Date Palm Research Articles

Experimental investigation, performance analysis, and optimization of hot air convective drying of date fruits via response surface methodology

A laboratory-scale hot air convective dryer (HACD) was used to dry date fruits surplus at 0.5 ± 0.02 kg kg−1 to a safe moisture level of 0.35 kg kg−1 under drying temperatures (T) of 50–70 °C with airflow rates (Q) of 0.18 and 0.28 m3 h−1. Kinetics, modeling, energy, economic feasibility, and color difference of the date fruits were analyzed and then optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with two drying factors and eight responses. The drying time to reach the desired moisture level ranged from 9 to 28 h under different drying conditions. The proposed mathematical model expressed the moisture behavior over drying time with the highest R2 = 0.9998 and 0.9999, respectively, for 0.18 and 0.28 m3 h−1. Effective moisture diffusivity (Deff) was calculated using the starting accessibility parameter and varied between 9.9 × 10−8 and 3.3 × 10−7 m2 s−1. The energy analysis revealed that the specific energy consumption (SEC) varies between 22.04 and 43.05 kWh.kg−1 and the drying efficiency (η) are 16.91, 16.14, and 25.38% for 50, 60, and 70 °C, respectively. The RSM optimization using a multi-level design with two centurium points denoted the optimum responses for the highest drying temperature. The lowest payback period (Pb) of the drying system was estimated to be 0.45 years for T = 70 °C and Q = 0.28 m3 h−1. The optimum drying time, Deff, total energy consumption (Et), SEC, η, and total color change (ΔE) were estimated to be 9 h, 3.3 × 10−7 m2 s−1, 33.91 kWh, 22.04 kWh.kg−1, 27.69%, and 1.69, respectively.

Adsorption of phenol on activated carbon obtained from date palm branches

Adsorption of phenol on activated carbon obtained from date palm branches

Fruit Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Three Saudi Arabian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars Grown in District Khairpur, Pakistan

In the present study fruit morphological and biochemical characterization of three Saudi Arabian date palm cvs. (Ajwa, Safawi and Ruthana) were carried out, which were cultivated in the district Khairpur, Pakistan. Fruits were collected at four different fruit growth stages (kimri, khalal, rutab and tamar) from fifteen years old trees for morphological (fruit colour, fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, pulp ratio, seed length, seed diameter, seed weight) and biochemical analyses (moisture content, pH, total soluble solids, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars). Results of fruits physical characters showed that significantly highest fruit length (5.5 cm at rutab stage), fruit weight (20.2 g at khalal stage) was observed in cv. Safawi, whereas at khalal stage significantly lowest fruit length (3.4 cm) was observed in cv. Ajwa and fruit weight (13.2 g) was observed in cv. Ruthana. Fruits showed significant variations in colour and weight from kimri to tamar stage. Biochemical analyses of fruits revealed that highest moisture content (86.2%) was observed in fruits of cv. Ruthana at kimri stage. Total soluble solids (TSS) increased from 8.7% (at kimri stage) to 20.5% (at tamar stage) in cv. Ruthana. pH of the fruits at kimri stage was 3.2 in cv. Ajwa, whereas pH increased to 5.2 in cv. Ruthana at tamar stage. Total sugars (reducing and non-reducing) increased from 7.56% in cv. Ajwa at kimri stage to 69.7% in cv. Safawi at tamar stage as significantly highest values. Findings obtained in the present study described morphological attributes and biochemical constituents of the fruits of three exotic cultivars introduced in climatic conditions of the district Khairpur, Pakistan will open the route and interest of the farmers to introduce other elite date cultivars grown in the world.

Identification, validation and quantification of thymoquinone in conjunction with assessment of bioactive possessions and GC-MS profiling of pharmaceutically valuable crop Nigella (Nigella sativa L.) varieties.

