Palm Plantations Research Articles

Virulence of Jordanian indigenous Beauveria bassiana isolates as entomopathogenic fungi against red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

BackgroundRed palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), has recently become a significant threat to date palm trees in Jordan and other regions around the world. This destructive pest causes significant economic losses by boring into palm trunks, leading to tree death. Among the different pest management methods within integrated pest management (IPM) programs, biological control utilizing microorganisms has emerged as a promising sustainable approach. Of particular interest is the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana which has shown significant efficacy against various insect pests and could be promising.ResultsThree local isolates of B. bassiana were obtained from soil samples in the Al-Balqa governorate, Jordan. These isolates were identified using morphological and molecular techniques. The virulence of these isolates against RPW larvae and adults was evaluated under laboratory conditions, with isolate BA1 approved to be the most effective, causing 100% mortality rates of wax moth larvae and 90% in RPW larvae, with about 60% mortality of RPW adults. Comparative studies underscored the variability in virulence among different B. bassiana isolates which were influenced by factors such as hydrophobicity and enzymatic activity.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that local B. bassiana isolates hold potential as an environmentally safe strategy for IPM in date palm cultivation, contributing to sustainable pest control practices for RPW.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) bioactive constituents and their applications as natural multifunctional ingredients in health-promoting foods and nutraceuticals: A comprehensive review.

Foods that support human health and longevity are becoming increasingly relevant as substitutes for or adjuncts to pharmacological drugs, either through direct consumption or incorporation into designer foods fortified with health-promoting ingredients. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits, seeds, and pollen are a cornerstone of diverse food and medicine traditions. Their reported metabolic activities include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, antitumor, antianemia, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and antiviral effects. Beneficial effects on gut health and vascular health, as well as effectiveness in alleviating certain dysfunctions of the reproductive system, have also been noted. The genomic diversity of this versatile tree and the diverse agroecological conditions in which it grows lead to appreciable variations in the occurrence of protective nutrients and other high-value bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoid and non-flavonoid phenolics, carotenoids, phytosterols, and oxylipins, whose potential remains underutilized in the food sector. As food ingredients, date fruits and their co-products can improve the sensory, nutritional, and nutraceutical qualities of a broad range of dietary items. Their high nutritional density can assist with the design of novel or improved products that meet the demand for healthier foods. This review summarizes the current state of evidence on the potentialities of date palm fruits and co-products in functional food development, focusing on the nutrients and extra-nutritional compounds of interest, their biofunctional activities, and factors that influence their abundance and bioactivity. Proofs of concept across food and beverage categories, new developments, and clinical evidence are discussed, followed by recommendations for addressing research gaps.

Micropropagation of coconut (Cocos nucifera Linn var. pandan) through somatic embryogenesis technique

Coconut, also known as Cocos nucifera, is one of the most recalcitrant species for in vitro regeneration. Conventional coconut breeding has a long lifetime and high heterozygosity, making it a time-consuming, intricate, and costly technique for plant growth. As a result, it is critical to replant most of the world's agricultural land and to develop new soil. This massive undertaking will necessitate planting at least a billion coconut palm trees, which cannot be propagated by seed. Somatic embryogenesis, as a biotechnological alternative, is thus required. Work on this subject has been done in laboratories in numerous countries, with different techniques and explant shapes being investigated. The zygotic embryos are more effective in initiating the callus induction fortified on C1 and C2 formulations added with activated charcoal, gelling agent, and hormone 2, 4- dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4- D). The study has observed that the C1 media successfully initiated callus formation, but the C2 media allowed embryogenic calluses and somatic embryos to develop. From this study, the seedling and regenerated callus were growing well on C3 media. Mature coconut plantlets were acclimated using a combination of sphagnum, sand, and soil mix. The plantlets, on the other hand, could not adapt to their circumstances.

Response to chemical and organic fertilization in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Mejhoul variety in Northwestern Mexico

This research was conducted to determine the effect of chemical, organic, and combined fertilization on the fruit yield of the Mejhoul date palm variety in Northwestern of Mexico. The variables measured were polar diameter, equatorial diameter of the fruit, roundness index, number of clusters, number of leaves per palm, number of leaves per cluster, fruits with separated skin, dried fruits and commercial yield. The design used was complete randomized blocks with five replicates, where each palm tree was the experimental unit. The results indicate that chemical fertilization 262N-138P2O5-540K2O alone or in combination with compost application (three or six tons per hectare) increases polar and equatorial diameter, promoting the oval growth of dates. Fruits with separated skin continue to occur regardless of the origin of the fertilizers. The number of fruits increases with chemical fertilization, but the total yield of dates remains consistent across the treatments evaluated. In conclusion, date palms respond favorably to the combination of chemical and organic fertilization, but date yields did not increase.

