Yield and Postharvest Quality Attributes of Date Palm Are Affected by Sub-Optimal Irrigation During Fruit Development

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is primarily cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions that are characterized by high evapotranspiration, low and sporadic rainfall and dependency on irrigation for crop cultivation. Frequent drought periods influence growth, yield and fruit quality of fruit crops in these regions. The effects of sub-optimal irrigation on the yield and fruit quality attributes of dates were investigated. Physico-chemical quality attributes of date palm (cv. Khalas) grown in northern Oman showed variable response to reduced frequency and amount of irrigation water applied during fruit development. Bunch weight, fruit weight, Fruit juice content, titratable acidity, and reducing sugars were reduced in the fruits of the least irrigated date palms, whereas, total soluble solid contents (oBrix), percentage of dry matter, and pectin were increased. No significant differences were observed in tannins, pH, and ash content. Yield and eating quality of dates were directly related to the amount of irrigation water received during fruit development.