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, leading to a heavy reliance on costly fertilizers. Developing genotypes with high nutrient use efficiency is therefore critical for sustainable agriculture. This study employed a metabolomics approach to evaluate the performance of 10 oil palm genotypes under fertilized and non-fertilized conditions. Through analysis of biomass allocation and metabolite profiles, we identified genotype BGA103 as exceptionally resilient. Under nutrient-deficient conditions, BGA103 maintained a high shoot-to-root ratio and exhibited a stable metabolite profile, indicating efficient nutrient utilization. Genotypes BGA102, BGA107, and BGA109 also showed adaptive potential, though to a lesser extent. Key metabolic pathways, including steroid and fatty acid biosynthesis, were significantly influenced by fertilization, while biomarkers like Tocopherol and Neophytadiene were identified as robust indicators of nutrient status. These findings provide a strong biochemical basis for selecting and breeding elite oil palm varieties tailored for low-input agriculture on marginal lands, paving the way for more cost-effective and environmentally friendly production systems