Date Palm Varieties Research Articles

Antioxidant and Anticancer Assessment and Phytochemical Investigation of Three Varieties of Date Fruits.

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits contain high concentrations of phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and other micronutrients, which impact human health due to their potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer characteristics. In the present study, the effect of ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, hydromethanol, and aqueous extract from three date palm varieties (i.e., Ajwa, Siwi, and Sukkari) on phytochemical profiles and antioxidant and anticancer activities was investigated. Fruit extracts were screened for their antioxidant activity using the DPPH· method. Phenolic constituents were quantified and identified using HPLC-DAD. Extracts (ethyl acetate, hydroethanol, and hydromethanol) were assessed for cytotoxicity on nine human cancer cell lines, i.e., MG-63, HCT116, MCF7, MDA-MB-231, HEPG2, HUH7, A549, H460, and HFB4, using the sulphorhodamine-B (SRB) assay. Results showed that the ethyl acetate extract of the Sukkari fruits has the greatest antioxidant potential with an IC50 value of 132.4 ± 0.3 μg·mL-1, while the aqueous extract of Ajwa date fruits exhibited the lowest antioxidant effect with an IC50 value of 867.1 ± 0.3 μg·mL-1. The extracts exhibited potent to moderate anticancer activities against the investigated cancer cell line in a source-dependent manner. Methanol extract of Siwi fruits exhibited the most potent anticancer activity (IC50 = 99 ± 1.6 µg·mL-1), followed by the same extract of Sukkari fruits with an IC50 value of 119 ± 3.5 µg·mL-1 against the cell line of human breast cancer (MDA-MB-231). Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) was investigated to determine the relationship among the investigated traits and treatments. Our findings reveal that date palm fruit-derived extracts are excellent sources of biologically active constituents and substantiate their potential use in new anticancer strategies from natural resources.

Performance Evaluation of Two Date Palm Frond Cutting Saws

Traditional tree management is laborious and costly, thus this work aimed to study the performance of two different types of frond cutting saws (reciprocating saw and vibrating saw) and examine the two saws on five date palm varieties. Four parameters were examined, including cutting time for a single frond, the power needed for cutting a single frond, frond cutting productivity expressed as tree/h, and vibration conveyed to the worker’s hand. A field experiment was designed according to the nested randomized complete block design, including five date palm varieties as the main plot and the type of saw as a sub-plot. Means were compared using the least significant differences (LSD 0.05). Results indicated that Bream variety required the least time for frond cutting. The reciprocating saw exhibited efficiency in saving the time required for frond cutting, while the vibrating saw took significantly longer time needed for cutting a single frond. The highest number of fronds cut in one hour was recorded in Bream variety, again significantly higher than the number of other studied varieties. Moreover, the reciprocating saw achieved significantly higher productivity than the vibrating one, indicating that the productivity of the reciprocating saw is almost three times more than the vibrating saw. Maximum productivity was recorded in Bream variety, while the least was recorded in Tebarzal using the vibrating saw. Moreover, results indicate that the variety and the type of saw have a vital role in productivity since as the thickness of a frond increases, the cutting takes more time and ultimately reduces the number of date palms to be pruned per hour. Results also exhibited that vibrating saw reduced the consumed energy during frond cutting. Additionally, results revealed that the minimum power consumed by a vibrating saw was in Bream variety, while Tebarzal consumed the upmost energy when a reciprocating saw was used. Maximum vibration on X-axis was reported in Bream variety when a vibrating saw was used. Additionally, the reciprocating saw exhibited the highest vibration compared with the vibrating saw. Moreover, the reciprocating saw caused the lowest vibration in Tebarzal variety. Results indicated that the vibration imposed by both saws reached the maximum value in Bream variety. The vibrating saw resulted in the higher vibration toward Z axis, while the Reciprocating saw resulted in higher vibration toward X axis, which was more than eight times that recorded by the vibrating saw. Results indicate that vibration toward the Y axis increased significantly in Bream variety compared with others. Again, as in the situation with X and Z axis, the reciprocating saw exhibited the highest vibration compared to that resulted from using a vibrating saw which was more than three times the vibration caused by the vibrating saw.

