Abstract
Fatal Yellowing (FY) is a severe disorder that compromises oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) production in tropical regions of Latin America. Despite extensive research, its etiology remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate environmental and physiological factors associated with FY development under Amazonian conditions. We integrated field epidemiological data with soil classification and fertility, plant nutrient composition, climatic parameters, and proteomic profiles of symptomatic and asymptomatic palms. The results revealed a consistent association between abiotic stresses such as waterlogging, soil type, nutrient imbalance and the occurrence of FY. Proteomic analysis indicated metabolic adjustments linked to stress tolerance and defense responses. Our findings reinforce the hypothesis that environmental constraints play a decisive role in FY onset and progression, contributing to improved understanding and management strategies for sustainable oil palm cultivation in tropical regions.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the Vale Institute in Belém-PA for promoting research and Biopalma for providing the data, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais (FAPEMIG), and the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) for contributing to this study.
Funding
This study was supported by the Brazilian National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Minas Gerais State Research Foundation (FAPEMIG), and the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES).
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Pereira, R.C.M., Pozza, E.A., Maia e Sá, N. et al. The rain forest environment and oil palm fatal yellowing. Sci Rep (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-44406-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-44406-7
