Date Palm Fruit Research Articles

A Comparison of the Nutritional and Biochemical Quality of Date Palm Fruits Obtained Using Different Planting Techniques.

Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is commonly consumed around the world and has recently become an economical crop in Eastern Thailand, especially the Barhi cultivar that can be consumed as fresh fruit. To maintain genetic qualities, date palm is populated through cell culture. This leads to high production costs, while access to this technique is limited. Increasing date palm population by simple seed planting is currently of interest as an alternative for local farmers. Nevertheless, information on nutritive values, bioactive compounds, and health-promoting bioactivities of seed originating from date palm fruit is unavailable. Effects of different planting origins (cell culture origin (CO) and seed origin (SO)) of date palm fruits at the Khalal stage of Barhi cultivar were investigated for nutritive values, bioactive compounds, and in vitro health-promoting properties via key enzyme inhibitions against obesity (lipase), diabetes (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase-IV), Alzheimer’s disease (cholinesterases and β-secretase), and hypertension (angiotensin-converting enzyme). Waste seeds as a by-product from date palm production were also examined regarding these properties to increase seed marketing opportunities for future food applications and other health-related products. CO and SO exhibited insignificant differences in energy, fat, and carbohydrate contents. SO had higher protein, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, and calcium contents than CO, while CO contained higher contents of fructose, glucose and maltose. Higher phenolic contents in SO led to greater enzyme inhibitory activities than CO. Interestingly, seeds of date palm fruits mostly contained higher nutritive values than the flesh. No carotenoids were detected in seeds but higher phenolic contents resulted in greater enzyme inhibitory activities than recorded for fruit flesh. Results suggest that appropriate planting of date palm can support the development of novel date palm fruit products, leading to expansion of economic opportunities and investment in date palm fruit agriculture.

Date Palm Extract (Phoenix dactylifera) PEGylated Nanoemulsion: Development, Optimization and Cytotoxicity Evaluation.

Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera) is reputed to have numerous biological activities, including anticancer properties. To utilize the great fortune of this fruit, the current study aimed to maximize its pharmacological activity. Date palm extract (DPE) of Khalas cultivar was obtained in powder form and then was formulated into nanoemulsion (NE). The optimized DPE-NE was formulated along with its naked counterpart followed by studying their physical and chemical properties. A qualitative assessment of total serum protein associated with the surface of formulations was implemented. Studies for the in vitro release of DPE from developed NE before and after incubation with serum were investigated. Eventually, an MTT assay was conducted. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 22.89 ± 0.013 mg GAE/g of dry DPE and 9.90 ± 0.03 mg QE/g of dry DPE, respectively. Homogenous NE formulations were attained with appropriate particle size and viscosity that could be administered intravenously. The optimized PEGylated NE exhibited a proper particle size, PDI, and zeta potential. Total serum protein adsorbed on PEG-NE surface was significantly low. The release of the drug through in vitro study was effectively extended for 24 h. Ultimately; PEGylated NE of DPE attained significant inhibition for cancer cell viability with IC50 values of 18.6 ± 2.4 and 13.5 ± 1.8 µg/mL for MCF-7 and HepG2 cell lines, respectively. PEGylated NE of DPE of Khalas cultivar will open the gate for future adjuvants for cancer therapy.

RNA-Seq data analysis reveals various viral sequences associated with genome of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

RNA-Seq data analysis can provide an unlimited contribution in increasing our knowledge in viruses and their interaction with the hosts. In current study, transcriptomic analyses of 20 publicly libraries of date palm (P. dactylifera) fruit was conducted for identification the associated plant viruses. Although, the group of viruses Grapevine leafroll-associated virus (GLRaV) and Pittosporum cryptic virus-1 (PiCV-1) have been identified previously, another thirty-seven different plant viruses have been discovered through the detection of partial nucleotide sequences of their RdRp and Replicase genes via a workflow analysis developed in this study. The viral sequences detected were almost identical (100%) at the nucleotide level with numerous viral isolates deposited at GenBank. However, very rare viral infection has been reported previously on P. dactylifera trees. Thus, an investigation for determining virome of the date palm tree is demanded.

