Palm Oil Research Articles

A Study on Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons (MOH) Contamination in Pig Diets and Its Transfer to Back Fat and Loin Tissues

This study assessed saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOSH) and aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons (MOAH) levels in grower–finisher feeds for pigs supplemented with 5% crude palm oil (CP), crude olive pomace oil (COP), olive pomace acid oil (OPA), or a blend of CP and OPA (50:50, w/w); the contribution of the lipid source to that contamination; and the ability of pigs to accumulate MOH in back fat and loin tissues after 60 days of trial. MOSH and MOAH were analyzed with liquid chromatography (LC)–gas chromatography (GC)–flame ionization detection (FID) after sample preparation. Among the lipid sources, CP had the lowest MOH levels, but CP feeds showed the highest contamination. This, along with the different MOSH profiles, indicated the presence of more significant contamination sources in the feeds than the lipid source. The higher MOH contamination in CP feeds was reflected in the highest MOSH levels in pig back fat, whereas MOAH were not detected in animal tissues. Also, MOSH bioaccumulation in pig tissues was influenced by the carbon chain length. In conclusion, feed manufacturing processes can determine the MOSH contamination present in animal adipose tissues that can be included in human diets.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT IN ELECTRICAL DISCHARGE MACHINING OF SS316 USING GRAPHITE POWDER DISPERSED IN BIODEGRADABLE PALM OIL DIELECTRIC

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing industry, researchers and engineers are constantly seeking innovative methods to improve machining processes. One such area of interest is the use of electrical discharge machining (EDM) for difficult-to-machine metals like SS316. This research compares the performance and economic aspects of traditional EDM and powder-mixed EDM when machining SS316 using copper electrode. Graphite powder dispersed in biodegradable palm oil is investigated as a dielectric media with the aim of enhancing EDM performance. According to the findings, the analysis of the cutting performance of different machinability aspects revealed that using graphite powder mixed with palm oil as a dielectric in EDM outperformed conventional EDM relating to material removal, surface finish, surface hardness, electrode wear rate and hole overcut. The flushing condition and unique properties of graphite powder and palm oil, such as cooling, and thermal conductivity, contributed to the improved performance observed in EDM processes. These findings highlight the potential of graphite powder mixed with palm oil as a promising alternative dielectric in EDM, offering enhanced machining capabilities and improved surface quality. The total machining expenditure per part under PMEDM (INR 505.50) is lowered by 9.2% than expenditure under conventional EDM (INR 525). The surface microhardness of the machined component attained using graphite powder-mixed EDM is enhanced in comparison to that achieved using standard EDM due to the creation of a carbon-rich re-solidified layer.

Biodiesel production from refined palm oil through transesterification: effect in a pilot thermal plant

This article presents the biodiesel production process from refined palm oil (RPO) through transesterification with ethanol and investigates its impact on a pilot thermal plant, encompassing both physical and environmental characterizations. The study adheres to the ASTM D 6751 standard, which delineates specifications for non-fossil origin fuels. The results indicate that biodiesel derived from RPO, when mixed with diesel in various proportions, exhibits significant potential, as its properties align with quality standards, particularly concerning power generation and gas emissions in the pilot thermal plant at ECCI University.

Selective lipase-catalyzed hydrolysis for removal of diglyceride in palm oil

Palm-based transformer oil is an environmentally friendly and renewable alternative to mineral-based oil for use as an insulating oil. However, the crystallization of palm oil at low temperatures can cause operational issues in transformers. In this research, low diglyceride palm oil is first proposed as a promising base stock for palm-based insulating oil to overcome this issue. The research focuses on the removal of diglycerides (DG) from palm oil by selective enzymatic hydrolysis under a solvent-free system. The results indicate that the lipase GS-250G specifically catalyzes only DG molecules without hydrolyzing TG molecules, despite TG molecules being more prone to hydrolysis than DG molecules due to their higher concentration in palm oil. This unique behavior is probably attributed to steric hindrance by bulky amino acids surrounding the catalytic pocket of lipase GS-250G. Under optimum conditions (30 °C, atmospheric pressure, water content of 16 wt%, agitation speed of 850 rpm, lipase loading of 0.005 wt%, and 4 h of reaction time), the lipase GS-250G reduced the DG content in palm oil from 7 % to 0.5 % with a degree of DG hydrolysis of 95 %. After purification, the final product was composed of 99 % triglyceride (TG). The cold stability test suggested that the nucleation and crystallization rate during the crystal formation of palm oil were reduced by decreasing the DG content. The finding suggests that the proposed procedure in this work is a rapid and environmentally sustainable method for DG removal, which can solve the major problem of palm oil. This discovery opens new opportunities for palm oil to be used as a raw material only for insulating oil but also for various palm based products.

