Date Palm Research Articles

Date Palm and Water Management in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: New Insights Using Bayesian Longitudinal Model

Date Palm and Water Management in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries: New Insights Using Bayesian Longitudinal Model

Developing a hierarchical analytical process to determine the best irrigation system for date palm trees in the NENA region: the case of Iran

The NENA region faces serious challenges in achieving sustainable development due to water scarcity problems, especially in the agricultural sector. Identifying the most effective irrigation method for agricultural fields can have a positive impact on water consumption and management in this region. The purpose of this study is to develop an analytical hierarchy process for determining the best irrigation system for date palm trees in the NENA region. Iran was selected as the case study, and the Expert Choice software was used. Using document studies, library and field data, and the opinions of 42 experts, the most important criteria and sub-criteria were identified. Based on the results of the evaluations, there were 39.1%, 8.9%, 21.0%, 19.9%, and 11.0% effects of technical, economic, social, operation and maintenance, and environmental criteria on selecting the suitable irrigation system, respectively. For palm fields in Khuzestan, a furrow irrigation system with low-pressure water distribution pipes was determined to be the most appropriate irrigation system. The bubbler irrigation system is the most suitable irrigation system for Bushehr. In Kerman, Sistan, and Baluchestan, bubbler and sprayer irrigation systems were introduced as the most effective irrigation systems. Using the model presented in this study, useful, comprehensive, and practical results can be obtained for evaluating and ranking irrigation systems in the NENA region and similar water-scarce arid regions. It is also suggested that a database for palm irrigation be developed in the NENA region in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

Novel palm peat lignocellulosic adsorbent derived from agricultural residues for efficient methylene blue dye removal from textile wastewater

Palm Peat (PP), the world’s first rich lignocellulosic medium derived from date palm agricultural residues, has not been previously explored for environmental purification. This study evaluates PP's performance in adsorbing methylene blue (MB) dye. PP is characterized by a spongy, porous structure with a surface area of 16 m2/g. It possesses a significant carbon and oxygen composition and features active surface functional groups. Under conditions of 30 mg/L initial MB concentration, 1 g/L PP dose, T = 30 °C, pH 7, and 900 rpm stirring speed, PP achieved a 68.26% MB removal efficiency within 90 min. Although higher temperatures enhanced MB removal efficiencies, room temperature (30 °C) was chosen for subsequent experiments to assess adsorption performance under ambient conditions and minimize energy consumption. Stirring speeds exceeding 900 rpm reduce MB removal efficiency, likely due to shear forces disrupting the interaction between MB molecules and PP or causing desorption of previously adsorbed dye molecules. Response surface methodology combined with a central composite design was employed to optimize the initial MB concentration, PP dosage, and solution pH. Under the optimum conditions, PP achieved 97.89% MB removal. PP exhibited strong stability over five adsorption cycles. Adsorption occurs via π-π stacking, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions, and electrostatic interaction with the process being endothermic and following the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The adsorption efficiency studies across different water matrices revealed the lowest degradation rate in the drain water matrix. PP achieved 71.5% MB removal and 48.16% TOC removal from real textile wastewater.

Evaluation of Low‐Pressure Microwave Oxygen Plasma as an Ecofriendly Way to Control Three of the Most Important Pests of Stored Date Fruits Infesting Egyptian Cultivar Siwi

ABSTRACTInsect pests in stored date fruits lead to significant economic losses, traditionally managed by chemical insecticides that harm the environment. This study explores low‐pressure microwave oxygen plasma treatments as an alternative pest control method against pests like Polda interpunctelia, Ephestia cautella, and Oryzaephilus surinamensis. A 20 s treatment achieved 100% mortality for all species without any adult emergence. Sensory evaluations showed no significant differences in taste, color, texture, odor, or overall acceptability between treated and untreated date fruits, indicating that the plasma treatment preserves fruit quality. Scanning electron microscopy revealed structural damage to the pests, whereas the Siwi cultivar date fruits remained unaffected. The findings suggest that this plasma treatment is an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals.

