Technological Impact on the Quality of Palm Oil from Burundi: Elaeis guineensis, Variety of Dura and Tenera

The objective of this study is to determine the factors responsible for the acidification of Burundi palm oils. The investigation of the duration of fermentation of palm fruits performed among artisanal producers found that more than 89% of producers from commune of Rumonge ferment for more than 5 days while more than 61% of those from commune of Mutimbuzi ferment for 4 days. The determination of acid value using the method of ISO 660:2009 showed that Dura and Tenera varieties fermented for 4 days had respectively 5.9 ± 2.3 and 5.8 ± 1.8 mg of KOH/g of oil for clustered fruits, 7.03 ± 3.4 and 7.02 ± 3.2 mg of KOH/g for destemmed fruits. After 8 days, the acid values of Dura and Tenera varieties obtained were respectively 10.9 ± 4.7 and 12.5 ± 5.4 mg KOH/g for clustered fruits, 12.5 ± 5.4 and 12.5 ± 4.1 mg KOH/g for destemmed fruits. No significant difference was recorded between varieties. On the other hand, a highly significant difference at p < 0.05 was obtained between fruits fermented in the open air (e.g. around the foot of the oil palm, FFOA), in a shed when the fruits were not covered (SFNC) and in a shed when the fruits were covered by branches or straw (SFC). At 8 days of fermentation, the acid values of FFOA, SFNC and SFC were 9.1 ± 0.7 < 12.6 ± 0.8 < 17.7 ± 1.4 for destemmed fruit and 9.1 ± 0.7 < 13.2 ± 1.3 < 13.2 ± 3.2 for clustered fruit, respectively. In light of these results, the acidity of Rumonge palm oil is probably due to the long fermentation time and the technique of covering the fruits during fermentation. These results will allow producers to extract good quality oil and consequently improve the health of consumers.

A Comparison of Microbial Communities in Three Morphs of the Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), a Key Pest of Date Palms

The invasive insect pest, red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a significant threat to date production, causing substantial economic damage. If uncontrolled, RPW leads the severely infested host tree to collapse and eventually die. The symbiotic associations with microorganisms and RPW in their gut may help their host insects’ establishment, development, nutrition assimilation, and survival. The objective of this research was the molecular characterization of the microbiome of RPW. In this study, the microbiome was compared among different tissues in females and males of RPW of three different morphs and larvae collected from date palm plantations in the Kingdom of Bahrain. A 251-bp segment of bacterial 16S rRNA was amplified by PCR, sequenced, and processed using the bioinformatics platform QIIME2. One ASV, corresponding to the obligate weevil symbiont Nardonella, predominated in adult female samples, constituting 56 ± 7% of total reads, but was less dominant in male samples (12 ± 3%) and larval samples (2.6 ± 1.9%). For females, samples that included reproductive tissues were almost entirely composed of Nardonella (88% - 99%). When Nardonella was excluded from analyses, there were no differences between adult females and adult males, but larval samples were more species-rich and differed in microbial composition from adults. There were no consistent differences in the microbiomes among morphs. Several specimens showed evidence of infection with host-specific strains of Spiroplasma-like members of the Entomoplasmatales, which are often pathogens or vertically transmitted symbionts. Such close microbial associates deserve additional attention as potential routes to control this destructive date palm pest.

Quantification of the adulteration concentration of palm kernel oil in virgin coconut oil using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging

The adulteration concentration of palm kernel oil(PKO)in virgin coconut oil(VCO)was quantified using near-infrared(NIR)hyperspectral imaging.Nowadays,some VCO is adulterated with lower-priced PKO to reduce production costs,which diminishes the quality of the VCO.This study used NIR hyperspectral imaging in the wavelength region 900-1,650 nm to create a quantitative model for the detection of PKO contaminants(0-100%)in VCO and to develop predictive mapping.The prediction equation for the adulteration of VCO with PKO was constructed using the partial least squares regression method.The best predictive model was pre-processed using the standard normal variate method,and the coefficient of determination of prediction was 0.991,the root mean square error of prediction was 2.93%,and the residual prediction deviation was 10.37.The results showed that this model could be applied for quantifying the adulteration concentration of PKO in VCO.The prediction adulteration concentration mapping of VCO with PKO was created from a calibration model that showed the color level according to the adulteration concentration in the range of 0-100%.NIR hyperspectral imaging could be clearly used to quantify the adulteration of VCO with a color level map that provides a quick,accurate,and non-destructive detection method.

