, pomegranate, cape gooseberry, cherimoya, guava, longan, lychee, mango, papaya, acerola, carambola, cashew, cacao, coffee, jaboticaba, jatropha, macadamia, açai palm, coconut, date palm, guayule, oil palm, peach palm, ramie and rubber tree. The main objective of this review is to update standard single crop coefficients (Kc) and basal crop coefficients (Kcb) and complete the Kc and Kcb values tabulated in FAO56. Kc is the ratio between the non-stressed crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and the grass reference evapotranspiration (ETo), and Kcb is the ratio between the crop transpiration (Tc) and the ETo. When selecting and analysing the literature, only studies that used the FAO Penman–Monteith equation, or another equation well related to the former to compute ETo were considered, while ETc or Tc were obtained from accurate field measurements on crops under pristine (non-stress cropping conditions) or eustress (“good stress”) conditions. Articles meeting these conditions were selected to provide data for updating Kc and Kcb under standard conditions. The related description of orchards and plantations refers to crop cultivar and rootstock, irrigation systems and scheduling, planting spacing, fraction of ground cover (fc) by the crops, crop height (h), crop age and training systems, as Kc and Kcb values depend on these characteristics. To define the standard Kc and Kcb values of the selected crops, the values collected in the literature were compared with previously tabulated standard Kc and Kcb values. The updated tabulated values are transferable to other locations and climates and can be used to calculate and model crop water requirements, primarily for irrigation planning and scheduling, and thereby supporting of improved water use and savings, which is the overall aim of the current review.

From Wild Palm to Plantation System: A Trajectory of Colonial Policies on Palm Oil Production in Annang, Nigeria, 1900-1960

This paper examines colonial economic policies and the oil palm production in Annang, of Calabar Province of Nigeria from 1901-1960. Before the establishment of colonial rule, the people of Annang were engaged in the production of wild oil palm for domestic use. The colonial period witnessed the introduction of plantation system for the cultivation oil palm trees and production of palm oil for export. Annang produced large quantities of palm oil and thus contributed greatly to colonial economy. In spite this, the contribution of Annang to colonial economy has over the years been treated as as an appendage to the Ibibio colonial historical experiences. The neglect is what this article attempts to correct. Oil palm tree, has a long history in Annang, especially as most its byproducts served both domestic and commercial needs of the people. This article examines Annang unique experiences during colonial period in the light of the fast-developing interest in micro studies in Nigerian historiography. It therefore focuses on the colonial policies on palm oil production, especially the various measures formulated and implemented in Annang from the inception of British colonial rule in Annang in 1901 to 1960 when Nigeria attained independence. It adopts the historical method, relying extensively on primary sources obtained from oral interviews and archival sources to interrogate palm oil production in Annang during the period under consideration. Keywords: Oil palm Trees, Palm Oil, Plantation System, and Colonial Policies.

Plasma-assisted pyrolysis for converting oil palm fronds into reduced graphite oxide

One of the oil palm tree’s solid waste is oil palm fronds. Due to its lignocellulosic composition, it has the potency to convert it into carbon. The common heat treatment method to convert oil palm fronds into carbon-based material is pyrolysis. However, this process has some disadvantages, such as being time-consuming and just producing amorphous carbon. Different from common pyrolysis temperatures, in this study we use a higher temperature (4000 °C) generated by DC current arc plasma. This process is faster than the common pyrolysis process (less than 10 minutes) and produces crystalline material. This product is then characterized by Raman spectroscopy, SAED-TEM, XRD, FT-IR, and SEM/EDX. Based on Raman spectroscopy, this crystalline material shows the characteristics of semiconductor carbon. Based on the SAED-TEM, there is a (002) plane of hexagonal crystal structure detected (graphite phase characteristics). An XRD analysis shows the characteristics of the trigonal crystal structure (P3) constructed by O and H atoms. An FT-IR characterization shows that there are C=C, C-H, and O-H bonds, while the EDX analysis result shows a carbon-to-oxygen ratio of about 4.23. Therefore, based on the whole interpretation, the plasma-assisted pyrolysis treatment is successfully used to convert oil palm fronds into reduced graphite oxide (rGO).

