Improvement of the initial growth of young date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) plants by the application of isoprothiolane to soil

Abstract

Effect of the application of isoprothiolane (IPT) to soil on the growth of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) was investigated by using young plants. The roots were trimmed at about 10 cm below the base of a shoot to reproduce the initial growth of the offshoot shortly after separation from the mother tree. The application of IPT to soil enhanced top growth dramatically as well as root growth. Application of IPT at the rate of 50 to 100 g plant−1 was found to sufficient to promote root development after the cutting of adventitious roots. It was concluded that the application of IPT to soil may enable to promote the establishment of newly planted offshoots.