Study of the different irrigation and fertilization levels effects on fruit set and yield of tissue cultured Barhee date palms

ABSTRACT: It is probably that to dominance of vegetative to reproductive growth can delay fruit set of date palm seedling (CV. Barhee) in early fruiting. Because with increasing age and growth balance, fruit set will be improved. This experiment with aim of increasing fruit set in the early fruiting was carried out in randomized complete block design with three replications, in split plot method with three irrigation intervals in main plots, and three fertilization levels in subplots during 2008-11. The irrigation intervals were equal 7 (control), 14 and 21 days from pollination stage to harvest stage and the fertilization levels were control (research recommendation), 30% less than control and 30% more than control. The results showed there was not significant effect of irrigation treatments on fruit set and yield, but fertilization treatments had significant effects. The interaction effects were significant on all characteristics. The highest fruit weight, fruit diameter and fruit volume was obtained in 7 days irrigation interval and control fertilization level. The highest bunch weight and yield was obtained in 7 days irrigation interval and 30% less than control fertilization level, that may be resulted from vegetative limiting and reproductive stimulating.