Basrah Journal For Date Palm Research

The study was conducted in the Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Unit, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, on pollen grains of three male date palm cultivars: Al-Ghanami Al-Akhdar, Al-Deiri, and a seedling type. The objective was to investigate their biological characteristics and oil content during three stages of the male spathe season. These stages included the early stage (at the beginning of emergence), the middle stage (at maturity before sheath splitting), and the late stage (after full spathe opening). The results showed that the male cultivar Al-Deiri significantly outperformed the other cultivars in all studied traits, recording the highest values for pollen viability percentage, pollen germination percentage, pollen tube length, pollen oil percentage, specific gravity, oil density, and refractive index, with respective averages of 82%, 70.67%, 130 µm, 0.039%, 0.837, 0.773 mg µL⁻¹, and 1.440. Regarding the effect of spathe collection periods, the late stage recorded the highest averages for all studied traits compared to the other stages, with respective values of 95.67%, 79%, 120 µm, 0.043%, 0.886, 0.935 mg µL⁻¹, and 1.473. Moreover, the interaction between the Al-Deiri cultivar and the late stage showed a highly significant effect, achieving the best results for all traits, with corresponding averages of 98%, 85%, 160 µm, 0.052%, 0.970, 0.980 mg µL⁻¹, and 1.550.

This study was conducted on the ripened fruits of the Hedal, Khiyara, and seedling cultivar (Dakal) date palm cultivars, , which were brought from a private orchard in Hamdan region, Abu Al-Khaseeb district, south of Basra on September 5, 2024. The fruits were transferred to the Care and Storage Laboratory of the Horticulture and Landscape Design Department, where they were washed with distilled water to remove dirt and dust. Small, infected, and mechanically damaged fruits were excluded, then fumigated with three ozone periods (0, 3, 6) hours. The fruits were then packed in two types of containers: plastic container and clay one, and stored in a refrigerated incubator at 4°C for six months. . The results showed that 6-hour ozone fumigation was the most effective in reducing the percentage of fruit spoilage and weight loss for all studied varieties. It also received the highest rating in terms of sensory characteristics (shape, color, and taste). The results also showed that dates packaged in earthenware containers exhibited significantly lower percentages of fruit spoilage and improved sensory qualities, while plastic containers showed superior results in reducing weight loss. Furthermore, the results indicated an increase in the percentage of fruit spoilage, weight loss, and a decrease in sensory qualities with increasing storage time.

The aim of the present review is to summarize the latest scientific studies addressing the responses of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) to environmental stresses, with a particular focus on drought, heat, and salinity stresses, especially in the context of current global climate changes. These stresses represent major factors affecting the growth and productivity of date palms. Such conditions induce a range of morphological, physiological, biochemical, anatomical, and molecular changes that constitute the tree’s adaptive responses to unfavorable environments. The results indicate that date palm possesses a high degree of adaptability, enabling it to maintain essential vital functions under harsh environmental conditions. Its responses include adjustments in photosynthesis, water and ion balance, osmotic regulation, as well as metabolic reprogramming and activation of antioxidant systems. Molecular and proteomic analyses reveal precise gene regulation and flexible gene expression, reflecting the ability of date palm to modulate critical cellular processes and adapt to multiple stresses. Genetic variation among cultivars further demonstrates differing potentials for stress tolerance. This review highlights a comprehensive understanding of date palm responses to multiple environmental stresses, providing a solid scientific foundation for developing effective strategies to enhance the resilience of this crop and ensure sustainable production under global climate change.

The current study was conducted in a private orchard in Abu Al-Khaseeb district to investigate the effect of spraying with nano-potassium fertilizer on some qualitative characteristics of date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L. cv. Sayer). The study involved spraying the nano-fertilizer at two concentrations (2 and 3 g L⁻¹) and a control treatment, with three replicates per treatment. The Experiment was designed as a randomized complete block design (RCBD), and the significance of differences between treatments was tested using the least significant difference (LSD) test at the 0.05 significance level. The results showed that spraying with nano-potassium fertilizer significantly affected all studied characteristics compared to the control treatment. Spraying at a concentration of 3 g L⁻¹ led to a significant increase in the percentage of soluble solids, vitamin C, and the percentage of dry matter in the fruit compared to the control treatment. The 3 g L⁻¹ concentration also showed a significant increase in the total sugar content of the fruit compared to the control treatment. A concentration of 3 g L⁻¹ resulted in a significant decrease in fruit moisture content compared to the control treatment.

