Date Palm Research Articles

Phenological Adaptation Is Insufficient to Offset Climate Change-Induced Yield Losses in US Hybrid Maize.

Climate change is projected to decrease maize yields due to warmer temperatures and their consequences. Studies using crop growth models (CGMs), however, have predicted that, through a combination of alterations to planting date, flowering time, and maturity, these yield losses can be mitigated or even reversed. Here, we examine three assumptions of such studies: (1) that climate has driven historical phenological trends, (2) that CGM ensembles provide unbiased estimates of yields under high temperatures, and (3) that the effects of temperature on yields are an emergent property of interactions between phenology and environment. We used data on maize phenology from the United States Department of Agriculture, a statistical model of maize hybrid heat tolerance derived from 80 years of public yield trial records across four US states, and outputs of an ensemble of CMIP6 climate models. While planting dates have advanced historically, we found a trend toward later planting dates after 2005 and no trend for silking or maturity, shifting more time into the reproductive period. We then projected maize yields using the historical model and crop calendars devised using three previously proposed adaptation strategies. In contrast to studies using CGMs, our statistical yield model projected severe yield losses under all three strategies. Finally, we projected maize yields accounting for historical genetic variability for heat tolerance, discovering that it was insufficient to overcome the negative effects of projected warming. These projections are driven by greater heat stress exposure under all crop calendars and climate scenarios. Combined with analysis of the internal sensitivities of CGMs to temperature, our results suggest that current projections do not adequately account for the effects of increasing temperatures on maize yields. Climate adaptation in the US Midwest must utilize a richer set of strategies than phenological adaptation, including improvements to heat tolerance and crop diversification.

Investigating organophosphorus pesticides in dates from Khesht City (Iran): Impact of washing and assessment of the health risks

Dates are rich in nutrients, making them popular all over the world as healthy fruits. Due to the use of pesticides by gardeners to control pests in date palm farms, date fruits may contain pesticides, which could potentially endanger the health of consumers. In this study, date fruit samples at three different growth stages (green fruit, unripe date, date) were collected from the groves of Khesht city. The residues of 15 organophosphorus pesticides in water-washed and unwashed samples were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results showed that the residue levels of all organophosphorus pesticides measured were below the maximum residue limits recommended by FAO and CODEX. Based on the data, washing date fruits with water can effectively reduce the residual amount of organophosphorus pesticides, thereby helping to reduce the intake of pesticides. Moreover, the results of the risk assessment showed that consumption of unripe and ripe dates from Khesht has no carcinogenic (<10–6) or non-carcinogenic (HI<1) effects on adults. However, Future studies should analyze the soil and irrigation water of palm groves for organophosphorus pesticide contamination. Increasing gardeners' awareness of pesticide risks to human health is crucial for responsible pesticide use in horticulture.

Enhancing Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Resilience: Strategies Against Bayoud Spread in Moroccan Oases

Abstract “Bayoud”, a vascular disease caused by the soilborne fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa), is the principal enemy of palm trees that puts at stake the future of the date palm industry in Morocco. The parasite attacks the palms through the roots and colonizes the entire vascular system, leading to wilt and ultimately palm death. Effective disease management is a major step towards the success of all sustainable development projects in the oasis. This review delineates diverse strategies for managing Bayoud disease, including prophylactic measures, chemical and cultural controls, genetic selection for resistant varieties, and exploration of biochemical and molecular markers. An integrated management approach was proposed that underscores early detection, sustainable agricultural practices, genetic resistance, biological control, community involvement, and continuous research and development. To contain the disease in already-infested areas and prevent its spread to new date palm plantations in oases.

Effect of different planting dates and spacing on yield and its attributing characters of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Effect of different planting dates and spacing on yield and its attributing characters of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata L.)