Plants have been pivotal in traditional and modern medicine globally, with historical evidence supporting their therapeutic applications. Nigella (Nigella sativa L.) is an annual herbaceous plant of the Ranunculaceae family and is cultivated in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Western and Central Asia. The medicinal use of plants dates back thousands of years, documented in ancient writings from various civilizations. Alkaloids, phenolics, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and tannins found in plants exhibit antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antibacterial, and antidiabetic activities. This study specifically examines the pharmacological potential of Nigella sativa L., emphasizing thymoquinone-a compound with diverse nutraceutical benefits. The extraction, characterization, and quantification of thymoquinone, alongside other physicochemical parameters, were carried out using ethanol through Soxhlet extraction procedures on five nigella varieties. HPLC analysis was performed to determine the maximum accumulation of thymoquinone in the released variety of the plant and the chemical composition of the seed oil isolated from Nigella sativa L., varieties utilized in the study was determined through GC-MS analysis. The research revealed that the Ajmer nigella-20 variety stands out, exhibiting elevated levels of thymoquinone (0.20 ± 0.07%), antioxidants (76.18 ± 1.78%), and substantial quantities of total phenols (31.85 ± 0.97 mg GAEg-1 seed) and flavonoids (8.150 ± 0.360 mg QE 100 g-1 seed) compared to other varieties. The GC-MS profiling showed the presence of 11 major compounds in the studied varieties, with p-cymene, longifolene, and myristic acid identified as the major chemical compounds present in the oil. The observed variations among Nigella varieties indicate the Ajmer nigella-20 variety as particularly promising for thymoquinone and bioactive compound extraction. This study underscores Nigella's potential as a source of pharmacologically active compounds, highlighting the need for further exploration in therapeutic applications.

Plant nutrient removal and soil residual chemical properties as impacted by maize planting date and density.

This study aimed to measure maize (Zea mays) plant nutrient content and nutrient removal in grain, and to evaluate the residual soil nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as impacted by planting date and density. Field experiments were conducted to evaluate six plant densities and seven planting dates using a split-split plot design with three replications. Besides the crop growth and yield parameters, six plants were collected at the maturity and soil was sampled from each plot for nutrient analysis. Plant N, P, and K concentrations varied with planting date and density and within the ranges of 0.6-1.024%, 0.054-0.127%, and 0.75-1.71%, respectively. Grain N, P, and K concentrations decreased with plant density and varied from 1.059 to 1.558%, 0.20 to 0.319%, and 0.29 to 0.43%, respectively. Soil residual nutrient varied with depth, planting density and date. Residual N concentration in the topsoil varied from 0.6 to 37.2 mg kg-1 in 2019 and from 1.5 to 11.2 mg kg-1 in 2020 and was high under the last two planting dates. Soil residual N concentration was higher in the second layer than in the topsoil. The N concentration in the third layer varied from 0.1 to 33.2 mg kg-1 and was impacted by plant density. Topsoil P did not vary among planting dates and densities. The second and third soil layers P concentration was not affected. There was 83% increase in topsoil K in 2020 compared to 2019, and a decrease of 65 and 23% in soil K was observed in the second and third soil layers, respectively. For maize production system sustainability, future research should use a holistic approach investigating the impact of planting date, plant density on crop growth, yield, nutrient uptake and remobilization, and soil properties under different fertilizer rates to develop the fertilizer recommendation for maize while reducing the environmental impact of the production system.

Effect of Off-season Planting Dates and Varieties on Seed Quality Parameters of Soybean (Glycine max L.) Upon Accelerated Ageing

