Date Palm Status and Perspective in Spain

Abstract

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an archaeophyte in Spain and is the iconic species of an introduced mixed irrigated agricultural system of food crops, animal feed, grasses, and livestock. Traditionally, date palms are propagated from seed and grown for their fruits, as well as for products derived from the leaves and stem wood. The seedling date palm populations in Spain represent a diverse pool of genetic resources with potential to improve the crop in general. Depending on the local microclimate, 20–50 % of date fruits in Spain do not fully ripen on the tree because of cooler temperatures late in the growing season. Artificial ripening techniques have been devised to deal with this situation. Local genotypes are under study for the best fruit types for expanded marketing, as a gourmet fresh fruit product in Europe, to enhance farmer income and to sustain the traditional production system. Tissue culture of selected genotypes is contributing to sustainability of the palm groves. New commercial date products are under study to broaden economic possibilities. The exotic red palm weevil pest represents the main threat to the palm grove and control measures are being pursued. Historic palm groves persist in Spain, especially in Elche and Orihuela, as well as presumably naturalized feral palms exhibiting distinctive morphological characteristics described as P. iberica. Phoenix palms are protected and continue to provide commercial fruits and palm leaves for religious ceremonies and to enhance the local landscape. Elche, the largest palm grove, is a World Heritage Site and a major tourist attraction.