Effect of soil moisture depletion and mulching of cv. zaghloul date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruiting under desert conditions.

Includes reference.

This investigation was conducted dUring two successive seasons (2005 and 2006) at El Sheikh Zuwayid Experimental Station Desert Research Center, North Sinai Governorate. It is aimed to study the effect of soil moisture depletion and mulching of cv. Zaghloul date palm under desert conditions using three soil moisture depletion (25, 50 and 75%) from available waler. Also, four mulching treatments, Plant cover (T1) using Oregano plants (Origanum syriacum l.), Plastic sheet (T2). Gravels cover (T3) and uncovered (T4) (control). All treatments were irrigated by drip irrigation system using bubbler (2001/h). The selected palms under investigation were similar in vigor, aged 15 years and SUbjected to the recommended orchard managements. The' obtained results showed that soil moisture depletion at 25 % produced the highest fruit set percentage and total yield. On the other hand, soil moisture depletion at 75 % raised fruit characters (length, diameter, size, weight, bulb, TSS and sugars). Concerning mulching treatments, plastic cover (T2) had enhanced the fruit characteristics and saved the applied water than the other mulching treatments. In this respect, the interaction between depletion and mulching treatments, indicated that depletion at 75% with plastic cover was the best treatment casing the superiority of fruit characteristics and saVing of applied water.

Summary in arabic.

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