Three soybean varieties AISb-50, Basara and JS-335 were used in the current study in Adilabad. They were seeded on December 15 and January 15, respectively during the Rabi (2021–2022) season. During the off-season, the varieties were sowed on three replications. To make sure that the requirements for the seed quality of off-season soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) at initial, 3 days of ageing and 5 days of accelerated ageing are explained, as well as the results of different varieties and sowing dates. The plants' collected seeds are sent for an examination of their quality. During the experiment, the following features were examined: speed of germination, field emergence (%), electrical conductivity (µScm-1 g-1), and the following: germination (%), seedling length (cm), seedling vigor index I, seedling dry weight (mg), and seedling vigor index II. The study's conclusions demonstrated how cultivars and planting dates had a substantial impact on the parameters. The 15th January seeded crop (85.78%) had the best germination percentage among the initial, 3 days of aging, and 5 days of accelerated ageing. The AISb-50 variety (88.67%) had the greatest germination percentage among interactions, and the AISb-50 of 15th December (89.00%) had the highest germination percentage. The seedling vigour index I was highest in 15th December sown crop (2605), AISb-50 (2447) variety and in JS-335 of 15th December (2803). The highest seedling dry weight (mg) was recorded in 15th December sown crop (838.40mg), Basara (792.7mg) and in AISb-50 of 15th December (853.1mg). Vigor index II was recorded maximum in Basara (65291),15th December sown crop (71541) and in AISb-50 (74571) of 15th December. While field emergence % was highest in 15th December (81.22%), JS-335(83.17%) and in JS-335, AISb-50 of 15th December sown crop (84.33%). The seed quality parameters was recorded at the initial stage were higher for the above parameters except for electrical conductivity, whereas the highest electrical conductivity was recorded after 5 days of ageing in the 15th January crop (65.75 µScm-1 g-1), Basara (82.50 µScm-1 g-1) and in Basara of 15th January (85.00 µScm-1 g-1). It was noticed that seed quality parameters were significantly affected by sowing date, varieties and accelerated ageing, the freshly harvested seed had good seed quality compared to the aged seed.

Intraspecific competition in row spacings in soybean

The aim of this study is to assess the impact of various row spacings on the morphology, components of grain yield, and overall grain yield of soybean. The experiments were conducted over two planting seasons (2014/2015 and 2015/2016) using two planting dates (November and December) and two cultivars, FPS Urano RR and BMX Tornado RR. The row spacings tested were: 45 cm (wide row), 45 × 45 cm (cross row), 22.5 × 45 cm (twin row), and 22.5 cm (narrow row). Measurements included leaf area index and sunlight interception at R2 stage, as well as grain yield components and overall grain yield. Narrow rows, in addition to achieving canopy closure, also demonstrated enhanced sunlight interception at the R2 stage. However, the positive effect of increased sunlight interception on grain yield was only significant for the December planting date, with no notable difference observed for the November planting date. These findings imply that while narrow rows may offer advantages, particularly in later planting dates, their implementation should be carefully considered and may not consistently lead to increased grain yield, reinforcing the continued preference for conventional row spacing.

An Overview of Date (Phoenix dactylifera) Fruits as an Important Global Food Resource.

Dates are the fruits of the date palm belonging to the Arecaceae family; they comprise over 2500 species and 200 genera and constitute an essential part of the daily diet worldwide, with beneficial nutritional, health, and economic values. Several varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit exist globally, especially in hot and humid regions. This review is an overview of date palms as a significant global food resource, including their historical significance, nutritional composition, cultivation practices, economic importance, and health benefits. The historical journey of dates goes back to ancient civilizations where they were revered for their richness in essential nutrients and natural sweetness. Today, dates are a vital crop in arid regions, contributing substantially to the agricultural economy and livelihoods of communities. This paper further explores the cultivation techniques employed to enhance date production. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of dates is analyzed in detail, highlighting their high content of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. These attributes make dates a delicious treat and a valuable nutritional component, offering numerous health benefits. The potential health effects, including improved digestion, enhanced cardiovascular health, and increased energy levels, are discussed. Additionally, this paper delves into the economic significance of the date industry and its global trade.

Feeding Toxicity of Insecticides against Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus, (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae) in a Controlled Environment