Detection of Dopamine Using Hybrid Materials Based on NiO/ZnO for Electrochemical Sensor Applications

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter which is classified as a catecholamine. It is also one of the main metabolites produced by some tumor types (such as paragangliomas and neoblastomas). As such, determining and monitoring the level of dopamine is of the utmost importance, ideally using analytical techniques that are sensitive, simple, and low in cost. Due to this, we have developed a non-enzymatic dopamine sensor that is highly sensitive, selective, and rapidly detects the presence of dopamine in the body. A hybrid material fabricated with NiO and ZnO, based on date fruit extract, was synthesized by hydrothermal methods and using NiO as a precursor material. This paper discusses the role of date fruit extracts in improving NiO’s catalytic performance with reference to ZnO and the role that they play in this process. An X-ray powder diffraction study, a scanning electron microscope study, and a Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study were performed in order to investigate the structure of the samples. It was found that, in the composite NiO/ZnO, NiO exhibited a cubic phase and ZnO exhibited a hexagonal phase, both of which exhibited well-oriented aggregated cluster shapes in the composite. A hybrid material containing NiO and ZnO has been found to be highly electro-catalytically active in the advanced oxidation of dopamine in a phosphate buffer solution at a pH of 7.3. It has been found that this can be accomplished without the use of enzymes, and the range of oxidation used here was between 0.01 mM and 4 mM. The detection limit of non-enzymatic sensors is estimated to be 0.036 μM. Several properties of the non-enzymatic sensor presented here have been demonstrated, including its repeatability, selectivity, and reproducibility. A test was conducted on Sample 2 for the detection of banana peel and wheat grass, and the results were highly encouraging and indicated that biomass waste may be useful for the manufacture of medicines to treat chronic diseases. It is thought that date fruit extracts would prove to be valuable resources for the development of next-generation electrode materials for use in clinical settings, for energy conversion, and for energy storage.

Comprehensive Ethnopharmacological Analysis of Medicinal Plants in the UAE: Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to diverse indigenous medicinal plants traditionally used for centuries. This study systematically evaluates the pharmacological and nutritional potential of key medicinal plants, including Lawsonia inermis, Nigella sativa, Ziziphus spina-christi, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Cymbopogon schoenanthus, Matricaria aurea, Phoenix dactylifera, Portulaca oleracea, Reichardia tingitana, Salvadora persica, Solanum lycopersicum, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Withania somnifera, and Ziziphus lotus. Comprehensive literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science to identify studies relevant to their nutritional and pharmacological uses. The findings highlight the therapeutic roles of these plants in managing global health challenges such as gastrointestinal diseases, and antimicrobial resistance through bioactive compounds like flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. Additionally, their contributions to nutrition, including essential vitamins and minerals, are emphasized for disease prevention and health promotion. While this research focuses on the UAE, the implications are globally relevant, as many of these plants are also found in traditional medicine across Asia, Africa, and Europe. Integrating these findings into global nutritional and healthcare systems offers potential solutions for pressing public health concerns, reduces reliance on synthetic pharmaceuticals, and promotes sustainable healthcare practices. This work is a valuable reference for researchers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, bridging traditional knowledge and modern scientific applications globally.

A Comparative Study of Phenolic, Flavonoid and Antioxidant Compounds for Spath and Male Flower of Phoenix dactylifera L.: Extraction Method and Solvent Effects

A Comparative Study of Phenolic, Flavonoid and Antioxidant Compounds for Spath and Male Flower of Phoenix dactylifera L.: Extraction Method and Solvent Effects

Effective removal of As5+ from aqueous medium using date palm fiber biochar/chitosan/glutamine nanocomposite: kinetic and thermodynamic studies.

