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KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL DATE PALM AWARD

NAHAYAN MABARAK HONOURS THE AWARD WINNERS IN ITS FOURTH SESSION 2012

Volume No. 04Issue No. 02

December 2012

20

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Photograph by : Alexander John - India

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First Winner

$ 5000ل

الفــائــز الأو

Second Winner

$ 4000ي

الفــائــز الثـان

Third Winner

$ 3000ث

الفــائــز الثــالـW

ith a trophy & a certificate

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النسخة الرابعة 2013

FOURTH SESSION 2013

يصوير الفوتوغراف

سابقة دولية للتم

نحترفي

هواة والمكة مفتوح لل

شارب الم

باهر فبراير 2013

شي

ن النتائج فعل

غاية 31 / 12 / 2012 - تن 01 / 07 / 2012 ول

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INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Participation open from 01/07/2012 to 31/12/2012

Results will be announced during February, 2013

سمبر 2012كة : 31 دي

شارد للم

خر موعآ

Deadline for participation : December 31, 2012

ل التمرخي

خليفة الدولية لنجائزة

ها ظم

خلة تنصوير الن

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خسابقة دولية مت

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صوير الفوتوغرافي الدولية للت

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عيم 82782 ال

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All m

aterials to be addressed to: P.O. Box : 82782 A

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For more Inform

ation : [email protected]

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w.adips.ae

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w.kidpa.ae

تعلن الأمانة العامة لجائزة خليفة الدولية لنخيل التمر

عن بدء استلام طلبات ترشيح الدورة الخامسة 2013

وفق البرنامج التاليتقديم طلبات الترشيح: 1 يونيو ــ 30 أكتوبر 2012

إعلان أسماء الفائزين: فبراير 2013حفل تكريم الفائزين: مارس 2013

فئات الجائزة في مجال زراعة النخيل وإنتاج التمور

بالإضافة إلى درع تذكاري وشهادة تقدير.

فئة الشخصية المتميزة

فئة أفضل مشروع تنموي

فئة أفضل تقنيةمتميزة

فئة المنتجين المتميزين

فئة البحوث والدراسات المتميزة

الفائز الأول 300.000 درهم





ــــــ الفائز الثاني 200.000 درهم

الفائز الثاني 200.000 درهم



لمزيد من المعلومات، يرجى الاتصال - الأمانة العامة لجائزة خليفة الدولية لنخيل التمر صندوق البريد 82872 العين ـ الإمارات العربية المتحدة هــاتف 7832434 3 971 + فاكس 7832550 3 971 +

www.kidpa.ae الموقع الالكتروني [email protected] البريد الالكتروني

الى كل الباحثين والمختصين والمنتجينوالمزارعيـن ومحبـي شجـرة نخيــل التمـــر

www.kidpa.ae

5 الــدورةالخامسة

During the past few days, the world celebrates the International Environment Day under the umbrella of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). However, the celebration of this year will be under the Motto “The Green Economy”. Moreover, the Brazilian capital hosts during current June the Earth Summit on the Environment (Rio +20) under the same motto. This conference is considered the largest international assembly for the future of man and life on earth.

However, the Green Economy usually contributes into the improvement of man’s prosperity and social equality, as it minimizes notably the environmental risks and the rarity of ecological resources, this is not mention herein the reduction of CO2 emission and the increase in the efficiency of resources utilization, and it comprises all social categories.

In this connection, it can be fairly said that the Green Economy is a track for achieving sustainable development but it is not an alternative thereof. Achieving sustainability depends on economic reformation. Yet, sustainability is still a vivid goal while “greening” the economy helps reaching such goal.

The UAE under the leadership of HH. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, (May God protect him), has endeavored to be an international center of Green Economy through the many attitudes and initiatives it undertakes, the last of which was the UAE strategy for Green Economy launched by H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice president of UAE, Prime Minister, Ruler of Dubai, last January. It was really a long term outstanding national initiative to build a green economy in the UAE under the motto “Green Economy for Sustainable Development” through which the UAE aims at building an economy which maintains the environment which supports the economy”.

As H.H the UAE President (God protect him) did put it “Environment protection and achievement of sustainable development in the UAE are not an intellectual luxury or superficial interest, but they are a national duty deeply rooted in the conscience of our people, and they have their institutional frames, their integrated legislations and their developed mechanisms which have proved their efficiency, effectiveness and capability of giving and renewing.

The UAE economy is a multi-economy based on knowledge and innovation to maintain and preserve natural resources so as to enhance our competitive position in the international markets particularly in the area of renewable energy, products, and the technologies concerned with Green Economy”.

Nahayan Mabarak Al NahayanMinister of Higher Education and Scientific ResearchChairman of Khalifa International Date Palm Award Board of Trustees

Green Is Our Economy

Our Tree

Out of the keen interest of Khalifa International

Date Palm Award Secretariat General to spread the

awareness and specialized knowledge in date palm

industry across the world.

Therefore, we invite all academics, specialist

researchers, producers and date palm (the blessed

tree) lovers to participate in either languages Arabic

or English in related matters and issues to date palm

such as (cultivation, disease prevention, maintenance,

food processing, marketing, ...) materials should

satisfy publication criteria set out in the magazine.

We value and appreciate your good efforts made to

serve the blessed tree.

Materials are to be sent to Head of Media Committee

and editor-in-chief via email address:

[email protected]

Invitation to Researches,

writers and interested

Scientists

The agricultural sector in general and date palm cultivation in particular are considered among the sectors that need concerted efforts and cooperation not only on the local level but also at the regional and international levels. Among the institutions that play an important role in enhancing this cooperation is the Secretariat General of GCC Countries which is celebrating now the 31st anniversary of the Council Foundation. The council as such has become a symbol of insistence and true determination of the Gulf cohesion and solidarity embodying the deepest ties of kinship, common history and the same destiny of its people.

Joint action in the field of agriculture aims at unifying policies, regulations, laws of the state members, determining common projects and achieving food security relying on the ideal use of the available natural resources particularly the date palm tree.

The Secretariat General of the GCC Countries has played a great positive role during the last three decades in enhancing cooperation between the different competent authorities in the field of date palm cultivation and date production at the level of the GCC countries for the social, economic and heritage which the blessed tree represents. In fact, the blessed tree is a common factor between all the GCC countries. It plays the essential role in transferring experiences and localizing knowledge in the area of founding scientific laboratories to produce date palm seedlings by using the method of tissue culture. However, the UAE played a pioneering role in this field through the qualitative experience that distinguish Date Palm Research & Development Unit in the UAEU. This unit played a pioneering role in establishing identical laboratories not only at the level of the GCC Countries but also at the level of the developing world in general thanks to the instructions of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE president (may God protect him) and the support of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award.

On this dear occasion, we do congratulate the GCC countries on their efforts in enhancing Union for the sake of their homelands and citizens.

Dr. Abdelouahhab zaidSecretary General of Khalifa International Date Palm AwardEditor in Chief

A Common Factor

Our Message

Publication criteria in the magazine

l The Articles should be new, dedicated particularly to the Award’s magazine, and have not published before.

l Articles are to be in a soft copy, whether in Arabic or English, and should be supported by specialized sources and references at the end.

l Researches and studies should be accompanied by the required scientific photographs of high quality (digital / high resolution).

l Articles and photographs are to be submitted to the magazine by e-mail, or to be sent to the Award’s P.O. Box on a CD with a typed and printed hard copy.

l The magazine is not obliged to return the articles back, whether published or not, to the participants.

l A writer of an article should enclose a personal photo with his CV including the full name, phone number, email and P.O. Box, in addition to the bank account number in English (Name, Name of the Bank, Account Number and Swift Code) in order to allow sending him the due amount in case the article is published, in compliance with the Magazine’s financial system.

l All Articles in the magazine necessarily reflect the views of their respective authors and do not oblige Khalifa International Date Palm Award.

l Scientific subjects in the magazine are arranged according to technical considerations.

l The Magazine welcomes readers from all the date palm lovers around the world, who contribute in deepening the knowledge and building a sustainable society.

All issues of the Blessed Tree magazine are available

on KIDPA website: www.kidpa.ae

Scientific Supervision Board

Prof. Ghaleb AlhadramiDean’s Office, College of Food and

Agriculture, UAE University

Dr.Helal Humaid Saad Al KaabiDirector of Gardens & Recreation Facilities

Div. Southern Region

Dr. Hassan ShabanaDate Palm Global Network

Magazine CorrespondencesAll technical and scientific materials are

to be addressed to the Head of the Media Committee, Editorial Manager,

on the following address:

P.O. Box 42781, Abu Dhabi, UAE Mobile No. 0097150 6979645

[email protected] www.kidpa.ae

The Blessed TreeA seasonal scientific magazine

specialized in date palms

Published byKhalifa International Date Palm Award

National Media Council Permit

No. 1/107006/29505ISBN978-9948-15-335-1

Volume No. 04 , Issue No. 02Muharram 1434 / December 2012

Honorary Chairman

H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan

Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Chairman of

the Award Board of Trustees

General Coordinator

Dr. Abdelouahhab ZaidAward Secretary General

Editorial Manager

Eng. Emad SaadHead of Media Committee [email protected]

Legal DirectorDr. Helal Humaid Saad Al Kaabi

PhotographyJack Jabour, Nezar Ballout

Amjad Dourgham

Proof ReaderMr. Mahmoud Badr

Design, Layout and Printing

P.O. Box 111047, Abu Dhabi, U A E Tel. 00971 2 6333970 Fax: 00971 2 6333756

[email protected] www.finelinead.ae

Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan Honours The Award Winners in its Fourth Session 2012

Who are the winners? At its fourth session 2012

Statistics : 2009-2010-2011-2012

Khalifa`s sponsorship of the award raises its status locally and internationally

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King of Morocco hails the UAE efforts under

Khalifa`s Leadership 30

On the occasion of founding khalifa

internatnal date palm award The central

bank issues a memorial coin 31

Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan welcomes

arab media delegations 32

Date palm tree epidemics is a documentary

film about insect pests and

date palm tree diseases 33

Uae first Heritage Festival 2012 34

The annual book to document the achievements 36

The outstanding winning pictures bookIn

International Photography

Competition 2010 – 2011 – 2012 37

“The blessed tree” 3 sets the

foundation for specialized scientific

information in emirates 38

Kidpa opens nomination for its Fifth Session 2013 40

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Contents

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Nahayan Mabarak honors winners of Khalifa International Date Palm Award in its 4th Session 2012

KHALIFA`S SPONSORSHIP OF THE AWARD RAISES ITS STATUS LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY

H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award, extended his deep thanks, appreciation and gratitude to the sponsor of the Award, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of the UAE, (may God protect him). He hailed his great and generous efforts which H.H. has exerted to achieve the comprehensive development of the UAE community since the date palm is one of the pivots of sustainable development to achieve food security at the level of the world.