The Disposition of Oil Palm Infrastructure

The Tzen oil palm plantation in the northwestern corner of Wide Bay in Pomio District, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea is a highly infrastructured space. Roads surround and order the oil palm plantings into a grid-like space and connect the main estate to the extensions of the plantation in the surrounding area. Not only is the plantation an area characterized by these ‘hard infrastructures’, but the plantation was established in 2008 as a part of a large combined logging and agriculture project aimed to bring income, employment and road infrastructure to the rural and remote Pomio District. In this essay, I examine these two infrastructural features of the Tzen oil palm plantation. I begin by examining the specific components of the wider infrastructural system of the plantation, such as the road network, the palm oil mill and the palm oil pipeline that connects to the mill. After this, I examine the logging and agriculture projects as a part of the plan which the plantation was established. I argure that while the provision of infrastructure is built into the plan of the logging and plantation project, so the extractive logic of this project is built into the infrastructural system being developed.

Thermal Insulation of “akassa” Hot Preservation Baskets Using Cow Dung Coatings

The use of eco-materials for thermal insulation is becoming more and more recommended compared with synthetic materials. They have the advantage of being biodegradable and sometimes less expensive. To this end, the use of packaging with the function of hot preservatives but made from local and biodegradable materials is a very interesting alternative to synthetic enclosures. This work involved formulating eco-materials made from cow dung coatings and a mixture of cow dung coatings with a framework of fibres extracted from the stalks of oil palm leaves. In addition, to monitor the temperature rise in the various eco-materials manufactured and characterise them using the hot ribbon method to determine their effusivity and thermal conductivity. The pair of materials exposed to heating showed a gradual rise in temperature within the materials when the resistor was energised. A slightly faster rise was observed in the first fifty minutes. The results obtained indicate that the cow dung has a higher effusivity (E = 517.32 J.m<sup>-2</sup>. °C<sup>-1</sup>. s<sup>-1/2</sup>) than its composite (E = 501.20 J.m<sup>-2</sup>. °C<sup>-1</sup>. s<sup>-1/2</sup>). The thermal conductivity values obtained indicate that the cow dung has a higher thermal conductivity (λ'=0.19 W.m^(-1).K^(-1)) than that of the composite structure (λ=0.15 W.m^(-1).K^(-1)). From the above, the presence of the fibre frame has the effect of reducing thermal conductivity because it absorbs more energy. The materials produced therefore have proven insulating properties, which are improved when the framework is made from fibres extracted from the stalks of oil palm leaves. Using oil palm fibres in combination with cow dung as eco-materials for thermal insulation is an excellent alternative to synthetic insulation.

Characterization of Lipid Extracts from Different Colors of Peach Palm Fruits—Red, Yellow, Green, and White—Obtained through Ultrasound-Assisted Green Extraction

This study represents a pioneering investigation and comparative analysis of lipid extracts from four different colors of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunt) fruits—red, yellow, green, and white—by employing a green method based on ethanolic ultrasound-assisted extraction. This study examined the extraction yield, physico-chemical-quality attributes, chromatographic profiles (GC), color measurements, total carotenoid content, differential thermogravimetry (TG/DTA), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained lipid extracts displayed a high quality, considering the physico-chemical parameters of the Codex Alimentarius, and a fatty acids profile characterized by unsaturated fatty acids, notably omegas (ω-3, ω-6, and ω-9). The indices of atherogenicity (A.I.), thrombogenicity (I.T.), and hypocholesterolemic and hypercholesterolemic ratios revealed superior outcomes for the red peach palm lipid extract (approximately 0.35, 0.52, and 2.75, respectively), along with higher levels of β-carotene (748.36 µg of β-carotene per 100 g−1 of lipid extract) compared to the yellow, green, and white counterparts. Consequently, this research successfully demonstrates the efficacy of using a green extraction method in preserving the lipid’s quality, which can display cardiovascular functionality and thermal stability. These findings underscore the considerable potential of peach palm lipid extract as a valuable raw material for diverse industrial applications across various sectors. The results support its utilization in the production of functional food products and nutraceuticals due to its favorable fatty acid composition, potent antioxidant properties exhibited by its high β-carotene content, and notable cardiovascular functionality indices.