Carboxymethyl cellulose – Polyvinyl alcohol bioactive films loaded with green extracted date seed polyphenols for active packaging of Shiitake mushrooms

This study investigated the use of a natural deep eutectic solvent-based polyphenolic extract (DSE) from date fruit seed as a bioactive and functional component for the development of carboxyl methylcellulose-poly(vinyl)alcohol (CMCPVA) packaging films. The impacts on the physicochemical, structural, water barrier and bioactive properties of the CMCPVA films were studied. Different concentrations of DSE (1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, and 3%) incorporated into CMCPVA film increased the total phenolic content (0.08–0.17 mg GAE/mL), DPPH scavenging activity (4.08–5.11 mmol GAE/mL), and ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power (0.82–1.46 μmol TE/mL) of the films. The antibacterial activities against S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, S. typhimurium, and E. coli were also improved. In particular, a 4–5 log reduction was recorded for CMCPVA film incorporated with 3% DSE. Also, the presence of DSE enhanced elongation at break (25.53%–93.23%) and film thickness (0.10–0.19 mm), whereas tensile strength (6.39–1.40 MPa) and Young's modulus (25.89–2.85 MPa) decreased. Furthermore, UV-shielding performance improved, opacity decreased from 2.93 to 0.86, while the water vapor permeability was not significantly affected which ranged from 3.01 to 5.83 (X 10−10 g/m.s.Pa). The application of CMCPVA film incorporated with 3% DSE (CMCPVA_3) as a bioactive film for preserving sliced and whole shiitake mushrooms at refrigeration temperature for 8–12 days was studied. The CMCPVA_3 film preserved the mushrooms' color, browning degree, and texture compared to the cling film-covered samples. There is a potential for the successful application of NADES-based polyphenolic extract in biopolymer films for food preservation.

Reuse of Date Fruit Processing Waste as Substrate for Biological Nanocellulose Production – A Sustainable Disposal Approach

Reuse of Date Fruit Processing Waste as Substrate for Biological Nanocellulose Production – A Sustainable Disposal Approach

How labor induction methods have evolved throughout history, from the Egyptian era to the present day: evolution, effectiveness, and safety

Induction of labor (IOL) is currently used for one in 10 pregnancies globally. Methods used for induction have shown major changes over time. Medical interventions trace their origins back to ancient civilizations, with evidence suggesting that they began over 5000 years ago in ancient Egypt. During this era, the Egyptians employed natural remedies such as castor oil and date fruits for the IOL. These early practices highlight the rich history and long-standing tradition of using natural substances in medical treatments, laying the foundation for the development of modern obstetric practices. After that, Hippocrates practiced mammary stimulation and mechanical cervical dilatation about 2500 years ago in Greece. Since then, there has been a marked change, especially over the last century, with the development of safer and more effective methods. Mechanical methods were the main method until the early 20th century, which were then substituted by pharmacological methods with more experiments in the mid to late 20th century. Nowadays, effectiveness, safety, cost, and client satisfaction are the main determinants of the methods used. This review summarizes how labor induction practices have evolved from the Egyptian era to the present-day randomized controlled trials and meta-analysis evidence, paying attention to their effectiveness, safety, and future directions.

Variation in Seedling Quality Attributes of Lentil (Lens &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;culinaris&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Medik.) After Harvested Under Different Sowing Dates

Planting dates are the most important components for Lentil seedling growth and development. Seeds planted in diverse environmental situations lead to changes in various seedling development and the final output of the yield. The present study, aimed to assess the effect of different planting (sowing) dates harvested seeds on the physiological properties of nineteen (19) lentil genotypes. Lentil was growing during two consecutive planting days on average the normal (main) 17/08/2021 and lately 16/09/2021, then harvested seed extract after five months of storage, planted CRD with two factorial designs and three replications under laboratory condition within a white plastic container filled with autoclaved 3.0kg sand applying 100ml distilled water. The lentil was grown per standard, and the lentil&amp;apos;s postharvest physiological quality parameters were evaluated. Results indicated that the lowest speed of germination index was obtained during late planting time or stress situations on the genotype Adda (8.78) and ILL-1760 (8.94). Seedling length is the seedling vigor criterion and is statistically significantly different between planting dates at 1%. The effect of planting day on seedling fresh weight was significantly different (p &amp;lt; 0.01) on genotype Beredu (0.0022) on the main planting day. The seed viability on vigor index (II) as shown in was affected by planting date (p &amp;lt; 0.01) and genotypes (p &amp;lt; 0.01). The heritability value of shoot length, root length, and seedling fresh weight equal zero was the variation due to environmental it had no genetic effect after five months of storage both main and late planting. The seedling vigor index, fresh and dry weight traits maximum on the main planting day on the genotype Beredu indicates 0.0445, 0.00218, and 0.00045 respectively. Seeds from the main planting day had the best seedling traits performance and recorded minimal germination time compared to late planting seeds. Lentil seeds planted lately finally recorded lower seedling fresh and dry weight, vigor, and speed of germination index as compared to those harvested lentil seeds in main planting dates. As a result, when there is adequate rainfall necessary for lentil growth, development, and final output.

