The Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), one of the most important fruit crops cultivated in the arid regions, is distributed throughout the Middle East, North Africa, South Sahel, areas of East & South Africa, Europe, Asia and USA with approximately 150 Million Trees worldwide. The Date Palm is a very good source of nutrition having 70% carbohydrates. 1 Kg Date Palm fruits give 3,000 Kg calories. It is also a good source of Vitamin - A, B-2, B-7, Potassium, Calcium, Copper, Manganese, Chlorine, Phosphorous, Sulphur and Iron, etc.
India is the largest country in import of Date Palm importing about 38% of the world market. Traditionally, the local varieties of Date Palm were grown from the seeds in Kutch-Bhuj area of Gujarat but, the multiplication from seeds of such plants was not feasible due to dioceous nature of the plants. The high quality planting materials were not available.
The Date Palm is cultivated for its high productivity and the high nutrient value of...