Evaluation of Date Palm Germplasm Under Hot Arid Ecosystem

The introduction of date palm germplasm in the arid region is essential to enrich genetic resources for crop improvement. A rich genetic diversity in date palm is available in Kachchh region of Gujarat and its exploitation is essential. The performance evaluation study indicates that cultivar Halawy is the most suitable with respect to growth, early maturing, regular bearing and fruit quality for cultivation under Indian arid ecosystem. However, the initial performance also showed that cultivars Khadrawy, Zahidi, Khuneizi, Dayari and Sabiah are beller with respect to fruiting. The study reveals that introduction of date palm of fshoots from warm arid and semi-arid parts of the world is useful for better establishment, growth and production.