Research Centre | R&D Annual Report 2015

Centre for Biodiversity Research

REPORT OF ACTIVITIES

NPFASS 2015 (Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=25575)
The 3rd UTAR National Postgraduate Fundamental and Applied Sciences Seminar (NPFASS) 2015 was successfully held at UTAR Perak Campus from 29 to 30 May 2015. Jointly organised by UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research, Faculty of Science (FSc) and the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR), the two-day seminar was an assembly point for over 85 postgraduate students from UTAR and other institutions of higher learning such as Universiti of Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Taylor’s University, International Medical University (IMU) and UCSI University. “The main objective of this scientific seminar is to provide an interactive platform for postgraduates from different institutions around the region to impart new research findings and ideas. It is also an opportune time to share experiences of mutual interest among delegates, leading to the formation of strong networks,” said Organising Chairperson Ng Wen Jie, who also added that the agenda of NPFASS 2015 covers biotechnology, health sciences, chemistry, agricultural and food sciences-related topics. Also present was FSc Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Tee Chong Siang who extended his warm welcome to the speakers and participants. “It’s a pleasure to have all of you here today as NPFASS is a good platform for postgraduate students like you to share and discuss your research projects. I hope that all of you will have a fruitful experience and learn from the engaging discussions as well as network with others,” he said in his opening address. Ng (left) and Dr Tee delivering their speeches With 10 oral presenters and 27 poster presenters, the elevating discussions and exchange of ideas amongst the participants were further intensified with enriching keynote addresses by five seasoned speakers, namely Prof Dr Lee Soo Ying from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, Assoc Prof Dr Tang Thean Hock from USM, Assoc Prof Dr Hii Yii Siang from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Dr Siow Lee Fong from Monash Univeristy Malaysia and Assoc Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat from UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. An added bonus to the seminar was a talk by industry expert Marina Yusoff from medigene on the revolution in microorganism identification. (Clockwise from top left): Prof Lee, Dr Tang, Dr Siow, Dr Alan Ong and Dr Hii Participants at the poster exhibition Oral presenters explaining their research findings The two-day seminar officially came to an end after an announcement of winners for best oral and poster presentations. List of winners is as follows: Best Oral Presentation Award: Chong Yi Joong, UPM Best Poster Award (in alphabetical order): - Koay Teng Wei, UTAR - Ong Sing Hui, UTAR - Wong Wei Shen, IMU (From left) Chairperson for UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research Assoc Prof Dr Say Yee How, Prof Lee, Chong, Wong, Koay, Ong, Dr Alan Ong, Dr Tee and Ng after the price giving ceremony The 3rd NPFASS 2015 was proudly sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Medigene, Gaia Science, Syarikat Bumi Sains and Orbiting Scientific & Technology Sdn Bhd. Group photo of 3rd NPFASS 2015 speakers, organising committee and participants

NPFASS 2015
(Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=25575)

The 3rd UTAR National Postgraduate Fundamental and Applied Sciences Seminar (NPFASS) 2015 was successfully held at UTAR Perak Campus from 29 to 30 May 2015. Jointly organised by UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research, Faculty of Science (FSc) and the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research (IPSR), the two-day seminar was an assembly point for over 85 postgraduate students from UTAR and other institutions of higher learning such as Universiti of Malaya (UM), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Taylor’s University, International Medical University (IMU) and UCSI University.

“The main objective of this scientific seminar is to provide an interactive platform for postgraduates from different institutions around the region to impart new research findings and ideas. It is also an opportune time to share experiences of mutual interest among delegates, leading to the formation of strong networks,” said Organising Chairperson Ng Wen Jie, who also added that the agenda of NPFASS 2015 covers biotechnology, health sciences, chemistry, agricultural and food sciences-related topics.

Also present was FSc Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Assoc Prof Dr Tee Chong Siang who extended his warm welcome to the speakers and participants. “It’s a pleasure to have all of you here today as NPFASS is a good platform for postgraduate students like you to share and discuss your research projects. I hope that all of you will have a fruitful experience and learn from the engaging discussions as well as network with others,” he said in his opening address.