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1790), often known as the Asian palm weevil or red palm weevil (RPW) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), had long been considered disruptive to many palm trees (Arecaceae), especially date palms. Observing adults of RPW inside the trunk of palm trees was challenging. Date palm trees provided shelter from bad weather for the larvae that lived and fed within. Finding the red palm weevils required dissecting the palm. Damage could occur to almost every commercially planted date palm variety in the nation, including Aseel, Hillawi, Karbalain, Mozawati, Kechen, and Dhaki. All year round, adult red palm weevils could be found inside palm trees, although they were most active in the summer. The primary method of managing RPW was the frequent use of synthetic pesticides, which were used both preventatively and therapeutically in an effort to lessen RPW damage and spread. In the present study, the soft stem dip method was used to evaluate the toxicity of three different insecticides (clothianidin, trichlorphon (systemic), and fipronil). The results showed that LC50 values with 95% CI (µg/ml) after 72 hours were recorded as 4.096 µg/ml in the case of clothianidin + trichlorfon, representing the highest toxicity. Trichlorphon against 3rd instar larvae of the red palm weevil was more toxic compared to clothianidin and fipronil. The study, therefore, suggested that these insecticides need to be properly included in IPM plans to combat this pest. To test and enhance the efficacy of such pesticides in field settings, more work was necessary.

Upregulated synthesis and production of bioactive compounds in Lotus arabicus L. by in vitro feeding with dried powder of date palm seeds

BackgroundPlants are considered the primary source of many principal bioactive compounds that have been utilized in a wide range of applications including the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Therefore, there is an imperative need to modulate the production of natural bioactive components. The present study aimed to determine the importance of dried and pulverized date palm seeds (DPS) as a natural elicitor for the synthesis of secondary metabolites in Lotus arabicus L.ResultsThe presence of various antioxidant compounds, simple sugars, amino acids, fatty acids and reasonable mineral contents was distinct in the phytochemical characterization of DPS. The major components detected in DPS analysis were the 5-(hydroxymethyl) furfural and 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyranone. The induced callus of L. arabicus (seven weeks old) was supplemented with DPS at different concentrations (0, 2, 4, 8 and 10 g/l) in culture media. Treatment with 8 g/l DPS induced the highest antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid content and secondary metabolites (total phenolics and flavonoids) in the produced callus. Stress biomarkers (hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde) were found in the control ranges except at 10 g/l DPS. The expression patterns of key genes involoved in secondary metabolism modulation, such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), chalcone synthase (CHS), chalcone isomerase (CHI), flavonol synthase (FLS) and deoxyxylulose phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), were triggered after DPS treatments. Moreover, the quantitative profiling of phenolic and flavonoid compounds showed that supplementation with DPS, especially at 8 g/l, led to pronounced increases in most of the measured compounds.ConclusionThe marked upregulation of eliciting-responsive genes and overproduction of secondary metabolites provide molecular-based evidence for intensifying the principal pathways of phenylpropanoid, flavonoid and terpenoid biosynthesis. Overall, the present in vitro study highlights the stimulating capacity of DPS utilization to improve the bioactive components of L. arabicus at the physiological and molecular levels, enhancing its potential as a medicinal herb.

Effect of organic biostimulants on cannabis productivity and soil microbial activity under outdoor conditions

In 2019 and 2020, we investigated the individual and combined effects of two biofertilizers (manure tea and bioinoculant) and one humic acid (HA) product on cannabis biochemical and physiological parameters and soil CO2 evolution under outdoor conditions. Our hypothesis was that HA would increase the microbial activity in the biofertilizers and synergy of both compounds would promote better plant performance and stimulate soil microbial activity. In 2020, the individual and combined application of biofertilizers and HA increased cannabis height, chlorophyll content, photosynthetic efficiency, aboveground biomass, and bucked biomass by 105, 52, 43, 122, and 117%, respectively. Impacts were greater under suboptimal growing conditions caused by planting delay experienced in 2020. In 2019, planting date occurred in-between the most favorable period and chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency were the only parameters influenced by the application of biostimulants. The discrepancies between the two growing seasons reinforce the evidence of other studies that biostimulants efficacy is maximized under stress conditions. This study could not conclusively confirm that the combined use of biofertilizer + HA is a superior practice since affected plant parameters did not differ from application of the compounds singly. Similarly, only one biofertilizer + HA treatment increased soil microbial activity. More research is needed to define optimum rates and combinations of biofertilizer and stimulants for cannabis.

