Morphological Characteristics and Identification of Algae Species on Oil Palm Leaves in an Oil Palm Estate in Riau, Indonesia

Abstract

Algae infection on oil palm leaves has been observed fairly widespread in many oil palm estates in various regions in Indonesia, including Riau, Belitung, and Palembang. Based on field census, algae can be found on young to old palms and were generally more common on the lower (older) fronds. Algae infection appeared as opaque reddish-orange spots atop the leaf surface. Since algae cover the leaf surface, it may cause a decrease in the photosynthesis activities of the affected leaves. Identification of algae species is needed to know the biological properties for effective control measures. A study was carried out to identify the species of algae on oil palm leaves from an estate in Riau Region, Indonesia. According to morphological characteristics such as color, shape, and cell dimension, the algae was classified as green algae (Chlorophyta: Trentepohliales) and was identified as Phycopeltis arundinaceae.