Maximize utilization of date palm residues to produce environmentally friendly fuel briquettes

This study aimed to maximize the utilization of date palm residues and convert them into an environmentally friendly form of fuel. The residues of the date palm variety Khalas (leaf fronds and whole fronds) were used to produce fuel briquettes at three moisture contents (8, 10, and 12%) and four storage times (0, 15, 30, and 45 days). The mechanical, fuel, and quality properties of these briquettes were investigated. The results showed that the leaf fronds had the best results in terms of mechanical properties and fuel quality properties of the briquettes. The best results for compressive stresses for the leaf fronds were 24.98 MPa at 10% moisture content and for the whole fronds were 4.27 MPa at 12%. The second storage period gave the best results for all briquettes at the different moisture contents. The results showed significant effects of moisture content and storage period on mechanical properties. The hydrolysis time and durability of the briquettes increased with increasing moisture content. The calorific value of leaf fronds and whole fronds briquettes ranged between (17.78 and 18.12 MJ/kg) and (16.54 and 17.78 MJ/kg), respectively. These good quality briquettes can be handled and used, especially in rural areas where other energy sources are not available. Keywords: Calorific value; Date palm residues; Durability; Fuel value index; Modulus of elasticity

Phenolic Profile, Sugar Composition, and Antioxidant Capacities of Some Common Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars as a Potential Nutraceutical and Functional Food Ingredients

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a strategic oasian species in most Mediterranean regions, is often known by the commercialized Deglet Nour variety. However, many other common varieties that might have high importance are neglected. The current study aims to evaluate the nutraceutical and functional properties of six common date palm cultivars, collected from three Tunisian oasian regions. The biochemical composition and antioxidant potential of these date cultivars were investigated. Total polyphenols (TPP), total flavonoids (TF), and condensed tannins (CT) contents varied significantly between varieties. In particular, the Ftimi cultivar had the highest amounts of TPP, TF, and CT (204.04 ± 12.85 mg·GAE/100 g·FW, 117.35 ± 7.49 mg·RE/100 g·FW, and 147.93 ± 7.65 mg·CTE/100 g·FW, respectively). Similarly, this cultivar exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with 131.59 ± 11.54 mg·TE/100 g·FW and 106.57 ± 2.33 mg·TE/100 g·FW, respectively, for DPPH and ABTS+ assays. Contrary to the Deglet Nour variety, the six common dates contain a high amount of fructose and glucose (reducing sugars) and a low content of sucrose. LC-ESI-MS analysis showed that “Kenta” had the highest number of polyphenolic compounds (19 compounds) followed by “Ftimi” with 18 compounds, whereas “Deglet Nour” has only 15. Six major compounds (quinic acid, epicatechin, rutin, hyperoside, luteolin 7-O-glucoside, and kaempferol) were omnipresent. These findings highlight the high potential of neglected date palm varieties and confirm their richness with nutraceuticals and natural antioxidants.

Phenotypic diversity of date palm varieties (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from southwest Algeria estimated by fruit characteristics

<p class="042abstractstekst">This study aimed to identify the genetic diversity of date palm (<em>Phoenix dactylifera</em> L.) in the southwest of Algeria (wilaya of Adrar), as part of the Algerian date palm varieties conservation. The morphological characterization was adopted in terms of quality and quantity of 26 varieties. The main results showed a considerable genetic diversity of date palms in this agricultural territory. 7 cultivars counted in danger of extinction. The cluster analysis brought out significant differences between qualitative and quantitative traits. However, the cultivars of ‘Deglet Talmine’, ‘Maatouk’, and ‘Timidouele’ produced dates of high quantitative traits, however, of different qualitative traits. Also, some relationships were observed within clusters for other varieties. A variety named ‘Khalt’ was able to produce dates better than many cultivars. This work would help to know the focal traits of the plant genetic resources of date palm and preserve that are in extinction.</p>

Phenotypic diversity of date palm varieties (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from southwest Algeria estimated by fruit characteristics

This study aimed to identify the genetic diversity of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in the southwest of Algeria (wilaya of Adrar), as part of the Algerian date palm varieties conservation. The morphological characterization was adopted in terms of quality and quantity of 26 varieties. The main results showed a considerable genetic diversity of date palms in this agricultural territory. 7 cultivars counted in danger of extinction. The cluster analysis brought out significant differences between qualitative and quantitative traits. However, the cultivars of ‘Deglet Talmine’, ‘Maatouk’, and ‘Timidouele’ produced dates of high quantitative traits, however, of different qualitative traits. Also, some relationships were observed within clusters for other varieties. A variety named ‘Khalt’ was able to produce dates better than many cultivars. This work would help to know the focal traits of the plant genetic resources of date palm and preserve that are in extinction.

