Date Palm Research Articles

The Effect of Heavy Metal Speciation on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> L. Growing in Moroccan Urban and Peri-Urban Environments

The Effect of Heavy Metal Speciation on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Associated with <i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> L. Growing in Moroccan Urban and Peri-Urban Environments

Experimental Investigation of Date seed and Neem Powder Reinforced Natural Fiber Composites

Natural fillers have received great attention among researchers due their its light weight, high strength, degradability, and eco-friendly behavior. This work is focused on developing a laminate of date palm seed powder and neem gum powder reinforced epoxy resin. Epoxy resin is an excellent thermoset polymer with anoutstanding cost to performance ratio. Date palm seeds have highly competitive properties in improving the mechanical and thermal properties of composites by their good adherence to polymer matrix. Neem gum powder is used as a binder in increasing ratios of 0 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %, 25 %, and 30 % to test their strength in different compositions. Date seed powder has been reinforced in decreasing weight percent as 30 %, 25 %, 20 %, 15 %, 10 %, 5 %, and 0 %. The specimens prepared through the compression moulding technique were subjected to various mechanical tests like a tensile test, flexural test, and impact test as per the ASTM standards. Fractography analysis using FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy) and FT-IR(Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy) test have determined the surface characteristics and chemical composition of the samples. The result shows that, by adding neem gum powder in increasing quantities the mechanical properties like tensile and flexural decreases. However, it does not affect the impact strength of the material. A detailed study of their behavior is discussed in this work.

Planting date and dicamba‐based herbicide programs influence soybean production in the Southern Great Plains

AbstractThe interplay of management decisions involving soybean (Glycine max L.) planting date, herbicide programs, and herbicide application timings is critical to optimize soybean performance and weed control in Southern Great Plains soybean production systems. This research sought to evaluate soybean yield potential and the level of weed control as influenced by early‐, delayed‐, and late‐ planting dates and various combinations of preemergence (PRE), early‐postemergence (EPOST), and mid‐postemergence (MPOST) weed management programs. A field study was established in Bixby, OK in 2017 and 2018 under irrigated conditions and in Perkins, OK in 2017 under dryland conditions, consisting of three planting windows (early, delayed, and late) of XtendFlex soybean, with or without a PRE (chlorimuron + flumioxazin + pyroxasulfone + glyphosate + dicamba) combined with EPOST or EPOST + MPOST (glyphosate + dicamba) versus no in‐season applications. The gap in late‐planted soybean yield potential, compared to early‐planted soybean, was exacerbated in the dryland systems (1346 kg ha−1) versus an irrigated system (2311 kg ha−1). Use of PRE provided 60% weed control until MPOST and increased yields by 657 kg ha−1 and 457 kg ha−1 for delayed and late‐planted soybean, respectively. Late‐planted soybean with EPOST + MPOST provided up to 50% weed control, but lack of biomass production for cultural control reduced weed control by 29% compared to early‐ and delayed‐planted soybean. From an agronomic management standpoint, the time of soybean planting is influential on the success of weed control measures and soybean yields in double‐cropping system in the Southern Great Plains, particularly with late‐planted soybean.

Improving seed palm germination using biomaterials Fenugreek seed extract (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)

The Barhee cultivar of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) holds significance due to its nutritional value. This study explores the impact of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L.) seed extract on the growth of Barhee seedlings. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of Fenugreek seed extract at various concentrations (0.0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%) revealed pronounced effects on the vegetative growth and phytochemical composition of Barhee seedlings. Our findings demonstrate a positive correlation between the Fenugreek seed extract treatments and the growth parameters of Barhee seedlings, particularly noteworthy when concentrations were below 2%. Notably, chlorophyll content increased by 58%, while soluble carbohydrates and proteins saw improvements of 55% and 48%, respectively. The antioxidant activity, measured through catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), also exhibited enhancements. Phenolic compounds registered a substantial increase of 47%. Moreover, Fenugreek seed extract contributed to membrane integrity by reducing levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating a positive impact on oxidative stress. These results collectively underscore the beneficial effects of Fenugreek seed extract on the growth and physiological aspects of Barhee date palm seedlings. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of Fenugreek as a growth-enhancing agent for date palm cultivation, specifically the Barhee variety. The positive outcomes observed in various parameters suggest that incorporating Fenugreek seed extract at appropriate concentrations could be a valuable strategy for optimizing the productivity and quality of date palm crops.