Penerapan akuntansi aset biologis berdasarkan PSAK No. 69 pada PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk

In the agribusiness industry, biological assets emerge as the most crucial assets with significant value. Within this sector, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk stands out as a company engaged in various activities, including palm oil plantation. Palm oil serves as a biological asset managed by PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk, encompassing recognition, measurement, and disclosure aspects. This research aims to examine the implementation of biological asset accounting in accordance with PSAK No. 69 at PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk. Employing a qualitative research approach rooted in postpositivism philosophy, the study investigates natural phenomena or events. The finding reveal that PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk adheres to the provisions outlined in PSAK No. 69 concerning the recognition, measurement, and disclosure of biological assets. The company exercises control over biological assets through activities such as planting, maintenance, and upkeep of oil palm trees over time. Biological assets are measured based on fair value less costs to sell. Moreover, PT Astra Agro Lestari Tbk discloses gains and losses incurred during the reporting period in the profit and loss statement, while distinguishing between producing and non-producing plants.

AREAL AND PRODUCTION OF PALM OIL TREES

Palm oil is one of the plantation products that has a significant impact on the Indonesian economy. Indonesia, being one of the major palm oil exporters in the world, has successfully reduced poverty and unemployment rates by expanding oil palm plantation areas. This research aims to explore the relationship between the extent of oil palm plantation land and the annual production of palm oil in Paser Regency. The research method employed for this study is quantitative, involving the collection of data on the amount of palm oil plantation land from 2018 to 2022, along with the annual palm oil production figures in Paser Regency. The gathered data will be examined using correlation analysis, utilizing IBM SPSS 25 as the tool for conducting the correlation analysis. The researcher found that there is no significant correlation between the extent of oil palm plantation land and annual palm oil production. Additionally, the researcher discovered other variables that correlate with the annual volume of palm oil production, which were not considered in this study. The variables identified by the researcher as influencing production volume after conducting this study include soil conditions, fertilizers, seedlings, human resources, and the age of oil palm trees. This research provides insights to readers, stakeholders, and other researchers regarding factors correlated with the annual volume of palm oil production. These findings can serve as a solid foundation for business decision-making and as reference material for future research.

Oil Palm Leaves Phenotyping using Biomarkers Derived from Raman Spectra

The efficient production of oil from oil palm trees is heavily dependent on their health status, reflected in the oil extraction rate (OER). The 17th frond of the oil palm trees contains a significant amount of organic compounds that directly influence the overall health of the tree. Achieving an optimal balance of essential nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) is crucial for classifying a tree as healthy, as it results in an increased oil to bunch and fruit to bunch ratio. To accurately assess the health level of oil palm trees, this study explores the application of Raman spectroscopy, a non-invasive technique in determining the molecular fingerprint of an organic sample. In this research, Raman spectroscopy is employed to determine the health level of oil palm trees, and a machine learning-based health level classification algorithm is developed. The algorithm analyzes the organic compounds found in oil palm leaves, which were collected from 20 different trees. The extracted spectral features from these leaves are used to classify them into two health levels: healthy and not healthy. For this purpose, 31 machine learning models are tested to identify the most accurate classifier. The findings reveal that the Tree and fine K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) classifier demonstrates the highest overall accuracy of 95% using three significant features, namely the Raman intensity, Full Width at Half Maximum (FWHM), and area under the curve. This result signifies the potential of Raman spectroscopy as a reliable and promising method for non-invasively phenotyping oil palm leaves, enabling precise prediction of the health status of oil palm trees.

Estimation of oil palm’s leaf area index (LAI) using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) images

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a parameter commonly used to indicate oil palm growth and production. The destructive method is the standard method to estimate LAI. However, this method requires much effort and cost and can only be done at a specific period. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which have been widely used for mapping and calculating trees in oil palm plantations, have the potential to estimate LAI values quickly, efficiently, and without disturbing the oil palm tree. This research was conducted to develop the model for predicting LAI based on UAV images. Data was collected from six plots of 12-year-old oil palm trees at Adolina Estate, Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The research was conducted on six varieties released by IOPRI, consisting of DxP Yangambi, DxP Langkat, DxP Simalungun, DyP Dumpy, DxP LaMe, and DxP PPKS 540. The estimated canopy cover from the UAV images was employed as an independent factor (x) compared to the calculated LAI from the destructive method, which was used as a dependent factor (y). The results showed that the LAI estimation using UAV imagery followed a linear model with R-squared values ranging from 0.3874-0.9556. In conclusion, despite requiring further research, UAV images could be used as rapid tools to estimate oil palm LAI.