Characterization of palm date varieties (Phoenix dactylifera L.) growing in Saudi Arabia: Phenotypic diversity estimated by fruit and seed traits

In order to determine the variation and the degree of diversity among the most well-known Saudi date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), this study applied various widely detectible fruit and seed features. The properties of the fruit and seeds were described using ten phenotypic traits. Eighteen date palm varieties from six production sites were used in this study (Ḥaʼil, Al-Madina, Al-Hassa, Al-Qassim, Kharaj, Najran). The data was analysed by Pearson r correlation. The principal components analysis (PCA) and UPGMA clustering were used to analyse the data set. According to PCA, the results showed significant variation among the analysed varieties. Our data shows that seed ratio varies among all varieties. The mean seed weight ratio varies between 4 and 13%. Varieties ‘Raziz’, ‘Lubab’ and ‘Wasily’ demonstrate higher seed ratio (over 10%). Whereas, Fankha depicts a 5 and 4% fresh and dry seed ratio. The statistical analysis indicates that the seed ratio in all 18 varieties is comparable in fresh and dry fruits. The result suggests variation among the numerous features due to dissimilarities and heterogeneity. However, the obtained results also propose the clustering and grouping of closely related features, e.g., weights of fresh and dry fruits. Eventually, it is suggested to conduct additional research on Saudi date palms utilizing more phenotypic traits in order to have a better understanding of the pack of morphological descriptors.

In Vitro Propagation of Three Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Varieties Using Immature Female Inflorescences.

Immature female inflorescences are promising materials for use as explants for the tissue culture of date palm. Four types of MS media were used in this study during the four micropropagation stages-starting media (SM), maturation media (MM), multiplication media (PM) and rooting media (RM)-to micropropagate three elite date palm varieties, Amri, Magdoul and Barhy using the immature female inflorescences as explant. The highest percentage of callus induction in all the varieties studied was obtained on the SM1 (9 µM 2,4-D + 5.7 µM IAA + 10 µM NAA). Culturing on the MM1 (4.5 µM 2,4-D + 9.8 µM 2-iP + 1.5 AC) allowed us to obtain the best value in terms of callus weight. After culturing on the PM1 (4.4 µM BA + 9.8 µM 2-iP) produced the highest numbers of somatic embryos and shoots. The explants on RM2 (0.5 µM NAA + 1.25 µM IBA + 3 g AC) showed the highest root numbers and root lengths, while the highest shoot length was achieved on RM3 (0.5 µM NAA + 0.5 µM IBA + 3 g AC). The Amri variety presented the best response among the three varieties in all parameters, followed by the Magdoul and Barhy varieties. In all the stages of micropropagation, the analysis of variance revealed highly significant variations among varieties and culture media, and a significant difference in the number of roots during the rooting stage. The results also showed non-significant differences in the interaction between varieties and culture media, except for shoot length in the rooting stage. The results also reveal the broad sense heritability ranging from low to high for the measured parameters. It can be concluded that the immature female inflorescences can be used as a productive explant source for successful date palm micropropagation using the SM1, MM1, PM1 and RM2 culture media. It can also be concluded that the success of date palm micropropagation not only depends on the concentrations of growth regulators, but also on their types.

Evaluation of Different Insecticides Against Lesser Date Moth, Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick, 1916 (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae) under Field Conditions

Evaluation of Different Insecticides Against Lesser Date Moth, Batrachedra amydraula Meyrick, 1916 (Lepidoptera: Batrachedridae) under Field Conditions

Development of Chance Seedling Varieties of Date Palm from Exotic Cultivars at Agro-Climatic Conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan

Development of Chance Seedling Varieties of Date Palm from Exotic Cultivars at Agro-Climatic Conditions of Faisalabad, Pakistan

The Major Stilbene Compound Accumulated in the Roots of a Resistant Variety of Phoenix dactylifera L. Activates Proteasome for a Path in Anti-Aging Strategy

The main objective of the present study is to estimate, through differential analysis, various biological activities of total phenolics content in alcoholic extracts of three date palm varieties sensitive or resistant to Fusarium oxysporum. sp Albidinis. Here, stilbene products with antioxidant and bioactive capacities were evidenced in resistant variety Taabdount (TAAR). Furthermore, the methanolic fraction of the TAAR-resistant date palm variety contains a significant product, determined by LC-MS/MS and 1H, 13C NMR, belonging to the family of hydroxystilbenes, which exhibits antioxidant capacities, inhibits the mushroom tyrosinase activity, and activates and exerts a protective effect on hypochlorite-induced damage in 20S proteasome of human dermal fibroblast aged cells. Altogether, the present results indicate that hydroxystilbene present in resistant Phoenix dactylifera L. should be studied to understand the way that the stilbene could exert anti-aging ability.

