PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SOME NEW SOFT SEEDLING STRAINS AND LOCAL CULTIVARS OF DATE (Phoenix dactylifera L.) FRUITS UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE NORTH DELTA, EGYPT

摘要

This research was conducted during 2017 and 2018 seasons on some soft seedling strains and local date palm cultivars grown under the condition of Baltim, Kafr ElSheikh Governorate (North Delta), Egypt. Twelve soft seedling strains (Limony, Elhamra, Elhelowa, Nwat Elbahr, koppy, Zenat Ahmer, Zenat Asmar, Ostora, Nwat zaghloul, Nemery, Om Makatif, and Meghal) and three local cultivars: Hayany, Samany and Araby (control) were evaluated using fruit characteristics. Results revealed that, Elhamra had the highest values of yield, bunch weight, fruit diameter, fruit and flesh weight, and flesh thickness during both seasons, while, Nemery strain seedlings recorded the highest seed diameter, seed weight, SSC, total and reducing sugars. On the other hand, Araby cultivar recorded the lowest values in fruit length, flesh weight, (Soluble solids Content (SSC)) and Hayany cv., in total and reducing sugars. This study could be recommended for marketing new soft strains seedling date palms (Elhamra and Nemery) the most desirable commercial attributes of local or international standards under North Delta district, Egypt conditions.