Effect of chemical thinning on fruit growth and fruit quality of ‘Majhoul’ date palm at the end of the ‘Khalal’ stage

The aim of this research work was to study the effect of chemical thinning using NAA (Naphthalene acetic acid) and the manual thinning used by the farmer on the fruit growth and fruit quality of ‘Majhoul’ date palm at the end of the ‘khalal’ stage (color stage and fruit physiologically mature). Trials were carried out on an adult plantation in the Tinejdad region, Tafilalet area. Observations focused on monitoring the fruit growth of different flowering phases and fruit quality at the end of the ‘khalal’ stage. Obtained results showed that the evolution of the fruit size parameters is similar for all flowering phases and all thinning treatments and at the end of the ‘khalal’ stage there is no significant difference (p ˃ 0.05) between flowering phases and between thinning treatments for these parameters. At the end of the ‘khalal’ stage, fruit length is between 4.8 and 4.9 cm and fruit mass is between 25.0 and 25.5 g. The content of sugar in the fruit is higher at the manual thinning treatment than at the NAA treatments, whereas the flowering phases have no effect on this parameter. The pH of the fruit juice is relatively similar for all thinning treatments and all flowering phases.

FEAtl: a comprehensive web-based expression atlas for functional genomics in tropical and subtropical fruit crops

BackgroundFruit crops, including tropical and subtropical fruits like Avocado (Persea americana), Fig (Ficus carica), Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera), Mango (Mangifera indica), Guava (Psidium guajava), Papaya (Carica papaya), Pineapple (Ananas comosus), and Banana (Musa acuminata) are economically vital, contributing significantly to global agricultural output, as classified by the FAO’s World Programme for the Census of Agriculture. Advancements in next-generation sequencing, have transformed fruit crop breeding by providing in-depth genomic and transcriptomic data. RNA sequencing enables high-throughput analysis of gene expression, and functional genomics, crucial for addressing horticultural challenges and enhancing fruit production. The genomic and expression data for key tropical and sub-tropical fruit crops is currently lacking a comprehensive expression atlas, revealing a significant gap in resources for horticulturists who require a unified platform with diverse datasets across various conditions and cultivars.ResultsThe Fruit Expression Atlas (FEAtl), available at http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/FEAtl/, is a first-ever extensive and unified expression atlas for tropical and subtropical fruit crops developed using 3-tier architecture. The expressivity of coding and non-coding genes, encompassing 2,060 RNA-Seq samples across 91 tissue types and 177 BioProjects, it provides a comprehensive view of gene expression patterns for different tissues under various conditions. FEAtl features multiple tabs that cater to different aspects of the dataset, namely, Home, About, Analyze, Statistics, and Team and contains seven central functional modules: Transcript Information,Sample Information, Expression Profiles in FPKM and TPM, Functional Analysis, Genes Based on Tau Score, and Search for Specific Gene. The expression of a transcript of interest can be easily queried by searching by tissue ID and transcript type. Expression data can be displayed as a heat map, along with functional descriptions as well as Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes.ConclusionsThis atlas represents a groundbreaking compilation of a wide array of information pertaining to eight distinct fruit crops and serves as a fundamental resource for comparative analysis among different fruit species and is a catalyst for functional genomic studies. Database availability: http://backlin.cabgrid.res.in/FEAtl/.