Assessment of Phenotypic Diversity of Some Local Moroccan Date Palm Varieties and Clones (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) from the Zagora Region, Southern Morocco

Assessment of Phenotypic Diversity of Some Local Moroccan Date Palm Varieties and Clones (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) from the Zagora Region, Southern Morocco

Studying the effect of environmental conditions in the seasonal abundance of lesser date moth (Batrachedra : Amydraula : Meyrick) on date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L. in Central and Southern Iraq

A field study was conducted for the 2019/2020 season, which included a field survey to determine the infestation percentages and determine the sensitivity of some date palm varieties to the infestation with the lesser date moth (B.amydraula M.). Besides, determining the date of insect appearance and its population density is based on temperatures, relative humidity, and thermal accumulation. The study showed that infestation with the lesser date moth includes all areas planted with palm trees and the infestation percentages range between medium and severe, especially in dense orchards, and according to the prevailing environmental conditions. Basra Governorate / Abu Al-Khaseeb district gave a severe infection in the total infestation percentage of 67.00%, while the lowest infestation percentage was recorded in Babylon Governorate, Al-Madhatia district, at a percentage of 17.66 %, which considered a weak infection. The study also gave a clear indication that all date varieties were infested with lesser date moths at varying percentages, where the Al - Zahdi cultivar recorded the highest infestation percentage of 58.71%, while Al - Halawi cultivar recorded the lowest infestation percentage amounted to 39.97%. The study recorded the first appearance of the insect adults at the beginning of the second week of March in both Basra and Babylon governorates, with a population density of (2.80, 2.80) insect/in2 respectively at an average temperature (14.26, 15.20) ºC, respectively, and average humidity of (49.86, 51.67) % respectively. The study showed that the insect has three overlapping generations during the year, starting from the beginning of March to the beginning of March of the next season, as the duration of the first and second generations was one month each, while the duration of the third generation extends to approximately nine months. The insect has three peaks in which the insect population density increases significantly. In Basra, the increase reached its peak at the beginning of the second week of April and during the second week of May and June, with a population density of (7.71, 7.39 and 6.88) insect/in2 respectively, and an aggregate temperature of (445.20, 665.52 and 814.65) thermal units, respectively. However, in Babylon, the seasonal abundance of the insect reached its peak at the end of the first week of April and the second week of May and during the third week of June, with a population density of (6.71, 6.40, and 6.60) insect/in2 and a thermal accumulation of (358.08, 418.56 and 586). 08) thermal unit.

What lies behind a fruit crop variety name? A case study of the barnī date palm from al‐‘Ulā oasis, Saudi Arabia

Societal Impact StatementThe oasis of al‐‘Ulā is subject to a vast development operation by the central government of the Saudi monarchy. Agriculture is not strictly speaking the first objective of this initiative, the emphasis being on tourism and thus on the vast historical heritage and landscape qualities of the region. Nevertheless, agriculture and, in particular, phoeniculture remain the main resource for the inhabitants. Characterizing the local date palm agrobiodiversity is key to the sustainable development of oases. In al‐‘Ulā, documenting indigenous knowledge about the locally predominant barnī variety and characterizing its genetic integrity and mode of propagation represents the essential leverage needed by farm development project planners to develop local production.Summary Understanding how farmers name and categorize their crops in relation to the way they are propagated is critical for a proper assessment of agrobiodiversity. Yet, indigenous knowledge is often overlooked in genetic studies, which may result in an underestimation of crop diversity, thereby preventing its conservation and mobilization for developing sustainable agroecosystems. Here, we focus on the barnī date palm variety, a local elite variety of al‐‘Ulā oasis, Saudi Arabia. We conducted an ethnobotanical survey on local phoeniculture practices and generated whole‐genome data to determine whether or not barnī palms are exclusively clonally (vegetatively) propagated. Further, we contrasted the genomes of barnī and two other palms from al‐‘Ulā with 112 Phoenix spp. to provide an initial insight into date palm diversity in this oasis. The survey reveals that the dates of the barnī palm bear distinct names, depending on their quality. Results show that barnī is a true‐to‐type cultivar, indicating clonal propagation by offshoots with name maintenance, even between distinct cultivating situations in al‐‘Ulā and a nearby oasis. Nonetheless, it is distinct from the prominent barnī cultivated in Oman. Its ancestry is comparable to other West Asian date palms, but another palm from this oasis shows influence from North Africa. What lies behind the cultivar name barnī in al‐‘Ulā and further afield in the Arabian Peninsula has been deciphered through the key disciplinary combination of social anthropology and genetics. Future studies will provide additional insights into the original genetic make‐up of this millennia‐old oasis.

