Evaluation of Some Dry Date Palm Varieties Propagated Through Seed and Tissue Culture Technique under Aswan Region Climatic Conditions

摘要

This study was conducted during 2011 and 2012 seasons to compare growth, flowering and fruit setting behaviour, yield as well as physical and chemical characteristics of some dry date palm varieties (Melkaby, Gendiala and Sakkoti) propagated through seeds and tissue culture techniques under Aswan region climatic conditions. This study clarified that major differences were observed on vegetative growth characters as well as flowering and fruiting aspects among the two propagation methods namely seeds and tissue culture as well as among the three date palm cvs Melkaby, Gendiala and Sakkoti. All the positive effects on the behaviour of growth and fruiting aspects were attributed to using propagation via seeds. The best date palm cvs successfully grown under Aswan environmental conditions are Gendiala, Melkaby and Sakkoti, in descending order based on their higher yields and fruit quality. We need in the future for evaluation of all date palm cvs produced from tissue culture grown in all environmental conditions under Egypt to survey the different problems and to select the best way for alleviating these problems especially at the older ages.