A metabolomics approach to identify fertilizer-efficient oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) genotypes for marginal land cultivation
Abstract
The cultivation of oil palm on marginal lands is constrained by poor soil fertility, resulting in a strong dependence on expensive fertilizers. Developing genotypes with high nutrient use efficiency is therefore essential for sustainable production. This study employed a metabolomics approach to assess the performance of twelve oil palm genotypes (BGA100–BGA111) under fertilized and non-fertilized conditions. By integrating biomass allocation and metabolite profiling, genotype BGA103 was identified as displaying strong adaptive responses. Under nutrient-deficient conditions, BGA103 maintained a favorable shoot-to-root ratio and a relatively stable metabolite profile, suggesting efficient nutrient utilization. Genotypes BGA102, BGA107, and BGA109 also exhibited adaptive potential, though to a lesser extent. Several metabolic pathways, including steroid and fatty acid biosynthesis, were significantly influenced by fertilization, while metabolites such as tocopherol and neophytadiene emerged as promising indicators of nutrient status. These findings provide a biochemical basis for selecting and breeding oil palm varieties suited for low-input cultivation on marginal lands, contributing to more cost-effective and environmentally sustainable production systems.
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