FRUIT YIELD AND QUALITY OF SHAHEL DATE PALM CULTIVAR (Phoenix dactylifera L.) AS AFFECTED BY LEAF : BUNCH RATIOS( In Arabic)

Abstract

The influence of different leaf/bunch ratios (No thinning i.e.control, 6:1, 8:1, 10:1 and 12 leaves : 1 bunch) on fruit yield and quality of Shahel date palm cultivar was investigated. Obtained data indicated that bunch weight and seed parameters were not affected by thinning intensity. Furthermore, increment of leaf/bunch ratio did not improve other bunch components (strands/bunch and strand length) except fruit/strand . Many interrelated factors including tree and leaf condition and environment may have dominant impact on the overall yield components that may possibly reduce or eliminate effects of thinning intensity. Fruit weight and flesh/seed ratio was significantly increased with increasing leaf/bunch ratio, particularly with 10:1 and 12:1 ratios. Reducing and total sugars were positively increased, while fruit moisture content and non-reducing sugars were not affected. The improvement of fruit sugar content could be attributed to possible abundant accumulation of photosynthetic assimilates with more leaves per bunch.