Effect Of Adding Sulfur And Glutathione On Some Biochemical Characteristics Of Leaves Of The Tissue Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.)Berhi Cultivar Under Heat Stress

A study was conducted on the effect of heat stress on some biochemical characteristics of the leaves of the tissue date palm variety Berhi and the role of adding sulfur (S) and spraying with glutathione (GSH) in alleviating the damage from heat stress. Five-year-old palm trees of approximately equal sizes were selected and planted in a private orchard south of Basrah Governorate, Iraq. And conducted the same service operations of fertilization and watering.The following treatments were applied to date palm trees, as agricultural sulfur was added at a concentration of (0, 1, and 2) kg/tree, and glutathione at a concentration of (0, 100, and 200) mg/liter as well as their interactions. The results showed that the highest values with a significant effect for the traits (glutathione and chlorophyll) and the lowest value for a significant decrease in the traits (proline, carbohydrates, hydrogen peroxide and MDA) was for treatment (2 kg S x 200 mg/L GSH) recorded (45.92 μmol g-1 and 6.38 mg 100 g-1). and (4.51 μmol g/g, 10.66 mg/gm, 0.62 μmol g, and 1.94 nmol/gm), respectively, compared with the control treatment that recorded (40.10 μmol g/g and 3.36 mg/gm), and (11.19 μmol g/g, 14.02 mg/gm and 1.06 μmol/g. g and 4.27 nmol/g) respectively for the previous treatments. The results of the current study showed that the addition of sulfur and glutathione helped reduce the damage caused by heat stress and improve biological processes and growth.

Studies on Oman elite date palm varieties and preliminary establishment of identity through SSR marker

The Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is perennial, diploid plant found abundantly in the Middle East region. It plays a significant role in traditional as well socioeconomic growth in the Sultanate of Oman. The main focus of the current work is to identify different methods of DNA extractions for date palm leaf and further to study the genetic diversity among the seven different cultivar varieties, within the Sultanate of Oman, using SSR marker. Seven cultivars were obtained randomly from different places in Oman namely Khasab, Naghal, Barni, Madloki, Khenezi, Nasho and Fard. Genomic DNA was extracted using Edwards’s method and Maxi kit method (QIAGEN). Fingerprint is established by PCR amplification of DNA samples with five sets of SSR primers to identify the diversity between individual date palm from seven different locations. This study will help the researchers as a tool and the markers for the similarity and differences analysis as well as mapping of date palm in Sultanate of Oman. The findings of the study indicated that five SSR primers tested were able to produce amplicons for date palms from different locations. Percentage of similarity between seven date palm cultivars from different locations was found to be having 74 % significance.

Determinants of Market Participation Decision and Intensity among Date Producers in Afar Region, Ethiopia: A Double Hurdle Approach

ABSTRACT Date palm production and marketing contribute substantially to food security, reduction of malnutrition, mitigation of poverty, and income diversification for poor agro-pastoralists in Ethiopia. However, marketing systems are not sophisticated and well functioning, and producers do not as such benefit from date market participation due to different factors. This study examined factors that determine date market participation decisions and intensity. A total of 384 date producers were selected through a multi-stage sampling technique. A Descriptive and Double hurdle model was employed to analyze the data. The Double hurdle econometric model revealed that producers with access to extension services, improved date palm varieties, credit, road infrastructure, market information, land access, better market prices, better educational status, and direct to consumer marketing channels were more likely to participate in and supply the date market. Whereas producers who had livestock, dwellings distant from the nearest market, or a greater number of date palm trees, were adversely affected in date market participation intensity. The results of this study support the recommendations for establishing extension services, rural education, rural road infrastructure, marketplaces, and institutional support; and providing credit access, improved date palm varieties, additional hectares of land for date production, and updated market information to date palm producers.