Teff grass increases summer forage availability in the Rolling Plains of Texas

AbstractTeff [Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter] grass has gained popularity in the United States as an emergency summer forage for livestock due to its drought tolerance and rapid growth habit. An alternative forage would benefit Texas Rolling Plains growers due to the summer forage shortage caused by drought conditions. However, among the teff research conducted in the United States, there is great variability in the forage yields and nutritive values depending on the amount of nitrogen and available water. The objective of the study was to evaluate forage productivity and nutritive value of teff in the Texas Rolling Plains under irrigated and dryland conditions with two nitrogen rates and application timings. Nitrogen fertilizer treatments included single applications of either 50 or 100 lb a−1 applied at planting and a split application of either 50 or 100 lb a−1 applied both at planting and after the first harvest. No differences were observed among nitrogen rates and application methods in the irrigated trial (5286 lb a−1). The split application of 100 lb a−1 produced the greatest total yield in the dryland trial (3096 lb a−1) with no yield advantage of 100 lb N a−1 over 50 lb N a−1 at the first cutting. Forage nutritive values were similar to the warm‐season forage species utilized in the region. This study showed that teff can be an alternative forage species in the region. Future research will include planting dates, nitrogen application timing, cutting height, and the interaction of these factors on yield and nutritive values of teff.

Single and basal crop coefficients for estimation of water requirements of subtropical and tropical orchards and plantations with consideration of fraction of ground cover, height, and training system

AbstractThis paper provides an overview of the research carried out over the last 25 years on the FAO56 single and basal crop coefficients of subtropical and tropical orchards and plantations of cactus pear, dragon fruit, fig, jujube, passion fruit, pomegranate, cape gooseberry, cherimoya, guava, longan, lychee, mango, papaya, acerola, carambola, cashew, cacao, coffee, jaboticaba, jatropha, macadamia, açai palm, coconut, date palm, guayule, oil palm, peach palm, ramie and rubber tree. The main objective of this review is to update standard single crop coefficients (Kc) and basal crop coefficients (Kcb) and complete the Kc and Kcb values tabulated in FAO56. Kc is the ratio between the non-stressed crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and the grass reference evapotranspiration (ETo), and Kcb is the ratio between the crop transpiration (Tc) and the ETo. When selecting and analysing the literature, only studies that used the FAO Penman–Monteith equation, or another equation well related to the former to compute ETo were considered, while ETc or Tc were obtained from accurate field measurements on crops under pristine (non-stress cropping conditions) or eustress (“good stress”) conditions. Articles meeting these conditions were selected to provide data for updating Kc and Kcb under standard conditions. The related description of orchards and plantations refers to crop cultivar and rootstock, irrigation systems and scheduling, planting spacing, fraction of ground cover (fc) by the crops, crop height (h), crop age and training systems, as Kc and Kcb values depend on these characteristics. To define the standard Kc and Kcb values of the selected crops, the values collected in the literature were compared with previously tabulated standard Kc and Kcb values. The updated tabulated values are transferable to other locations and climates and can be used to calculate and model crop water requirements, primarily for irrigation planning and scheduling, and thereby supporting of improved water use and savings, which is the overall aim of the current review.

Schiff Base Functionalized Cellulose: Towards Strong Support-Cobalt Nanoparticles Interactions for High Catalytic Performances

A new hybrid catalyst consisting of cobalt nanoparticles immobilized onto cellulose was developed. The cellulosic matrix is derived from date palm biomass waste, which was oxidized by sodium periodate to yield dialdehyde and was further derivatized by grafting orthoaminophenol as a metal ion complexing agent. The new hybrid catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, solid-state NMR, XRD, SEM, TEM, ICP, and XPS. The catalytic potential of the nanocatalyst was then evaluated in the catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol under mild experimental conditions in aqueous medium in the presence of NaBH4 at room temperature. The reaction achieved complete conversion within a short period of 7 min. The rate constant was calculated to be K = 8.7 × 10−3 s−1. The catalyst was recycled for eight cycles. Furthermore, we explored the application of the same catalyst for the hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde using dihydrogen under different reaction conditions. The results obtained were highly promising, exhibiting both high conversion and excellent selectivity in cinnamyl alcohol.