In the current work, three adsorbent materials were developed: biochar derived from date palm fiber (C), date palm fiber biochar/chitosan nanoparticles (CCS), and biochar/chitosan nanoparticle composite supplemented with glutamine (CCSG). These compounds were used as solid adsorbents to remove As5+ from polluted water. Several characterization approaches were used to investigate all the synthesized solid adsorbents, including thermogravimetric analysis, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherm, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), attenuated total reflectance with Fourier transform infrared, and zeta potential. Date palm fiber biochar/chitosan/glutamine nanocomposite (CCSG) demonstrated good thermal stability, with a maximum specific surface area of 518.69 m2/g, a mesoporous size of 2.06nm, total pore volume of 0.25 cm3/g, TEM average particle size of 38nm, and pHPZC of 6.9. Contact time (5-60 min), pH (1-9), starting As5+ concentration (50-500mg/L), adsorbent dose (0.1-2.0 g/L), temperature (27-45 °C), and ionic strength (0.05-0.40 mol/L) were among the sorption parameters that were investigated in order to improve the adsorption conditions. It is observed that the modified samples were effectively able to remove As5+ (CCS; 256.0 and CCSG; 376.0 mg/g) than unmodified ones (C; 150.5 mg/g). The As5+ removal procedure corresponded well with Langmuir isotherm model. Thermodynamic and kinetic experiments show that the Elovich, pseudo-first order, and Van't Hoff plot with endothermic, spontaneous, and physisorption nature are the best fitted models. EDTA has the highest desorption efficiency percentage (98.8%). CCSG demonstrated enhanced reusability after six application cycles of As5+ adsorption/desorption, with only a 4% decrease in the efficiency of adsorption. This work shows that adding glutamine to the DPF biochar/chitosan composite reinforces it, resulting in the fabrication of a solid adsorbent that shows promise for use in water remediation.

Phosphorus Lability and Desorption Kinetics Across a Traditional Date Palm Soil Catena in Oman

Phosphorus Lability and Desorption Kinetics Across a Traditional Date Palm Soil Catena in Oman

Evaluate the Date Palm Fiber Mesh as an Alternative Sustainable Media in a Simple Aquaponic System

Evaluate the Date Palm Fiber Mesh as an Alternative Sustainable Media in a Simple Aquaponic System

Prebiotic Properties of Dates and Their Impact on Health

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), primarily cultivated in desert regions like the Middle East, is a significant source of nutrition, rich in sugars, polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds such as carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, and sterols. Notably, the polysaccharides in dates exhibit prebiotic properties, supporting beneficial gut microbiota. Research highlights that dates promote the growth of helpful bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, which enhance intestinal health, improve barrier function, and increase the production of short-chain fatty acids. Beyond gut health, dates offer additional benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardiovascular, neuroprotective, and blood sugar-regulating effects. This review synthesizes recent findings on the prebiotic effects and broader health impacts of dates, suggesting their potential in dietary strategies for promoting health and preventing gastrointestinal disorders.

Methylene Blue Removal by Biochar-Hydrochar from Date Palm Seeds and its Binding Interaction Analysis

Methylene Blue Removal by Biochar-Hydrochar from Date Palm Seeds and its Binding Interaction Analysis

Synthesis of effective potassium-based-modified bio-carbon from date palm seed for oil spill removal

Synthesis of effective potassium-based-modified bio-carbon from date palm seed for oil spill removal

Understanding the Nexus of Extension Teaching Methods and Adoption of Improved Agricultural Production Technologies: Empirical Evidence from Cowpea Farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria

This study assessed the nexus of extension teaching methods and the adoption of improved production technologies. A three-staged sampling technique was adopted in selecting two hundred (200) cowpea farmers. Primary data obtained using the Kobocollect toolbox was analyzed with adoption score/index and ordered probit regression model. Findings from this study showed that 79 % of the respondents were males while 21 % were females. The mean age among cowpea farmers was 49 years. Furthermore, 90.5 % of the respondents adopted the recommended seed rate, 87 % adopted the recommended planting date, and 84.5 % adopted the recommended weeding time. Most (20.5 %) of the respondents had an adoption score and index of 8 and 0.57; while 1.5 % of the cowpea farmers recorded an adoption score and adoption index of 10 and 0.7. Also, 45 % of the cowpea farmers were in the low adoption category, and 27.5 % of each of the sampled cowpea farmers were found in the medium and high adoption category. Individual extension teaching method (β = 1.192), mass extension teaching method (β = -0.189), a combination of individual, group and mass extension teaching methods (β = 0.044), gender (β = -0.124), farming experience (β = -0.019), and income (β = -0.00000276) significantly influenced the extent of adoption of recommended cowpea production practices. The study concluded that individual, and a combination of individual, mass and group extension teaching methods have positive effects on the extent of adoption of recommended cowpea production practices. Amongst others, the study recommended the use of these teaching methods by both private and public extension agents in disseminating information on improved farming practices.