Role of the Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle, Oryzaephilus Surinamensis (l.) in Date Palm Fruits Decay at Different Temperatures with Special References to its Thermal Requirements Estimation.

Role of the Saw-Toothed Grain Beetle, Oryzaephilus Surinamensis (l.) in Date Palm Fruits Decay at Different Temperatures with Special References to its Thermal Requirements Estimation.

Effect of interaction between pheromone traps and plant seeds of harmal, Peganum harmala, on lesser date moth, Batrachedra amydraula (Merck), in Basra Province

The lesser date moth, Batrachedra amydraula Merck is one of the most important pests affect date palm fruits, which cause great losses to the yield, whether in quantity or quality. This study was conducted in Basra province / Al-Qurna district to study the effect of harmal plant seeds on the numerical density, percentage and severity of infection caused by lesser date moth on the date palm trees. The results showed that the highest number of lesser date moths’ population density was appeared in the fogging treatment (111.3 / trap), while the lowest was in the fumigation treatment (64.3 / trap). The lowest percentage of infection by lesser date moth was in the aqueous extract treatment of (29.7%), while the highest was in the fumigation treatment (31.4%). In the first period, the treatment of aqueous extract gave the best results, as the percentage of infection was (17.8%). The lowest rate of infection severity was also in the treatment of aqueous extract (2.2 / 5 fruit), while the highest was in the fogging treatment (6.5 / 5 fruit). In the third period, both treatments of fumigation and fogging gave the best results, as the infection severity was (0/5 fruit) compared to the control for the same period of (8.9 / 5 fruit). The treatment of aqueous extract gave the best results in reducing the severity of infection by lesser date moth, while the treatment of fogging gave the best results in reducing the number density of lesser date moth.

Nutritional Evaluation, Antioxidant, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Egyptian amhat date palm fruit

Nutritional Evaluation, Antioxidant, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activities of Egyptian amhat date palm fruit

Bangladeshi Wild Date Palm Fruits (Phoenix sylvestris): Promising Source of Anti-cancer Agents for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment

Many natural products such as fruits and vegetables are promising amends as safe, effective and affordable approaches to control cancer development and progression, since they are inexpensive and available without any hazards. For instance, the aqueous extract of Ajwa dates (Phoenix dactilyfera) has been found to improve liver function through the restoration of anti-oxidant enzymes, liver enzymes, and cytokines balance and gene expression to normal levels. As the treatment and prognosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma, one of the leading causes of cancer associated deaths globally, has been found to be better if the liver function of the patient can be preserved, Ajwa date extract has been used together with the conventional therapeutics for the treatment of this disease. However, no study has been conducted so far on the anticancer activity of Bangladeshi wild date palm fruits (Phoenix sylvestris) despite the fact that it contains apigenin, quercetin, glucans, luteolin, and iron and vitamin complex. Therefore, in this review we discussed an idea that potential anticancer agents can be isolated from the extract of these fruits, which can eventually be used as an indigenous substance for the treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma in our country and also the liver cancer inhibitory effects of the aqueous extract of these dates can be evaluated in rat model.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 9(1): 32-37

Phoenix dactylifera polyphenols improve plasma lipid profile in hyperlipidemic rats and oxidative stress on HepG2 cells

ABSTRACT The anti-hyperlipidemic potential of Algerian date palm fruits of three varieties [Deglet nour (DN), Ghars (GH), Degla baida (DB)] and its influence on oxidative stress were explored in rat models using human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). Phenolic profile and total phenolic content of the extracts revealed in vitro antioxidant potential, which was confirmed using HepG2 cells. Reduction of TBARS level and increase in NO levels were observed in cell medium. In vivo assays showed that administration of date extracts influenced the hypolipidemic effect in rats by decreasing total cholesterol (−51% for DB, −31% for GH and −30% for DN), triacylglycerol (−61% for DN, −54% for DB and −32% for GH) and LDL-Cholesterol, while increasing HDL-Cholesterol level, indicating strong cardioprotective properties of date fruit.