Optimum Transplanting Date for Rape Forage and Grain Yields in the Ridge Culture Place Planting System on the Yangtze River Delta

The ridge culture place planting system (RCPPS) is a promising technique for planting rapeseed that can promote the growth of rapeseed by late rice stubble, which has been widely adopted in the Yangtze River delta. To determine the optimum planting date for rape (Brassica napus L.) forage and grain yield in an intensive rice–rape rotation system, a field experiment was conducted with five transplantation dates (from 20 October to 30 November at 10 day intervals) in RCPPS. The forage/grain yield, nutrition, and growth parameters were analyzed. At podding, rape biomass yield was highest, and no significant differences were found among treatments. It was around 12.0% crude protein, 11.4% ether extract, 38.8% neutral detergent fiber, and 34.9% acid detergent fiber. In the treatments of 20 and 30 November, crude protein content increased and acid detergent fiber content decreased significantly. Compared with 20 October, the grain yield of rape transplanted in November decreased significantly by 17.2% to 22.5%. The grain yield was significantly correlated with the number of secondary branches, pods, and seeds. At the final flowering stage, rape transplanted in November had noticeably reduced leaf growth, rhizome width, and yield than 20 and 30 October. Overall, for multiple uses of rapeseed in the Yangtze River delta belt with RCPPS, it is optimal to plant in mid to late November for forage use with higher nutritional value, being coordinated with the previous rice crop, whereas late October is the appropriate planting time to obtain a higher grain yield.

Interaction between feeding efficiency and digestive physiology of Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on different date fruit varieties

Interaction between feeding efficiency and digestive physiology of Plodia interpunctella Hubner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) on different date fruit varieties

Assessment of mechanical and physicochemical properties of palm fiber composites: Effect of alkaline treatment and volume alterations

This study assesses the impact of alkaline treatments and volume fractions on biocomposites composed of a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix reinforced with date palm tree fibers (FPDS). Tensile tests were conducted on both untreated and NaOH-treated biocomposites. Additionally, fiber analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results reveal higher strength and stiffness compared to HDPE, albeit with limited plasticity making the material brittle. The NaOH treatment enhances certain mechanical properties. Further assessments encompassed hardness, density, melt index, and Izod impact tests. Two volume fractions, 20% and 25%, of FPDS were tested. The study establishes a correlation between empirical predictions and artificial neural network (ANN) models. Notably, an ANN architecture consisting of two input factors, 10 hidden nodes, and one output provides the analysis of mechanical properties. This investigation highlights the potential of FPDS-reinforced HDPE biocomposites, emphasizing their mechanical performance under various treatments and fiber levels.

In silico study of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins in oil palm, coconut, and date palm: evolutionary insights into genetic relations, sequence conservation, and functional implications

In silico study of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding proteins in oil palm, coconut, and date palm: evolutionary insights into genetic relations, sequence conservation, and functional implications

Development and Standardization of an Adaptation Index to Assess the Climate Resilient Practices by Paddy Growers

India is prominently recognized as the foremost producer of paddy, cultivating this crop over 47.83 million hectares and generating 135.75 million tonnes of paddy, thus playing a substantial role in the worldwide paddy output. However, there is an anticipated decline in paddy production yields due to the projected effects of climate change, estimated to range from 10% to 30% by 2030. In recent times, adaptation to climate change has become a major concern to farmers, policy makers and researchers. Climate resilient rice production practices need to be enhanced at the farm level in order to aid rural residents in improving their household food security. Against this backdrop, the proposed research seeks to fill this crucial knowledge gap by developing and constructing adaptation index tailored specifically for paddy growers in India. Through a literature review and discussions with experts, we have identified indicators and sub-indicators using the indicator approach method. These indicators will help us understand how paddy growers are adapting to climate change and implementing climate resilient practices. The relevancy rating score was obtained from 30 experts in the concerned area. Based on the relevancy score, 8 indicators and 23 sub-indicators of 0.80 and above were considered for inclusion in the adaptation index. To compute the index values for each of the identified indicators, their relative importance in the adaptation practices was worked out by assignment of index values to indicators through Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the high factor loadings exceeded 0.5 of sub-indicators were considered and the findings revealed that disease and management had highest index value of 3.461, followed by methods of paddy establishment (2.195), crop rejuvenation techniques (2.10), altered planting dates (2.049), water saving and management techniques (1.987), nursery management (1.562), paddy varieties (1.342) and spacing (1.214).