Experimental study of porosity and permeability of stabilized earth blocks by date palm plant fibers

The physical behavior characteristics of stabilized earth blocks (SEBs) reinforced with date palm plant fibers (PFDP) are examined in this experimental investigation. Various compounds were prepared, including 0%, 5%, and 10% lime, 0%, 5%, and 10% cement, and a combination of 5% lime and 5% cement. Additionally, fibers were incorporated at rates of 0%, 0.25%, and 0.5% by weight for each of the compounds. The study of porosity and permeability was conducted using several methods, including total porosity estimation, total volume porosity in water, open porosity, water vapor permeability, chloride ion permeability, and hydraulic conductivity, over a period of 90 days. The findings indicated that the incorporation of fiber enhanced the porosity and connectivity of pores, resulting in increased permeability of the SEBs. The cement-based bricks demonstrated a greater effectiveness than lime in decreasing the porosity and permeability of the blocks. The formulation consisting of 10% cement and the blend of 5% lime with 5% cement demonstrated satisfactory outcomes regarding porosity and permeability. This indicates that these materials are suitable for use in construction applications that demand enhanced durability and resistance to both natural and chemical influences.

Influence of layering variation with addition of bio-fillers on mechanical and thermal performances of hybrid polyester composites

The extensive application of composites reinforced with synthetic or natural fibers and bio-fillers represents a recent advanced trend in research. This research seeks to assess the optimal ratio of wood dust (WD) and fish scale powder (FSP) for forming a hybrid filler mix to reinforce Palmyra Palm leaf stalk (P)/Glass (G) polyester laminate, aiming to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. The ideal ratio is identified by evaluating the mechanical properties of various weight fraction combinations of WD and FSP filler in polyester. The test results showed that the optimal filler hybridization ratio is 5 wt.% WD and 10 wt.% FSP. Hybrid laminates are then produced by combining equal layers of glass and palm leaf stalk fiber in different stacking configurations, incorporating an optimal mixture of hybrid fillers. The experimental findings revealed that, the inclusion of an optimal blend of WD and FSP filler results in improvements in mechanical properties, with a 51.93% increase in tensile strength, a 36.27% boost in flexural strength, a 20.48% rise in impact resistance, and a 10.08% enhancement in micro-hardness. Additionally, the findings revealed that the laminate with GPPG stacking order shows the highest mechanical properties compared to other stacking sequences. To further examine the thermal degradation and various failure mechanisms, Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and fractography study using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) are conducted.

Deep Learning Mask R-CNN and Template Matching Algorithm For Tree Counting Analysis of Oil Palm Trees (Case Study: East Tanjung Jabung District, Jambi Province)

Abstract Indonesia is one of the largest producers and exporters of palm oil in the world. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in 2022 palm oil production has increased to 46.82 million tons. Palm oil has great potential; thus, technology is needed to analyze its productivity. Therefore, calculating palm tree percentages is an important aspect of land monitoring, plant maintenance, and efficient production planning. However, manual palm tree counting is time-consuming and labor-intensive and tends to be less efficient in large plantations. In addition, the lack of accuracy in estimating the number of trees and the age of crops can affect land planning and management. Algorithm development in geomatics science can automatically calculate oil palm trees using aerial photo data combined with template matching and deep learning methods, which are expected to provide efficient and accurate solutions. In this study, 620 samples of oil palm trees were trained. From the visual interpretation results, 6212 trees were obtained; from the processing results using the deep learning method, 6359 trees were obtained, and using the template matching method, 6756 trees were obtained. Through the validation test using the confusion matrix, the overall accuracy of the deep learning method was 95.15%, and the overall accuracy obtained using the template matching method was 87.17%.

Wallace in the Amazon

This work presents a teaching and learning sequence (TLS) that aims to engage students in learning core biological knowledge and well-informed conceptions about the nature of science through a historical case study: Alfred Russel Wallace’s (1823–1913) research on palm trees in the Amazon. He observed, illustrated, described, and collected several specimens to understand the region’s biological diversity. We took it as a starting point for students to use a dichotomous identification key and develop a phylogenetic tree. We also mention an evaluation of the TLS applied in second-year high school classes involving sixty students from a public school in the city of São Paulo in 2013. The activity produced several positive effects, especially regarding motivation for learning phylogenetic classification from exemplary historical contexts. The experience illustrates in a more general way how the use of nature investigations carried out in the past can contribute to a more complete scientific education, as described in the new curricular standards.

