Quantification of oil palm tree leaf pigment (chlorophyll a) concentration based on their age

Abstract

The main pigments found in oil palm tree leaf are chlorophylls a, b, and c. Chlorophyll a converts light energy into chemical energy through photosynthesis process. The content of chlorophyll pigments varies by their ages. The aim of this research was to determine the concentration in chlorophyll a in different ages. This study is significant in oil palm fertilization for monitoring oil palm nutrient content (NPK). Chlorophyll measurement was done by extracting using methanol solvent and concentration measurement using spectrophotometric method in order to quantify chlorophyll a concentration based on their ages. 6 samples of oil palm tree leaves, collected from 2 different ages, were analyzed. The observed values were determined based on the absorbance at wavelength (670nm) and were calculated for concentrations value based on to the Lambert-Beer law Equation. It showed that the chlorophyll a concentrations at the age of mature stage had been higher than those at the old stage. The results depicted that the chlorophyll a concentration values at the mature stage were 0.33mg/ml, 0.32mg/ml, and 0.18mg/ml, while at the old stage were 0.22 mg/ml, 0.18mg/ml, and 0.06mg/ml.