Analysis of Green HRM, Green Value Strategic Improving CSR and Green Performance in Central Kalimantan HSL Palm Companies

Research in the field of human resources that raises the topic of Green HRM to improve Green Performance. The research base also assesses the role of Strategic Green Value in encouraging corporate CSR and has an impact on increasing green performance. Research was conducted quantitatively on 100 CSR respondents from Sustainable Hutan Sawit Lestari palm oil companies in Central Kalimantan. The results of the analysis with Smart PLS show that Green HRM is significant in increasing Green Performance by (5%, but not significantly increasing the CSR program. The next significant result is Green Value Strategy on Green Performance and the significant effect of increasing CSR by 63%. The results of the analysis of the mediating role are a combination namely the CSR program has a significant positive influence on the relationship between Green Value Strategy and Green Performance and there are insignificant results regarding the mediating role of CSR on the relationship between Green HRM in improving Green Performance. Overall the research model from the Q square value shows 95%, namely the importance of Green HRM, Green Value Strategy, CSR in Green Performance. Implementation of these results can be applied to Sustainable Hutan Sawit Lestari companies for managing HRM and natural resources by providing skills training in maintaining the quality of life of the organization and the company environment in a CSR program to improve the company's reputation. In further research you can consider Green Technology.

Exploring Soil Fertility Variations Under Nephrolepis Biserrata In Multi-Soil Type Of Oil Palm Plantations

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the physical and chemical properties of soil under Nephrolepis biserrata as a ground cover crop in oil palm plantations on Ultisols, Spodosols, and Histosols. Theoretical Framework: The research design comprehensively outlines the procedures for conducting the study, including data sources, collection methods, and analysis techniques, ensuring clarity in describing variables and facilitating effective data collection and analysis. Method: The study design used a splitplot with the main plot on soil types (Ultisols, Spodosols, Histosols) and subplots on cover crop conditions (without cover crop, N. biserrata, various cover crops) covering an area of 180 ha. Results: The research findings demonstrate that the use of cover crops significantly improves both the physical and chemical properties of soil in oil palm plantations. Notably, cover crops effectively enhance various chemical properties, such as pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and exchangeable cations, across different soil types. Even in Histosols with naturally high nutrient levels, implementing cover crops yields substantial benefits, particularly in pH improvement and nutrient enrichment. Research Implications: N. biserrata demonstrated better results compared to different cover crops. However, it's crucial to carefully select appropriate cover crops to improve soil quality and support the growth of oil palm plantations, considering the specific soil type. Originality/Value: This research, focusing on the physical and chemical properties of soil under N. biserrata in Indonesian oil palm plantations, serves as a valuable reference for companies seeking to select the most suitable ground cover plants tailored to their soil types.

Oil Palm Bunch Ripeness Classification and Plantation Verification Platform: Leveraging Deep Learning and Geospatial Analysis and Visualization