Ng (left) and Dr Tee delivering their speeches

With 10 oral presenters and 27 poster presenters, the elevating discussions and exchange of ideas amongst the participants were further intensified with enriching keynote addresses by five seasoned speakers, namely Prof Dr Lee Soo Ying from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, Assoc Prof Dr Tang Thean Hock from USM, Assoc Prof Dr Hii Yii Siang from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Dr Siow Lee Fong from Monash Univeristy Malaysia and Assoc Prof Dr Alan Ong Han Kiat from UTAR Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

An added bonus to the seminar was a talk by industry expert Marina Yusoff from medigene on the revolution in microorganism identification.

(Clockwise from top left): Prof Lee, Dr Tang, Dr Siow, Dr Alan Ong and Dr Hii

Participants at the poster exhibition

Oral presenters explaining their research findings

The two-day seminar officially came to an end after an announcement of winners for best oral and poster presentations. List of winners is as follows:
Best Oral Presentation Award: Chong Yi Joong, UPM
Best Poster Award (in alphabetical order):
- Koay Teng Wei, UTAR
- Ong Sing Hui, UTAR
- Wong Wei Shen, IMU

(From left) Chairperson for UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research Assoc Prof Dr Say Yee How, Prof Lee, Chong, Wong, Koay, Ong, Dr Alan Ong, Dr Tee and Ng after the price giving ceremony

The 3rd NPFASS 2015 was proudly sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry, Medigene, Gaia Science, Syarikat Bumi Sains and Orbiting Scientific & Technology Sdn Bhd.

Group photo of 3rd NPFASS 2015 speakers, organising committee and participants

Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XI (Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=26624)
After 10 successful seminars in the past, the 11th series of the Agriculture Technology Seminar staged a comeback on 13 June 2015 at the Faculty of Science (FSc), UTAR Perak Campus. A joint effort by UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research, FSc with the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research, the enriching seminar was aptly themed “Bringing Science to Farmers and Public” and attracted over 160 participants comprising UTAR staff, students and the public. The seasoned speakers invited this time to share their expertise and experiences included consultant to the Joint FAO/IAEA Division, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna Prof Dr Tan Keng Hong, Head of Breeding and Tissue Culture Unit at Malaysian Palm Oil Board Dr Meilina Ong Abdullah, CEO of Distinct Agricultural Services Sdn Bhd Zainal bin Abdul Ghani, Deputy Regional Director of CABI-SEA Dr A. Sivapragasam, Executive Director of Pesticide Action Network Asia and Pacific (PANAP) Sarojeni V. Rengam and Senior Research Officer in National Fish Health Research Division (NaFisH) at Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries, Malaysia Dr Kua Beng Chu. Organising Chairman Prof Dr Ooi Aun Chuan extended his warm welcome to everyone and expressed his delight on the success of the seminar. “In the past, we have had many series to stimulate the farmers’ and public’s interests in agriculture science. This time, we continue with this process for we know that science and technology can bring about great benefits to farmers and the public. We hope that creating awareness of bringing science to farmers and the public will encourage greater interest in sharing the results of research with the beneficiaries,” he said, and also thanked Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad as the main sponsor. Prof Ooi welcoming the participants UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei concurred and said that the seminar’s theme was timely as UTAR hopes to become a bridge between the farmers’ traditional knowledge and the scientists’ high-modernist science in the development of agriculture technologies. “I hope the participants will fully utilise this opportunity to network and exchange ideas and experience with the wide array of experienced speakers today,” he mentioned. Prof Lee delivering his opening address Keynote speaker Prof Tan was the first to present his topic titled “Sexual reproduction via methyl eugenol in the Bactrocera fruit fly – orchid interactions: its impact on biodiversity, management and quarantine”. The participants learnt about his work on tephritid fruit flies and his explanation on why Batrocera papayae, B. philippinensis and B. invadens were synonymized with B. dorsalis. This saved fruit growers from developing new protocols for export. Dr Meilina’s “Revolutionising Oil Palm Breeding for Crop Improvement” was the following topic which discussed the strategy undertaken by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to advance production of palm oil, with the hope of giving the industry a boost. Zainal shared with the participants his vision and endeavours to be an entrepreneur farmer following his retirement from government service. Titled “The Transformation of Goat Breeding to an Integrated Farming System”, the talk discussed his efforts in goat rearing and honey production from stingless bees. Dr Kua’s “Fish Diseases in Aquaculture” underlined the reasons for fish diseases in aquaculture and concluded that intensive culture and overstocking may be the key culprits to such occurrences. It was also pointed out that the problems faced may be abated or the losses minimised by adopting a fish health management approach. With the health and lives of millions of agricultural workers, their communities and consumers worldwide being adversely affected by pesticides, Sarojeni through her talk titled “Bringing Science to Farmers and Public” advocated for better and closer working relationship with scientists and researchers to serve the community. The comprehensive “Community Pesticide Action Monitoring” (CPAM) developed by PANAP and its partners acts as a self-surveillance monitoring and recording methodology which enable communities to document the effects of pesticides on their health and the environment, further encouraging them to reduce or eliminate pesticide use. Dr Sivapragasam’s “Red Palm Weevil – A Biological Invasion with Potential Threat to Oil Palm into Malaysia” enabled the participants to have a glimpse of his work on palm weevils attacking palms and how these pests are being managed in the Middle East. The possibility of a new species of the weevil in Malaysia was also discussed. (Clockwise from top left) Prof Tan, Dr Meilina, Dr Kua, Dr Sivapragasam, Sarojeni and Zainal Towards the end of the seminar, Prof Ooi recapitulated the main points highlighted by all six enriching talks and also proceeded to thank the erudite speakers. This was followed by a closing remark by Dean of FSc Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng who was delighted that the seminar, being held for the 11th time, created more interaction between the industry and UTAR academics and students. “Biological science is not limited to the laboratories but also include field work. I’m happy that all the agriculture technology series held so far have managed to engage the public and enrich their knowledge about agricultural science,” he said. Dr Lim delivering his closing remark “It’s my first time attending this seminar and some of the topics, although not directly related to my field, intrigued me a lot,” shared 36-year-old farmer Soo Chee Chung who hails from Cameron Highlands. Group photo of the organising committee, speakers and participants

Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XI
(Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=26624)

After 10 successful seminars in the past, the 11th series of the Agriculture Technology Seminar staged a comeback on 13 June 2015 at the Faculty of Science (FSc), UTAR Perak Campus.

A joint effort by UTAR Centre for Biodiversity Research, FSc with the Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research, the enriching seminar was aptly themed “Bringing Science to Farmers and Public” and attracted over 160 participants comprising UTAR staff, students and the public. The seasoned speakers invited this time to share their expertise and experiences included consultant to the Joint FAO/IAEA Division, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna Prof Dr Tan Keng Hong, Head of Breeding and Tissue Culture Unit at Malaysian Palm Oil Board Dr Meilina Ong Abdullah, CEO of Distinct Agricultural Services Sdn Bhd Zainal bin Abdul Ghani, Deputy Regional Director of CABI-SEA Dr A. Sivapragasam, Executive Director of Pesticide Action Network Asia and Pacific (PANAP) Sarojeni V. Rengam and Senior Research Officer in National Fish Health Research Division (NaFisH) at Fisheries Research Institute, Department of Fisheries, Malaysia Dr Kua Beng Chu.

Organising Chairman Prof Dr Ooi Aun Chuan extended his warm welcome to everyone and expressed his delight on the success of the seminar. “In the past, we have had many series to stimulate the farmers’ and public’s interests in agriculture science. This time, we continue with this process for we know that science and technology can bring about great benefits to farmers and the public. We hope that creating awareness of bringing science to farmers and the public will encourage greater interest in sharing the results of research with the beneficiaries,” he said, and also thanked Kuala Lumpur Kepong Berhad as the main sponsor.

Prof Ooi welcoming the participants

UTAR Vice President for R&D and Commercialisation Prof Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei concurred and said that the seminar’s theme was timely as UTAR hopes to become a bridge between the farmers’ traditional knowledge and the scientists’ high-modernist science in the development of agriculture technologies. “I hope the participants will fully utilise this opportunity to network and exchange ideas and experience with the wide array of experienced speakers today,” he mentioned.