Selection criteria of MPOB-Angola germplasm collection for yield improvement of the oil palm

Oil palm germplasm collected from Angola,Africa in 1991 were subjected to genetic variability potential studies.The collection was planted in the form of open-pollinated families as trials at the Malaysian Palm Oil Board(MPOB)Kluang Research Station,Johor,Malaysia,in 1994.Dura palms from 52 families and tenera palms from 44 families of MPOB-Angola were evaluated for their bunch yield and bunch quality components.The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic variability among the families and performance of MPOB-Angola germplasm for yield improvement.The analysis of variance(ANOVA)revealed highly significant differences between the dura and tenera families for most of the traits,suggesting the presence of high genetic variability,which is essential for breeding programmes.Among the duras,family AGO 02.02 displayed the best yield performance,with a high fresh fruit bunch,oil yield and total economic product at 240.40,29.46 and 37.93 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.As for the teneras,family AGO 03.04 recorded the highest FFB yield and oil yield at 249.25 and 45.22 kg palm^(-1)year^(-1),respectively.Besides that,several families with big fruit sizes or producing a mean fruit weight of 14-17 g were also identified.Both dura and tenera from AGO 01.01 recorded the highest oil to bunch(O/B)of 17.76%and 28.65%,respectively.These findings will facilitate the selection of palms from the MPOB-Angola germplasm for future breeding programmes.

Correlation of Microstructure of Leaf Sheath Epidermis and Nutrient Composition of Palm Plants with the Damage Degree of Red Palm Fiber Elephant

[ Objective] Correlation of microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition of palm plants with the damage degree of red palm fiber elephant in four kinds of plants in Nanning were analyzed in order to control the occurrence and damage of this insect in Nanning. [Method] Taken 4 kinds of Palmae plants in Nanning including Ravenea fivulafis, Washingtonia filifera, Phoenix canafiensis, Roystonea regia （HBK.）O. F. Cook as materials, damage situation of the red palm fiber elephant was investigated, microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition of palm plants were analyzed and determined. [ Result] The results showed that there was direct correlation between the microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition with the physical resistance of palm plant against red palm fiber elephant. The extend of damage from red palm fiber elephant had negatively relation with the thickness of corneum and leaf epidermis. The damage degree caused by red palm fiber elephant increased with the content of crude protein, crude ash and nitrogen free extract increasing, also increased with the content of rude fiber decreasing. [Condusion] The damage degree of red palm fiber elephant had a relationship with microstructure of leaf sheath epidermis and nutrient composition of palm plants.

基于PALM自动检测方法的三峡库区微震活动研究

选用三峡工程水库诱发地震监测系统在库首区布置的24个台站采集的2016~2018年数据,利用PALM微震检测定位方法对三峡库区进行微震检测定位分析。共检测到12 814次地震动事件,约为同时段三峡地震台网目录的4倍,完备震级从ML0.8下降至ML0.3,表明PALM方法可提高台网监测能力。基于构建的更完善的极微震-微震目录,分析库区地震活动空间分布特征。结果表明,巴东地区震源深度较浅,多在5 km以内,主要与岩溶、煤矿塌陷和浅表卸荷等非构造因素有关;秭归地区震源深度较深,多在5~15 km,主要与库区九畹溪和仙女山两条断裂活动有关。

Preparation and Characterization of Thermoplastic Starch from Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata) by Extrusion Method