The above was said in the speech delivered by H.H. during the ceremony of honoring the Winners of Khalifa International Date Palm Award in its fourth session on Sunday the 11th of March 2012 in the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The ceremony took place in the presence of many Arab Ministers of Agriculture, the accredited Ambassadors in the country, in addition to the presidents

of the regional and international organizations, a number of researchers and people who are interested in date palm, Members of the Scientific Committee, and the honored and the winners of the Award in its fourth session 2012.

H.H. extended his true thanks and appreciation as well to First Lit. General H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahayan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces for his support to the international Award which confirms H.H.` vision in achieving comprehensive and sustainable development on the generous land of the UAE. He expressed his pride in his wise vision of the future of agriculture in the UAE in general and the date palm in particular. He added that “we are proud of H.H.` care of the UAE to be always a pioneering example of successful work, distinguished achievement in all fields”.

He addressed the same true thanks to H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister,

The Award is a correct

step forward to honor

producers, farmers and lovers of the blessed tree world wide

THE BLESSED TREE DECEMBER 2012 7

Minister of Presidential Affairs for his kind care, personal and strong support and the support of his Ministry to this Award so as to achieve its set goals and ambitions.

H.H. congratulated the honored personalities by the Award in its 4th session at the top of whom comes H.E. DR. Fahd Bin Abdulrahamn Balghunaim Minister of Agriculture in Saudi Arabia , H.E. Helal Salem Al Khaili, the former Minister of Agriculture in the Sultanate of Oman, HE Mohammad Ibrahim Obeid Alah, and H.E. Abdullah Al Shamsi of the UAE for their distinguished efforts and influential role in serving the date palm, the workers in the palm tree cultivation sector and date production at the regional and international levels.

H.H. congratulated all the winners of the Award categories in its fourth session. The winners are:

Dr. Ahmed Saif Mohammad Al Flassi of the UAE, for the category of the best distinguished personality, and for the best developmental project, the

Farmer Services Center of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, UAE, was honored as the first winner, whereas the second rank was awarded to Al Ain Municipality.

As for the best distinguished technology category, the first winner was Mr. Abdul Hameed Dijfeel of Algeria and the second winner is Dr. Nezar Husein of the Ministry of Environment, State of Qatar. As for the category of the distinguished producers, the First rank was cancelled whereas the second rank winner was equally given between Mr. Hamed Ali Salman Al Mizzroui and Mr. Mansour Ali Salman Al Mizzroui, UAE. As for the category of distinguished researches and studies, the first winner was the International Center for Agricultural Research of the Dried Areas (ICARDA) of the Syrian Arab Republic, and the second winner is Dr. Saher Mohammad Al Akkabi of Egypt.

H.H. asserted that the Award, despite its short history, has become pioneering internationally and a land

mark in the field of date palm and subject of great appreciation and respect at all concerned departments in the palm tree worldwide. They all follow up the march of the winners with admiration and appreciation and show interest in their scientific production and distinguished contributions. Moreover, they realize the role of this award in disseminating energy and activity into the efforts of research and development among researchers and farmers. Furthermore, it contributes in developing knowledge and publishing the results of studies and experiments carried out in the country, the region and the world. “Our celebration today is an occasion on which we hope to be capable of the expectations of H.H. the President (may God protect him) in responding to his continuous instructions and directives concerning quality and distinction in all aspects of the work we are doing not only in the sector of date palm but also in all areas and at all levels”, H.H. added.

H.H. extended his deep thank, high

8 KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL DATE PALM AWARD

appreciation and gratitude to the leader of the procession H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, (May God protect him) who founded the Award and granted his lofty name to it as a procedure to confirm the importance of Agriculture and to show the care of H.H. of the date palm in achieving the balanced and sustainable renaissance and a serious desire to found the pivots of the Emirates Renaissance on solid foundations of science, research and study. We want to assert to H.H. that we will fulfill his expectations through serious work and fruitful endeavor towards what is better and greater. This Award shall always remain an example of improvement, distinction and commitment. It shall even be a tool to pursue the latest and a model for celebrating successful work and useful achievement.

H.H. the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award added that we all together, brothers and sisters, are

interested in creating continuous development in the field of agriculture and date palm production. In fact, we are harvesting what has been grown by the founder of the State, H.H. the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, who established the pivot of a great agricultural renaissance where great care and interest was given to the palm tree. Under his leadership, the Emirates became a pioneering international center for date palm cultivation and production and for the comprehensive and integrated study of this blessed tree.

H.H. directed special greeting for every participant of each of the categories of the award. He highly appreciated what each of them represents of success and achievement in the area of date palm. He wished they would always be good examples for their colleagues and that their obtaining of the award should be a source of motivation for further achievement.

He addressed the winners by saying

“If we are celebrating today your distinguished achievements, we do express in fact our great confidence in the status of science and scientists on constituting the procession of the world. We do express our absolute satisfaction that with your work, efforts and continuous care for improvement and development, you will always be inspiring examples not only for your colleagues but also for the coming generations”.

H.H. thanked all the members of the Award Board of Trustees for their care and interest. He thanked as well all establishments and authorities which cooperate with the Management of the Award appreciating the role of all and their remarkable contribution in this regard. He prayed to God that work will go in this way to support and develop palm cultivation and date production hoping that this Award would be, God Willing, an important tool which encourages work, creation and innovation in the march of the State and the world as well.

9THE BLESSED TREE DECEMBER 2012

Academic Qualifications: �B.S in Civil Engineering, King Fahd

University for Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia, 1975.

�Master in Engineering and Construction Management, Stanford University, USA, 1978.

�Ph. D in Transport Engineering, Michigan University, Ann Arbor, USA, 1984.

Experiences:�Graduate Assistant at King Fahd

University for Petroleum and Minerals , May 1975.

�Graduate Assistant at King Saud University, September 1975.

��Assistance Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, King Saud University. Feb.1984.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Fisheries Affairs. Jan.1990.

�Mayor of the General Establishment of Salty Water distillation, June 1991.

�Member of the Shura Council, 2001.

Minister of Agriculture: 2003.

Efforts Exerted to develop the date palm sector:�Establishing a specialized center

for date palm trees and dates

in cooperation with the council of Chambers of Commerce and Industry in the kingdom for the purpose of supporting farmers in the field of exporting dates and developing food industries based on dates.

�Supporting good practices in date palm trees cultivation to protect them from insects particularly the integrated fighting of the red palm weevil.

�Supporting modern methods of irrigation in date cultivation through buying the product in favorite prices from the farmers who use such methods.

� Publishing a book about the most reputable types of dates in Saudi Arabia ( First and 2nd editions).

�Adopting and supporting the foundation of the International Council for Dates hosting it in the Kingdom so as to develop cooperation among dates producing countries in the technical, manufacturing marketing areas.

�Cooperation with World Organizations to build capabilities and develop technology in the area of date production , manufacturing and marketing.

H.E. Fahd BelghaneemSaudi Arabia


He was born in 1948 to a highbred family known for its commitment to values, science, jurisprudence, literature and poetry. He received his education at the hands of linguists and jurisprudents and completed learning the Holy Quran to start after then with syntax. Later, he started his study at Al Saidya School from which he graduated in 1960. He came first among his batch. Then he left for Kuwait to complete his high school. He joined the Faculty of Political Science & Economy at the University of Bagdad.

The most important interest of H.E. Sheikh Salem was his obsession in agriculture and that is why he was chosen as the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries in 2001. He worked on achieving integration between Arab Ministers of Agriculture and himself as a fixed principle. His first efforts were with H.E. Saed Bin Mohammad Al Rakabani, Minister of Agriculture in the UAE and then he established his relationship with the other Arab Ministers of Agriculture.

H.E. developed his efforts in serving the farmers and undertook the process of increasing the palm trees and date palm trees through cloning the palm particularly the kinds that are threatened to be extinguished. The exerted his efforts as well to

introduce new kinds of fruit trees and grew them at the District of Jabel Al Akhdar (The Green Mountain) where he achieved success.

His practical life started in the early 70s where he established private businesses to grow later into a solid and well-established businesses locally and regionally. Then he joined the Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Oman. His efforts were highly appreciated in strengtning the role of the private sector.

He was appointed as a member of the Consulting Council at the Sultanate and then he was elected as a member in Al Shura Council as a representative of the State of Sameal. He occupied

the position of the Deputy Chairman of the Council till the end of the its first session. Afterwards, he was appointed as Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Oman till 2001 when he was appointed as the Ministre of Agriculture & Fisheries.

He was awarded the Omani Medals of grade 2 & 3 as he was warded as well the medal of King Abdul Aziz of the first grade. He was tasked by His Majesty to deliver a number of letters to a number of rulers in the GCC countries and the other Arab countries. He was honored by the meeting with H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (God rest his soul) more than once. He found in HH Sheikh Zayed wisdom, sincerity and charity.

H.E .Sheikh Salem Ben Helal Al KhaliliSultanate of Oman


He is one of the first generation young men in our dear country, the UAE, who were motivated by patience and hard times to be one of the self-dependent personalities in the country. Today, he is repaying only part of what this good land has given him. This is Mohammad Ibrahim Obeid Allah the Emirati businessman.

He was born in 1940 in Ras Al Kamiah. He spent his early days at the suburbs of Dubai where he received his education and then he started his career as a merchant in the beginning of his youth time.

He exchanged the deeds of charity with his country the UAE. He never stops doing charitable deeds in a number of important fields. His first works started with the construction of some mosques scattered here and there, this is not to mention that he is one of the founders of Bait Al Khair Society which devotes its good works to help the needy expatriates inside the UAE.

His good actions were extended to the most important domain, namely, the health domain. Obeid Allah added projects of high qualities which are considered a positive addition to the health process in the country. His efforts were focused on three projects in the city of Ras Al Kamiah, namely:

�Al Nakhail Medical Center: This project was founded in 1996.

�Ibrahim Bin Hamed Obeid Allah Hospital: This project was founded in 1997.

�Obeid Allah Hospital for the Elderly and Old age diseases which was founded in 2009.

The prizes he obtained: �The State President Appreciation

Award handed over to him by H.H. Sheikh KHalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president (may God protect him).