Varietal Diversity of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in South-western Oases of Algerian Sahara: A Review

We designate here the name designate ‘oasis’ (Wit in Egyptian, Wah in Copte, Waha in Arabic et in Persian, Neve in Hebrew, et Ouasis in Greek), points located in the desert and which are distinguished from the surrounding environment by more or less abundant vegetation. The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is the backbone of the oasis and it is the one that must be protected. This review has the objective toexplain the typological and agroecosystem of saoura oasis and its contraints. The data obtained in this study are based on statistics from national and international institute like CRSTRA, ONID, ITDAS and RADDO and also from surveys and prospecting missions with the help of farmers who have given us all the routes carried out in their fields and the main constraints that affect this kind of crop. The data obtained showed that the oasis has certain pedoclimatic, geological and hydrogeological properties specific to the arid environment. The oasis agrosystem studied (saoura) has certain specificities compared to others, such as the absence or presence of certain constraints on the date palm such as the bayoud and the date moth. Regarding varietal diversity, ‘Feggous and H-mira’, these are the most important varieties in Saoura region, but are sensitive to certain constraints such as Bayoud, which requires the selection of new resistant varieties.

Effect of Nano and Organic fertilizers on some vegetative growth characteristics of Phoenix dactylifera C.V Khastawi

The experiment was conducted in Al-Hussainiya palm plant / Holy Karbala governorate affiliated to the Ministry of Agriculture /Horticulture Department during the growing season of 2021 AD, with the aim of knowing the effect of nano-fertilizers and marine extracts on some vegetative growth characteristics of the date palm variety Al-Khastawi .A two-factor experiment was carried out according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications, first factor was the addition of nano-fertilizer to the soil at four concentrations (0, 0.5,1 ,1.5 ml . liter-1. palm-1) while the second factor included spraying with algal extracts fertilizer at four concentrations (0, 1.5, 2.0 ,2.5 ml. liter-1. palm-1) where the nano-fertilizer was added to the soil by three additions and at the rate of one addition per month, while the spray treatment with algae fertilizer was six sprays between each spray and two weeks, and it was the first addition of nano-fertilizer to trees. The date palm was dated 1/3/2021, while the first application of algal fertilizer was on 3/3/2021. The results showed that the treatment with nano-fertilizer at a concentration of 1.5 ml. liter-1. palm-1 was significantly superior in most of the studied traits (leaf length 3.38 cm, wet weight 41.19 gm). Furthermore, the treatment of spraying with algal manure extract at a concentration of 2.5 ml. liter-1. palm-1 was significantly superior in most of the studied traits (leaf length 51.83 cm, dry weight 56.96%, chlorophyll 12.56 mg g-1). Additionally, the interaction between the two fertilizers, nano-fertilizer and marine algae extracts, showed significant superiority in all studied traits.

Analyzing the Spatial Correspondence between Different Date Fruit Cultivars and Farms’ Cultivated Areas, Case Study: Al-Ahsa Oasis, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Diversity in date palm (DP) cultivars plays a crucial role in the agroecosystems of several countries, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aims to map and analyze the spatial distribution of the most grown DP cultivars (Khlas, Ruziz, and Shishi) in the Al-Ahsa oasis in the KSA and to highlight their spatial correlation with the corresponding cultivated patches within farms. Descriptive and spatial data on 288 farms were analyzed using GIS, data curation, cross-TAB statistics, clustering maps, and spatial autocorrelation techniques. The obtained results revealed that most of the oasis’s DP farms are within a cultivated area of <500 m2. The larger cultivated areas are mostly in the oasis’s northern and central subregions, agreeing with the spatial distribution of trees. In total, 56.9% of the studied farms grew the cultivars together within the least rank (<500 m2) of cultivated area, having the greatest tendency for DP cultivation. Khlas was the most dominant cultivar being the least absent from cultivation with 3.1% compared to Ruziz (31.9%) and Shishi (37.8%). The spatial distribution of DP plantations in the oasis was also consistent with the spatial variation in soils and irrigation water salinity, necessitating the need for special agricultural extension programs. In conclusion, these outcomes indicate that this study is essential for DP sustainability, growers, authorities, and policy makers.