Oil palm cultivation thrives as a prominent agricultural endeavor within the southern region of Thailand, where the country ranks third globally in production, following Malaysia and Indonesia. The assessment of oil palm bunch ripeness serves various purposes, notably in determining purchasing prices, pre-harvest evaluations, and evaluating the impacts of disasters or low market prices. Presently, two predominant methods are employed for this assessment, namely human evaluation, and machine learning for ripeness classification. Human assessment, while boasting high accuracy, necessitates the involvement of farmers or experts, resulting in prolonged processing times, especially when dealing with extensive datasets or dispersed fields. Conversely, machine learning, although capable of accurately classifying harvested oil palm bunches, faces limitations concerning its inability to process images of oil palm bunches on trees and the absence of a platform for on-tree ripeness classification. Considering these challenges, this study introduces the development of a classification platform leveraging machine learning (deep learning) in conjunction with geospatial analysis and visualization to ascertain the ripeness of oil palm bunches while they are still on the tree. The research outcomes demonstrate that oil palm bunch ripeness can be accurately and efficiently classified using a mobile device, achieving an impressive accuracy rate of 99.89% with a training dataset comprising 8779 images and a validation accuracy of 96.12% with 1160 images. Furthermore, the proposed platform facilitates the management and processing of spatial data by comparing coordinates derived from images with oil palm plantation data obtained through crowdsourcing and the analysis of cloud or satellite images of oil palm plantations. This comprehensive platform not only provides a robust model for ripeness assessment but also offers potential applications in government management contexts, particularly in scenarios necessitating real-time information on harvesting status and oil palm plantation conditions.

A visual exploration of resource curse in East Kalimantan

Kalimantan has emerged as a primary hub for global coal and palm oil production, particularly in East Kalimantan. This visual essay delves into the concept of the resource curse, examining its potential negative impact on local health and communities, given the heavy reliance on coal and palm oil for economic and infrastructure development. Employing Autophotography during fieldwork research in 2023, the essay presents a series of photographs to prompt discussion and reflection on critical engagement with this ongoing discourse. It underscores Autophotography's role as a critical approach to narrating local narratives and knowledge within a defined conceptual framework aimed at disseminating it to a wider audience. This highlights the potential of visual essays in generating and representing knowledge, thus contributing to knowledge production.

Whole-genome sequencing of Ganoderma boninense, the causal agent of basal stem rot disease in oil palm, via combined short- and long-read sequencing

The hemibiotrophic Basidiomycete pathogen Ganoderma boninense (Gb) is the dominant causal agent of oil palm basal stem rot disease. Here, we report a complete chromosomal genome map of Gb using a combination of short-read Illumina and long-read Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) sequencing platforms combined with chromatin conformation capture data from the Chicago and Hi-C platforms. The genome was 55.87 Mb in length and assembled to a high contiguity (N50: 304.34 kb) of 12 chromosomes built from 112 scaffolds, with a total of only 4.34 Mb (~ 7.77%) remaining unplaced. The final assemblies were evaluated for completeness of the genome by using Benchmarking Universal Single Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) v4.1.4, and based on 4464 total BUSCO polyporales group searches, the assemblies yielded 4264 (95.52%) of the conserved orthologs as complete and only a few fragmented BUSCO of 42 (0.94%) as well as a missing BUSCO of 158 (3.53%). Genome annotation predicted a total of 21,074 coding genes, with a GC content ratio of 59.2%. The genome features were analyzed with different databases, which revealed 2471 Gene Ontology/GO (11.72%), 5418 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) Orthologous/KO (25.71%), 13,913 Cluster of Orthologous Groups of proteins/COG (66.02%), 60 ABC transporter (0.28%), 1049 Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes/CAZy (4.98%), 4005 pathogen–host interactions/PHI (19%), and 515 fungal transcription factor/FTFD (2.44%) genes. The results obtained in this study provide deep insight for further studies in the future.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Contamination and Quality of Locally Produced Crude Palm Oil in South-South Zone, Nigeria

Background: Oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq is a perennial crop mainly cultivated for its vegetable oil. The fatty acid composition of crude palm oil (CPO) is mostly composed of palmitic, stearic oleic, and linoleic acids. Objectives: This study evaluated the quality of locally produced CPO from six states of South-South zone, Nigeria. Methods: The parameters of CPOs were characterized by specific gravity (SG), acid value (AV), percentage of free fatty acid (%FFA), and saponification value (SV) and peroxide value (PV). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in CPO were quantified using standard procedures, the related risk due to daily consumption of 25 g was characterized by lifetime cancer risk (LCR) and margin of exposure (MOE). Results: The study observed that the mean values of the parameters were 0.931 SG; 5.01 mgKOH g-1 AV; 2.28% FFA; 177.27 mgKOH g-1 SV and 29.65 meqO2 kg-1 PV. Apart from %FFA, the others did not meet the requirements recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the joint WHO/FAO. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs suggested a mixture of petrogenic and pyrogenic origins. The MOEs showed low health concern while 16PAH-LCR values which ranged from 2.48E-04 - 4.48E-04 were unacceptable. The screening value 0.003 was significantly (p> 0.05) lower than the computed total BaP equivalent (BaPeq) values indicating potential human health concerns. It is recommended that CPO processing and storage methods should be properly monitored to prevent quality reduction and contamination, which might have adverse effect on consumers.