Sugar palm(Arenga pinnata)starch is considered an important renewable,biodegradable,and eco-friendly polymer,which is derived from agricultural by-products and residues,with great potential for the development of biocomposite materials.This research was aimed at investigating the development of TPS biocomposites from A.pinnata palm starch using an extrusion process.Palm starch,glycerol,and stearic acid were extruded in a twin-screw extruder.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis of TPS showed that the starch granules were damaged and gelatinized in the extrusion process.The density of TPS was 1.3695 g/mL,lower than that of palm starch,and the addition of stearic acid resulted in increased TPS density.X-ray diffraction(XRD)results showed that palm starch had a C-type pattern crystalline structure.The tensile strength,elongation at break,and modulus of elasticity of TPS were 7.19 MPa,33.95%,and 0.56 GPa,respectively.The addition of stearic acid reduced the tensile strength,elongation at break and modulus of elasticity of TPS.The rheological properties,i.e.,melt flow rate(MFR)and viscosity of TPS,were 7.13 g/10 min and 2482.19 Pa.s,respectively.The presence of stearic acid in TPS resulted in increased MFR and decreased viscosity values.The peak gelatinization temperature of A.pinnata palm starch was 70°C,while Tg of TPS was 65°C.The addition of stearic acid reduced the Tg of TPS.The thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)analysis showed that the addition of glycerol and stearic acid decreased the thermal stability,but extended the temperature range of thermal degradation.TPS derived from A.pinnata palm starch by extrusion method has the potential to be applied in industrial practice as a promising raw material for manufacturing bio-based packaging as a sustainable and green alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Validation of the Methods for Detection the Non-Milk Fat in a Mixture of Milk Fat and Palm Oil

Milk fat contains a variety of nutritive and health-promoting compounds that guard against some disease. In the current system of global competition, when the quality of milk and milk products is not an option but rather a requirement, therefore, determining the purity of milk fat is critical. This study aims to validate analytical methods for detecting palm oil in a mixture of milk fat and palm oil. Methods of this study was involved detection of non-milk fat in fat blinders by determining the saponification value, iodine number, refractive index, butyro refractometer reading, Gas chromatography, Reverse Phase High-performance liquid chromatography, and Fourier transforms Infrared. The results of this study revealed that the saponification value, Iodine number, refractive index, and Butyro Reading could be used to detect the addition of palm oil by a level of 10% - 20% or more to the milk. The level of some fatty acids in the milk as determined by GC, such as myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), and stearic acid (C18:0), is correlated well with the level of adding palm oil to milk fat. The determination of cholesterol and β-sito-sterol content by RP-HPLC could be used for the detection of the addition of palm oil to milk fat. The spectrum behavior produced by FTIR spectroscopy in this adulterated sample is almost the same, so this technique could not be used to detect the palm oil in milk fat.

A Review of Main Factors Involved in the Maturation of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Fruit Bunches

The oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) is a diploid perennial plant of the Arecaceae family. It is the most important plant cultivated for oil production. To ensure this production, certain optimal conditions are required: temperature, sunshine, rainfall, etc. The oil palm ensures its survival through the fruits borne on bunches located at the axis of the 17th to 20th leaves from the central stem. From pollination to the maturity of a bunch it takes about 4.5 to 6 months. Several events occur during this period: seed enlargement, weight increase, colour change, etc., but also important physiological changes: synthesis of some pigments (anthocyanin), increase in oil content correlated with the decrease in water content, etc. All of these constitute factors that can provide a better understanding of the biology of the seed. The aim of this work was to review some of the important parameters involved in the development and maturation of oil palm fruit bunches. These factors are classified into physiological, biochemical as well as environmental. The physiological parameters are color, appearance of embryo, seed weight and fruit detachment from bunches;Biochemical parameters include water content, oil content, carbohydrate, protein, mineral contents and lipase activity while temperature is the main environmental factor that affects fruit maturation. Thorough research has not yet been done at the different stages of maturation and ripening, thus a deep look into this may open up new avenues for research on early germinated oil palm seed production prior to seed dormancy.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbons from Asparagus Palm (Laccosperma robustum) Bark by Chemical Activation with H3PO4 and KOH