The effect of NPK fertiliser on oil palm coefficient as a baseline water management during the nursery phase

The Indonesian government views the oil palm industry as a promising sector for poverty alleviation. The germination process of seeds is influenced by water, requiring careful management. This study investigated the impact of NPK application and NPK fertiliser on the crop coefficient value of Tenera variety oil palm seedlings. The entisol soil used had a sandy clay texture, with sand comprising 81.00% of the soil composition. The soil texture, organic matter, bulk density, particle density, porosity, evapotranspiration, potential evaporation, percolation, moisture content at field capacity, and oven-dried root weight were measured with and without fertiliser to 50 oil palm trees at 3 to 6 months of age. The results show that NPK application has affected oil palm’s crop coefficient and growth. The highest dry root weight and plant coefficient obtained without fertiliser and with fertilisers at six months were 24.76 gr and 33.89 gr, 0.626 and 0.65, respectively. Root biomass, a sign of plant health and nutrient uptake, shows fertilization’s long-term effects. Six-month-old plants, especially fertiliser ones, have more extensive root dry weights, indicating persistent nutrition uptake and long-term resistance. Nutrient management is crucial to agricultural productivity, affecting the current crop and future growth phases.

Keragaman Serangga Pengunjung pada Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensi Jacq.) di Kebun Pendidikan dan Penelitian (KP2) Stiper Edu Agro Tourism Ungaran

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) productivity is highly dependent on insect pollination of flowers. Visiting insects are insects that come to a plant which can also act as pollinating insects. This study aims to investigate what insects visit oil palm trees. Research on the diversity of visitor insects on oil palms was conducted at Kebun Pendidikan dan Penelitian (KP2), Stiper Edu Agro Tourism (S.E.A.T), Ungaran in August and September, 2023. Sampling using hand collection, bait traps, bottle traps and sticky traps. Data were analyzed using Shannon Wiener Index and Sorensen Index. The study obtained a total of 1411 individuals consisting of 14 morphospecies, three orders, and three families of insects. The Diversity Index (H') in the interior of the plantation was H'=2.47 while at the edge of the plantation was H'=1.36. Similarity Index (S) was 96.29%. The dominant insect species is Elaeidobius kamerunicus (543 individuals) found on the anthesis male flowers of oil palms.

Effect of NBPT-DCD (Urease and Nitrification Inhibitor) on Nitrogen Loss, N Uptake and Oil Palm Yields (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) bn Typic Dystrudepts Soil

Incorporating N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) as a urease inhibitor and Dicyandiamide (DCD) as a nitrification inhibitor can enhance the efficiency of nitrogen (N) fertilization. The main aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of urease and nitrification inhibitors (NBPT and DCD) on N loss in urea fertilizer, N absorption, and oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) yield. Researchers conducted the field trial using a single-factor, completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The experimental treatments included nitrogen (N) fertilization with 5 different levels. The levels were: 100% urea (2.75 kg/plant/year: 1.50 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 1.25 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N0), 80% urea + NBPT-DCD (2.20 kg/plant/year: 1.20 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 1.0 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N1), 60% urea + NBPT-DCD (1.65 kg/plant/year: 0.90 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 0.75 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N2), Urea dosage of 80% (2.20 kg/year: 1.20 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 1.00 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N3), and Urea dosage of 60% (1.65 kg/plant/year: 0.90 kg/plant in rotation 1 and 0.75 kg/plant in rotation 2) (N4). The findings revealed that the application of Urea in combination with NBPT-DCD (inhibitors of urease and nitrification) led to a reduction in N loss by 30.33-37.48% and an increase in N absorption compared to Urea without NBPT-DCD. Oil palm trees grew on Typic Dystrudept soil. The plants received 2.20 kg of urea treatment per plant. The researchers combined Urea with NBPT-DCD. These trees had better outcomes than others. They had less N volatilization and better N absorption. They also had higher fresh fruit bunch productivity. The others received N fertilization but not NBPT-DCD.