Factors Affecting the Thermal Fogger for Controlling of “Parlatoria Blanchardi Targ.” on Date-Palm Trees

The aim of this research is to study factors affecting thermal fogger for controlling “Parloria Blanchardi” on the date-palm trees. The outlet tube of the tested fogger was modified by addition tube of 1000 mm length with 30.8 mm diameter. So, the total resonator length increased to 1740 mm to suit with palm-tree heights and easy fog flow. The studied variables included fogger conditions (mobile fogger by human and fogger attached to tricycle), control materials (Malathion, Mineral oil(KZ),“KZ+malathion” and without insecticide), tricycle forward-speeds (0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 m/s), the fog angles (30⁰, 45⁰ and 60⁰) and resonator length (74 and 174 cm). The maximum control efficiencies for the nymphs and adult insect were 84.7 and 95.81% respectively, using fog angle of 45⁰, resonator length of 174 cm, control material of “KZ” and forward-speed of 0.6 m/s. The fogger capacities were 93, 108, 120 and 132 tree/h using tricycle forward-speeds of 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 m/s respectively. Using optimum fog angle of 45⁰ with resonator length of 174 cm, the maximum yield of date-palm fruit is 109.6 kg/tree at forward-speed of 0.6 m/s and “KZ” controlling material. Meanwhile, the minimum yield recorded 88.2 kg/tree was obtained under forward-speed of 1.2 m/s and “Malathion” control material. Under fog angle 45⁰ approximately and resonator length of 174, the minimum range of hourly, operation and production costs of using the fogger attached to tricycle at forward speed range of 0.6-1.2 m/s were 24.6-26.2 L.E./h, 0.20-0.26 L.E./tree and 1.96-2.41 L.E./Mg fruit for “KZ”.

Study the Effect of Different Fruit Bunch Covering Materials on Bird’s Damage, Yield and Quality of Date Palm cv. Halawy in Western Rajasthan

Date palm fruits are damaged by bird’s attack which reduce their commercial value and thereby cause significant economic losses. The objective of this study was to find out the suitable fruit bunch covering material for reducing birds attack, increase yield and improve fruit quality. An investigation was carried out for study the effect of different fruit bunch covering materials on bird’s damage, yield and quality of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cv. Halawy at Date palm Research Center, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner during the year 2019–20. The fruit bunches were subjected to six covering materials i.e., iron wire gauge, non-woven material, agro-shed net, insect proof net, cloth bag and fertilizer bags with one unbagged treatment (control). The fruits bunches were covered at kimri or gandora stages of maturity. The applied treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with three replicates and in each replication three tree were used. Different fruit bunch covering materials significantly influenced the maturity period of date palm (doka stage). Fruit bunches covered with fertilizer bag were matured earlier (109.21 days) in compared to uncovered fruit bunches (116.30 days). The yield of fruits was significantly increased by different fruit bunch covers, and maximum yield (5.89 kg/bunch and 30.68 kg/palm) was recorded in insect proof net fruit cover. The quality attributes viz., fruit weight (7.18 g), fruit length (5.42 cm), fruit diameter (2.80 cm), fruit volume (7.25 cc) and pulp weight (5.44 g) were significantly increased in fruits covered by insect proof net covering materials. However, attributes viz., stone weight, length of bunches, percentage of fruits retained after covering of bunches were found non-significant under different covering materials. The maximum TSS (40.10%), phenol content (0.83 mg/100 g), ascorbic acid (8.06 mg/100 g), total sugar (34.46%) and reducing sugar (31.80%) were significantly influenced and recorded maximum in insect proof net. While, the acidity (0.14%) and soluble tannin (4.46 mg/g) were significantly decreased in insect proof net. Fruit bunch covers minimized the bird’s damage in fruits, and there were no infestations of birds in iron wire gauge cover (0.00%) while, fertilizer bag cover and agro-shed net cover showed minimum bird’s infestation i.e., 1.00% and 1.61%, respectively. The highest bird’s damage (14.64%) of date palm fruits was recorded in unbagged fruits (control).The highest benefit cost ratio (4.58) was obtained in fertilizer bag fruit cover while, the lowest benefit cost ratio (0.94) was recorded in iron wire gauge fruit cover.

FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING POTENCY OF FIVE DATE PALM (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.) FRUIT VARIETIES CULTIVATED IN KHAIRPUR MIR’S

The fruit of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is well-known for its several health blessings and dietary values and its wonderful supply of phenolics compounds and holds relatively exquisite antioxidant capacity. Therefore, the goal of this study is to investigate the free radical scavenging efficiency of the five-date types Aseel, Kupro, Karbala Wari, Asul Khurmo and Gajar Wari cultivated in district Khairpur Mir’s. These date varieties were screened with the help of DPPH assay to evaluate their free radical scavenging efficiency in different solvents. From the statistics, it turned into scrutinize that each extract has interesting antioxidant functionality against free radicals. The methanolic extract has more potential to incline the free radicals. It was concluded that the date variety Asul Khumro is shown excellent activity because it possesses lowest IC50 value 17.823µg/mL, followed by Gajar Wari 20.679 µg/mL in methanolic solution while Kupro 20.937µg/mL in Methanol + Water solution then relaxation of different date varieties at their mature Tamar level. It is concluded from the results that all dates fruit varieties at their final mature stage holds higher antioxidant potency and indicated that these date fruits have natural antioxidants.

Improving 'Piyarom' date palm fruit quality with fruit thinning and bunch covering treatments

‘Piyarom’ dates are one of the most important commercial date cultivars grown in Iran but fruit quality and postharvest losses can be a problem. Thinning and the use of bunch covers were examined to improve the date fruit quality. Three different levels of fruit thinning were applied (without thinning, removal of one third of total strands from terminal tips during pollination and removal of one third of terminal tips of central strands in early kimri). In addition, the effects of bunch covers were assessed with the use of polyethylene bunch covers that were applied in the early stages of Khalal. The results showed that bunch covering reduced the lightness of the fruit but increased bunch weight, fruit length, total antioxidant activity and total phenolic compounds compared to the control. Thinning during pollination increased the weight of the fruit compared to the control. The thinning during Kimri stage increased the percentage of Tamar and ascorbic acid content. These results show that the use of covers play a positive role in increasing quality and bunch weight and thinning at both pollination and Kimri ripening stage is recommended to produce high quality ‘Piyarom’ dates.

Inability of total antioxidant activity assays to accurately assess the phenolic compounds of date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

BackgroundPhenolic compounds in date palm fruit (dates) contribute to the color, antioxidant activity, and nutritional value of the fruit. This study aimed to compare the accuracy of the Folin–Ciocalteu, 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS.+), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods for measuring the total antioxidant activity of date fruit extracts. MethodsA total of 26 date varieties from the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan that varied in color and shape were analyzed in terms of their total phenolic content and antioxidant activity using the Folin–Ciocalteu, ABTS.+, FRAP, and DPPH methods. Two extracts were obtained from each date variety to study the soluble and insoluble phenolic fractions. ResultsThe total phenolic content varied 46–397 mg GAE/100 g fresh weight (FW) using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, 0.9–4.3 μmol TE/100 g FW using ABTS.+, 355–2421 μmol TE/100 g FW using FRAP, and 0.0–1.8 mg/mL using DPPH. These results suggest large variations in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity among the date varieties. However, the results of the four total antioxidant activity assays were not correlated with each other and exhibited large disparity. ConclusionsThese findings put in question the ability of these total antioxidant activity assays to accurately assess the phenolic compounds of dates.

