The seasonal fluctuations in weather and their impact on the flowering, fruit setting, and growth of date palm fruits (phoenix dactylifera L.) in Iraq

Abstract

Date palm cultivation is widespread in central and southern Iraq, along the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and their branches, as well as on the shores of the Shatt al-Arab. It extends along a latitude line of approximately 35 degrees north to 30 degrees south. The date palm has been closely associated with Iraq's ancient civilization and history, helping many communities to settle. Iraq preserves more than 630 varieties of agricultural varieties that are distributed geographically across date palm plantations. Date palm cultivation is confined to the latitude lines of 10 to 35 degrees north of the equator, but the date palm gives a good yield in areas where the temperature is high, the humidity is low, and rainfall is absent, from the flowering stage to fruit maturity. Temperature, humidity, light, and wind all affect growth, flowering, and fruit quality and maturity, in addition to limiting the spread of diseases and insects. These factors are determinants of the spread and success of date palm cultivation.