Researchers to work together in solving oil palm issues

A palm oil plantation in Kampung Perpaduan, Sabah. – Filepic

KUCHING: Researchers from the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) will work with Sarawak Oil Palm Plantation Owners Association (Soppoa) member companies on research and development projects to address issues faced by the oil palm industry in the state.

The projects are mainly targeted at agronomy issues, fertiliser recommendations and best management practices of oil palm on peat soil; issues related to poor fruit set in peat and mineral soils; low oil extraction rate; weevil population study; insect pests, especially termites and Tirathaba bunch moth; rat management in oil palm estates; and control and management of ganoderma and other oil palm diseases.