P2.1.7 Exploring MIP Sensor of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) Disease in Palm Oil Plantation

In Malaysia, the production of palm oil is hampered by the infection of Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease. Unfortunately, the existing BSR detection techniques are complex, time-consuming and still not fully developed. So, this research proposes an investigation to identify the volatile compounds (biomarkers) of the infected oil palm trees. The biomarkers will be proposed to develop specific Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP) sensors. The sensor will be used for the development of ‘Application Specific Electronic Nose’ (ASEN). The samples were taken from healthy and infected BSR disease tree. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Headspace Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis is used to identify the biomarkers. The results show that the technique has successfully detected and identified the volatile compounds biomarkers for BSR disease of infected oil palm tree.