The present work deals with the preparation and characterization of activated carbons from the bark of the asparagus palm (Laccosperma robustum) by chemical activation with phosphoric acid and potassium hydroxide. The process was optimized on the basis of the analysis of the iodine number, methylene blue number and activated carbons yield as a function of the preparation parameters (concentration of the activating agents and the pyrolysis temperature). It emerges that the pyrolysis temperature and the concentration of activating agents influence the activated carbons preparation process. Their values were 500°C and 20% respectively for activated carbon with H3PO4 (ACP) and 700°C and 1.5% for activated carbon with KOH (ACK). The iodine numbers obtained were 850.26 mg/g for ACP and 865.49 mg/g for ACK. The methylene blue numbers obtained were 149.35 mg/g for ACP and 149.25 mg/g for ACK. The activated carbons yields obtained were 25% for ACP and 5.9% for ACK. The activated carbons prepared under optimal conditions have shown the pH of zero-point charge (pHzpc) of 4.4 and 7.0 for ACP for ACK respectively. The determination of the surface functions revealed that ACP had a strong acidic character while ACK had neutral character. The Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy also showed the presence of different functional groups on the surface of the precursor and activated carbons.

Impact of Progressive Pruning on Leaf Miner (Coelaenomenodera lameensis) Incidence and the Yield of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis) —A Case Study of Benso Oil Palm Plantation Plc, Adum Banso Estate, Ghana

The oil palm leaf miner, Coelaenomenodera lameensis, is currently the most destructive pest of oil palm in Ghana and other African oil palm growing countries, causing significant losses in fresh fruit bunch yield. Progressive pruning is an oil palm pruning method in which pruning is done at the same time as fresh fruit bunch harvesting. This study evaluated the impact of progressive pruning on leaf miner population in oil palm and how these two factors (leaf miner and progressive pruning) affect the yield of oil palm at the Benso Oil Palm Plantation Public listed company (BOPP. Plc). Five distinct blocks in the plantation were selected for observations on fronds at various ranks (33, 25, or 17) based on the degree of defoliation by counting the number of pests on leaflets at different phases of insect development. Fronds from selected plots were sampled in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The size of plots used for the study ranged between 19 to 45 hectares. A minimum of 78 fronds were evenly cut from each block for pest count depending on the block size. Secondary data on annual yields of fresh fruit bunches before and after the introduction of progressive pruning were also obtained from BOPP. Plc records from 2011-2020. The results from the analyzed data on leaf miner index before and after the introduction of progressive pruning showed that progressive pruning has, to a high extent (64% to 36%), reduced leaf miner populations in the plantation. Paired t-test on fresh fruit bunch yield has also revealed a significant (p < 0.001) increase in annual fresh fruit bunch yield due to progressive pruning. A regression analysis, however, revealed a lower rate of yield loss (3.05 to 2.70 tonnes) to leaf miner infestation after the introduction of progressive pruning. The study recommends progressive pruning as a key cultural practice for improving crop yields in leaf miner prone plantations.

Effect of incorporation of raphia palm fruit pulp powder on the physicochemical, functional and sensory properties of biscuits

Background:Raphia fruit pulp is a good source of phytochemicals and some micronutrients and is locally consumed as a snack.The aim of this study was to valorize raphia pulp in biscuits production by partially substituting wheat flour in different proportions with flour obtained from the pulp of the raphia fruit.Methods:Ripe raphia(Raphia hookeri)fruits were purchased from local farms,thoroughly washed and the pulps extracted using a stainless-steel knife.These pulps were dried at 60℃for 12 h and grounded into flour.Wheat flour was substituted with the raphia pulp flour(RF)in five different proportions(10,20,30,35,and 40%).The functional properties and nutrient profile of the raphia flour and the biscuits obtained from these composite flours were evaluated.Sensory evaluation of the biscuits was also carried out using a nine-point hedonic scale.Results:The RF has a high-water absorption capacity WAC(680%)and oil absorption capacity OAC(560%)favoring its use in pastry processes.The RF is rich in polyphenols 435.0±20(μg/100g),saponins(155±5 mg/100g)and potassium(922±20 mg/100g).The incorporation of the RF in biscuits significantly affect the chemical composition.The total polyphenols increased from 182±10μg/100g in the sample containing 10%of RF to 342±17μg/100g in the sample containing 40%of RF.Fibers increased from 8.75±0.03 mg/100g in the sample with 10%of RF to 10.08±0.27 mg/100g in the 40%substituted biscuit.Saponins increased from 69.9±0.01 mg/100g in the sample with 10%of RF to 90.22±0.01 mg/100g in the sample with 40%RF and potassium increased from 434.2±10 mg/100g in the sample with 10%of RF to 647.6±5 mg/100g in the sample with 40%of RF.Biscuit samples made with composite flour containing 20%of RF was the most accepted.Conclusion:RF can be used as a raw material to replace 20%of wheat flour in biscuit formulations and improve its nutritional and sensory properties.