�Al Sharjeh Award for Voluntary works, First session, handed to him by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qassami, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Sharjeh.

�Hamdan Bin Rashid for Medical Sciences 2007- 2008 handed over to him by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

�He was honoured by HH Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Noami, Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Ajman. on the Day of Science ,2009.

Hon. Mohamed Ibrahim Obeid AllahUnited Arab Emirates


He was born in Ras Al Khaima in 1933. He began his agricultural business in 1950 and achieved remarkable success which provided him with ample motivation to be more generous and loyal to the land. In 1969, he was chosen as a member of the Agricultural Council at Al Ain Agricultural Department. Moreover, he supervised the palm tree farms in Al Ain.

The first farm he established was at Al Fahlein District during the 70s. The farm area was 700x700 feet and cultivated with about 450 palm trees which produce the best kinds of dates. He used to sell his product of dates at the local market.

In 1988, he established the first factory for canning and packing dates using the extra quantities of dates in the local market. His project was so popular that it exceeds all expectations. He licensed the said factory in 1992 under the name of Emirates Dates with a productive capacity amounting to 470 Tons per year.

In 1994, he met the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (God rest his soul) in Morocco as a participant in the Agricultural Exhibition held by Sheik Zayed in Morocco. H.H. Sheikh Zayed expressed his admiration in Emirate Dates and encouraged him

to go on in the process of raising the name of the UAE so high in all Arab and international circles.

In 2002, he established the first modern farm in Khat District in Ras Al Khaima with an area of 2x2 kms with 50.000 palm tress.. He has grown about 11000 palm tress so far, of which 80% are productive of the best kind of dates such as Khalas, Burjhi, Shishi, Lulu, Nawader, Faredh, Majdoul, Kheniezi Anbarah etc …., while others are in the process of production. He applied modern systems of irrigation and used organic fertilizers instead of chemical ones.

To meet the increasing demand for Emirates Dates, Al Shamsi established a new factory for canning and packing dates by using up to date international specifications with a productive capacity of 1500-2000 tons annually.

Abdullah Al Shamsi has a wide civilized dream he wishes it to come true, namely the establishment of the largest date palm farm in the world to comprise one million palm trees producing the best kinds of dates which in turn help in raising the name of the UAE so high in the world of palm tree cultivation and date production world wide.

Hon. Abdullah Rashed Al ShamsiUnited Arab Emirates


AT ITS FOURTH SESSION 2012

WHO ARE THE WINNERS?

The distinguished type of date is the basic element for the success of the farm and for the marketing its product effectively. This feature encouraged him basically to found a number of farms in different locations in the UAE, the Sultanate of Oman, and Saudi Arabia. He brought the palm seedlings from their origin after making sure of the name of the type. As a result of his hard work and during a period of 47 years, he studied the production of these types and the diseases that inflicted them.

Moreover, he studied the quality of their fruits and their ability to adopt with UAE climate conditions. He studied as well the proper time for picking and gathering the fruits and the treatment of the fruits after picking and the validity of each type till the time of the proper picking, and the validity of each type for consumption at the stage of ripped dates or dates.

As a result of these practical and technical efforts in cultivating different types of date palm trees

under the environmental conditions of the UAE, Dr Flassi got types of dates of distinguished physical and chemical qualities (in size, weight, color, taste, flavor and their ability to bear the conditions of storage and marketing) which have become a source for reproduction of seedlings at some agricultural labs to grow local and international tissues and for those who are willing to cultivate these high quality types which have great economic feasibility.

Distinguished Figure : WinnerDr. Ahmed Saif Mohammed Al FlassiUnited Arab Emirates


Within its vision that aims at achieving the sustainable agricultural development, Farmer Services Center in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi pays special attention to date palm trees. It intensifies its supporting activities to this blessed tree. Proceeding from the strong belief of the center of the benefit of date palm cultivation as an economic project that provides increasing income to farmers and contributes in varying the sources of national income, the program of “Improving the ways of fertilizing and nourishing date palm trees” to about 20.000 date palm trees within 50 farms in the agricultural season 2011 at four districts in the western region was applied.

The program is a set of complete operations to serve date palm trees by using modern technology in irrigation and fertilizing by using more effective fertilizers with the aim of developing date palm management and improve its quality and production, in addition to qualify farmers to adopt modern technologies of production so as to obtain great economic benefits and increase their income.

In the beginning, wide difference was observed in the shape and condition of date palm trees to which this program was applied. Leaves seemed more vivid and greener. Its growth

becomes faster than before. Then the season of harvest came to illustrate through practical evidence, the extent of the success of the program. Weight and size of fruit were remarkably increased. Comparison between the fruits that applied the program and those that did not showed that the weight of the latter did not change and remain at the level of 120 – 155 dates per Kg. whereas the pieces of one kg of the other types which applied the program were between 50 – 70 dates.

This effort was crowned by the winning of 12 farmers who participated in the program of more than one award in Mazayna Liwa for Ripped Dates 2011 competition. The Arbitration Committee noticed remarkable increase in the weight of ripped dates participated in the competition. For example, the weight of the ripped date of Al Dabas increased to reach 15% this year, and thus the weight of one ripped date where the weight of 50 ripped dates increased from 740 Gs in 2010 to 850 Gs in 2011.

The Best Development Project : First WinnerAbu Dhabi Farmers’ Services Center ADFSC - ADFCAUnited Arab Emirates


The Municipality of Al Ain City is one of the Establishments of the Department of Municipal Affairs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It consists of three municipalities, namely, the Municipality of Abu Dhabi City , the Municipality of the Western Region and the Municipality of Al Ain city. Al Ain municipality is a governmental organization which serves the eastern region of the Emirate which comprises AL Ain City and the neighboring districts. Al Ain Municipality was founded in 1967 and the Emiri Decree concerning its organization was issued in 1974. Since then, it has been considered a pioneering developmental organization in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi for the important services it provides for the city and its community.

Al Ain Municipality has drawn a strategy based on a vision entitled “Distinguished Municipality, sustainable development for the city of Oases “ through applying the municipality mission based on (providing distinguished municipal services and advanced build-up for Al Ain City and its region supported by qualified staff and developed systems not forgetting its privacy and authenticity taking into consideration the values of heritage, leadership, reliability, quality, innovation, sharing,

and serving the community by this strategy.

Al Ain municipality works in date palm oases and its seven falajs (qanats) through five sectors out of ten included in the organizational structure of the municipality. All the projects and programs undertaken by the Al Ain Municipality during the previous period contributed in maintaining and preserving these oases and achieving the concept of sustainability for these historical fundamentals which are considered as an important agricultural and

inherited heritage not only for Al Ain City and its community but for the UAE and its people and for the human international heritage.

The projects and programs of Al Ain Municipality approved for the protection and preservation of date palm oases and wells come under six perspectives which are: the legislative perspective, the agricultural perspective, the environment perspective, heritage perspective, tourist perspective and documentary perspective.

The Best Development Project : Second WinnerDepartment of Municipal Affairs - Al Ain MunicipalityUnited Arab Emirates


Date screening (sorting) machine via camera and computer aims at accelerating and improving the competency of the operations of dates screening at the adaptation and canning factories in the state of Biskra located in South –western of Alegria where the districts known for the quality and intensity of date production particularly the reputable kind world wide « Daglat Noor «.

Despite date good reputation at the European level, the manual date screening operations take long time in preparation and that is why the dates might be spoiled and damaged, while its quality is of medium quality.

The technology of the achieved work is a machine for sorting dates which depends on a camera and a computer where the computer could distinguish the visible qualities of all kinds of dates such as color , size and pimples. Then the machine is used to sort large quantities of dates with high speed.

This technology has been programmed and applied in one of the region factories and gave good results . In some cases the results reached the percentage of 100% in recognizing various kinds of dates. It is worthwhile mentioning that the strength of the suggested system lies

in the fact that it is programmed only once and for all in the lab or factory and then it is used for many years.

The technology has been highly appreciated in many international forums in Algeria such as the Industrial Machine Forum at the University of Batna (ICIEM), IT Forum at the University of Warkala (COSI), the African Forum for IT, supported by the UN and the French Institute for Research & Development. Moreover, the news of the work was published in the International Magazine of Computer & Programs (IRECOS) in Italy.

The Best New Technique : First WinnerDr. Abdelhamid DiejfalDemocratic Republic of Algeria


Consistent low yield of date palm is very important global problem. The world data indicated that there have been no increase in yield/ ha in any of the decades/ years taking 1961 as the base year. The last 8 years (beginning of 21st century that is claimed to bring innovative technologies) have been found the most discouraging, as far as increase in date palm yield is concerned. An analysis indicated that real causes are; low yielding cultivars, deficiency of irrigation water of good quality, soil and water salinity, insect and disease attack, poor agronomic techniques, poor awareness of the date palm growers and resulting poor returns. These problems are expected to aggravate under expected climatic changes, especially rise in temperature and evaporation and decrease in rainfall. Under climatic change scenario, scarcity of water may become the most dominating constraint.

Mitigation of water scarcity problems is required through immediate concerted and collaborated research and innovation of new techniques, especially water saving, increasing water use efficiency (getting maximum kilograms of dates per unit of water) and controlling all types of losses trough leaching and evaporation. Such necessity strongly emerges when soil characteristics (sandy soils,

low water holding capacity and high drainage) of Arabian Peninsula (the traditional home of date palm) are considered. It is the most probably that nutrient losses may occur as well when irrigation water is percolating into the down soil profile. Thus, there is a dire need that this problem must be addressed on prioritized basis to break the stagnation/ deterioration of dates yield. The solution ma be three staged

Increasing water supplies by tapping

alternative sources like ground water,

sewage water, industrial effluent

Reforming the irrigation system to get

maximum efficiencies and controlling

water losses

Conserving water in the soil after

irrigations so that it is available for

longer periods to the plants

The Best New Technique : Second WinnerMinistry of EnvironmentState of Qatar


Distinguished Producers : Second Winner

Mr. Mansour Ali Al MazrouiUnited Arab Emirates

Mr. Hamad Ali Al MazrouiUnited Arab Emirates

Based on the interest of our wise government in taking care of the date palm tree and in holding competitions and festivals to encourage the Emiratis to maintain and take care of the palm tree, Mansour Ali Salaman Al Mazzroui owned a farm of an area of 100x100 m2 in 2006. The annual production of the farm is approximately 10 tons. There are about 49 kinds of date palm all known for their quality, and the kinds that are rare in the UAE are imported from the neighboring countries. Some of the available kinds are: (Khlas,

Dabas, Cisi, marzaban, Sukari Daila, Nawader, Fardi Al Ain, Shahl, Lulu, Berji etc.). Al Mazzroui won many Awards of Appreciation in Liwa Festival for Ripe Dates, and this is a good evidence of his use of scientific methods in farming and in taking care of the date palm tree .