Prof Lee delivering his opening address

Keynote speaker Prof Tan was the first to present his topic titled “Sexual reproduction via methyl eugenol in the Bactrocera fruit fly – orchid interactions: its impact on biodiversity, management and quarantine”. The participants learnt about his work on tephritid fruit flies and his explanation on why Batrocera papayae, B. philippinensis and B. invadens were synonymized with B. dorsalis. This saved fruit growers from developing new protocols for export.

Dr Meilina’s “Revolutionising Oil Palm Breeding for Crop Improvement” was the following topic which discussed the strategy undertaken by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to advance production of palm oil, with the hope of giving the industry a boost.

Zainal shared with the participants his vision and endeavours to be an entrepreneur farmer following his retirement from government service. Titled “The Transformation of Goat Breeding to an Integrated Farming System”, the talk discussed his efforts in goat rearing and honey production from stingless bees.

Dr Kua’s “Fish Diseases in Aquaculture” underlined the reasons for fish diseases in aquaculture and concluded that intensive culture and overstocking may be the key culprits to such occurrences. It was also pointed out that the problems faced may be abated or the losses minimised by adopting a fish health management approach.

With the health and lives of millions of agricultural workers, their communities and consumers worldwide being adversely affected by pesticides, Sarojeni through her talk titled “Bringing Science to Farmers and Public” advocated for better and closer working relationship with scientists and researchers to serve the community. The comprehensive “Community Pesticide Action Monitoring” (CPAM) developed by PANAP and its partners acts as a self-surveillance monitoring and recording methodology which enable communities to document the effects of pesticides on their health and the environment, further encouraging them to reduce or eliminate pesticide use.

Dr Sivapragasam’s “Red Palm Weevil – A Biological Invasion with Potential Threat to Oil Palm into Malaysia” enabled the participants to have a glimpse of his work on palm weevils attacking palms and how these pests are being managed in the Middle East. The possibility of a new species of the weevil in Malaysia was also discussed.

(Clockwise from top left) Prof Tan, Dr Meilina, Dr Kua, Dr Sivapragasam, Sarojeni and Zainal

Towards the end of the seminar, Prof Ooi recapitulated the main points highlighted by all six enriching talks and also proceeded to thank the erudite speakers. This was followed by a closing remark by Dean of FSc Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng who was delighted that the seminar, being held for the 11th time, created more interaction between the industry and UTAR academics and students.

“Biological science is not limited to the laboratories but also include field work. I’m happy that all the agriculture technology series held so far have managed to engage the public and enrich their knowledge about agricultural science,” he said.

Dr Lim delivering his closing remark

“It’s my first time attending this seminar and some of the topics, although not directly related to my field, intrigued me a lot,” shared 36-year-old farmer Soo Chee Chung who hails from Cameron Highlands.

