Effect of stored pollen on fruit set, yield and quality of Date palm cv. Halawy under hot arid conditions

Abstract

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.; family- Arecaceae) is one of the most suitable hardy fruit tree for semi arid and hot arid regions. Pollen plays an important role in fruit production in date palm as it is dioceous plant. The male and female flowers borne on separate plant and the spathes opened according to genetic features and environmental conditions. At present, area of date palm is increasing in the states of Rajasthan,Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, etc and problem of availability of pollen grains on time is new constraints in date palm cultivation. Flowering occurs 10-15 days early in male than female. But it has been observed that last 3-4 years flowering in male palm is late than female palms due to change in climate and prolong winter season. However, seedling populations are not found in other parts of country except Kachchh region of Gujarat. 

Date palm plantations are economically important because it requires minimum care and it has vast potential in arid regions of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana as well as coastal belts of Gujarat. Limited work has been conducted on pollen and its effect on fruiting in date palm. The farmers are facing problem of availability of pollens at time of pollination due to scarcity of male palms. The identification of male palm producing high amount of pollen is essential to solve the problem and an elite male palm (CIAH/DP/M-3) has been identified (Singh et al, 2018) which has potential to produce 640g pollen grains/tree. The proper storage environment and temperature is necessary to maintain the viability of pollens (Maryam et al, 2015). Therefore, major emphasis should be given on pollen production as well proper storage for next season use. Keeping in view, a study on effect of pollen storage temperature on fruit set and yield was undertaken in date palm cv. Halawy in hot arid region.