Water-soluble phenolics from Phoenix dactylifera fruits as potential reno-protective agent against cisplatin-induced toxicity: pre- and post-treatment strategies

Nephrotoxicity is the major side effect of cisplatin, an effective platinum-based chemotherapeutic drug that is applicable in the treatment of several solid-tissue cancers. Studies have indicated that certain water-soluble phenolics offer renal protection. Thus, this study investigates the role of pre and post-treatment of rats with water-soluble phenolics from Phoenix dactylifera (PdP) against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin. Rats were either orally pretreated or post-treated with 200 mg/kg body weight of PdP before or after exposure to a single therapeutic dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg body weight) for 7 successive days intraperitoneally. The protective effects of PdP against Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was based on the evaluation of various biochemical and redox biomarkers, together with histopathological examination of kidney tissues. The composition, structural features, and antioxidative influence of PdP were determined based on chromatographic, spectroscopic, and in vitro antioxidative models. Cisplatin single exposure led to a substantial increase in the tested renal function biomarkers (uric acid, creatinine, and urea levels), associated with an increase in malondialdehyde indicating lipid peroxidation and a significant decline (p < 0.05) in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the renal tissue when compared with the control group. A marked decline exists in the kidney antioxidant enzymes (catalase, SOD, and GPx). Nevertheless, treatment with PdP significantly suppressed the heightened renal function markers, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress. Spectroscopic analysis revealed significant medicinal phenolics, and in vitro tests demonstrated antioxidative properties. Taken together, results from this study indicate that pre- and/or post-treatment strategies of PdP could serve therapeutic purposes in cisplatin-induced renal damage.

Optimization of date palm waste fiber content and length in sand concrete using the factorial design approach

The valorization of some agri-food industry by-products, particularly plant waste, in a number of countries may be significantly interesting in the field of civil engineering because they can be used to prepare low-cost biomaterials that consume low amounts of energy and are environmentally friendly. Recently, it has been revealed that the valorization of date palm fibers (DPFs) waste and incorporating them into concrete may be one of the promising solutions that can be adopted in order to reduce or eliminate the huge amounts of this type of waste from our environment and to improve the properties of concrete. The present work aims primarily to investigate the effect of incorporating date palm waste fibers into sand concrete on the properties of this concrete in the fresh and hardened states. For this, two DPF contents were considered. First, 0.1% of DPFs with lengths 2cm and 6cm, and second 0.2%of DPFs with lengths 2cm and 6cm. Furthermore, a factorial design was used for the purpose of analyzing the influence of varying these two parameters, i.e. fiber content and fiber length, on the physico-mechanical properties of the sand concrete produced. In addition, it should be noted that the response to be considered in this design is the compressive and flexural strengths. Moreover, the JMP statistical software was utilized for analyzing the interactions observed and examining the responses that is predicted by the model generated using the factorial design. The findings showed that the expected responses obtained from the adopted model are in good agreement with the experimental data. Further, it was found that the fiber length factor has a positive effect on the response (strength). However, increasing the DPF content in the formulation of sand concrete has a negative effect on his compressive strength.

Does fall manure injection cause differential growth and forage nutritive value in small grains?

AbstractProducers utilizing fall manure injection have reported increased growth and greenness in small grains growing on the injection band compared to small grains growing between injection bands. To determine how producers utilizing fall manure injection in small grains should manage potential differential growth, 24 sites under fall manure injection were established. Soil samples were taken in‐band and between‐band 1 month after manure application and at silage harvest for soil NO3‐N. Small grain growth stage was assessed 1 month after planting and at silage harvest, while dry matter (DM) yield and forage nutritive value parameters were assessed at silage harvest. Soil NO3‐N was elevated in‐band compared to between‐band 1 month after manure application (p &lt; 0.05); however, this did not persist until silage harvest. No differences in growth stage were observed 1 month after planting in 2021; however, growth stage means were consistently elevated in‐band in 2022, likely due to earlier planting dates in 2022 compared to 2021. Growth stage at harvest was the same in‐band and between‐band at each site. Small grain DM yield was only increased in‐band compared to between‐band in three of 24 sites. Two of the three sites planted with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) showed significantly increased DM yield in‐band, suggesting DM yield response could be species dependent. No consistent differences in forage nutritive value parameters were observed. As no consistent differences in small grain DM yield and forage nutritive value were found at harvest, we recommend no changes to management practices for producers utilizing fall manure injection in small grains.