Elucidating the Correlation of Lignocellulosic Compositions and Physicochemical Alterations in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Biomass on Enzymatic Saccharification Yield

Elucidating the Correlation of Lignocellulosic Compositions and Physicochemical Alterations in Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) Biomass on Enzymatic Saccharification Yield

Community’s perception of buren site conservation in Upper Barito, Kalimantan, Indonesia

PurposeThis paper aims to describe and analyse the community’s perceptions of buren sites and how they maintain their value. Buren is a term used by locals to refer to the location of former iron ore smelting in the past. Archaeological findings at smelting sites are slags, ore fragments, tuyeres and smelting furnaces. These sites urgently need to be conserved because the expansion of oil palm plantations and coal mines is ongoing. Buren sites are on community and customary land, so site conservation and development must consider community perception.Design/methodology/approachThe primary data were gathered through interviews, group discussions and observation. A literature review of previous research results obtained secondary data. Interviews and group discussions were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim as qualitative coding. Thematic content analysis was performed using the concepts of the community’s perception and heritage values.FindingsThe community initially did not care about the buren. Today, they believe the buren as ancestral heritage has historical and educational value. The community hopes the buren can be preserved and developed to reinforce identity and pride as Dayak people and may improve community welfare.Research limitations/implicationsPreserving and developing buren sites necessitate serious planning involving multiple stakeholders, as well as incorporating buren sites into development plans and regional socioeconomic growth. Future research should focus on strategies for preserving and developing buren sites.Practical implicationsResearch results are used to teach students about the history and technology of metal making, instilling a sense of patriotism, strength and pride in Dayak’s identity.Social implicationsThe research has an impact on attitudes and behaviour of the locals. Previously, locals did not care about the buren tend to be afraid to enter it because they believed that buren was a guarded spirit. Now, the community has become concerned, participating in preserving the buren site as providing temporary roofs and making signboards and roads to the site. The community with support from regional officials expects to conserve and utilise the buren site as a tourist destination, combining river tours and forest tourism to create economic opportunities for local tour guides, parking services and boat providers.Originality/valueThe authenticity of this research is the sites are archaeologically valuable and are threatened by the expansion of oil palm plantations and coal mining. This is also the first study of an iron industrial site in Indonesia that addresses this problem and uses this method.

Fire Resistance of Lightweight Aggregate Concrete Containing Spent Garnet as Partial Fine Aggregate Replacement

Introduction The escalating demand for concrete, driven by global infrastructure development, poses significant challenges to environmental sustainability due to the depletion of natural resources and the accumulation of waste materials. This paper explores the potential of utilizing waste materials, particularly palm oil clinker (POC) and spent garnets, as sustainable alternatives in concrete production. The depletion of natural aggregates, such as river sand, coupled with the environmental hazards associated with waste disposal, underscores the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions in construction materials. POC, derived from palm oil production waste, and spent garnets from abrasive industries offer promising avenues for reducing environmental impact and enhancing sustainability in concrete production. By addressing the dual challenges of resource depletion and waste management, this research aims to contribute to developing greener construction practices and mitigating environmental degradation. Aims This study aims to investigate the effects of incorporating spent garnet as a partial fine aggregate replacement on the fire resistance of POC LWAC. By examining the interplay between spent garnet inclusion and fire resistance, the research contributes to developing more sustainable concrete formulations and aids in industrial waste management practices, addressing critical societal and environmental challenges. Methods This study investigates the effects of elevated temperatures on the compressive strength and durability of POC LWAC specimens. Concrete specimens were demoulded after 24 hours of curing and submerged in water for 28 days. Compressive strength and water absorption tests were conducted at the end of the curing period. Subsequently, specimens were subjected to temperatures of 300 °C, 500 °C, and 700 °C for 1 hour in a furnace. After cooling naturally for 24 hours, visual inspection, mass reduction analysis, and evaluation of residual compressive strength were performed. Results Results indicate that 20% garnet replacement yields the highest compressive strength due to pore filling and denser structure. Higher garnet levels lead to reduced strength and increased water absorption. Visual assessment post-heating shows surface alterations, with 20% garnet exhibiting the lowest mass loss and strength reduction at elevated temperatures. Conclusion Notably, specimens containing 20% spent garnet in POC LWAC performed better in a fire than others, enhancing their fire-resistant properties. In summary, this research introduces a hopeful approach to improve the sustainability of concrete and mitigate the environmental repercussions of industrial waste.

