KUALA LUMPUR (April 1): The Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), in collaboration with IBG Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, has commenced the trial for its latest innovative solution, the iM-bioGuard biofertiliser.

The MPOB said in a statement here on Monday that infused with the potent bacteria Pseudomonas, the biocontrol fertiliser combats the fungal pathogen Ganoderma boninense, which is the cause of the Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease.

Also known as the 'cancer' of oil palm, BSR is one of the most severe diseases afflicting oil palm estates in major producing countries, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia, resulting in enormous economic losses of RM1.5 billion each year, it added.

An MPOB patented technology, iM-bioGuard is the first liquid type of biofertiliser that is designed to cater for easy absorption by oil palm, making it possible to significantly reduce the damage caused by the Ganoderma disease.

During a recent visit to the Machap Estate for its demonstration, Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin said the introduction of iM-bioGuard represents a significant milestone in collective efforts to mitigate the devastating effects of Ganoderma on the oil palm industry.

“I hope that by starting the first trial with United Malacca Bhd, it can help to increase crop resilience, while promoting environmentally sustainable practices,” said Chan.  

On top of that, the MPOB and IBG Manufacturing have signed a commercial agreement to introduce the technology to the industry, of which the collaborative endeavour signifies a united front in advancing sustainable practices and safeguarding the future of Malaysia’s oil palm industry.