Characterization of the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Hybrid Composites from Date Palm Fiber/Glass Wool Reinforced by Unsaturated Polyester

Characterization of the Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Hybrid Composites from Date Palm Fiber/Glass Wool Reinforced by Unsaturated Polyester

Date (Phoenix dactylifera var. Khalas) Seed Extracts Rich in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities: Potential Preventive Effects Against Atherosclerosis and Lipid Oxidation in Model Systems

Date (Phoenix dactylifera var. Khalas) Seed Extracts Rich in Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities: Potential Preventive Effects Against Atherosclerosis and Lipid Oxidation in Model Systems

Sustainable reuse of date palm biomass via extraction of cellulose using natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) and microwave-assisted process

In Saudi Arabia, date palm biomass is often considered bulk waste, posing health risks to humans and the environment when incinerated or disposed of in landfills. This study explores the reuse of date palm biomass through cellulose extraction using Natural Deep Eutectic Solvent (NaDES) and Microwave-assisted process as compared with conventional alkali peroxide method. Characterization of the extracted cellulose was conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), x-ray diffractometry (XRD), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Our NaDES-microwave method produced a cellulosic product with a yield of 89 %, double that of conventional non-microwave methods and more rapid cellulosic extraction, indicating its favorable efficiency. Moreover, the incorporation of the microwave process resulted in larger cellulosic crystallite sizes and higher thermal stabilities in the produced samples. The utilization of NaDES and microwave-assisted process for cellulose extraction from date palm biomass not only demonstrates superior efficiency, but also accentuates a significant sustainability advantage by repurposing a prevalent waste stream, thereby mitigating environmental and health risks associated with traditional disposal methods.

Digital mapping of dates of transplanting and accumulated thermal requirement of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the subtropics of North Eastern Hill Region, India

ABSTRACT Accurate and timely mapping of rice areas is crucial for effective agricultural planning and food security management in the North Eastern Hill Region of India, especially amid changing climate conditions. This study developed a method to estimate rice transplanting dates by utilizing VH polarized backscattering-coefficients rom Sentinel-1A SAR data and also assessed thermal requirements for rice productivity in Ri-Bhoi district, Meghalaya during kharif 2021. The methodology involved 3 steps- (i) preprocessing data to construct time-series SAR images (ii) rule-based classification of SAR data integrating phenological and topographical information to identify transplanting windows (iii) assessing mapping accuracy. The results when compared with field data, revealed five distinct transplanting windows from early June to early August across 9031 ha of rice area. Overall accuracy was 85%, with a kappa coefficient of 0.74. User and producer accuracies ranged from 0.74 to 0.93 and 0.75 to 0.92, respectively for various transplanting windows. GDD varied between 1432.8°C day and 3290.4°C day, with higher values corresponding to earlier planting dates. This study formulates a robust methodology for rice mapping in hilly, small-field landscapes with multiple transplanting dates by integrating Sentinel-1A SAR data with ancillary and crop phenology information, contributing to improved crop management and climate change adaptations.

Sublethal effect of emamectin benzoate on age-stage, two-sex life table and population projection of red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier, is a devastating insect-pest of 29 plants including date palm. It feeds inside the tree bark thus it is difficult to manage using insecticides. Only a few insecticides have been found effective against RPW. Among these insecticide, emamectin benzoate (EMB) is widely used. This insecticide can pose threat human and environmental health as it is used in the form of tree injection. Thus, keeping in view its possible, its sublethal effect on RPW was studied using Age-stage, two sex life table. Life table parameters of the progeny of exposed larvae to LC10, LC25, and LC50 of EMB were computed. Statistically higher fecundity (161.12 per female) was observed in control treatment, while less fecundity was observed in LC50 treatment. Significantly higher values for intrinsic rate of increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and net reproductive rate (Ro) (0.0376, 1.0383, and 67.13 per day, respectively) were recorded for the control treatment. Contrarily, lower values for r, Ro, and λ i.e. 0.0318, 23.82, and 1.0324 per day, respectively were recorded in the LC50 treatment. Decreased population parameters suggest that EMB can be successfully used in for the management of RPW.