Assessment of Attractant Combinations for the Management of Red Palm Weevils (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) in the United Arab Emirates.

This study examined red palm weevil ecology in the United Arab Emirates to develop effective food baits, pheromone, and eco-friendly trapping methods. Three phases of investigation were conducted (from June to December 2023) on date palm farms in Ras Al Khaimah and Abu Dhabi. The first two phases, each 15 days long, were conducted in Ras Al Khaimah, whereas the third phase, 18 days long, was conducted in Abu Dhabi. Chemical attractants, such as existing pheromones and ethyl acetate, a newly synthesized ferruginol pheromone, and food baits, such as original dates, date paste, coconut water, and date palm syrup, were used to attract the weevils. Multi-funnel traps containing various attractant mixes were tested. The main activity of the red palm weevils was observed from 3:00 to 6:00 a.m., with 85.72 ± 3.39% being captured during this period, coinciding with cooler temperatures. When pheromones were added to the food bait, the capture rate increased by 6.95 ± 1.81 times. Combining food bait, ethyl acetate, and pheromones improved the capture rates by 3.14 ± 0.69 times compared to pheromones alone. The newly synthesized pheromone achieved capture rates 2.69 ± 0.07 times higher than those of the commercially available pheromone, confirming its suitability as a red palm weevil attractant.

Efficacy and Persistence of Entomopathogenic Fungi against Rhynchophorus ferrugineus on Date Palm: Host to Host Transmission

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), is a destructive and voracious pest of palm species worldwide. Due to environmental and regulatory concerns, ecologically safe alternatives to synthetic chemical insecticides are needed to manage this cryptic insect species. Entomopathogenic fungi have the potential to manage this pest. The scope of management and effectiveness can be improved by direct control or horizontal transmission of entomopathogenic fungal isolates. We tested in the laboratory the virulence and pathogenicity of fifteen different entomopathogenic fungal isolates belonging to the following species: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria brongniartii and Purpureocillium lilacinum. All fungal isolates were found virulent against larvae (14.9 ± 1.06 to 81.5 ± 1.48% mortality) and adults (5.6 ± 1.12 to 51.7 ± 1.51% mortality) at 12 d post-treatment. From a screening bioassay, five M. anisopliae (WG-08, WG-09) and B. bassiana (WG-23, WG-24, WG-25) isolates were tested for their concentration response mortality against larvae and adults after 7, 14 and 21 days (d) of treatment. Mortality was found positively correlated with concentration and time. At 21 d of treatment, WG-23 and WG-25 1 × 108 conidia/mL resulted in 100% mortality against larvae while only WG-25 1 × 109 conidia/mL caused 100% mortality of adults. Along with mortality, all the potential isolates have strong ovicidal effects that reduced 81.49% at 1 × 108 conidia/mL. The horizontal transmission bioassay indicated that the infected adults transmitted the disease to healthy individuals. Horizontal transmission of fungi from infected to non-infected adults not only caused significant mortality but also had a serious sublethal impact on insect development and fitness including reduced number of eggs/d fecundity, egg viability and neonate survival. Isolate WG-25 reduced oviposition (0.5 eggs/d), fecundity (11.7 eggs/female), egg viability (11.6%) along with larval survival 25.9% when infected male mated with normal female. In semi-field trials, all fungal isolates reduced survival of larvae found inside the palms and ultimately reduced infestations over a period of two months. The results of this study indicate that entomopathogenic fungi should be further tested for sustainable and efficient control of RPW in date palm production systems.

