Evaluation of Date Palm Germplasm Under Hot Arid Ecosystem

Abstract

The introduction of date palm germplasm in the arid region is essential to enrich genetic resources for crop
improvement. A rich genetic diversity in date palm is available in Kachchh region of Gujarat and its exploitation
is essential. The performance evaluation study indicates that cultivar Halawy is the most suitable with respect to
growth, early maturing, regular bearing and fruit quality for cultivation under Indian arid ecosystem. However, the
initial performance also showed that cultivars Khadrawy, Zahidi, Khuneizi, Dayari and Sabiah are beller with respect
to fruiting. The study reveals that introduction of date palm offshoots from warm arid and semi-arid parts of the
world is useful for better establishment, growth and production.