Chemical and Thermal Characterization of Cement Mortar Containing Ground Palm Oil Fuel Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement

This study investigates the influence of using ground palm oil fuel ash(G-POFA) from 10%-30% as cement replacement(by weight) on the cement mortar's pH under various curing conditions. These findings were supplemented by thermal gravimetric analysis(TGA). Moreover, the resistance of G-POFA blended cement mortars to water absorption and sorptivity was determined. Further, the k-value test was carried out to explain the pozzolanic and filler behavior of G-POFA and to support the results obtained from TGA. It was found that there was no significant impact of several curing conditions on the pH of mortars. The mortar with 10% G-POFA in replacement of cement(G-POFA-10) exhibited the best resistance against water absorption and sorptivity.

Elaboration and Characterization of a Hybrid Composite Material with Two Particles of the Same Size: Coco Shells and Palm Shells

This work aims to develop and characterize a hybrid composite material with two particles of the same size. As reinforcing particles, the hulls of palm nuts and coconut are chosen. Hybrid composite material composites in the form of specimens were produced by molding at 10%, 20% and 30% mass fractions in various sizes (0.63 mm, 1.25 mm and 2.5 mm). The samples were physically characterized (water absorption rate, moisture content, actual, theoretical and apparent density) and mechanical in 3-point flexion. The main results are: the highest and minimum water absorption rate are respectively 3.57% and 0.67% for respectively particle sizes 1.25 mm (sample P10C30) and 0.67% in the size of 0.63 mm (sample P10C10). The moisture content varies from 0.64 to 7.14% respectively for the P20C20 (2.5 mm) and P10C30 (2.5 mm) samples. The maximum and minimum real density are 1340,518 Kg/m3 and 1055.981 Kg/m3, for respectively the composites of particles sizes 1.25 mm (P20C10) and 0.63 mm (sample P20C20). The minimum real density is Its maximum theoretical density is 1194.949 Kg/m3 (for samples P20C10, P10C10 and P30C10);however, the minimum is 1189.966 Kg/m3 (P10C20 and P20C20). The bulk density varies from 933.28 Kg/m3 to 1176.1 Kg/m3, respectively, in sizes from 2.5 mm (P10C30) to 0.63 mm (for P10C30). As for the mechanical characteristics, the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) varies from 25.664 GPa to 25.759 GPa, respectively, the samples P10C10 (1.25 mm) and P10C20 (2.5 mm). The MOE values describe a parabola whose peak is reached when the palm shell loads are 20%, that is to say P20C10, whatever the particle size distribution. In resilience, samples with small particles are more resilient with a maximum value of 22.49 J/cm2 and a minimum value of 4.45 J/cm2 to verify the principles of Hall-Petch’s law.

