Research and Development Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Saudi Arabia
The present study concerns about the growth, development and ripening of two date cultivars, "Barhee" and "Sukkari", grown in Qaseem, Saudi Arabia. The fruit development passed through four successive stages: Kimri, Khalal, Rutab and Tamar. The most active increment in weight and size, of both pulp and seed, occurred during the last period of Kimri stage.
Sugar and water were the two major constituents of the two date cultivars. The higher percentage of reducing sugars was found in the Khalal and Rutab stages. In addition, the chemical analyses revealed the presence of total nitrogen, ether extract, crude fiber and ash. The content of each were quantitatively determined.