The extent of trace metals pollution in fruit dates palm and associated soil of Zilfi Province, Saudi Arabia.

Fruits and vegetables are edible plant products that are good for health, some trace elements concentration (Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and V) which may be found as pollutants in fruit dates palm and agricultural soils at Zilfi Province were determined by using ICP-MS spectrophotometer. The concentrations in mg/kg of the elements under study in agricultural soil were found ranged as follows: Cu(5.8-16.6), Hg(1.4-3), Mn (55.9-506.9), Ni(3.6-48.1), Pb(7.2-184.4), V(82.6-136.5). Four samples (5,6.10 and 11) have been contaminated with lead when we compare these values with the maximum allowable limits for WHO for Pb(100mg/kg). The concentrations in mg/kg of the elements under study in date palm fruit were found, ranged as follows: Cu (1.8-5.3), Hg (0.17-1.4), Mn (2.4-12.6), Ni (0.75-7.6), Pb (1.2-24.7), and V (11.6-17.3). All date samples were found to be contaminated with Mn element except sample (5). The concentrations of Nickel and Lead in all date palm fruits samples show high contamination compared to WHO/FAO limits for these elements. There have been highly pollution of soil and dates grown in the Zilfi Province elements by lead, but the pollution by mercury is only found in dates samples.

Accumulation of toxic elements in soil and date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) through fertilizer application

Dates are the staple food for Arabs as well as the major export crop in the Middle East. In this work, we analyzed the concentration of toxic elements in commonly used fertilizers and evaluated metal accumulation in soil and date palm. Different types of fertilizers randomly selected from fertilizer dealers in the UAE were investigated for their toxic metals. Soil and plant samples collected from continuously fertilized date plantations were analyzed. Sandy loam soil (0–30 cm) samples were collected from date palm plantations continuously fertilized for more than 10 years (11 samples) and unfertilized date palm plantations (11 samples). A significant increase in chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) was observed in the leaves of the fertilized date palms, whereas, in date palm fruits, the concentration of copper (Cu) was higher. A distinct correlation was observed between the total and the available metal concentrations in the soil for Cd and Cu. The average concentrations of toxic metals, however, remained within the limits of those used worldwide. It is important to encourage manufacturers to indicate the concentrations of toxic elements on the fertilizer labels due to environmental and health implications.

Measurment Heavy Metals of Three Cultivars of Date (Phoenixdactylifera L.) from Sudan

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of mankind’s oldest cultivated plants. A date palm fruit is an important component of the diet in most of the hot arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The Present study aimed at investigating two heavy metals (lead, Pb) and (cadmium, Cd) as mg/kg in three date palm cultivars cultivated in Sudan (Gondalia, Barakawi and Kulma). The results showed insignificant (p ≥ 0.05) concentration of the two heavy metals (cadmium and lead) between the various cultivars in the four local market (sites) (Libya, Bahri, Soug Sitta and workshop). Cadmium concentration was ranged from (0.006-0.043mg/kg) and lead (0.02-0.029mg/kg) for all cultivars at the four locations. Although most of the cultivars had comparable concentration of cadmium, workshop showed the highest (0.043mg/kg) cadmium. Soug Sitta showed the highest levels of lead (0.029mg/kg) among the other four locations. Results revealed that that cadmium concentrations of the study at low concentrations if compared with limit of Codex Alimentarius Commission (2011) inverse to lead concentration. Finally, new ways of exhibition and packaging of date should introduce for safety and protection from any contaminant and heavy metals, which was set as a recommendation.

