Short Communication: Enhancing the Drying Process of Microbial-Based Products with a Dehumidifier

The development of microbial-based products requires certain criteria for them to be successfully commercialized. The product must meet the following desirable criteria: effectiveness, contamination free, stability, cost-effectiveness, and a prolonged shelf life. Controlling the drying process is crucial for ensuring the stability and durability of the product. The traditional approach, which involved mechanical and natural drying, led to decreased productivity and quality. The objective of this research endeavour was to achieve a dry process enhancement while preserving the microbial quality of Trichoderma asperellum (M103). The temperature and relative humidity during the drying period were monitored under two conditions: with and without a dehumidifier. The results demonstrate that the dehumidifier increases drying period efficiency by up to 63%.

Aerobic Degradation Process in Palm Oil Mill— Issues, Challenges and Upsurging Its Efficiency through Bioremediation

Palm oil mill effluent (POME) is liquid waste produced from palm oil extraction process. Discharging it to the river without treatment is violation according to Malaysia Environment of Quality Act (EQA) 1974. In Malaysia, ponding system is a conventional treatment method for POME due to its economical and simple process. The treatment process mainly involves two main treatment phases;anaerobic and aerobic degradation. Anaerobic degradation has a proven track record in reducing pollutant properties in POME up to 85%. The real challenge is to increase the efficiency of aerobic process as the biological oxygen demand (BOD) discharge limit has been further reduced from 100 mg·L-1 to less than 20 mg·L-1. One of economical and feasible approach to increase the efficiency of aerobic phase is via bioremediation. This paper describes the limitation of aerobic degradation in ponding system, besides discussed on the important aspects that need to be optimized for a success implementation of bioremediation and its challenges.

In Vitro Screening of Endophytic Trichoderma sp. Isolated from Oil Palm in FGV Plantation against Ganoderma boninense

The potential of several endophytic Trichoderma isolates, isolated from healthy oil palm roots was assessed against Ganoderma boninense (PER71), the causal agent of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease through in vitro screening. In the dual culture assay, all endophytic Trichoderma isolates were found to be capable of inhibiting the growth of PER71 mycelium, by causing more than 70% inhibition of the pathogen’s radial growth (PIRG). Trichoderma asperellum M103 has caused the highest inhibition at 93.14%. The volatile compound produced by M103 also suppressed 65% of the pathogen’s radial growth. On the other hand, T. harzianum, M108 was found to have the ability to produce non-volatile compounds that is toxic and it has effectively inhibited 98.18% of the growth of PER71. Collectively, T. asperellum M103 and T. harzianum M108 have the potential to inhibit the growth of G. boninense PER71. These isolates were shown to be viable options for the future management of G. boninense in the oil palm field.