On the other hand, Hamad Ali Salaman Al Mazzroui owned a farm of an area of 100x100 m2 in the district of Liwa, Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. He cultivated the best kinds of date palm and has

now 43 kinds of date palm trees . He followed the best methods of taking care of the date palm tree using modern technologies in irrigation such as drip irrigation. Moreover, he depended on organic fertilizers and carried out many experiments to attain the best production. He followed the agricultural and technical instructions and guidelines to protect the date palm trees from diseases and treated the inflicted ones by coordinating with the Farmer Services Center in Abu Dhabi. He won many awards of appreciation in Law Festival for Ripe Dates.


Distinguished Research / Studies : First WinnerInternational Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA)

Date Palm is a major environmental and economic factor in arid climates in many countries around the world. Microsatellite markers have been proven to be very powerful in plant genome analysis because they are locus-specific, codominant, highly polymorphic and highly reproducible. In date palm only few microsatellite markers have been developed so far. Recently, the Cornell Medical College in Qatar issued a draft assembly of the date palm genome (‘Khalas’) generated by whole genome shotgun next generation DNA sequencing.

In this paper, we analyzed the microsatellite motifs across the date palm genome. The results indicated that the most abundant type of microsatellite repeats are dinucleotide repeats (52442 motifs) followed by trinucleotide (28503 motifs) and pentanucleotide repeats (12873 motifs). The frequencies of tetra-nucleotide and hexa-nucleotide repeats were less across the genome (5555 and 5810 motifs, respectively). The most common type of dinucleotide repeat was GA (48.7%) followed by AT (37%). Out

of 28645 trinucleotide repeats, TAA and GAA repeats were the most abundant repeats (28.1 and 27.1%) respectively. More than 1090 new microsatellite markers could be designed. The primary test for 50 primer pairs revealed that 28 (56%) were functional and 19 (38%) yielded polymorphic PCR products. We wish that the results of our study will be a starting point for researchers making use of the markers for genetic mapping and diversity analysis of date palm.


Distinguished Research / Studies : Second WinnerDr. Sahar Yusuf Mohamed Al AqabeyEgypt

The research deals with the study of the biological effectiveness of the different parts of the date fruit (aggregate) and seed such as antioxidant activity and anti-inflammation to be used in producing functional foods and Pharmalogical nutritious products to protect from suffering from chronic diseases. One of the reasons of chronic diseases, if not all, is the high pressure of antioxidants in the body, and this leads to the increase of free radicals in the body because they attack the body tissues and destroy them. This is what exposes the body to chronic diseases such as chronic inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

The results of the biological experiment applied to lab animals show that eating one date fruit has led to decrease of the size of arthritis compared with the result of giving alcoholic solution of the fruit. When giving any of the various solvents of the eaten part of the seed, there was a decrease statistically indicative of the pressure of antioxidants.

The similar activity of the estrogen and the antioxidants of the polar fractions collectively has been studied along with the non polar fractions of other qualitative fruit which cultivation spreads in internal oases of Egypt. Results showed that

the experimented solvents have biological effectiveness similar to that of the estrogen and antioxidants but with different levels. They indicated as well safety when testing acute toxicity. It has been observed from the Vito chemical study that the effectiveness of the fractions may be due to the fact that the seeds contain esterols, tannins, and Flavonoids. It is worthwhile mentioning that composites of the same activity of estrogen are useful in case of osteoporosis and woman’s protection from cardiovascular diseases after the period is over.


NAHAYAN CONFIRMS THE INTENTION OF THE AWARD TO ENHANCE THE INTERNATIONALPOSITION OF THE UAE IN THE SERVICE OF THE DATE PALM UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF KHALIFA BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN

Heads the Fifth Periodical Meeting of the Members of the Award Board of Trustees

H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award, headed the fifth periodical meeting of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award held in the Emirates Palace the day before yesterday. The meeting was attended by all the members along with the Board Reporter. H.H. reviewed the meeting agenda and hailed the efforts of the General Secretariat and the Members of the Board of Trustees concerning what has been achieved during the fourth session, particularly the increase in the number of participants in all categories of the Award. The increase percentage in the number of the national participants reached to about 68%, whereas the increase percentage of the number of candidates from all parts of the world reached to 32%. The above percentage is considered an indicator of the widespread of the Award and the positive interaction of the targeted groups with the content of the Award and its noble goals after the national campaign led by the General Secretariat, under the directives of H.H. the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, inside the country and the introductory campaign at the level of the Arab region.

H.H. went through the technical and financial report of the

Award works in its fourth session, in addition to the media file and the successful achievement attained by the Award in “The Date Palm in the Eye of the World” Competition. This is an additional indicator of the reliability of the Award in its communication with the various categories of the local community by employing the art of photography as a means to develop the public awareness of the importance of the date palm tree and to consolidate its culture.

The meeting was concluded by the word of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award wherein he confirmed the intention of the Award to go on in the process of enhancing international position of the UAE in the service of the blessed date palm tree and its employees at the level of the world under the wise leadership of HH Sheikh Khalif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (may God protect him) and the support of First Lt. General HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the follow –up of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister. Minister of Presidential Affairs.


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Distin- guishedproducer

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mentproject

Distin-guishedFigure

2009 39 18 3 26 5 - - 8

2010 67 25 5 40 1 7 12 7

2011 131 24 5 67 10 17 23 14

2012 194 25 5 93 12 27 37 25

Second Season

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2009 7 2 4 3 2 - 6 2 - - 1 2 1 1 1 - - -

2010 7 7 9 4 1 1 12 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 1 - -

2011 7 9 25 5 14 1 15 7 1 - 12 3 3 7 - 5 3 1

2012 22 25 36 4 9 1 19 4 1 - 21 11 - 7 1 4 4 1

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2010 2 2 1 1 5 1 - 1 1 2 - - - - - - -

2011 - - - - 4 2 1 - - 1 1 1 2 1 1 - -

2012 2 - - - 4 3 - 5 - - - - 2 3 2 2 1

Foreign Countries


KING OF MOROCCO HAILS THE UAE EFFORTS UNDER KHALIFA`S LEADERSHIP

Asserting the UAE role in cultivating date palm through Khalifa International Date Palm Award

H.M. King Mohammad VI of Morocco hailed the pioneering role played by the UAE under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, president of the UAE, may God protect him, in the field of cultivating date palm and date production, in addition to encouraging all workers in this sector at the local and international levels particularly through Khalifa International Date Palm Award to keep and maintain this blessed tree which symbolizes in our customs and traditions generosity and friendly reception.

The above was expressed in a letter sent by His Majesty and received by the General Secretariat of Khalifa International Date Palm Award after the visit paid by H.M. to the UAE Pavilion participating in the Second International Forum of Date Palm held in ARFORD of Morocco. He praised the Award efforts in enhancing the ties of cooperation between the two countries in the field of Date Palm.

HM extended His thanks and gratitude to H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & scientific Research, Chairman of the Award Board of Trustees for his kind initiative of granting the complete collection of the Blessed Tree Magazine as a gift. The magazine won the admiration and appreciation of H.M, the king.

The above was quoted in a statement given by Dr. Abdelhouehhab Zaid, the General Secretary of Khalifa International Date Palm Award wherein he confirmed that the success achieved by the Participation of the UAE represented by the UAEU and Khalifa International Date Palm Award came as a result of the directives of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & scientific Research, Chairman of the Award Board of Trustees.

It is worthwhile mentioning herein that the UAE usually participates annually in the Date International Forum held in Morocco, and it obtained the Appreciation and Merit Award for the best pavilion for the second year respectively.


ON THE OCCASION OF FOUNDING KHALIFA INTERNATNAL DATE PALM AWARD THE CENTRAL BANK ISSUES A MEMORIAL COIN

The UAE Central Bank announced the issuance of 2000 silver memorial Species on the fifth anniversary of founding Khalifa International Date Palm Award. The specie obverse, which will be issued on Sunday the 11th of March 2012, bears the photo of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, God protect him, whereas its reverse side bears the logo of the occasion. In a press release, the Central Bank stated that the specie is a mixture of metals which consists of 92.5 % silver and 7.5 copper while its weight is 40 Gs and its diameter is 40 mm. It has been mentioned that the issued species were all submitted to the Foundation of Khalifa International Date Palm Award and would not be displayed for the Public for sale through banks.


NAHAYAN MABARAK AL NAHAYAN WELCOMES ARAB MEDIA DELEGATIONS

Through an invitation by Khalifa International Date Palm Award within the framework of Visiting Journalists Program

H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International date palm Award welcomed the media delegations representing different Arab mass media, printed press, broadcasting Radio & TV and internet or online press who attended the Award Ceremony of winners of the Award in its third session. His Excellency the Minister stressed the important role of mass media to convey the high position held by UAE in serving date palm and those involved in date palm cultivation sector worldwide thanks to the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and the support of H.H. General Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces and the interest of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs.

Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Award Secretary General pointed out that this invitation comes with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International date palm Award within the framework the Award General Secretariat program to

promote and strengthen the relation with various local, Arab and international mass media to cover the Award activities and events through the year.

The Award Media Committee organized a tour for the media delegation consisting of representatives of mass media .printed press, broadcasting Radio & TV and internet or online press from Egypt, the Sudan, Sultanate of Oman, Food and UAE. It started from the premises of the Award general Secretariat in Al Ain City where journalists met with Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, the Award Secretary General of Khalifa International Date Palm Award who made a brief presentation about the Award and the important activities during the last five years at the local, regional and international levels.

The tour also included a visit to Date Palm Research and Development Programme ((Date Palm Tissue Culture Laboratory (DPTCL)) affiliated to UAE University where they were briefed on the key services and products provided to national farmers. Moreover, they had an idea about the technical mechanism to produce date palm tissues by using the latest technology in this regard since it meets the increasing growth in cultivating a large number of date palm trees of the best kind in the UAE. The delegation visited as well the Office of the Palm Friends Society to see the efforts of the Civil Society Institutions and farmers in serving the blessed tree. The delegation made a special visit to the Emirates Factory of Dates at Al Sad through which they were acquainted with the technical level to produce the excellent Emirati dates, a fact that reflects the vision of the wise leadership in providing the infrastructure for producing and marketing dates at the local and international level.