Insecticidal potential of Eucalyptus cinerea essential oil and its major constituent 1,8-cineole against Ectomyelois ceratoniae Zeller and Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Pyralidae)

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to investigate the insecticidal properties of essential oil derived from Eucalyptus cinerea leaves and its main component, 1,8-cineole, against two significant pests of stored dates, Ectomyelois ceratoniae and Ephestia kuehniella (Pyralidae). The impact of the treatment on the sensory characteristics of date fruits was assessed to verify the complete absence of off-odours and off-flavours. Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry analysis of E. cinerea essential oil revealed that the primary compound was 1,8-cineole (74.5%). Fumigant toxicity of the two pests, indicated that first instar larvae (L1) exhibited greater tolerance to E. cinerea EO and 1,8-cineole than L5, while adult forms were more susceptible than larvae. The E. cinerea EO had a noticeable pest contact activity when used at a concentration of 0.35 µL/cm2 caused 100 and 88.3% mortality to E. ceratoniae and E. kueheniella, respectively, after 1 hour of exposure. Hedonic evaluation showed that consumers’ appreciation of fumigated dates was not significantly different to the no treated dates.

Effect of foliar spray of urea and Potassium Citrate on fruiting of Barhee Date palm

Effect of foliar spray of urea and Potassium Citrate on fruiting of Barhee Date palm

New Composites Derived from the Natural Fiber Polymers of Discarded Date Palm Surface and Pineapple Leaf Fibers for Thermal Insulation and Sound Absorption.

New composites made of natural fiber polymers such as wasted date palm surface fiber (DPSF) and pineapple leaf fibers (PALFs) are developed in an attempt to lower the environmental impact worldwide and, at the same time, produce eco-friendly insulation materials. Composite samples of different compositions are obtained using wood adhesive as a binder. Seven samples are prepared: two for the loose natural polymers of PALF and DPSF, two for the composites bound by single materials of PALF and DPSF using wood adhesive as a binder, and three composites of both materials and the binder with different compositions. Sound absorption coefficients (SACs) are obtained for bound and hybrid composite samples for a wide range of frequencies. Flexural moment tests are determined for these composites. A thermogravimetric analysis test (TGA) and the moisture content are obtained for the natural polymers and composites. The results show that the average range of thermal conductivity coefficient is 0.042-0.06 W/(m K), 0.052-0.075 W/(m K), and 0.054-0.07 W/(m K) for the loose fiber polymers, bound composites, and hybrid composites, respectively. The bound composites of DPSF have a very good sound absorption coefficient (>0.5) for almost all frequencies greater than 300 Hz, followed by the hybrid composite ones for frequencies greater than 1000 Hz (SAC > 0.5). The loose fiber polymers of PALF are thermally stable up to 218 °C. Most bound and hybrid composites have a good flexure modulus (6.47-64.16 MPa) and flexure stress (0.43-1.67 Mpa). The loose fiber polymers and bound and hybrid composites have a low moisture content below 4%. These characteristics of the newly developed sustainable and biodegradable fiber polymers and their composites are considered promising thermal insulation and sound absorption materials in replacing synthetic and petrochemical insulation materials in buildings and other engineering applications.

Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lignin Extracted from Phoenix Dactylifera Seed: Application as Electrochemical Sensor for the Monitoring of Ornidazole

Abstract Lignin is the second most common biopolymer after cellulose and the most-available renewable source of aromatic groups in nature. The alkaline method was used to extract lignin from Phoenix dactylifera seeds powder. The current research aims to use extracted lignin as a reducing and stabilizing agent for ecofriendly manufacturing of silver nanoparticles (Lig-AgNPs). The prepared Lig-AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis techniques. Moreover, they were further used to modify the surface of a carbon paste electrode (CPE), and the resulting modified electrode (Lig-AgNPs/CPE) was applied for electrochemical detection of ornidazole (ODZ) according to optimum square wave voltammetry conditions. The prepared sensor Lig-AgNPs/CPE was able to identify ODZ (at BR buffer pH 2.3) in a linear range between 8.0×10-6 and 1.0×10-3 M, with DL of 0.362 µM and QL equal 1.21 μM, the acquired RSD was 3%. Additionally, the developed electrode Lig-AgNPs/CPE was successfully applied to detect ODZ in commercial milk, river water, and tap water with agreeable results.