Identification of Phytochemicals of Phoenix dactylifera L. Cv Ajwa with UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS

ABSTRACT Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit is an important food in the Middle East. Some date palm cultivars like the Ajwa is revered for its health-promoting properties. Phytochemicals like phenolic compounds are in part responsible for such health benefits. However, detailed information on these compounds is lacking. The present work aimed to investigate phytochemical components of Ajwa cultivar using UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS in three different extraction solvents (aqueous, methanol–water, acetone–water) and three different extraction durations (2, 5 and 24 h). The proposed method provided tentative identification of 169 bioactive compounds out of which 44 (polyphenols and other phytochemical compounds) were successfully identified from three different extracts and three different extraction durations. Twenty-one compounds never previously reported in the Ajwa cultivar were identified. Aqueous-based extraction solvent and 24-h extraction duration yielded most phytochemical compounds.

The Efficiency of The Parasitoid, Trichogramma sp. Against Some Date Pests

The date palm tree and its fruits are attacked by several pests that are well adapted to the Egyptian environment that can cause a loss in yield ranged between 30-70%. To control these pests, chemical insecticides were intensively used. However, using chemical insecticides cannot be reliable and safe for long-term pest management solutions because of many serious problems, such as high economic cost, negative impact on the environment and human health, and some pests develop resistance towards them. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the effectiveness of releasing the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma evanescenes, against some date palm fruits at Al Mansoureyah, Imbaba, Giza Governorate, Egypt during two successive growing season, 2018 and 2019. Two traditional chemicals were also used, Pyriban and sulfur. The results showed the successful release of the parasitoid as the high reduced infestation rate observed during the growing seasons 2018 and 2019 compared to conventional methods. So, T. evanescenes is a successful and reliable control method to be used on long- and short-term strategy.

Assessment of semen characteristics of rabbit bucks administered hydro-alcoholic extract of Phoenix dactylifera fruit

The semen characteristics of 24 rabbit bucks of age 28-32 weeks weighing between 1.0-1.5kg was assessed after the administration of hydroalcoholic extract of phoenix dactylifera (date palm) fruit. Phoenix dactylifera hydroalcoholic extract (HAEPD) was administered to four treatment groups at varied levels having T1 (no extract), T2 (300mg), T3 (600mg) and T4 (900mg) in a completely randomized design. The following semen parameters were assessed in the bucks after the administration of HAEDP for 56 days (i.e volume (mL), massal motility (%), individual motility (%), viability (%), morphology (%), libido (sec), liquefaction (min)and semen pH). The results obtained showed that semen volume (mL) was highest at 600mg dose of the extract (77mL) being significantly (P<0.05) higher than other treatment groups between which were not different from each other. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed across treatment groups for mass motility (%). Individual motility of T3 (600mg) and T4 (900mg) were significantly (P<0.05) higher than T1(0mg) and T2(300mg). Sperm viability (%) and concentration (x106/ml) were higher in treatment groups receiving date palm extract compared to the control. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in morphology (%) and liquefaction (min). reaction time (sec) was lower in T3 and T4 compared to control and T2. PH ranged between 6.10-6.33 (slightly acidic) across treatment groups. In conclusion, date palm extract positively influenced sperm volume and sperm concentration in rabbit bucks.

Exploiting Response Surface Methodology (RSM) as a Novel Approach for the Optimization of Phenolic and Antioxidant Activity of Date Palm Fruit

The Box-Behnken design was used to investigate the effect of three independent variables – time, temperature and solvent-to-solid ratio on the responses of total phenolics, total flavonoids, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) of date fruit methanolic extracts. Response surface analysis showed that the optimal ultrasound extraction parameters that maximized the responses were 30 min, 298 K and 74.4 ml/g. Under optimum conditions, UHPLC-DAD-MS/MS was used to tentatively characterize 11 phenolic compounds. The experimental values for the quantification of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities are in accordance with the predicted values, indicating the suitability of the model and the success of response surface methodology in optimizing the ultrasound extraction conditions.