The International Journalists Program comes in the context of the keen interest of the General Secretariat of Khalifa International Date Palm Award for continuous communication with press in different countries to uphold and reflect the significance of the events organized through the year and promote the award with its different categories.


DATE PALM TREE EPIDEMICS IS A DOCUMENTARY FILMABOUT INSECT PESTS AND DATE PALM TREE DISEASES

A Production of Kuwait Establishment for Scientific Progressin Cooperation with Khalifa International Date Palm Award

On the occasion of the ceremony of honoring the winners of Khalifa International Date Palm Award in its fourth session 2012, Kuwait Establishment for Scientific Progress launched in cooperation with Khalifa International Palm Date Award a documentary film about date palm epidemics. The duration of the film is 45 minutes, and a copy of which was distributed to the ceremony guests.

Dr. Abdelwouehhab Zaid, the Secretary General of the Award said that this film comes as a result of enhancing the fruitful cooperation between the Award General Secretariat and Kuwait Establishment for Scientific Progress according to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of the Award Board of Trustees and his care to develop this cooperation with all concerned parties at the world level so as to achieve the strategic goals of the Award in serving the blessed tree and those who serve it. However, the film is considered as a distinguished documentary film and the first of its kind in respect of scientific treatment and the high quality photographing. It was photographed at date palm farms in Kuwait and UAE, under the scientific supervision of the General Secretariat of Khalifa International Date Palm Award.

Dr. Zaid added that the film shows the most important insect pests and diseases which inflict the date palm tree in the Arabian Gulf Region in particular such as the red palm weevil, ommatissus lybicus bergevin, and termite in addition to the ways of protection and fighting integrated methods.

It is worthwhile mentioning the film scenario script was written and directed by Jaffer Abdullah Dashti.


UAE FIRST HERITAGE FESTIVAL 2012

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Social Development Inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Rashied Al Mulla And KIDPA Participated in

In an appreciation of the Date Palm tree whose position was enhanced and raised by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, (may God protect him), since it is a symbol of the national identity and our civilized heritage, the Secretariat General of Khalifa International Date Palm Award did participate in the Emirates First Heritage Festival which is organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Social Development on the occasion of the country celebration of the International Heritage Day. The celebration was held at the Headquarter of the Ministry in Umm al-Quwain during the period 18-21 April 2012 under the kind patronage of H.H. Saud Bin Rashied Al Mulla, member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Umm al-Quwain.

The above was announced in a press release by Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid General Secretariat of the Award on this occasion considering the adoption of the palm tress as a motto to the first session of the Festival as a kind of honoring the tree and the extra value it has at the hearts and minds of the UAE population.

He added that this participation comes as a response to the instructions of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al

Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award within the frame of the strategic plan of the Award in spreading the culture of date palm tree and enhancing its position among the members of the community. Moreover, the Award participation comes as part of the the national introduction campaign launched by the Award Secretariat last year to introduce the targeted categories within the UAE community with its five categories and as a kind of encouragement to farmers, producers and researchers to participate and compete at the international level.

Dr. Zaid directed his thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Youth & Social Development for their sincere efforts to make the festival activities successful and for good choice of the date palm tree as the motto of the First Session of the Festival 2012 for the extra civilized value the tree represents taking into account that the festival achieves the vision of the Federal Government of 2021 for reserving and maintaining the cultural heritage of the community.

KHALIFA ENHANCED THE PALM

TREE VALUE FOR IT IS A NATIONAL

SYMBOL OF THE UAE


THE ANNUAL BOOK TO DOCUMENT THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AWARD IN ITS FOURTH SESSION 2012

Issued by the General Secretariat of Khalifa International Date Palm Award

Today we witness the age of empowerment and loyalty for the approach of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (God Rest His Soul in Peace) , under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President (God protects Him), a promise and commitment to guide us in our journey of success and excellence.

In fact, what the Award General Secretariat achieved on the ground during last year is a huge record of unlimited giving and humble achievements in our views and enormous ones in the vision of the world, particularly when we look to the clear vision of the Award and the size of the large and legal ambitions which aim to distinguishing and excellence.

That was the introduction of Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of Khalifa International Date Palm Award;the book documents all activities and events organized by the Award in its fourth session 2012 at all different levels and areas.

Dr. Zaid added that Khalifa International Date Palm Award is considered a move in the right direction and sat out noble principles, goals and values at the road of success and excellence. The Award draws its vision from the wise leadership of United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, (God protects Him) and the support of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, and the continuous interest of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Presidential Affairs and the close follow up of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award.

A year has passed and 194 researchers, growers, producers and manufacturers and date palm lovers from 25 countries have participated in the fourth session of the Award and this is a vivid testament of the internationality of the Award and its widespread popularity and the interest of specialists and blessed tree lovers to participate in its different categories which consolidates the leading role of UAE in support and developing of date palm sector and dates production.


THE OUTSTANDING WINNING PICTURES BOOKIn International Photography Competition 2010 – 2011 – 2012

The General Secretariat of Khalifa International Date Palm Award has recently published a book including an album of the winning and distinguished photos in the International Competition of Photography entitled “The Palm in the Eyes of the World”, a competition which was launched by the Award under the kind sponsorship of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award as an appreciation of H.H. of the art of photography in the service of the community. This step aims at enhancing man’s relation with the date palm through exploiting photography as a means to develop the public awareness of the importance of the date palm, to create an ample space to exchange expertise among photographers world wide and to show as well the tourist, environmental and heritage components of the date palm through the photographs to encourage man’s ties with land and agriculture. However, the Information Committee endeavored to provide a copy of the book for each participant attached with a Certificate of Appreciation.

In introducing the book, Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid the Secretary General of the Award, has explained that Proceeding from the strategic goals of Khalifa International Date Palm Award in spreading the culture of interest in the date palm tree at the local, regional and international levels and enhancing the pioneering role of the UAE in the service of the blessed tree under the leadership of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of UAE (may God protect him) and the support of H.H. First Lt. General H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the directives of H.H. Sheikh Monsour

Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and the pusuit of HH. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award.

He added that within the frame of the social responsibility, the General Secretariat launched a competition for photographing the date palm which is the first of its kind at the global level under the title of “The Palm in the Eyes of the World” in cooperation with Abu Dhabi International Association for Photography.

He asserted as well that all the distinguished and winning photos in the competition are considered an artistic, traditional and civilized treasure, which contributes in developing man’s tact in his close relationship with the blessed tree.


“THE BLESSED TREE” 3 SETS THE FOUNDATION FOR SPECIALIZED SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION IN EMIRATES

We strengthened the leading role of UAE and entered the fourth year with even greater responsibility

In a series of successes achieved by the General Secretariat of the Khalifa International Date Palm Award in its fourth year in a row, at the local, regional and international levels, the Award has provided palm lovers with an important source of specialized scientific knowledge in the field of cultivation of date palm and production of dates in the Arab region, through publication of the first quarterly specialized scientific magazine, which targets researchers, academicians, farmers and lovers of the blessed tree across the world.

H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Date Palm Award, blessed the efforts made by the General Secretariat of the Khalifa International Date Palm Award in making the “blessed tree” the first specialized scientific magazine of its kind in the Arab world, where all its topics are of high scientific quality, related to date palm trees, in both Arabic and English, thus making it a reference for scientific and technical professionals locally and globally.

As Honorary President of the magazine, His Highness expressed the deep relationship between the people of UAE and that blessed tree throughout history. Since old and until today, the palm tree, with its loftiness, continues to represent the pride and honor of the people of UAE, as it has always been a symbol of life and renewed abundance.

Amid clear government interest in the cultivation, manufacturing and marketing of date palm trees, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (may God protect him) and the support of His Highness Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, as well as the close follow up of H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Date Palm Award, the Blessed Tree magazine came to meet the needs of the local market of farmers, producers, merchants and researchers alike.


Photograph by : Bushra Saleh Al Salman - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

KIDPA OPENS NOMINATION FOR ITS FIFTH SESSION 2013

Under the directives of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KIDPA, the Secretariat General of the Award announces opening nomination for the five categories of the award in its fifth session as of 01 June 2012 till the 30th of October 2012 giving the opportunity to all farmers, producers, academics, specialists and lovers of the Date Palm Tree worldwide to submit their applications to compete and win one of the award prizes. These prizes cover the categories of the distinguished personality, the best developmental project, the best distinguished technology, the distinguished producers, and the distinguished studies and researches in the field of date palm cultivation and date production.

The above was announced in a press release by Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary General of KIDPA yesterday morning, Sunday the 3rd of June 2012. in the Emirates Palace in the presence of Dr. Helal Humaid Saad Al Kaabi, member of the Board of Trustees, Head of the Administrative & Financial Committee of the Award and Dr. Ghaleb Al Hadrami, member of the Board of Trustees, Dean of the Faculty of Food & Agriculture, UAEU.

In the above press release , the Secretary General indicated that pursuant the positive results attained by the Award in its fourth session by opening wider to the local community and because of the notable increase in the number of the national applicants for all categories, the Award Secretariat General and under directives of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of KIDPA, decided to go on in its national campaign to widen the scope of participation for a larger number of farmers from all the targeted groups, whether they are farmers. Manufacturing producers, researchers or academics by encouraging and qualifying them to compete for the five categories of the Award.

Dr. Zaid stressed the concern of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan to enhance the regional and international presence of the Award and to build on the successes achieved in the few passed years for the benefit of all farmers, producers and researches worldwide. Such attained results were actually a translation of the wise directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE (God protect him), the Award sponsor, the support of Its Lit General H.H. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Commander of the Armed Forces, and the concern of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, to support the Award position among the other awards at the level of the world.

On his part, Dr. Helal Humaid Saad Al Kaabi, member of the Board of Trustees, maintained that in the light of the success achieved by the Award during the last four sessions, it is our duty to maintain and enhance this success for the welfare of the blessed tree and the workers in the date palm sector at national and international levels. He refereed as well to the continuing increase in the number of applicants for all the categories of the Award. For example,


Nahayan Mabarak

to enhance National

Participation in All Categories

& Build on the Award

Achievements Regionally &

Internationally

the number of applicants in the first session was 39 whereas the number in the fourth session reached to 194 applicants. Moreover, the increase in the number of candidates among farmers in all categories reached in the fourth session to almost 68%, a fact which attests the reliability and trust attained by the award in a short period of time due to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Helal announced that all he technical and administrative preparations have been completed. Further the Award Administrative Committee would start classifying the accepted applications during next November, and then the Scientific Committee would start evaluating the applications during next December and January, so as to announce the names of winners during next Feb.