Enhancing palm precision agriculture: An approach based on deep learning and UAVs for efficient palm tree detection

Enhancing palm precision agriculture: An approach based on deep learning and UAVs for efficient palm tree detection

Palm Oil Tree Canopy Identification Using Deep Learning Approach (Case Study: Tanjung Gusta District, North Sumatera)

Abstract The palm oil plantation industry in Indonesia has growing rapidly as demand for palm oil increases globally. This needs to be supported by technological innovation to increase palm oil production. One of them is to integrate the power of artificial intelligence technology. This research aims to develop a robust and accurate method for segmenting oil palm trees in plantation areas. Leveraging deep learning algorithms techniques, the research explores the potential of SAM in accurately delineating individual oil palm trees derived from aerial imagery data. The study also involves the development of a comprehensive and versatile labelled dataset to support the training and validation of the deep learning models for oil palm tree counting and segmentation. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated and discussed critically. This research demonstrates the potential of deep learning algorithms for large-scale mapping and accurate counting of oil palm trees in plantation areas. The author hopes that the result and analysis of this research will give insight and improvement in detecting oil palm trees using automatic method.

Validation of the Adapted Picture Version of the Pyramids and Palm Trees Test for Thais with Dementia

Objective: We aimed to validate Pyramids and Palm Trees test (PPT) in dementia cohort and explore reliability measurement of this test. Materials and Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional study. A total of 30 subjects were recruited from the Memory Clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Thailand: 15 non-dementia adults and 15 dementia patients (mild to moderate stage). In content validation, the picture version of the PPT was given to experts to evaluate the content of the test. According to consensus, some pictures with cultural issues were adapted to be more culturally appropriate. For concurrent validation, the PPT was compared against standard tests (Thai Mental Status Examination (TMSE), Boston Naming Test (BNT), Animal Fluency Test) using Spearman correlation and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis. The internal reliability of the PPT was assessed using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Cronbach’s Alpha. Results: Among the 52 pictures in the PPT, 25 pictures were changed. The median score of the PPT was 49 for non-dementia group and 43 for dementia group. The PPT was significantly correlated with the Animal Fluency Test, the BNT, and the TMSE. ROC analysis revealed an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.8. ICC was 0.86 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.92), and internal consistency was 0.87, indicating good to satisfactory reliability. Conclusions: The PPT demonstrated good concurrent validity compared to the TMSE, BNT, and Animal Fluency Test in dementia patients. Based on this study, it is recommended as a test for semantic memory in Thai individuals with dementia.

Assessing the Effects of Palm Oil Consumption on Life Expectancy, Metabolic Markers, and Oxidative Stress in Drosophila melanogaster.

Palm oil is the world's second most consumed vegetable oil, sourced from the tropical palm tree Elaeis guineensis. Its consumption has been associated with a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease, largely due to its elevated palmitic acid content, however those studies are contradictory and inconclusive. Wishing to contribute to this issue, the present study aims to investigate the molecular and toxicological effects of this oil and the involvement of oxidative stress, given its role in metabolic dysfunctions using Drosophila melanogaster. This study examines survival rates, and locomotor performance, oxidative status by analysis of lipid peroxidation, ROS formation, thiol levels and antioxidant enzyme activity, and metabolic parameters such as cholesterol and triglycerides, glucose, trehalose and glycogen levels. Exposure to palm oil concentrations of 10% and 30% resulted in a shortened lifespan, reduced locomotor performance, and increased lipid peroxidation, with lower thiol levels and antioxidant enzyme modulation. Cholesterol levels was increased whereas energetic fuels as glucose and glycogen and trehalose were decreased mainly after 10 days of exposure. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of high-fat diets containing palm oil on lifespan, antioxidant defenses, and metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster. This data highlights the potential risk associated with the habitual consumption of palm oil in the daily diet by population, particularly concerning cardiovascular health and metabolic function.

Oil palm leaf protein hydrolysate and its novel peptides as alternative plant-based α-glucosidase inhibitors

Oil palm leaf protein hydrolysate and its novel peptides as alternative plant-based α-glucosidase inhibitors

Design and Development of a Stainless Steel Fermentation Tank for Palm Wine with Gravity Purification Construction

Tourism and culinary activities are increasingly integrated into wine tourism, a key segment of agricultural tourism. Palma wine, a traditional wine produced from the sap of palm trees (locally known as sagars), is a significant product for the Minahasa farming community in North Sulawesi. This study focuses on optimizing the fermentation process to enhance the quality of Palma wine by utilizing food-grade HDPE containers and a dual-role fermentation tank. The tank is designed to reduce dust content in the palm sap through an efficient mechanism while minimizing disruptions during the transfer of fermentation products. The research involves designing and testing fermentation tanks based on applied science and technology principles to improve purification processes and standardize effectiveness and efficiency measurements. Results demonstrate that the use of high-quality fermentation tanks enhances the purification process and ensures better-quality Palma wine, contributing to the development of local wine tourism and supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

Increasing the Potential of the Quality of Ex-Mining Land for Oil Palm Plants with Composting and Humic Acid Methods as Soil Remedies

Increasing the Potential of the Quality of Ex-Mining Land for Oil Palm Plants with Composting and Humic Acid Methods as Soil Remedies

