ISHS Acta Horticulturae 736: III International Date Palm Conference
THE EFFECT OF CLIMATIC CONDITIONS AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION ON THE SUCCESS OF NEW DATE PALM VARIETIES (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.) IN THE GAZA STRIP |
| Author: | M.F. Al Banna |
| Abstract:
In 1998, four date palm varieties were introduced to the Gaza Strip: Hallawi, Zehedi, Ameri and Berhi. Varieties were randomly distributed over three geographic areas (North, Middle and South) to a number of farmers. Sites were selected after comprehensive study of official records to find common climatic conditions in the different locations in the Gaza strip. The readings included maximum and minimum temperatures and relative humidity. The average cumulative thermal units were then calculated from the beginning of May till the end of October. Also included were the average rain trends. Fruit set and production rates were recorded as well as the average production for each variety. The average cumulative thermal units during the period of 1990-2001 were 1792 thermal units. The data indicated that Gaza is suited to the introduction of semidry varieties. The period of fruiting and ripening goes from May until October when it is dry (no rain). This time is also characterized by a mild increase in relative humidity which facilitates increase in fruit setting as well as rate of production. Rainfall in Gaza ranges from 200-400 mm annually It increases in the north and decreases towards the south. There was a clear effect of climatic conditions as well as geographic location on the rate of fruit set of the introduced varieties. Al Hayani, the commonly grown variety, performed the best over the 3 regions wih an average fruit set of 87.6%. Al Hallawi had the highest off-shoot production (7- offshoots) compared to the other varieties. Alberhy produced the lowest number of offshoots and this was attributed to the varieties themselves. It was concluded from the study that the common climatic conditions in Gaza strip are suitable for planting new varieties along with Alhayani, the traditional variety. Also semidry varieties could be introduced. The possibility of success for the dry varieties under the conditions of middle and south districts would depend on specific treatment. | |
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