A Celebration for honoring winners would be held during March 2013.

In his turn, Dr. Ghaleb Al Hadrami, Member of the Board of Trustees, referred to the pioneering position occupied by the Award at the local, regional and international levels during the last four sessions due to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, stressing at the same time that the Award will go on in stepping forward to its fifth year on the road of success and distinction.

Al Hadrami asserted the Award concern to enhance its internal structure and hence its scientific outputs from the point of view of improving the conditions of participation particularly within the category of researches and studies which have become deeper and more accurate so as to secure better results.


LAUNCHING THE SECOND NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO INTRODUCE KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL DATE PALM AWARD

Under the instructions of HH Nahayan Mabark Al Nahayan Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research , Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Khalifa International Date Palm Award, the Secretary General launched its second national Campaign to introduce the goals of the award and to encourage the national date palm farmers to participate within the Award categories in its fifth session of 2013 . This will be in cooperation with Farmers Services Center of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. On the 11th of October 2012 , the first meeting was held at Tilal Liwa Hotel in the Western Region , while the second meeting was held on the 15th of Oct. 2012 at Farmer Services Center Auditorium in Al Ain .

However , the third meeting to introduce the Award was held on the 17th of Oct.2012 in Ras Al Khaimah in corporation with the Ministry of Environment & Water and targeted farmers.

Many farmers of date palm participated in these three meetings where the goals of the award with its five categories , mechanisms of nomination and tactics of preparing the portfolios of the Award categories were presented.

Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid , the Secretary General of Khalifa International Date Palm Award, stressed the importance of activating cooperation with the competent authorities at the level of the State so as to encourage our brothers, the national Date Palm Farmers , those who are interested in it and lovers of the blessed tree . He hailed the pioneering role which is being played by the Farmer Service Center.

He added that Khalifa International Date Palm Award witnessed rapid development in respect of the number of participants in quality and quantity during previous sessions , and he attributed that to the instructions and support of HH Sheikh Nahayan Mabark Al Nahayan Minister of Higher Education & Scientific Research , Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Award.

On its part , the teamwork of the Award was careful to provide the necessary technical and logistic support and to answer the inquires of the Farmers on how to apply , the mechanisms of preparing the portfolio and the tactics of competition among various candidates of the Award categories world-wide.

Under the Instructions of Nahayan Mabark Al Nahayan

KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL DATE PALM AWARD 42

THE BLESSED TREE DECEMBER 2012 43

HOW TO USE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS FOR MANAGING MITE PESTS, SUCH AS THE

“OLIGONYCHUS AFRASIATICUS”

mustapha.laouedj [email protected]

ê

Abstract: The “old world date mite” Oligonychus afrasiaticus is a common spider mite pest of the date palms Phoenix dactylifera in most of North Africa and the Middle East. The most significant damage was noted on the Deglet-Nour date variety, one with high commercial value. The rate of infestation of palm tree plantations of the Wargla area in Algeria was examined. Four stages of the plant were identified and will be discussed later on in this article.

This date mite in Algeria Boufaroua (Oligonychus afrasiaticus, McGregor) of the Tetranychidae family is one

of the main pests of date fruits causing irreversible damage to the crops and can cause result in a total loss Many experiments were performed to fight this pest. All gave good results; some used chemicals, others used natural methods. In order to fight this pest we need to understand the life cycle of this date mite and its evolution.

IntroductionThe starting of O. afrasiaticus infestation on fruits varied from year to year starting usually between the first and the third week of July. Mite populations on pinnae (leaflets) remain low from May through December, not exceeding two mites per pinnae, whereas on fruit bunch, they reach peak populations of approximately 100 mites per date bunch. Plants such as Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, Phoenix canariensis Chabaud, Cynodon dactylon (L.), Aeluropus littoralis (Gouan), Convolvulus arvensis L.Solanum melongena L., and Cucumis melo L. contains densities of O. afrasiaticus during early spring and may be a factor of infestation, for the palm tree.

So we applied Insect barrier glue on trees but this method was found ineffective. (The glue usually acts as a deterrent - insects normally probe it with their antennae and turn away.) Fruit bunch continued being infested. This is why the infestation of date palm by O. afrasiaticus must be happening via aerial dispersal of motile forms.

In order to fight this pest mite, we are going to examine the safe and adequate biological method to reduce this infestation.

A general idea about biological life of

Oligonychus afrasiaticus Mc.gregor-figure1


the date mite Boufaroua (O.afrasiaticus.)After the mite has landed on the palm tree, via aerial ways, the (olygonichus afrasiaticus) stays dormant for a period of about 5 months, during the winter season. In early spring, when temperature rises up to around 22°c the date mite (Boufaroua) comes out and starts feeding on young branches.

The presence of date mites is visible from the time of date palm blooms until maturity or harvest, This pest is located on stems, date buds first and then on young dates. Spider webs are the first sign that a tree has been contaminated by the mites. (olygonichus afrasiaticus) The adult female mite lays then its eggs on the web and holds them together with a sticky substance. Some dust and insects are also caught in the spider web causing more damage to the dates. When the web has finally covered the entire tree, each bunch of dates can carry more than 100 mites. A whitish aspect is a symptom of a mite infestation. The development of these eggs goes through some distinct stages (eggs-larva- nymph and adult stages) to reach full development.

This process takes between 10-15 days to occur and 3 weeks depending on the temperature. The warmer it is the faster they grow.

This life cycle can take up to 20 generations throughout the year and the last generation can live up to 5 months during winter season.

Date mite description:The pest mite adult (Boufaroua) has a hairless body with an oval shape and slightly flat on back side, with 4 pair of legs of different colors, greenish yellow color to pink color and sometimes red color according to its area of origin. It is almost invisible to see with dimensions ranging from 0.22mm to 0.44mm in length and 0.17mm to 0.20mm width.(figure1)

The egg has a spherical shape; its size is about 0.1mm in diameter; with varied color of pink, yellow and/or red. The female mite can lay from 50 eggs up to 100 eggs. The larva has 3 pair of legs with yellowish white, yellow, light green or orange color. Its size is about 0.15mm. The nymph is light yellow, yellowish white or light orange color with 4 pair of legs.

BiologyThe Boufaroua pest mite undergoes several stages on the date palm while hibernating (phoenix dactylifera).In the spring season, beginning in May, its activity quickly increases and it becomes more obvious.

During this time; the pest mite

(boufaroua) grows and invades dates palm trees (phoenix dactylifera) and also young date bunch fruits.(figure2)

In Algeria, the highest density of spider mites is observed between the month of May and July. This peek activity is also observed as temperature rises to higher levels. As temperature rise to higher levels, it also speeds up the life cycle development of mites. This cycle can take place in 10 days to 15 days (from eggs to adult mites).

Pest mite (olygonichus afrasiaticus) damage:Pest mites (boufaroua) can attack the date palm from germination to full maturity. The pest mites suck the fruit sap through the skin (vegetable tissue) of date fruits. With several stings, the green fruit’s skin is quickly destroyed. The fruit becomes dry and then turns a reddish color as in (figure 3). It is completely destroyed making it unfit for human consumption.

Damages caused by these mites to Algerian palm groves were estimated between 30% and 70% of all production in 1981.

How to fight this phenomenon?Fighting strategy:1. Prophylactic measures.

This is most important. Constant

Date bunch(phoenix dactylifera)-figure 2 Spider web cover date bunch-figure 3


good care of a palm tree, adequate irrigation and balanced nutrition with meticulous cleaning of date trees and its environment (destruction of vegetable debris, dry leafs and weed) and cleaning off the entire contaminated area (by burning them and sprinkle some sulfur mixed with lime over date palm affected by diseases) is crutial. These measures constitute the first barrier against infestation of this pest.

2. Chemical fight

Specific steps are required for chemicals to be effective. Two to three treatments are often necessary to get the spread of these mites under control. The first treatment starts at the first sign of contamination.

Unfortunately these chemical treatments are not without consequences on the ecosystem and the fragile palm grove.

3. Biological fight.

We are now going to study another method much safer and easier for the ecosystem than chemical treatments.

Several natural enemies of date mite (O. afrasiaticus) have been identified such as the ladybug Stethorus punctillum (Weise),and mite predators such as Phytoseiulus persimilis, Neoseiulus Californicus.(figure4,5,6)

After examining the results between the 2 different approaches, the results are conclusive. The university of desert cultivation in the wargla area of Algeria found that the ladybug with small size and black in color gives better results (very aggressive)(Stethorus punctillum),especially on tétranyques.

This predatory mite spread across vegetation and is able to find little pest mite colonies. Although it needs dense colonies of spider mites to feed upon, it takes only 3 weeks for an egg to develop into an adult killing machine. This predator’s mite can eat as much as 75 to 100 pest mites (O. afrasiaticus) per day, whatever the pest mite development stage is, either egg or adult). In Canada, this pest’s predator (S. punctillum) is used as a method to fight spider mites, especially in green house farming.

In Algeria, these ladybugs are considered first class mite predators. They are very common in rural or agricultural areas where strong policies year-round are in place to protect them.

This mite predator (Stethorus punctillum) is very common in the wargla palm grove and in most of Algeria’s oasis.The ladybug (S. punctillum) plays an important role in the control of date pest mite (O.

afrasiaticus) although it is not enough for a full protection of the palm grove.

It will be certainly most effective as trees are most infested. This first biological fight’s attempt against pest mite (O. afrasiaticus) in Algeria, to release some ladybugs (S. punctillum) is very promising in protecting date palms against acariasis.

This ladybug strategy combined with some other natural mite predators could be very effective as long as we have enough ladybugs or other natural mite predators for the infested tree. Here is a list of natural predators to the (O. afrasiaticus) pest mite: Two species of phytoseiidae mites such as Amblyseius and the “Typhlodromus.) and another specie of hétéroptères Anthocoridae (Anthocoris.).

Moreover, two ladybug species (Pharoscymnus ovoideus Sicard et P. numidicus Pic) have been observed recently. These two species could attack particularly the pest mites.

These entire potential predators to pest mites (O. afrasiaticus) must be protected in order to determine the most potent mite predator to control the phytophage mites.

Conclusion:The tree infestation varied according to the tree and increased progressively according to date ripening.

Infested date bunch-figure 4 Physeiulus_persilmilis(figure4)


The effectiveness of the released ladybug was significant, especially when trees were highly infested.