Group photo of the organising committee, speakers and participants

Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XII (Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=30046)
Group photo of the speakers and the participants Continuing the practice of holding two seminars per year to enrich students, staff and stakeholders of the agriculture industry, the Faculty of Science and Centre for Biodiversity Research organised the Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XII at UTAR Kampar Campus on 14 November 2015. Titled “Advancing Oil Palm Production in Malaysia”, the seminar, for the first time in its long-running series, featured oil palm as the pivot of discussions, ranging from advances achieved to sustain oil palm production to the challenges faced. “This is the first time the seminar is solely dedicated to oil palm, which is also a cash crop in Malaysia,” said Chairperson of Centre for Biodiversity Research Assoc Prof Dr Say Yee How during his welcome address. “It’ll be interesting to look into striking a balance between the increase oil palm production, sustainable production and the environment.” Dr Say delivering his welcome address Also present to welcome the 170-strong crowd was Organising Chairperson Prof Dr Ooi Aun Chuan, who expressed his gratitude to the organising committee and also the sponsor for the unfailing support. “This seminar reflects the position of Malaysia as one of the largest producers and exporters of palm oil. The need to sustain growth and production will be addressed by the five speakers invited to share their experiences of this important crop,” he mentioned. Prof Ooi welcoming the speakers and participants The one-day seminar proceeded with Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK) Berhad Head of Human Resource (Plantations) William Yap Kok Lin’s talk titled “The Human Resource Challenges in Plantations”, which gave an interesting comparison between the Gen Y workforce today, the Baby Boomers and Gen X, and how to manage young talents. “Skills set experience is also another challenge because many companies are too busy running the organisation and failed to plan for succession,” he added. Sharing with the audience the challenges in the industry from the human resource perspective, he also warned of the impact of a weakening currency in the supply of foreign workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh and others in the industry. William Yap Kok Lin speaking on challenges of the oil palm industry from the human resource perspective “Advances in Sustainable Research and Development in Oil Palm” was the following topic by Malaysian Palm Oil Association Director of Sustainability, Research and Development Dr Ruslan Abdullah. According to Dr Ruslan, despite the robust growth of palm oil production from before until now, the industry has not been problem-free with the issue of sustainability gaining prominence over the years. “Current R&D approaches have inculcated sustainable practices by putting the importance on people, profit and the planet,” Dr Ruslan remarked, and highlighted the vital sustainable R&D practices which continue to give a competitive edge to palm oil amongst other vegetable oils. Dr Ruslan sharing his findings Advanced Agriecological Research (AAR) Sdn Bhd Head of the Environmental Microbiology Section Dr Tasreen Nazir Mahamooth shared how microbial research is able to can help the oil palm industry to advance oil palm production via his talk titled “Microbes – The Unseen Heroes and Foes of Oil Palm: The Road to Their Discovery and Elucidation of Their Interactions with the Oil Palm”. According to him, at AAR, a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach in addressing beneficial microbes and their application to the plantation industry has been adopted. Such approach to oil palm research is an idea whose time has come, especially in the subject of soil fertility, plant nutrition and plant stress. Dr Tasreen explaining the roles of microbes “Genetic Strategies for Yield Improvement in Major Crops” was the next topic by Assoc Prof Dr Chew Fook Tim from National University of Singapore. Dr Chew shared with the audience his experiences in environmental studies which spurred his interest in evaluating generic tools to link with conventional approaches to understand the underlying key processes that control advances in palm oil productivity. “These are generic tools which can easily be applied to many other agriculture products,” he told. Dr Chew shedding light on genetic strategies Capping off the presentations was Director of SULPOM Group Yap Hai San’s “Could Palm kernel shell (PKS) Pyroligneous Acid Play a Role in Soil Reconditioning and Maintaining Sustainable Oil Palm Plantation?” which discussed the role of soil reconditioning to maintain sustainable oil palm plantation. According to the veteran, literature stated that pyroligneous acid rejuvenises the soil condition and other benefits. He then shared some interesting experiment outcome such as dormant palms in RISDA plantation showing response to the pyroligneous acid where 99% of the palm started flowering after just three months of application. “The pyroligneous acid treatment on certain infected palms revived their productivity as well as prolonging the lifespan,” he maintained. Yap Hai San elucidating the wonders of pyroligneous acid The seminar concluded with Prof Ooi recapitulating the main points highlighted by all five erudite speakers and also proceeded to thank KLK Berhad for the constant financial support throughout these years. Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XII was sponsored by KLK Berhad and supported by medigene, NeoScience and Science Valley.

Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XII
(Source: http://www.utar.edu.my/econtent_sub.jsp?fcatid=16&fcontentid=30046)

Group photo of the speakers and the participants

Continuing the practice of holding two seminars per year to enrich students, staff and stakeholders of the agriculture industry, the Faculty of Science and Centre for Biodiversity Research organised the Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XII at UTAR Kampar Campus on 14 November 2015.

Titled “Advancing Oil Palm Production in Malaysia”, the seminar, for the first time in its long-running series, featured oil palm as the pivot of discussions, ranging from advances achieved to sustain oil palm production to the challenges faced.