Interactive effects between yields of Bt and non-Bt corn and planting dates in the southeastern United States.

Transgenic corn (Zea mays L.) expressing insecticidal toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) helps to control or suppress injury from a range of target insect pests. This study summarizes the yield benefits of Bt corn from field trials in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina evaluating Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids from 2009 to 2023. For Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 and Cry1Ab + Cry1F Bt corn, the percentage increase in yield between Bt and non-Bt corn hybrids did not vary significantly among years or states. Across years, the percentage increase in yield for both Bt traits relative to non-Bt corn hybrids increased with planting date, indicating thatthe yield benefit of planting Bt corn was greater later in the growing season. On average, Bt hybrids in both families had a significantly higher yield compared to their non-Bt pairs, with yields declining in later planting dates. Yields declined with increasing kernel injury from Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) and leaf injury from Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) in both Bt and non-Bt hybrids. While insect pressure increased in later planted corn trials, identifying causal relationships between increases in insect damage and associated yield losses in corn is challenging given the numerous factors that influence corn yield during the season. In addition to illustrating the highly variable yield benefits of planting Bt corn, our study suggests that yield increases in Bt corn may occur more frequently than previously documented in the southeastern United States.

Multi-local analysis confirms identity of lethal bronzing phytoplasma for the first time in declining wild date palms (Phoenix sylvestris) from Georgia, U.S.A.

Lethal bronzing disease is a fatal phytoplasma infection of over 20 different palm species. It was introduced to Florida around 2006 and has since spread throughout the entire state where it has caused millions of dollars in economic to nurseries and landscape companies. While spread within nurseries and urban landscapes in Florida is driven primarily by transmission via the vector, Haplaxius crudus, long distance dispersal is commonly driven by movement of infected plant material. In this study, evidence is provided of the first detection of this phytoplasma in Phoenix sylvestris in Georgia, representing a new state record that is due directly to the movement of plants from Florida. Sequence data for the 16S rRNA, secA and groEL genes confirms the identity of the phytoplasma in declining palms from Georgia. This report highlights the continued need for monitoring and testing for lethal bronzing in Florida and regions where palms can grow and are commonly planted.

Weed Management in Early Planted Soybean Early Planted Soybean Weed Management as Effected by Herbicide Application Rate and Timing

Abstract The opportunity to increase soybean yield has prompted Illinois farmers to plant soybean earlier than historical norms. Extending the growing season with an earlier planting date might alter the relationship between soybean growth and weed emergence timings, potentially altering the optimal herbicide application timings to minimize crop yield loss due to weed interference and ensure minimal weed seed production. The objective of this research was to examine various herbicide treatments applied at different timings and rates to assess the effect on weed control and yield in early planted soybean. Field experiments were conducted in 2021 at three locations across central Illinois to determine effective chemical strategies for weed management in early planted soybean. Preemergence (PRE) treatments consisted of a S-metolachlor plus metribuzin premix applied at planting or just prior to soybean emergence at 1/2x (883 + 210 g ai ha-1) or 1x (1,766 + 420 g ai ha-1) label recommended rates. Postemergence (POST) treatments were applied when weeds reached 10 cm tall and consisted of 1x rates of glufosinate (655 g ai ha-1) plus glyphosate (1,260 g ae ha-1) plus ammonium sulfate, with or without pyroxasulfone at a 1/2x (63 g ai ha-1) or 1x (126 g ai ha-1) rate. Treatments comprised of both a full rate of PRE followed by (fb) a POST resulted in the greatest and most consistent weed control at the final evaluation timing. The addition of pyroxasulfone to POST treatments did not consistently reduce late-season weed emergence. The lack of a consistent effect by pyroxasulfone could be attributed to suppression of weeds by soybean canopy closure due to earlier soybean development. The full rate of PRE extended the timing of POST application 2 to 3 weeks for all treatments at all locations except Urbana. Full-rate PRE treatments also reduced the time between the POST application and soybean canopy closure. Overall, a full rate PRE reduced early season weed interference and minimized soybean yield loss due to weed interference.

