IMPACT OF CLIMATE ZONES ON EXOTIC DATE PALM GERMPLASM

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a remarkable crop in arid/semi-arid zone of the world. South region of Punjab, Pakistan is best suited for date culture, but abrupt change in climate is alarming. A research study was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Bahawalpur on five years old plants of 15 date palm exotic cultivars viz Sultana, Shishi, Sugai, Nabtul-Saif, Khudri, Khalas, Barhee, Amber, Ajwa, Medjoul, Raziz, Lulu, Nemeishi, Zamli and Dhaki (as Control) during 2019-2021. Three years’ data were recorded on temperature, humidity, rainfall, plant height, stem girth, number of fronds, frond length, frond width, number of pinnae per frond, fermented fruit %, yield and economic return per plant (Khalal & Tamar), reduction in yield from Khalal to Tamar. Nabtul-Saif excelled in plant height (4.5m), stem girth (2.5m), number of fronds (39), frond length (2.7m), frond width (81cm) and quantity of pinnae per frond (153).  Barhee proved to be the best as Khalal due to its tolerance against rains (24% fermented fruit) and the highest average Khalal yield (75kg), fetching maximum income (7000 PKR) per plant. Ajwa variety led in Tamar yield (37kg) due to lesser reduction in yield (40%) from Khalal to Tamar earning maximum return (6200 PKR) per plant from its Tamar. Medjoul variety showed versatility as it was less affected by Monsoon rains (25% fermented fruit) higher Khalal (70kg) and Tamar yield (36kg) with higher return (6200 PKR) from Tamar. Khudri with 53% and Nemeishi with 48% fermented fruit were badly affected from Monsoon rains. Based on the results, Barhee variety is more suitable for south Punjab region.