Physiological characterization and bioactive compounds of promising accessions of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in the Peruvian Amazon

Cowpea production in the Peruvian Amazon is increasing due to its ability to adapt to diverse environments, its contribution to soil conservation, and its versatility of uses. This crop is particularly valuable in human nutrition due to its high nutritional quality and nutraceutical properties of its bioactive compounds. The aim of the study was to evaluate the physiology of cowpea plants in accessions PER1005854, PER1005851, and PER12645, under the influence of rice husk mulch, screw tree litter, and oil palm fiber, as well as to determine the bioactive compounds present in the grains. This study aims to promote sustainable cowpea production, expose the nutritional aspects of the grains, and foster their consumption both locally and nationally. The experiment was conducted from November 2022 to March 2023, in Yurimaguas, Loreto, Peru. The application of organic mulches demonstrates a significantly positive impact on the growth of cowpea accessions during their vegetative phase. This effect is possibly attributed to increased water availability, as the mulch reduces soil evaporation. In particular, cowpea accessions PER12645 and PER1005851 exhibit desirable physiological characteristics for grain production, with short cycles of 71 days and higher yields of 1141 and 1125 kg/ha respectively. In contrast, accession PER1005854 is distinguished by its higher biomass production, reaching a value of 14497 kg/ha, a relevant trait for foliage production and its contribution to soil conservation. The bioactive compounds, such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, present in the accessions PER1005854, PER1005851, and PER12645, are similar to those found in other legumes. However, the antioxidant activity of dark tegument cowpeas proved to be superior, particularly highlighted in accession PER12645 (black tegument) with 26.3 μmolTG/g, and in accession PER1005854 (dark red tegument) with 19.5 μmolTG/g. This characteristic is particularly important for consumption, as it is related to the ability to combat oxidative stress in the human body.

Palm oil amends serum female hormones, ovarian antioxidants, inflammatory markers, and DNA fragmentation in favism-induced female rats.

Favism is a metabolic disease and this study evaluates the effectiveness of palm oil and its triacylglycerol constituent in favism-induced female rats to restore serum female hormones, ovarian antioxidants, inflammatory markers, and DNA fragmentation. Animals were 36 female albino rats. They classified to two equal (normal and favism) groups. The normal group was divided into three equal subgroups: the control, palm oil, and triacylglycerol subgroups. The normal rats were given 1 mL of saline, 1 mL of palm oil, and 1 mL of triacylglycerol orally, respectively. The Favism group was classified also into three equal subgroups: the favism group, the favism + palm oil, the Favism + triacylglycerol. The favism rats were given 1 mL of saline, 1 mL of palm oil, and 1 mL of triacylglycerol orally. For four weeks, all treatments were administered orally via oral gavage once daily. The hemoglobin, hematocrite, the blood cells, glucose and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, and liver function were decreased in favism. Female hormones suchas serum luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, Estrone, Estriol, 17α-Estradiol, 17β-Estradiol, and Estradiol-17-β-stearate were decreased in favism. Ovarian antioxidants were decreased while ovarian inflammatory markers were increased in favism. Favism induced ovarian DNA apoptosis. Furthermore, oral administration with palm oil or its triacylglycerol constituent in favism-induced female rats restored all these parameters to be approached the control levels. Palm oil restored serum female hormones, ovarian antioxidants, inflammatory markers, and DNA fragmentation in favism-induced female rats and this effect related to oil triacylglycerol constituent.

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.

Palm Oil Yield Prediction using Machine Learning

Palm Oil Yield Prediction using Machine Learning