Palm Oil Fungus Detection with Machine Learning: SITH ITB Students Win Silver Award at International Competition

By Helga Evangelina - Mahasiswa Rekayasa Pertanian, 2021

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

Muhammad Fadhiil Hafidz Alfarisy and Muhammad Arsyad Fajri pose with the Silver Award medal they earned at the 2025 International Virtual Competition of Creative & Innovative Idea (IVCCII).

JATINANGOR, itb.ac.id – Two students from the Agricultural Engineering program at the School of Life Sciences and Technology – Engineering Program (SITH-R), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Muhammad Fadhiil Hafidz Alfarisy and Muhammad Arsyad Fajri, won the Silver Award at the International Virtual Competition of Creative & Innovative Idea (IVCCII) 2025. The competition, organized by MNNF Network Malaysia, was held in May 2025 and featured over 200 participants from various countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.

Dalam kompetisi tersebut, Fadhiil dan Arsyad mengangkat karya berjudul "Early Detection of Ganoderma boninense Based on Machine Learning Using Soil Physical Parameters". Inovasi ini mengangkat penerapan machine learning untuk deteksi dini jamur Ganoderma boninense, patogen utama penyebab penyakit busuk akar (Basal Stem Rot) pada kelapa sawit.

Fadhiil and Arsyad presented a project titled "Early Detection of Ganoderma boninense Based on Machine Learning Using Soil Physical Parameters." Their innovation applies machine learning technology to enable early detection of Ganoderma boninense, the primary pathogen responsible for basal stem rot in oil palm plantations.

“We chose this topic because it aligns with the academic background and knowledge we’ve gained in Agricultural Engineering. Moreover, we hope to contribute to sustainable agriculture through technological innovation,” said Arsyad on Monday (June 25, 2025).

Basal stem rot caused by Ganoderma boninense poses a significant threat to the palm oil industry. The fungus spreads slowly from tree to tree and is often only detected at advanced stages of infection, leaving farmers with limited time to act.

“When one tree is infected, nearby trees are also likely to be affected. That’s why an early detection solution is crucial—one that can identify early signs through soil conditions,” explained Fadhiil.

To address this issue, the students developed a device that monitors soil conditions, including moisture, temperature, and conductivity. The collected data is then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify early signs of fungal presence.

This device is designed to issue alerts before visible symptoms appear, enabling farmers to take preventive measures promptly. By identifying infection potential in advance, the system helps maintain plantation productivity and supports more sustainable farming practices.

A prototype of the soil sensor device developed by Fadhiil and Arsyad.

The project was developed under the guidance of two lecturers from different scientific disciplines: Dr. Indrawan Cahyo Adilaksono, S.TP., M.Agr.Sc., from the Agrotechnology and Bioproduct Technology Research Group, and Acep Purqon, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., from the Earth Physics and Complex Systems Research Group. Their interdisciplinary mentorship strengthened the project by integrating perspectives from both agriculture and technology.

Despite being in the midst of completing their final thesis, preparing for seminars, and facing their undergraduate defense, Fadhiil and Arsyad made time to participate in the competition. Though their schedules were demanding, they managed their time effectively and remained focused on completing their project. Their efforts reflect strong dedication and commitment to innovation, even during the challenging final phase of their studies.

Their achievement in IVCCII 2025 is not only a personal triumph but also a testament to the potential of Indonesian youth to compete globally, especially in advancing tech-driven agriculture.

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