The fertilisers used in the plantation indirectly caused the increase in the fungus population. The fungus grew in population when they received the nutrients from the fertilisers used in the plantation. This could be due to the fertilisers leeching into the soil and reaching the fungi. Oil palm trees are prone to fungus infestations. The palms have stunted growth or die when infested by the fungus. Their decrease in number will directly affect the production of the palm oil in the long run. Less of palm oil will be made from the palms of the plantation.