Evaluation of the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of Phoenix dactylifera l. Date seeds extract in high fructose diet-induced diabetic rats

Diabetes is a growing global epidemic, necessitating effective management to prevent long-term complications. Natural substances are increasingly explored as alternatives to synthetic drugs due to their affordability and lower risk of side effects. This study investigates the qualitative composition and the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant activities of date seed extract (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in diabetic rats fed a high-fructose diet. Male rats were divided into four groups (n=6): Control (C, standard diet), Fructose Diabetic (FD, 60% fructose diet), and Control and Diabetic groups receiving daily 30 mL of aqueous date seed extract (C-aqDS, FD-aqDS). Weight gain, food and energy intake were monitored, while blood samples were analyzed for biochemical and oxidant/antioxidant markers. High-fructose consumption significantly increased body weight, energy intake, and apparent nutritional efficiency, while food intake remained unchanged. Biochemical markers, including glucose, glycated hemoglobin, uric acid, urea, creatinine, lipids, and liver enzymes, were elevated in FD rats compared to controls. Oxidative stress markers (MDA, PC) were increased, and antioxidant markers (catalase, SOD, GSH) decreased. Treatment with date seed extract significantly mitigated these abnormalities, reducing weight, biochemical parameters, and oxidative stress markers while enhancing antioxidant defenses. This study highlights the richness of date seed aqueous extract in bioactive compounds and its ability to alleviate early diabetic complications and oxidative stress in high-fructose-induced diabetic rats. These findings suggest its potential as a functional food for diabetes management.

Phytochemical characterization of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) linked to chemical characteristics of the soil of backyard orchards

The fruits of Phoenix dactylifera L. contain bioactive compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, vitamins and minerals. However, its composition and content exhibit great variability depending on genetic and environmental factors, especially the physico-chemical properties of the soils where date palms develop. To elucidate the above, samples of dates from three backyard orchards and soil samples from each orchard were collected to determine the content of bioactive compounds and chemical characteristics of the substrate and to determine the correlations between these. For total contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity and soluble solids, the following methods were used - Folin-Ciocalteu reagent based total polyphenol estimation; aluminium chloride based total flavonoid estimation; 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical inhibition and a hand-held refractometer for soluble solid content determination. Each orchard was considered as a separate treatment and a completely randomized design was used, with the Tuckey’s test (?=0.05) applied to compare means. Pearson's linear correlation analysis was applied to establish the link between bioactive compounds of dates and chemical characteristics of the soils. The hypotheses were that the bioactive compounds present in dates obtained in different backyard orchards could vary depending on the chemical characteristics of their soils. The results reflected significant differences only for the soluble solids content of the dates. Statistically significant correlations were observed between two soil characteristics; organic matter (OM) and electrical conductivity (EC); and the soluble solids content of dates. It was concluded that higher organic matter in the soils is associated with higher soluble solids content in the fruit, while higher electric conductivity in the soils is linked to lower soluble solids content in the dates.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Synthesis and Cytocompatibility Assessment of TiO2/SiO2 Nanoparticles-Impregnated Gum Arabic Nanocomposite: Edible Coating of Dates for Shelf-Life Extension.

The post-harvest management of fruit is crucial to preventing its decay and loss. Generally, edible coatings are applied to fruit to avoid decay and microbial contamination. We have used ultrasonication to synthesize TiO2 and Pennisetum glaucum residue-derived biosilica embedded in gum arabic nanocomposite. The SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic nanocomposite morphological and crystalline features were investigated using a scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffractometer, respectively. The SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic cytocompatibility was assessed using cell viability and microscopic assay. The SEM images revealed that 70-90 nm biosilica and 70-100 nm TiO2 nanostructures were present on the gum arabic. According to MTT assay and microscopic examination results, SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic do not inhibit cell viability and modulate cellular structural features; it inferred that SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic possess good cytocompatibility on human mesenchymal stem cells even up to 400 µg/mL. The date fruits were immersed in SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic-based coating mixtures and stored at 6 °C for 4 weeks. When date fruits were examined during storage, it was found that the applied coatings contributed to maintaining physicochemical features (e.g., color and texture). These findings suggest that the SiO2/TiO2/gum arabic-based coating can be applied to extend the shelf life of dates.