Preference of pollination insect Elaeidobius kamerunicus Faust. to the female inflorescence of oil palms influenced by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the receptive flowers. VOCs, one factor of the pollination process, need more intensive research to escalate the production value of oil palm, such as fruit set. However, some cases occur in the suboptimal area where pollination is un-optimal. This research aims to study the E. kamerunicus preferences for different VOCs composition from female inflorescence on clay, sandy, and peat soil type. This study used a modified olfactometer as the test equipment. The extraction VOCs of female inflorescence on three different soil types used the maceration method and was analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument. The percentage of attraction E. kamerunicus preference to female inflorescence on clay, sandy, and peat soil types were 40%, 33%, and 24%. GC-MS analysis results showed that VOCs were only detected on clay soil types with a content of 1.11%, known as an attractant, namely Benzene, 1-methoxy-4 (2-Propenyl). It can affect the variation of preference of E. kamerunicus to the female inflorescence.

Pollination determines pollinating weevils in oil palm. Abiotic and biotic factors can influence population pollinator weevils. An experiment was carried out in PT. Sawit Sumbermas Sarana, Tbk. The object of research is to analyze the influence of male inflorescences, natural enemies, and climate on pollinating weevils population at clay, sandy, and peat soil types. The research method used a sampling design. Observation variables were conducted every two weeks for the availability of anthesis male inflorescences, natural enemies, and climate. Davis Vantage Pro 2 was used to measure the climate. The results showed the population of pollinator weevils was significant (p<0.05) influence on male inflorescence. The anthesis male inflorescence per ha increases as the population of pollinator weevil increases. Climate and natural enemies such as Rattus sp., Gasterachanta sp., Argiope sp., Sycanus sp., and Cosmolestes sp., have insignificant influences on pollinating weevils population. Male inflorescence was biotic factor as the source of food for pollinator weevils on clay, sandy, and peat soil types.

Secondary metabolites of oil palm have various potentials. Research on the secondary metabolite of oil palms inflorescences very limited. The purpose of this research is to compare the extraction method between maceration and steam distillation of oil palm female inflorescence’s volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The maceration used ethanolic for 5 × 24 hours, then concentrated with a rotary evaporator. Steam distillation was carried out at a temperature of >80 °C for 4 hours. The extraction results were analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mas Spectrometry (GC-MS). VOCs found from maceration are less than steam distillation, with a 1:12 ratio. Estragole compound was found in both methods. However, steam distillation possesses more content.