The mite predator (Stethorus punctillum (weise)) plays an important role in the control of the pest mite (O. afrasiaticus).

Other natural predators, however, are present in Algeria; they will have to be studied more in depth in order to determine what the best biological control agent is, in order to optimize the palm tree’s protection against date pest mite (O. afrasiaticus), natural resources and environment.

References:Oligonychus afrasiaticus and phytoseiid predators’ seasonal occurrence on date palm Phoenix dactylifera (Deglet Noor cultivar) in Tunisian oases

Samah BEN CHAABAN1, Brahim CHERMITI1, Serge KREITER2, 1Département de Protection des Plantes, Institut Supérieur Agronomique de Chott-Mariem, Sousse, Tunisia, 2Montpellier SupAgro, UMR CBGP, Montferrier-sur-Lez, France. [email protected]

Université Kasdi Merbah, Département d’Agronomie, Saharienne, 30.000 Ouargla, Algérie. [email protected]

BF2I-UMR INRA/INSA, de Lyon, INSA, bâtiment Louis Pasteur, 69621 Villeurbanne-Cedex, France. [email protected]

Fruits, 2008, vol. 63, p. 85–92 © 2008 Cirad/EDP Sciences

All rights reserved-DOI: 10.1051/fruits:2007050. www.fruits-journal.org

1- Vilardebo A., Enquêtes diagnostic sur les problèmes phytosanitaires entomologiques dans les palmeraies du Sud-Est algérien, Bull. Agron. Sahar. 1 (1975) 1–27.

2- Coudin B., Galvez F., Biologie

de l’acarien du palmier dattier Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) en Mauritanie, Fruits 3 (1976) 543–550.

3- Lepesme P., Les insectes des palmiers, Paul Le Chevalier, Paris, France, 1974.

4- Munier P., Le palmier dattier, Maisonneuve et Larose, Paris, France, 1973.

5- Guessoum M., Approche d’une étude bioécologique de l’acarien Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Boufaroua) sur palmier dattier, in: C.R. Prem. Journ. Études Biologie des ennemis animaux des cultures, dégâts et moyens de lutte, INA, Alger, Algérie, 1985.

6- Idder A., Contribution à l’étude bioécologique de l’acarien Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acarina : Tetranychidae) dans la palmeraie de l’ITAS, INFSAS, Mém. Ing. État, Ouargla, Algérie, 1991, 48 p.

7- Youmbai F., Contribution à l’étude de quelques paramètres écologiques d’Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) (Acarina : Tetranychidae) et de son prédateur Stethorus punctillum (Weise) (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae) dans la palmeraie de l’INFSAS de Ouargla,

INFSAS, Mémoire Ing. Etat, Ouargla, Algérie, 1994, 75 p.

8- Benzahi M.L., Le Boufaroua: Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor). Importance, inventaire de ses ennemis naturels et tentative de multiplication de Stethorus punctillum (Weise) en vue d’une éventuelle lutte biologique contre ce déprédateur dans la région de Ouargla, INFSAS, Mém. Ing. État, Ouargla, Algérie, 1997, 109 p.

9- Guessoum M., L’Acarofaune de quelques cultures et bioécologie de Panonychus ulmi (Koch) et de Cenopalpus pulcher (Canestrini & Franzago) sur pommier en Mitidja et Oligonychus afrasiaticus (McGregor) sur palmier dattier. Essai d’efficacité de quelques insecticides et acaricides, INA, Thèse, Alger, Algérie, 1988, 228 p.

10- Gutierrez J., Les problèmes posés par les acariens phytophages sur les plantes cultivées en Afrique tropicale, Afr. Agric. (1988) 52–54.

Stethorus puntillum_weise(figure5)

Neoseiulus_californicus-figure 6


AbstractIn its strategy of intensifying and extending date palm cultivation, Morocco has succeeded to select and micro-propagate new date palm genotypes known by their high fruit quality and Bayoud disease resistance. Najda (INRA-3014) is one of these highly interesting selected genotypes that were distributed as vitroplants to farmers. However, as a newly introduced cultivar, most growers still lack suitable agricultural techniques for its cultivation. The determination of 1) the period at which the female flowers of Najda date palm remain receptive for pollination and 2) the most suitable pollinator to induce a metaxenia effect is very important to date palm growers. For this objective, six Najda palm trees, 15 years old and grown in the same environment of the Zagora Date Palm Experimental Station, were carefully chosen and used to study the effects of 3 polliniser cultivars including: The Moroccan selected males NP3 and NP4, and a normal male usually used by local growers. Another six palm trees were used for the study of the effect of pollination time and were therefore pollinated at one, seven, ten and fifteen days from female spathe opening. Both experiments were established in a complete randomized bloc design. Obtained results showed that pollination by NP3 or NP4 pollen enhanced

EFFECTS OF TIME OF POLLINATION AND OF POLLEN SOURCEON YIELD AND FRUIT QUALITY OF ‘NAJDA’ DATE PALM CULTIVAR (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.) UNDER DRÂA VALLEY CONDITIONS IN MOROCCO

Abdelmalek Zirari [email protected] ê

fruit maturity by 10 days, and significantly improved fruit length by 1 cm, fruit width by 3 mm and fruit weight by 35% compared to the control. Furthermore, pollinating Najda flowers between the 7th and the 10th days after spathe opening induced significant increase in the mean fruit set by 70 % while the mean fruit weight remained acceptable (13,14g). Pollinating earlier or after this period, significantly reduced fruit set which in turn resulted in somewhat higher fruit characteristics. Based on these results, it seems reasonable to conclude that Najda cultivar should be pollinated using NP3 or NP4 pollen, particularly between the 7th and the 10th day after spathe opening.

Key words: Date palm, pollination time, metaxenia, fruit set, fruit quality, yield.

IntroductionDate palm pollination plays a key role on the quantity and quality of the produced dates, and therefore its control is of paramount importance. To achieve adequate pollination, some main conditions must be considered, such as:

a) The Knowledge of the period of female flowers receptivity to pollen grains. The duration of this period varies with cultivars, so that pollination outside this period will not


lead to fertilization and consequently results in heavy drop of unfertilized fruits. The period of receptivity generally reaches its optimum at 3 to 4 days from female spathe opening, and may extend up to 13 days depending on the varieties and the climatic conditions (Zaid and Arias, 2002; Sedra, 2003). After the spathe opening, inflorescences are first white-cream (Stage 1), and du to their gradual exposure to sunlight, they turn to yellow-cream color (Stage 2), and finally to green color (Stade3). In Morocco, growers usually pollinate the majority of their varieties in stage 2 that is during the week following the opening of the spathe. Some varieties such as Bousekri and Aguellid do not pollinate until the 3rd stage, which usually begins 10 to 12 days after the opening of the spathes. Varieties pollinated at the 1rst stage (during the first day after the opening of the spathe), are rare.

b) The use of pollen from a male palm with important characters such as the production of the necessary quantity of pollen grains with high fertilization ability and having metaxenic/xenic effects on fruit quality and maturity. This phenomenon of metaxenia has been defined by Swingle (1928), as the effect of pollen on the morphological and physiological characteristics of fruit tissues and seed. Studying these effects in the date palm, Nixon (1955), has selected a group of male palms trees, among which two palms showed extreme metaxenic/xenic effects: Fard No.4, which induces a remarkable precocity associated with a relatively small fruit size, and the Mosque which, on the contrary, produces large fruits but with late maturity.

The time of floral receptivity and the source of the pollen grains are important factors to consider when choosing a combination of varieties for the creation of a new date palm plantation. These factors are also to be considered during

any introduction of new cultivars, in order to prevent future improper pollination technique that will result in an excessive unfertilized fruits drop and consequently low yields.

This is the case of Morocco who has succeeded to select and micro-propagate new date palm genotypes known by their high fruit quality and resistance to Bayoud disease (Fusarium Oxysporum albedinis). ‘Najda’ cultivar is one of these highly interesting genotypes that was distributed as vitroplants to farmers (Sedra, 1993; Zirari, 1998; Zirari and Outlioua, 2003). As a newly introduced cultivar, most growers have not mastered yet its pollination requirements. The present investigation was carried out to solve this situation and aims therefore to determine:

1) The period at which ‘Najda’ female flowers remain receptive for pollination, and

2) A suitable pollinator to induce a metaxenia/xenia effect on Najda fruits.

Materials and methods The present investigation was carried out at the INRA Date Palm Experimental Station in Zagora, located in the Draa Valley to the South East of Morocco. Twelve (12) ‘Najda’ palm trees, 15 years old, were carefully selected and all their spathes were bagged using kraft paper bags until their use for the experiment. All the selected palm trees undergo the same cultivation practices applied in the Experimental Station. Because of the unavailability of sufficient number of palm trees with sufficient number of inflorescences, we were obliged to undertake this field experiment in two separate trials:

Trial No. 1: On the Effect of Pollen SourceSix ‘Najda’ palm trees were used in this trial and their inflorescences were pollinated as follows:

2-inflorescences per palm tree were pollinated with pollen from the selected male palm ‘NP3’

2-inflorescences per palm tree were pollinated with pollen from the selected male palm ‘NP4’

2-inflorescences per palm tree were pollinated with a pollen generally used by farmers of the region (Control)

All inflorescences were pollinated at the intermediate stage 2 that is a week after the opening of spathes. With the 3 above treatments, the trial was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design containing 3 blocks (two palm trees each) and 2 individuals (inflorescences) per experimental unit.

Dates were harvested at 4 successive

P o l l e n Source

Mean fruit L e n g t h (cm)

M e a n fruit width (cm)

Control 3,41 a 2,29 a

NP3 4,32 b 2,55 b

NP4 4,42 b 2,68 b

Table 1. Average length and width of produced dates according to the pollen source. Values of the same column followed by different letters are significantly different (LSD at 5%).

Pollination time

(Days after spathe opening)

Fruit set (%)

Mean fruit weight (g)

1 49,32 a 12,81 a

7 70,27 b 12,11 b

10 69,23 b 14,18 c

15 39,6 c 14,34 c

Table 2. Fruit set and average fruit weight depending on time of pollination. Values of the same column followed by different letters are significantly different (LSD at 5%).


periods: 1st, 10th, 20th and 30th of September, as well as the 10th of October of the season. Measured observations concerned the percentage of mature dates in each stalk as well as the length, width and the weight of the fruit. Averages of these parameters were calculated from data of random samples of 100 dates.

