CARBOHYDRATES IN THE OIL PALM STEM AND THEIR POTENTIAL USE

The chemical composition of a 46-y old oil palm stem, analysed at various heights and cross sections of the stem, indicated the amount of free sugars ranged from 2 to 10% in 75% aqueous methanol extracts and 50 to 60% in the acid hydrolysates. While the highest portion of the stem gave the most amount of free sugars there was no clear trend in the distribution of these components along the height. On the other hand, across the stem the core regions were distinctly richer in the free sugars than the peripheral regions. In all samples of the methanol extract, sucrose was the main free sugar while in the acid hydrolysates glucose was the main sugar component. The ash content was found to be evenly distributed, whilst the Klason lignin content was present more in the bottom part, decreasing with increasing tree height.