The date palm dust mite (Oligonychus afrasiaticus McGregor) is a major pest affecting the productivity and quality of date palm fruits in the Middle East and North Africa. This review summarizes recent research on its geographical distribution, biological and feeding behavior, cultivar susceptibility, and control strategies. The mite is widely distributed across the Afrotropical, Palearctic, and Nearctic regions, with confirmed infestations in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Egypt, reflecting its adaptability to diverse environments. It feeds by piercing young fruits and fronds to extract sap, particularly during the early growth stages (Kimri and Khalal), causing significant reductions in fruit quality and yield. Cultivar susceptibility varies according to morphological and chemical traits, with some cultivars exhibiting relative resistance. Effective management relies on integrated approaches. Agricultural and preventive measures—including orchard sanitation, removal of weeds and infested fruits, pruning dry fronds, improving irrigation and fertilization, selecting less susceptible cultivars, and regular monitoring—reduce infestation risks and maintain ecological balance. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae and Beauveria bassiana), plant extracts, and essential oils has demonstrated significant mite mortality and repellent effects, with efficacy increasing at higher concentrations or repeated applications. Overall, the review highlights that sustainable, integrated pest management (IPM) strategies combining preventive practices, early monitoring, and natural or biological controls are essential for mitigating the threat of O. afrasiaticus, ensuring high-quality fruit production, and minimizing the environmental and economic impacts of chemical pesticides.

This study evaluated the total sugars, total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (DPPH) in the growing tips of four date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars: Hillawi, Sayer, Zahdi, and Deiri. Significant differences were observed among cultivars for all traits. Sayer exhibited the highest total sugar content (0.73 mg/g DW), while Zahdi showed the lowest (0.37 mg/g DW). For total phenolics, Zahdi had the highest content (36 μg/g DW), and Hillawi the lowest (24 μg/g DW). Deiri showed the highest total flavonoid content (50 μg/g DW), whereas Hillawi had the lowest (26 μg/g DW). Regarding DPPH radical-scavenging activity, Zahdi recorded the highest activity (67.7%), Hillawi the lowest (52.8%), with Deiri and Sayer displaying intermediate values (63.2% and 58.4%, respectively). The results indicate a strong positive correlation between phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity, confirming that these compounds are the major contributors to free radical scavenging in date palm growing tips. The observed variations reflect the genetic and biochemical differences among cultivars. These findings suggest that growing tips are a rich natural source of phenolic compounds with potent antioxidant properties and highlight the potential of selecting cultivars with higher antioxidant activity for nutritional and industrial applications

This study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of foliar spraying with antioxidant compounds, including calcium chelate, potassium chelate, salicylic acid, and citric acid (1000 ppm each), on the anatomical characteristics of date palm offshoot leaves under salinity stress (soil electrical conductivity: 14 dS m-1 irrigation water: 4 dS m-1), for both Barhee and Sayer cultivars. The use of antioxidants significantly increased leaf anatomical parameters. Salicylic acid treatment was the most effective, resulting in increased leaf blade thickness, vascular bundle diameter, xylem thickness, phloem thickness, epidermal thickness, and tannin cell density in both cultivars. In contrast, antioxidant treatments generally reduced stomatal density. Furthermore, the Barhee cultivar exhibited consistently superior anatomical responses compared with the Sayer cultivar. These findings demonstrate that exogenous application antioxidant-related compounds can alleviate salinity-induced structural alterations and contribute to improved anatomical adaptation in date palm offshoots..

This study aimed to evaluate the role of nano-selenium (Se NPs) in alleviating oxidative stress induced by lead contamination in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.). The experiment was conducted using a randomised complete block design, in which four lead concentrations (0, 50, 100 and 150 mg L⁻¹) and three concentrations of Se NPs (0, 100 and 200 mg L⁻¹) were applied as foliar sprays to three-year-old date palm trees over a six-month period. The results demonstrated that increasing lead concentration caused a significant reduction in chlorophyll content and total proteins, accompanied by a significant increase in amino acids, compatible solutes, and oxidative stress indicators, including hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde (MDA). In addition, the membrane stability index (MSI) declined, while the activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants increased. In contrast, the application of Se NPs, particularly at 100 mg L⁻¹, markedly mitigated these adverse effects by enhancing antioxidative defence mechanisms. This was evidenced by increased activities of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), enhanced accumulation of compatible solutes such as proline, glycine betaine and carotenoids, and the maintenance of total protein and chlorophyll contents. Furthermore, the results indicated that the moderate concentration of Se NPs (100 mg L⁻¹) was the most effective, whereas the higher concentration (200 mg L⁻¹) exerted detrimental stress effects. Overall, the findings suggest that nano-selenium represents a promising strategy for enhancing the tolerance of date palm to heavy metal stress, particularly lead.