Mineral nutrients are commonly used as fertilizers to enhance plant growth though the regulation of plant metabolism such as improved nitrogen fixation and rhizobial growth. In other words, it is beneficial in the protection against abiotic and biotic stresses. The importance of applications of balanced nutrients has to be considered in reducing risk of Ganoderma in oil palm in order to increase yield and cost-effectiveness of fertilizer usage.

GanoCare™ was formulated for the prevention of Ganoderma disease in oil palm. The product contains powdered empty fruit bunches (EFB) incorporated with trace elements. The process of mass production of GanoCare™ was established and patented. The product has significantly reduced the infection of Ganoderma disease in oil palm seedlings (63.5%).

Field testing of GanoCare™ in the control of Ganoderma disease was investigated at two sites: Teluk Intan and Seberang Perak in Perak through seedling baiting technique. Two treatments were evaluated: untreated seedlings (as control) without GanoCare™ (T1); and seedlings treated with GanoCare™ (T2). Thirty seedlings were used for each treatment. After 36 months of planting, only 6.7% dead palms were observed on seedlings treated with GanoCare™, while 83.3% of seedlings untreated with GanoCare™ were dead due to Ganoderma infection.