Sustainable oases agriculture: A journey through Morocco’s date palm production system

In the heart of Moroccan oases, date palm trees stand as the lifeblood of local communities, serving as both a livelihood cornerstone and a dietary treasure trove. Morocco has long been a leading date fruit producer. Yet, amidst the palm groves, several environmental, technical, and socio-economic challenges have threatened the sustainability of this ancient crop. This study assesses the constraints and limitations of the date palm production system in Tafilalet oases that have kept this crop from reaching its full potential. A total of 56 producers were interviewed using an open- closed survey, illuminating interviews with key informants, dynamic focus group discussions, and direct observations in palm groves. The findings reveal that primary restrictions and barriers impeding the progress of this sector are: producers’ moderate education level and the limited adoption of technological innovation, few opportunities given to young producers, palm groves’ fragmentation, poor management of date fruits, low imports of the necessary inputs (fertilisers, irrigation, etc.), and the poor organisation of the marketing circuit (storage and packaging). Advocate renewed commitment to preserve and modernise palm groves, blending heritage with modern practices for thriving, sustainable date palm production. It is entirely conceivable to produce organic dates in the region since producers use a few quantities of chemical products, notably fertilisers and phytosanitary products.

Experimental investigation into the usage of date palm forests to mitigate tsunamis in the Middle East

Experimental investigation into the usage of date palm forests to mitigate tsunamis in the Middle East

Fabrication of date palm kernel biochar-sulfur (DPKB-S) for super adsorption of methylene blue dye from water

A novel form of biochar was created by dehydration of Date palm kernel with 85% sulfuric acid. It was examined how the newly produced biochar (DPKB-S) affected the aqueous solution's capacity to extract Methylene Blue (MB) dye. The prepared DPKB-S was categorized by BET, BJH, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, DSC, and TGA analyses. The ideal pH for the MB dye adsorption by DPKB-S is 8. With 0.75 g L−1 of DPKB-S and an initial concentration of 50 ppm MB dye, Date Palm Kernel Biochar-Sulfur (DPKB-S) had the highest removal percentage of 100%. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used to investigate the collected data. Freundlich model is the model that best covers MB dye adsorption in DPKB-S at low concentrations (0.75–1.25 g L−1) and the Langmuir model at high concentrations (1.5–1.75 g L−1). The Langmuir model maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of the DPKB-S was 1512.30 mg g−1. Furthermore, a variety of error function models were applied to investigate the isotherm models derived data, including Marquardt’s percent standard deviation (MPSD), the sum of absolute errors (EABS), the sum of the errors squared (ERRSQ), root mean square errors (RMS), Chi-square error (X2), the average relative error (ARE), average percent errors (APE), and hybrid error function (HYBRID). Kinetic data were calculated by intraparticle diffusion (IPD), pseudo-second-order (PSO), pseudo-first-order (PFO), and film diffusion (FD) models. A PSO rate model with a strong correlation (R2 = 1.00) largely regulated the adsorption rate. The removal mechanism of MB dye by DPKB-S is based on the principle that these positively charged dyes are attracted by electrostatic attraction forces due to the growth in the number of negatively charged regions at basic pH value. According to the results, DPKB-S shows promise as an affordable and competent adsorbent for the adsorption of MB dye. It can be used frequently without experiencing a discernible decrease in adsorption efficiency.

Production and quality evaluation of dates-pumpkin jam for pre-school children

The main goal of this study was to develop a well-balanced jam with high quality and nutritional value from dates fruits and pumpkin for pre-schoolchildren to improve their health and nutritional status. The developed product was subjected to physicochemical, chemical, color, nutritional, sensory and statistical evaluations. From the main results obtained in this study, the newly developed jam product was found to have high quality and appreciable amounts of minerals (650.56 K, 126.06 Ca, 4.21 Fe and 1.24 Zn mg/100 g), beta-carotene (175.4 μg/100 g) and energy contents (307.26 kcal/100 g) to meet partially the daily-recommended nutrients for young children. In addition to that, the product was found within the recommended levels of total soluble solids (70.19%), pH (3.33), acidity (0.79%) and viscosity (1806 Cp) of jam specifications and was highly preferred by the panelists. Therefore, it can be concluded that the newly developed jam product could be used as a healthy food for young children to reduce their energy, minerals and vitamin deficiencies in young children, especially in the Kingdom and other Gulf countries