Effect of Ancymidol and Phloroglucinol on the Number and the Quality of Shoots in the Micropropagation of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)

Effect of Ancymidol and Phloroglucinol on the Number and the Quality of Shoots in the Micropropagation of Date Palm (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i> L.)

Evaluating the effects of insoluble date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fibers on meat analogue patties composed of pea and wheat protein isolates

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of date pomace fibers (DF) on the physicochemical properties of plant-based ground patty analogues. Previously optimized pea and wheat protein isolates were incorporated with varying concentrations of DF, i.e., 0 %, 2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 % w/w. The addition of DF increased water retention in the patties, leading to subsequent changes in the patty structure. Frequency sweep results confirmed that the presence of DF contributed to structural stability, where patties exhibited more solid-like characteristics and stronger internal bonds, which also increased hardness from ∼65 g to 160–175 g. This could positively correlate with the brittleness of the patties, where large deformation results showed that high DF formulations were more brittle, which reduced springiness, as evident in DF7.5 (from ∼2 mm in DF0 to 1.89 mm in DF7.5). The microstructure revealed that high DF content increased patty fibrousness and led to a uniform structure. Therefore, high DF concentrations seemed to positively impact the analogue structure. DF also contributed to patty analogue color by imparting brown–red tones which may result in a closer appearance to conventional beef patties. This study establishes a foundation for further studies to be conducted on determining the optimum DF concentration that yields patty analogues with desirable structure as well as appearance.

Unraveling the Relationship between Soil Nutrients and Maize Leaf Disease Occurrences in Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Maize is a staple crop important for food security that millions globally depend upon as an energy source, primarily due to its high starch and fat content. For growth and disease resistance, maize production requires a balanced intake of essential nutrients, including nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This study investigated the relationship between soil nutrient levels and maize disease occurrences in the Mopani District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Soil and maize leaves were collected using a systematic sampling approach. Grids of 10 × 10 m were created, covering a maize field. Forty soil samples were collected a day before the planting date and sent to the laboratory for analysis of N, P and K. During the tasseling stage of the maize plant, 40 maize leaf samples were collected and sent to the laboratory for disease identification. Maize leaves were classified as healthy, southern corn leaf blight (Bipolaris maydis), northern corn leaf blight (Exserohilum turcicum), maize streak disease (Maize streak virus), nitrogen-deficient or phosphorus-deficient. Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) with a corrected Akaike Information Criterion (AICc) showed a significant relationship between low soil nutrient levels of N, P and K and maize disease occurrence (p &lt; 0.0001). The interaction of the N*P*K model had the lowest AIC value (AICc = 28.53), indicating the necessity of considering synergistic effects in maize disease management. All the model performances had a delta AICc = 0. These findings highlight the significance of comprehensive soil management strategies in enhancing the disease resistance, well-being and yields of maize crops.

Valorization of Date Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) as a Potential Functional Food and Ingredient: Characterization of Fiber, Oligosaccharides, and Antioxidant Polyphenols.

The fruit of the date tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is increasingly recognized for its nutritional and functional value. This exotic fruit shows variable composition, influenced by factors such as variety, ripening stage, and climatic conditions. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the nutritional profile and the bioactive components, including phenolic compounds and oligosaccharides, in different varieties of dates from Saudi Arabia collected at the Tamr ripening stage. The HPLC-ESI-MS analysis identified a total of 15 phenolic compounds, principally phenolic acids and flavonoids. Among the varieties tested, Safawi exhibited the highest phenolic concentration (1132 µg/100 g dw). To the best of our knowledge, the oligosaccharide composition is described for the first time among different varieties, with Sukari showing the highest concentration (3.37 g/100 g dw). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) was assessed following a solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up to remove interferents, especially sugars. These results provide valuable insights into the health-promoting properties of date fruit as a functional food and provide a foundation for further research into their industrial applications as functional ingredients.

Evaluation of Fungal Decay and Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Date Palm Fibres

Evaluation of Fungal Decay and Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Composites Reinforced with Date Palm Fibres