Optimizing The Growth of Palm Palm Seedlings by Providing Several Types of Market Waste Fertilizer and Planting Media

Oil palm is a plant that holds a significant position in the agricultural and horticultural industries. The objective of this study was to examine the correlation between the composition of the planting medium and the utilization of commercial fertilizer waste on the growth of oil palm in nurseries. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the impact of different waste fertilizers on the market and the composition of the growing media for oil palm trees in the nursery. The research was conducted at the Education and Research Garden (KP2) in Wedomartani Village, Depok District, Sleman Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The research site is at an altitude of 118 meters above sea level, and the study was conducted from March to June 2023. A factorial randomized design (CRD), consisting of two factors, was employed for this study. The first factor involved market waste, which was categorized into three levels: fish waste (70g), vegetable waste (70g), and fruit fertilizer (70g). The second factor focused on the composition of the planting media, which also had three levels: latosol 100g: beach sand 1900g, latosol 150g: beach sand 1850g, and latosol 200g: beach sand 1800g. The study included five repetitions, resulting in a total of 45 plants. The research data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of 5%. The study's results revealed an interaction between the combination of market waste fertilizer and the composition of the oil palm planting media in the pre-nursery stage. Significant interactions and effects were observed between the combinations of fertilizer market waste and the composition of the growing media on leaf area and soil pH. Furthermore, the market waste fertilizer significantly impacted the number of leaves, stem diameter, shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, plant fresh weight, and plant dry weight. Additionally, the composition of the media had a significant influence on stem diameter and soil pH.

Unusual vitamin E profile in the oil of a wild African oil palm tree (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) enhances oxidative stability of provitamin A.

The African oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is the predominant oil crop in the world. In addition to triacylglycerols, crude palm oil (CPO) extracted from the mesocarp of the fruits, contains high amounts of provitamin A (carotenes) and vitamin E (tocochromanols). Because of their unsaturated nature, the carotenes are prone to oxidation and therefore are in part limiting for the shelf life of CPO. A tree with unusual toochromanol composition was identified by HPLC screening of the mesocarp of wild trees. Polymorphisms in a candidate gene were identified by DNA sequencing. The candidate protein was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli coli and Arabidopsis thaliana to test for enzyme activity. Oxidative stability of the CPO was studied by following carotene degradation over time. In the present study, a wild Oil Palm tree (C59) from Cameroon was identified that lacks α-tocopherol and α-tocotrienol and instead accumulates the respective γ forms, suggesting that the activity of γ-tocopherol methyltransferase (VTE4) was affected. Sequencing of the VTE4 locus in the genome of plant C59 identified a G/C polymorphism that causes the exchange of a highly conserved tryptophan at position 290 with serine. The W290S exchange renders the VTE4 enzyme inactive, as shown after expression in Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis thaliana. The oxidative stability of carotenes in the mesocarp of the wild palm C59 was enhanced compared with control accessions. Furthermore, supplementation of commercial palm oil with different tocochromanols showed that γ-tocotrienol exerts a stronger effect during the protection of carotenes against oxidation than α-tocotrienol. Therefore, the introduction of the high γ-tocotrienol trait into elite breeding lines represents a potent strategy to protect carotenes against oxidation and extend the shelf life of CPO, hence allowing the development of a value added high-carotene CPO to be used to fight against vitamin A deficiency.

Nesting trees used by a pest bird (Village Weaver, Ploceus cucullatus): a large field survey suggests further human conflicts with local stakeholders in Southern Nigeria

Abstract The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) is a common colonial nesting bird widespread throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is known to weave its nests from leaf strips from a variety of tree species (mainly coconuts trees, oil palm trees) associated with human settlement areas, grasses, and other available plants. In this regard, this bird was considered a pest for its impact on different economic activities. Although extensive literature is already available on the parasitic role of village weavers, there is still a lack of analytical data that outlines which tree species are used for nesting and in what proportion, as well as the related implications in terms of economic impacts. Here, we carried out the first comprehensive arrangement of trees used by this species for nesting in Southern Nigeria (West Africa), checking for possible different impacts on stakeholders. In April 2021, we searched for village weaver nesting in 95 sites in 77 communities from 24 local government areas in Southern Nigeria, during 14 field surveys. Within each site, we collected GPS coordinates and counted the number of active nests, nesting birds and occupied trees. We recorded a total of 5,776 nests and 2,140 birds in 94 plants belonging to 23 tree species selected for nesting. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis; n = 45) was the most used tree species, as 2,990 (51.77%) nests and 873 (40.79%) birds were recorded. Our results indicate the preference for nesting on trees used by stakeholders belonging to agricultural (palm farmers), touristic (operators) and energy (gas flare stations) sectors with economic implications about the conflict with this pest species.