Spätzle Regulates Developmental and Immune Trade-Offs Induced by Bacillus thuringiensis Priming in Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

The red palm weevil (RPW) is an invasive pest that causes devastating damage to a variety of palm plants, which exhibit specific immune priming to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). However, immune priming in RPW may incur a high fitness cost, and its molecular signaling pathways have not yet been reported. Here, we investigated the effect of Bt priming on RPW development and subsequently analyzed the hormonal and immune-related molecular pathways influencing the fitness cost induced by Bt priming. Bt priming delayed the body weight gain of fifth-instar larvae and prolonged their developmental duration. Bt priming significantly reduced the 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) content in RPW hemolymph, and the expression levels of the 20E biosynthesis-related genes SHADOW and SHADE were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, we analyzed Toll pathway genes influencing Bt priming and found that only Spätzle (SPZ) transcription was significantly activated under Bt priming. After silencing SPZ expression, the negative effects of Bt priming on development, SHADOW expression, and 20E synthesis were eliminated, thereby suggesting that SPZ is a key molecular signal mediating developmental and immune trade-offs induced by Bt priming. Our results elucidate the molecular cascade pathway of immune priming and provide new targets for improving the efficiency of RPW biological controls.

Remote Sensing Technologies Using UAVs for Pest and Disease Monitoring: A Review Centered on Date Palm Trees

Remote Sensing Technologies Using UAVs for Pest and Disease Monitoring: A Review Centered on Date Palm Trees

Assessment of nutritional composition, phytochemical screening, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) seeds

Phoenix dactylifera seeds possess numerous health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities, due to presence of unique phytochemical components. In present study, the nutritional composition, phytochemical screening, anti-oxidant, and antimicrobial activity of date palm seed were investigated. Results of the present investigation revealed that date seed extract contains moisture content (4.34%), ash content (1.2%), protein (4.4%), and crude fiber (15.87/100 g) on a dry basis. This study explored the valorization potential of date seed by indicating the presence of beneficial phytochemicals such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and tannins, except steroids and cardiac glycosides. The total phenolic content was found to be 448 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g of date seed powder, while the antioxidant activity (%) was determined to be 87.04 ± 1.98. FTIR spectral studies revealed the presence of different functional groups such as OH, C–H, C=O, and CH2 within the range of 3800–800 cm−1. Furthermore, gallic acid concentration in the date seed extract was noted to be 13.293 μg/mL using HPLC analysis. A strong antibacterial effect was observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus, resulting in the inhibition zone diameters of 18 mm and 17 mm, respectively. However, the antibacterial activity was found to be less effective against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, both with an inhibition zone diameter of 16 mm. The research findings suggest that date seeds offer diverse medical applications and may serve as a potential source for various bioactive components.

Phytochemical characterization, toxicity and pharmacological profile of the central effects of the fixed fruit pulp oil of Mauritia flexuosa L.F. (buriti)

Anxiety and depression are mental disorders that have been exponentially increasing over the last decades. Psychopharmacology emerged to try to alleviate the symptoms of these disorders; however, the side effects and the time it takes to achieve the desired effect are factors that decrease the search for and adherence to treatment. To remedy this situation, new compounds capable of improving the performance of these medications and reducing their adverse effects have been sought. The use of medicinal plants has been widely employed for this purpose. Mauritia flexuosa F.L., a palm tree with high incidence in Brazil, has been heavily targeted as all its parts are usable. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of fixed oil from the fruit of the buriti palm in models of depression and anxiety. The phytochemical profile of this oil and its toxicity were also investigated. The experiments conducted included the open field, rotarod, forced swim, and elevated plus maze tests. As a result, it was observed that the fixed oil from buriti palm presented 18 compounds, with elaidic acid being the major one, and showed no signs of toxicity. However, it demonstrated a possible stimulating activity in the open field test and had no effect on the motor system in the rotarod test. Furthermore, it exhibited an antidepressant-like effect in the forced swim test but an anxiety-like effect in the elevated plus maze test. Therefore, buriti oil may potentially be used in new formulations to assist in the treatment of anxiety and depression.

Nira Production In Terms Of Slope Level In South Tapanuli District

South Tapanuli is located at an altitude of 0 to 1,985 m above sea level, where almost at all levels of this altitude we will find sugar palm plants growing wild. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between slope gradient and sugar palm plant productivity in South Tapanuli Regency. The research method used was the field survey method on sugar palm stands used as sample plants with various levels of slope gradient. Furthermore, the data obtained in the field were tabulated and processed using linear regression. The results of the study showed that the slope gradient was negatively correlated with sap production, meaning that the higher the slope gradient, the lower the sap production. The highest sap production was found at an altitude of 400 - 800 meters above sea level with a slope gradient of 8 - 15% with a sap production of 14.27 liters / day.