Experimental Study on the Effect of Date Palm Powder on the Thermal and Physico-Mechanical Properties of Gypsum Mortars

Date palm leaves have been diachronically applied in building materials in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, so as to enhance specific properties, such as volume stability and strength. This research work concerns an experimental study on the impact of date palm leaflet powder (DPLP) on the thermal and physico-mechanical properties of gypsum mortars. A series of mortar compositions were prepared with different proportions of DPLP (0, 1, 3, and 5% w/w of binder) and variant particle size (0.5, 1, and 1.5 mm). The results showed that the mortars containing DPLP exhibited significant changes in their properties due to variations in DPLP concentration and particle size. Increased DPLP led to lower density, higher porosity, and water absorption rate, whereas mechanical strength and thermal conductivity were decreased according to the DPLP proportion and size. This research provides valuable insights into the use of sustainable and renewable building materials, highlighting the benefits of exploiting agricultural waste in the constructional sector. The findings lay the groundwork for future research and innovation in environmentally friendly construction technologies.

Synthesis of Novel Nanocomposite CaO/AC/ZnO from Biogenic Wastes of Date Palm Seeds from The Najran Region (Saudi Arabia) and Eggshells for Degradation of Methylene Blue

Metal nanoparticles and activated carbon-based nanocomposite materials are gaining popularity due to their numerous potential applications in a wide range of materials science areas. The current study aims to create novel photocatalyst frameworks for nanocomposites that were synthesized from biogenic waste and used to photodegrade methylene blue (MB) in wastewater under visible light. The activated carbon from date seeds was calcinated at a temperature of 700°C for two hours, and its surface was improved using zinc oxide nanoparticles and calcium oxide nanoparticles manufactured from eggshells at 900oC. XRD, FT-IR, SEM, BET, and TEM analyses were used to characterize the produced nanocomposites. The synthesized nanocomposite photocatalytic activity was evaluated by degrading MB dyes, its model of water pollution. The results showed that the nanocomposite CaO/AC/ZnO has a mesoporous structure with great sorption capability. Also, the photodegradation efficiency of MB using AC, CaO, AC/ZnO, and CaO/AC/ZnO nanocomposite was 33.23, 37.58, 54.61, and 88.92%, respectively, after100 min of sunlight irradiation indicating that photodegradation efficiency increases by improving the surface properties of AC. The CaO/AC/ZnO nanocomposite exhibited a 96.7% removal efficiency of MB following 120 min of visible light radiation exposure. Therefore, the CaO/AC/ZnO nanocomposite has a promising opportunity to function as a versatile and effective photocatalyst for photodegradation of organic dyes in wastewater.

Hygrothermal characterization of lightweight biosourced composites based on date palm fiber and lime

ABSTRACT Biosourced materials derived from agricultural by-products hold significant promise in both enhancing the hygrothermal performance of buildings and reducing their environmental footprint. We investigate the hygrothermal properties of green composites based on date palm fibers and lime. The eco-friendly building composites explored are manufactured using either trunk fiber (surface fiber) or rachi and petiole fiber (wood fiber). Through an experimental approach, for different fiber percentages, the hygrothermal characteristics of the explored composites were experimentally determined in terms of thermal conductivity, diffusivity, porosity, water vapor permeability, and sorption scanning isotherms. The results show that date palm fiber has a positive effect on the thermal properties of the composite material. Indeed, it significantly enhances the insulating capacity of the composites. Water vapor permeability exhibits significant variation depending on the fiber content, with samples containing higher fiber content exhibiting greater permeability. Furthermore, the effective moisture penetration depth (EMPD) model proved effective describing the experimental adsorption scanning isotherm curves. It was observed that the sorption process is significantly influenced by both the type and percentage of fibers. Finally, the observed results demonstrate that date palm fiber and lime composites could offer notable advantages for construction applications and serve as an effective, cost-effective insulation.

Development and Characterization of a PLA Biocomposite reinforced with Date Palm Fibers

Despite the promising potential of bio-composites derived from plant fibers due to their ecological and economic benefits, challenges persist in their preparation, restricting their commercial applications. These challenges are primarily associated with developing suitable methods, acquiring appropriate equipment for treating plant fibers, and addressing the time constraints in preparation. This study aims to contribute to the development and characterization of a new biocomposite and biodegradable material based on natural fibers produced through hot compression. The newly developed biocomposite comprises commercial biodegradable poly-lactic acid (PLA) as a matrix and untreated fiber fabric extracted from date palms as reinforcement. The use of untreated fiber fabric has successfully overcome the preparation difficulties. Experimental results on the new biocomposite reveal the strong adhesion between its fibers and the matrix, emphasizing the significant impact of choosing the right manufacturing conditions on the developed mechanical properties.