Effect of different bunch waves and daytime pollination on fruit set and quality of Zaghloul date palm under Assiut condition [electronic resource].

Includes reference.

The effect of different daytime pollination and bunch burst waves 011 fruit set and quality of Zaghloul dates were investigated. Pollination the early, middle and later inflorescence burst waves at morning (8-9 a.m), noon (12-1 p.m.) and afternoon (34 p.m.) were achieved. Results indicate that the initial fruit set, ultimate retention and consequently bunch weight were significantly decreased by pollination at noon (12-1 p.m.) compared to pollination at either morning or afternoon. In addition, the middle inflorescence burst wave gave the highest fruit set and fruit retention percentages, as well as bunch weight in comparison to early or late inflorescence burst waves. Further, the interaction between the daytime pollination and inflorescence waves, the middle wave pollinated at afternoon produced the highest fruit retention percentage and consequently heaviest bunch weight. On the other hand, the least values of fruit retention and bunch weight were obtained on the latest wave pollinated at noon. Middle inflorescence wave gave the heaviest fruit weight whereas the daytime pollination had no significant effect on such traits. Moreover, pollination at either morning or afternoon as well as middle inflorescence wave were accompanied with improving the date’s chemical characteristics. It is concluded from the foregoing results that choosing the middle inflorescence burst wave as well as, pollination of Zaghloul date palm at morning or afternoon to obtain a considerable yield with best fruit quality.

Summary in Arabic.

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