Desti, R. Mastuti, R. Azrianingsih, E.L. Arumingtyas
Nibung (Oncosperma tigillarium [Jack.] Ridl.) is a valuable palm species, widely used in construction and as a food and source of bioactive compounds in pharmaceutical industries. This significant nibung germplasm in the provincial mascot of Riau is facing threats from land conversion and urbanization. For its conservation strategies, it is essential to understand its profile about population, habitat, and important traits. This study aimed to characterize the population of nibung and its secondary metabolites linked to environmental conditions. In a comparison between coastal and non-coastal populations of nibung, the study revealed considerable environmental effects on its growth. Results showed that nibung from non-coastal locations (grown in sandy clay and clay loam soils) showed larger size but smaller clumps, while coastal samples (grown in silty clay soil) grew shorter, with larger clumps. The phosphate, linked to higher flavonoid contents, was abundant in non-coastal areas, and potassium negatively affected the stem size. These findings could play a crucial role in the nibung’s genetic potential, development, and cultivation and help in conservation strategies, especially in Riau, Indonesia. © Society for the Advancement of Breeding Research in Asia and Oceania (SABRAO) 2025.
Department of Biology Education, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Islamic University of Riau, Riau, Indonesia; Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, Indonesia