“This is the first time the seminar is solely dedicated to oil palm, which is also a cash crop in Malaysia,” said Chairperson of Centre for Biodiversity Research Assoc Prof Dr Say Yee How during his welcome address. “It’ll be interesting to look into striking a balance between the increase oil palm production, sustainable production and the environment.”

Dr Say delivering his welcome address

Also present to welcome the 170-strong crowd was Organising Chairperson Prof Dr Ooi Aun Chuan, who expressed his gratitude to the organising committee and also the sponsor for the unfailing support. “This seminar reflects the position of Malaysia as one of the largest producers and exporters of palm oil. The need to sustain growth and production will be addressed by the five speakers invited to share their experiences of this important crop,” he mentioned.

Prof Ooi welcoming the speakers and participants

The one-day seminar proceeded with Kuala Lumpur Kepong (KLK) Berhad Head of Human Resource (Plantations) William Yap Kok Lin’s talk titled “The Human Resource Challenges in Plantations”, which gave an interesting comparison between the Gen Y workforce today, the Baby Boomers and Gen X, and how to manage young talents. “Skills set experience is also another challenge because many companies are too busy running the organisation and failed to plan for succession,” he added. Sharing with the audience the challenges in the industry from the human resource perspective, he also warned of the impact of a weakening currency in the supply of foreign workers from Indonesia, Bangladesh and others in the industry.

William Yap Kok Lin speaking on challenges of the oil palm industry from the human resource perspective

“Advances in Sustainable Research and Development in Oil Palm” was the following topic by Malaysian Palm Oil Association Director of Sustainability, Research and Development Dr Ruslan Abdullah. According to Dr Ruslan, despite the robust growth of palm oil production from before until now, the industry has not been problem-free with the issue of sustainability gaining prominence over the years. “Current R&D approaches have inculcated sustainable practices by putting the importance on people, profit and the planet,” Dr Ruslan remarked, and highlighted the vital sustainable R&D practices which continue to give a competitive edge to palm oil amongst other vegetable oils.

Dr Ruslan sharing his findings

Advanced Agriecological Research (AAR) Sdn Bhd Head of the Environmental Microbiology Section Dr Tasreen Nazir Mahamooth shared how microbial research is able to can help the oil palm industry to advance oil palm production via his talk titled “Microbes – The Unseen Heroes and Foes of Oil Palm: The Road to Their Discovery and Elucidation of Their Interactions with the Oil Palm”. According to him, at AAR, a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach in addressing beneficial microbes and their application to the plantation industry has been adopted. Such approach to oil palm research is an idea whose time has come, especially in the subject of soil fertility, plant nutrition and plant stress.

Dr Tasreen explaining the roles of microbes

“Genetic Strategies for Yield Improvement in Major Crops” was the next topic by Assoc Prof Dr Chew Fook Tim from National University of Singapore. Dr Chew shared with the audience his experiences in environmental studies which spurred his interest in evaluating generic tools to link with conventional approaches to understand the underlying key processes that control advances in palm oil productivity. “These are generic tools which can easily be applied to many other agriculture products,” he told.

Dr Chew shedding light on genetic strategies

Capping off the presentations was Director of SULPOM Group Yap Hai San’s “Could Palm kernel shell (PKS) Pyroligneous Acid Play a Role in Soil Reconditioning and Maintaining Sustainable Oil Palm Plantation?” which discussed the role of soil reconditioning to maintain sustainable oil palm plantation. According to the veteran, literature stated that pyroligneous acid rejuvenises the soil condition and other benefits. He then shared some interesting experiment outcome such as dormant palms in RISDA plantation showing response to the pyroligneous acid where 99% of the palm started flowering after just three months of application. “The pyroligneous acid treatment on certain infected palms revived their productivity as well as prolonging the lifespan,” he maintained.

Yap Hai San elucidating the wonders of pyroligneous acid

The seminar concluded with Prof Ooi recapitulating the main points highlighted by all five erudite speakers and also proceeded to thank KLK Berhad for the constant financial support throughout these years.

Agriculture Technology Seminar Series XII was sponsored by KLK Berhad and supported by medigene, NeoScience and Science Valley.

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R & D ANNUAL REPORT 2015