Unraveling the response of secondary metabolites to cold tolerance in oil palm by integration of physiology and metabolomic analyses

This study provides critical insights into the physiological and metabolic adaptations of oil palm to cold stress, emphasizing the significant role of secondary metabolites-such as flavonoids, amino acids, and plant hormones-in enhancing cold tolerance. Theses metabolites contribute to oxidative stress protection, osmotic regulation, and cell wall stabilization enabling the plant to better withstand with low temperature condition. The findings provide a strong foundation for molecular research and breeding initiatives aimed at developing cold tolerant oil palm varieties, a crop of siginificant economic value. By combining metabolomic profiling with physiological analyses, provides a holistic understanding of the adaptive mechanisms in oil palm under cold stress.This integrated approach identifies key metabolic pathways that can be targeted in breeding programs to enhance cold resilience, paving the way for improved crop performance in challenging environments.