Implementation of Slicing Aided Hyper Inference (SAHI) in YOLOv8 to Counting Oil Palm Trees Using High-Resolution Aerial Imagery Data

Implementation of Slicing Aided Hyper Inference (SAHI) in YOLOv8 to Counting Oil Palm Trees Using High-Resolution Aerial Imagery Data

PERJANJIAN POLA KEMITRAAN DALAM PELAKSANAAN PEREMAJAAN TANAMAN KELAPA SAWIT

One effort to increase the productivity of oil palm plants is to carry out a replanting program. In implementing the oil palm plant rejuvenation program, most of the planters come from low-educated communities who lack knowledge regarding what and how partnership patterns are. It is the government's authority to regulate cooperative relations between plantation companies and farmers. This collaboration is carried out considering that planters may not be capable enough to work on rejuvenating their oil palm plantations, whereas if oil palm trees that are over 20-25 years old are not rejuvenated, they will no longer be productive and will produce little fruit. This collaboration is carried out by plantation companies as the core and plasma farmers/planters. In implementing this replanting program, there are several models of partnership patterns, one of which is the Intiplasm partnership pattern which is the most popular in implementing this program. The method used in this research is Normative Juridical with the research approach used is qualitative by examining statutory documents and comparing them with conditions in the field. The research results showed that the implementation of Minister of Agriculture Decree Number 940/KPTS/OT.210/10/97 concerning Guidelines for Agricultural Business Partnerships in the Implementation of Oil Palm Plant Rejuvenation has been carried out well, as evidenced by the existence of several regions in Indonesia that have successfully and completed following replanting using the intiplasma partnership pattern. This type of partnership pattern in implementing replanting is very important, because it can help people who do not have funds to continue participating in the replanting program. Then the form of legal protection obtained by farmers if a dispute occurs is through mediation and efforts to resolve disputes outside of court. Then, if no bright spot is found, the problem can then be resolved in court with all the consequences. Keywords: Palm Oil; Rejuvenation; Partnership Pattern.

Fermentation medium optimization of Streptomyces sp. as an antifungal agent against the Ganoderma boninensis pathogen in oil palm

Ganoderma boninensis is the most common fungus which attacks oil palm trees. However, a significant percentage of inhibition to the problem is found through the use of Streptomyces sp. The optimization of the Streptomyces sp. fermentation medium growth factors affects the secondary metabolites production. This study aimed to identify the best formulation of carbon and nitrogen sources and the optimum concentration of Streptomyces sp. fermentation medium for antifungal compound production. The results showed that the best sources of carbon and nitrogen were liquid glucose and monosodium glutamate in the inhibition zones of 16.7 mm and 6.3 mm, while the best concentration levels were 20 g/L and 14.19 g/L, respectively. The results of the first optimization showed an inhibition zone response and area (%) of the optimum high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) chromatogram of 24.39 mm and 62.68 percent, respectively. Taking the suggestion of the first optimization, the second optimization produced 15.2 g/L and 8.3 g/L. The predicted value of the inhibition zone was 21.47 mm, and the area (%) of the HPLC chromatogram was 53.44 percent. The validation results showed an inhibition zone response of 22.01 mm and an HPLC chromatogram area (%) of 54.86 percent. The difference between the predicted and validation values was less than 5 percent; the validation value was thus in line with the value predicted by Design Expert 10.0.7. The chemical formula of the probable active compound is that of the cyclo(phenylalanyl‐prolyl) compound.

Analysis of Determining The Cost of Replanting for Smallholder Oil Palm Plantations Using Annuities Model with Python

Palm oil replanting is a necessary activity to enhance the productivity of aging oil palm trees. However, the high costs associated with replanting often create a financial burden for farmers. To address this issue, the study proposes the implementation of a contribution or levy system for smallholder farmers while their oil palm plantations are still productive, which would alleviate the financial burden of replanting. The research methodology employed includes a literature review and primary data collection through a survey of smallholder farmers, with the data being processed to create a mathematical model and simulated using the Python programming language. The results of this study include the development of a mathematical model for the levy and distribution of replanting costs, along with a simulation of the proposed system. This model could help smallholder farmers prepare for replanting costs, enhance the sustainability of palm oil production, and ultimately increase productivity.