Reactions of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Progenies to Fusarium Wilt Disease Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. Elaeidis under Natural Infection

The oil palm (Elaeisguineensis Jacq) is used worldwide in commercial agriculture for the production of palm oil, palm kernel oil and palm wine. It produces more oil per plant than any other oil-producing crop in the world. Production is constrained by several factors among which pests/diseases are of utmost importance. Vascular wilt (VW) caused by Fusarium oxysporum is the most devastating disease infecting this crop. Its soil-borne ecology has made the use of fungicides to manage this disease too expensive and inpragmatic. There is need for concerted research in the breeding and selection of wilt-tolerant progenies as an essential step in the management of Fusarium wilt disease. The study aims to assess the incidence and severity of vascular wilt among tested oil palm progenies, to evaluate the reduction in yield caused by the disease in the susceptible progenies and to identify the wilt-tolerant, high-yielding progenies. The study was carried out at Pamol Plantations Limited (PPL) in Ndian Estate (Ndian Division), in the Southwest Region of Cameroon. Three field trials were evaluated for tolerance/susceptibility to Fusarium wilt. Each trial consisted of 15 oil palm progenies replicated 4 times. Each progeny had 25 oil palm stands in each replicate. Hence, a total of 1500 oil palm stands were assessed. The experimental design was a randomized complete block (RCB) with trial codes: Trial 2001/1, planted in 2001;Trial 2001/2, planted in 2002;Trial 2001/3, planted in 2003. Each trail had an area of 12 ha, with a plant density of 143 palms·ha−1. Wilt incidence, severity, index, and yield were evaluated on 45 progenies from the 3 trails after identifying Fusarium oxysporum from oil palm plant part. Data was subjected to analysis of variance, Fischer’s least significant difference test (LSD) for mean separation. Identification of Fusarium was based on descriptive analysis. Incidence of VW in the 3 trials ranged from 1% - 39%. Also, 45% of infected plants were from progeny 676 while 1% was from progenies 689, 693, 694 and 710. Disease severity was from 0.9 in progeny 686 to 4.55 in 676. Wilt index ranged from 131 for progeny 694 and 710 to 495 for progenies 705. Out of the 45 progenies evaluated, 27 were tolerant (1 < 100) and 18 susceptible (1 ≥ 100). Within the tolerant progenies, 4 were significant (1 < 20) while 5 out of 18 were significantly susceptible (1 ≥ 185). Mean yield reduction of the susceptible progenies was 34.8% while in the tolerant progenies, it increased by 9.5% when compared to their controls. Progenies 702, 703 and 709 are recommended for planting based on the level of tolerance to Fusarium wilt disease and yield.

Redefining biofuels:Investigating oil palm biomass as a promising cellulose feedstock for nitrocellulose-based propellant production

This review paper explores the potential of oil palm biomass as a valuable cellulose source for the production of nitrocellulose-based propellants,contributing to the green revolution and sustainable energy solutions.It highlights the availability of the corresponding biomass in Malaysia and in line with global studies,the chemical compositions,as well as a brief description of current technologies for converting biomass of oil palm into value added products specifically cellulose.Steps to achieve maximum utilization of biomass from oil palm industry for cellulose production and prospective source for nitrocellulose-based propellant are also proposed.The methodology section outlines the pretreatment of lignocellulosic fibres,cellulose extraction,and nitrocellulose production processes.Overall,the review underscores the prospective of palm oil biomass as a sustainable cellulose source for propellant manufacturing,while acknowledging the need for further research and advancements in the field.

Identification and Characterization of Bacterial Community Associated with the Chewed Feeding Waste of Red Palm Weevil in Infested Date Palm Trees

Red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae), is considered one of the most damaging insect pests of date palms in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Large scale infestation of RPW to date palm trees leads to excessive feeding activity of the RPW larvae, which is carried out by microorganisms present within RPW and producing a wet fermenting material inside the trunk. Culture dependent-bacteria were isolated from feeding waste and identified by the sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene using 8F and 1492R universal primers. Among the culture-dependent isolated bacteria, 80% were identified by comparing 16S rRNA gene sequence in NCBI database, using BLAST program in GenBank. 85% of the identified bacteria were Gram-positive while the rest of them were Gram-negative. A high abundance of bacteria were from the Bacillaceae family and sixteen different species of Bacillus were identified in comparison with NCBI GenBank. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of identified bacterial strains have been submitted to GenBank. The phylogenetic relationship was studied using 16S rRNA gene sequences, the Gram-negative bacteria came in one clade while Gram-positive different Bacillus sp. and strains showed evolutionary closeness to each other and accordingly, they came in one major clade under three different sub-clades in the phylogenetic tree. The findings of new Bacillus strains in the natural habitat of the date plam trees in the Kingdom of Bahrain, pledge a vast area of research on RPW bio-control research arena.

Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbons from Palm Nut Shells: Effects of Calcination Temperature on Porosity and Chemical Properties

Activated carbons (ACs) calcined at 400˚C, 500˚C, and 600˚C (AC-400, AC-500, and AC-600) were prepared using palm nut shells from Gabon as raw material and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) as a chemical activating agent. Prepared ACs were characterized by physisorption of nitrogen (N2), determination of diode and methylene blue numbers for studies of porosity and by quantification and determination of surface functional groups and pH at point of zero charge (pHpzc) respectively, for studies of chemical properties of prepared ACs. Then, effects of calcination temperature (Tcal) on porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs were studied. The results obtained showed that when the calcination temperature increases from 500˚C to 600˚C, the porosity and chemical properties of prepared ACs are modified. Indeed, the methylene blue and iodine numbers determined for activated carbons AC-400 (460 and 7.94 mg·g−1, respectively) and AC-500 (680 and 8.90 mg·g−1, respectively) are higher than those obtained for AC-600 (360 and 5.75 mg·g−1, respectively). Compared to the AC-500 adsorbent, specific surface areas (SBET) and microporous volume losses for AC-600 were estimated to 44.7% and 45.8%, respectively. Moreover, in our experimental conditions, the effect of Tcal on the quantities of acidic and basic functional groups on the surface of the ACs appears negligible. In addition, results of the pHpzc of prepared ACs showed that as Tcal increases, the pH of the adsorbents increases and tends towards neutrality. Indeed, a stronger acidity was determined on AC-400 (pHpzc = 5.60) compared to those on AC-500 and AC-600 (pHpzc = 6.85 and 6.70, respectively). Also according to the results of porosity and chemical characterizations, adsorption being a surface phenomenon, 500˚C appears to be the optimal calcination temperature for the preparation of activated carbons from palm nut shells in our experimental conditions.

Genotypic effects on accelerated propagation of oil palm breeding materials selected(Elaeis guineensis jacq.)using somatic embryogenesis

Vegetable oil production from oil palm(Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)is an important industry due to the rising demand every year.The somatic embryogenesis culture can propagate oil palm duplicate as parent plant,which can be selected as breeding material to produce new planting germplasm with high production or disease resistance.This study aims to evaluate the genotypic effect of somatic embryogenesis,while immature leaflets were employed as explants.The culture used embryo induction medium based on Murashige and Skoog(MS)modifications that contained 5 mg/L Naphthalene Acetic acid(NAA)and 0.5 mg/L Benzyl Amino Purine(BAP).The genotypic effect was statistically significant in the percentage of callus induction,producing somatic embryos,and germination embryos.In this study,we successfully cloned thirteen oil palm genotypes(GE-02,GE-03,GE-06,GE-07,GE-09,GE-23,GE-24,GE-27,GE-28,GE-32,GE-33,GE-34,and GE-35),with the highest number of somatic embryos formed on GE-27 with a percentage of 70.1%.The cloning was successful in accelerating the propagation of oil palm for materials breeding programs to create new varieties with high production and disease resistance.It is necessary to observation the performance of these clones in the field in terms of mantle flower appearance.

Effects of Mixing Canola and Palm Oils with Sunflower Oil on the Formation of Trans Fatty Acids during Frying

GLC analysis was conducted to indicate the formation of trans- C18 fatty acids of sunflower, canola and palm oils during frying. Blends of sunflower oil and palm oil or canola oil were obtained by mixing sunflower oil with palm or canola oils at the volume ratios of 60: 40, 40: 60 and 20: 80 (v/v), then heated at 180?C ± 5?C for 5, 10, 15 and 20 h in the atmospheric oxygen. GLC results demonstrate that the formation of trans C18-fatty acids was generally dependent upon the frying time and oil mixing ratios. Furthermore, mixing sunflower oil with oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (palm or canola oils) lowered the formation of trans-C18 fatty acids during frying.