Trial No. 2: On the Effect of Time of Pollination:Six ‘Najda’ palm trees were used in this trial and their inflorescences were pollinated as follows:

2-inflorescences per palm tree were pollinated at the 1st day after the spathe opening (Stage 1)

2-inflorescences per palm tree were pollinated at the 7th day after the spathe opening

(Stage 2)

2-inflorescences per palm tree were pollinated at the 10th day after the spathe opening

(Stage 3)

2-inflorescences per palm tree were pollinated at the 15th day after the spathe opening (Stage 4)

Pollen from ‘NP3’ selected male palm was used in this trial. With the 4 above treatments, the trial was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design containing 3 blocks (Two palm trees each) and 2 individuals (inflorescences) per experimental unit. Fruit harvested was performed on September 20th of the season.

Collected observations concerned the mean percentage of fruit set and the average fruit weight, calculated from data of random samples of 100 dates.

Data statistical analysis of both trials was performed using ANOVA test at 5%, while the means comparison was performed using Fisher’s least significant difference at 5%.

ResultsThe present field investigation showed that both Pollen source and Time of pollination significantly affected the maturity, the dimensions (length and width), and the weight of the produced dates.

Effect of Pollen SourceBy using the control pollen, the percentages of mature dates from each of the five harvests times (1st, 10th, 20th, 30th of September and

10th October) were always lower than those obtained with ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ pollen, and that no significant differences were obtained between these two pollens (Figure 1). Stalk pollinated with ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ pollen, reached full maturity (more than 80% of mature dates) at 20th of September, whereas those pollinated by control pollen have reached this stage after 30th September, that is 10 days later.

The differences obtained at the stalk full maturity were followed by significant differences in the mean sizes and weights of the produced dates. Analysis of Table 1 shows that the lowest fruit dimensions were obtained when pollination was performed with the control pollen. With inflorescences pollinated using ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ pollen, the average length and width of the produced dates were higher by more than 1 cm and 3 mm respectively, than the control. However, no significant differences were observed between these two types of pollen; NP3 and NP4.

Parallel to the obtained improvement in fruits dimensions, there was also a marked increase in the average

Figure 1. Percentage of stalk maturity as affected by pollen source and harvest time.

Figure 2. Averages of fruit weight and flesh/seed ratio as affected by the pollen source. Values of column of the same color and followed by different letters are significantly different (LSD at 5%).

% m

atu

rity

Harvest time

Control

NP3

NP4

1rst Sept 10th Sept 20th Sept 30th Sept 10th Oct

120

100

80

60

40

20

0

Pollen sourceControl NP3 NP4

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Mea

n f

ruit

wei

gh

t (g

)M

ean

Fle

sh/S

eed

rat

io

a c

b d b

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weight and average flesh/seed ratios of the produced dates. Figure 2 shows that by using the control pollen, the average weight and average flesh/seed ratios were always lower than those obtained when pollination was performed with ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ pollen, and that no significant differences were obtained between these two pollen types. By using ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ pollen, we could harvest dates over 16 g of average weight, that is an increase in fruit weight of about 35% compared to the control. In addition, dates from pollination with ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ pollen got flesh/seed ratios between 14 and 16, which is an improvement of about 28% compared to the control.

Effect of Time of PollinationThe analysis of Table 2 shows that the fruit set percentages and the average weights of produced dates vary depending on the time of pollination. The highest fruit set percentages, 70.27% and 69.23%, were obtained when pollination was performed at the 7th day and 10th day after the spathes opening respectively. Concerning the average fruit weight, the greatest values, 14.18 g and 14.34 g, were obtained when pollination was performed at the 10th and 15th day after spathes opening respectively.

Discussion The present investigation clearly demonstrated that a significant improvement in dates maturity and size can be achieved through the control of the pollination technique. Our results showed that the maturity and size of ‘Najda’ date palm cultivar fruits can be significantly improved through the use, at pollination time, of pollen from ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ selected male palms. Stalks pollinated using these pollens, reached 100% maturity 10 days earlier than those pollinated by the control pollen. Average length and width of the produced dates increased by more than 1 cm and 3 mm respectively, while their average weight increased by more than 35% and their flesh/seed ratio increased

by almost 28%. Dates harvested from stalks pollinated with ‘NP3’ or ‘NP4’ pollen were clearly larger and fleshier than those from the control. Such results are comparable to those reported by Nixon (1955), Peraeau-Leroy (1958), and Sedra and Zirari (1998).

The present results also showed that dates size of ‘Najda’ date palm cultivar can be significantly improved if inflorescences are pollinated at the 7th and the 10th day after spathes opening. Inflorescences pollinated 7 days after the spathe opening resulted in higher rate of fruit set (over 70%) but with relatively lower fruit weights, whereas those pollinated on the 10th day after sapthe opening has resulted in greater average fruit weight (over 14 g) however with lower fruit set. These results confirm the fact that good fruit set often results in lower fruit weight, while a low fruit set would generally lead to better fruit weight. Consequently, it became necessary to find a reasonable balance between the fruit set and the average weight of produced dates. To this end, it seems reasonable to conclude that for the Moroccan ‘Najda’ date palm cultivar, best results for both fruit set percentage and average weight/Size of produced dates can be obtained when pollination is performed between the 7th and the 10th day after spathe opening. Such outcomes on ‘Najda’ cultivar are similar to those obtained by Chafik (1985) on Mejhoul, Tademmamt and Aguellid varieties.

Literature CitedChafiq My.S., 1985. L’amélioration des productions dattières, approche et perspectives. Séminaire national sur l’Agronomie saharienne, Marrakech, Morocco, 6 – 8 May 1985. 11p.

Nixon, R.W. 1955. Size and checking of Deglet Noor dates as effected by fruit thinning and pollen. Date Growers Inst. Rpt. 32: 8 – 10.

Pereau-Leroy P. 1958. Le palmier dattier au Maroc. Ministère de

l’Agriculture. Instit. Franc. Rech. Outre-mer, Paris, 142p.

Sedra My.H., 1993. Lutte contre le Bayoud, fusariose vasculaire du palmier dattier: Sélection des cultivars et clones de qualité résistants, et réceptivité des sols de palmeraies à la maladie. Thèse de Doctorat d’Etat es-Sciences. Univer. Cadi Ayyad. Marrakech, Maroc, 142p.

Sedra My.H., 2003. Le Palmier Dattier base de la mise en valeur des oasis au Maroc; Techniques phoénicicoles et Création d’oasis. Edition INRA – Maroc, 272p.

Sedra My.H. and Zirari, A. 1998. Final report of the INRA/OMRVAO convention during 1997 – 98, on date palm cultivation techniques. 76 pp.

Swingle, W.T. (1928): Metaxenia in the date palm. J. Heredity. 19: 257 – 268

Zaid, A. and Arias, E. 2002. Date palm cultivation. United Nations, Food and Agriculture Organization FAO. Plant production and protection paper. 156. Rome.

Zirari, A. 1998. Effect of water rates and vegetative stage on the planting succes and

growth of date palm vitroplants in the field (Doc. Arab). Proceedings of the Date Palm Research Symposium, Réseau de Recherches et du développement du palmier dattier.Marrakech, 16 - 18 février 1998, Maroc (en arabe), p128-134

Zirari, A. 2002. Date palm cultivation in the Drâa valley, Morocco : Its potentials and constraints. IPGRI Newsletter of CWANA N° 24 August 2002. pp: 5 – 6.

Zirari, A. and Outlioua, K.2003. Use of participatory field research methods for contributing to the conservation of date palm genetic diversity: case of Fezouata oasis in Morocco. IPGRI Newsletter of CWANA N° 25 October 2003. pp: 15 - 16.


AbstractAccording to the WHO, 1990 report, 25 million cases of acute occupational pesticides poisoning in developing countries each year. The environmental hazards resulting from half a century’s intensive use of synthetic organic crop protection agents makes it imperative to consider alternative or complementary approaches to sustainable agricultural development and integrated pest management.

Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., is one of the oldest fruit

NEW DIMENSION AND CHALLENGES FOR SUSTAINABLE DATE PALM PRODUCTION

USE OF BIO-PESTICIDE -

M.Kamil and M.A.Naji [email protected]ê

trees in the world and is mentioned twenty times in the Qur’an and several times in Bible. The number of the date palms is about 100 million worldwide, of which 62 million palms can be found in the Arab world. The aim of this study was to identify and evaluate suitable and new plant extracts with eco-friendly activities against endoparasitic Larval Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliver found in Date Palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L). These weevils are so effective that even a single pest if present destroys the tissues of the trunk of the tree, resulting therein the falling of the palm tree. Biopesticides of plant origin could be the key to the future. Biopesticides, as aware, are an important group of pesticides that can reduce pesticide risks having a narrow target range and a very specific mode of action it suppress, rather than eliminate, a pest population.

Biopesticides are inherently less harmful than conventional pesticides. Biopesticides are designed to affect only one specific pest or, in some cases, a few target organisms, in contrast to broad spectrum, conventional pesticides that may affect organisms as different as birds, insects, and mammals. Biopesticides often are effective in very small quantities and often decompose quickly, thereby resulting in lower exposures and largely avoiding the pollution problems caused by conventional pesticides. When used as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs, biopesticides can greatly decrease the use of conventional pesticides, while crop yields remain high.

1. Larva in a date palm trunk


Biopesticides play an important role in providing pest management tools in areas where pesticide resistance and environmental concerns limit the use of chemical pesticide products. Keeping in view the above fact ZCHRTM worked on Biopesticide Management Program.

Keywords: Integrated pest management, Phoenix dactylifera, Cosmopolitan, Agricultural development, Arab world, Rhyncophorus ferrugineus Oliver.

IntroductionThe date palm is believed to have originated in the lands around the Persian Gulf and in ancient times was especially abundant between the Nile and Euphrates rivers. The date has been traditionally a staple food in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, the Sudan, Arabia and Iran. The founder of UAE attached a great importance to agricultural development in general, and to the date palm in particular. This attention is clearly evident in the fast growth in the number of palm trees in the continued increase in the size and variety of date products, in the extensive use of modern technologies, and in the important initiatives undertaken in the areas of manufacturing and marketing of date fruit. Over and above it is one of the 20 plants & vegetables discussed in Holy Qur’an. The plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an have special significance not only because of their properties and uses but also on account of their relevance to the events and happenings associated with them.

Quranic Name : Al Nakhl; Al-Nakhil

Botanical Name : Phoenix dactylifera Linn. (Family Arecaceae)

Common Name : Date Palm

Quranic References1. SURA II (Baqara the Heifer). V:266

2. SURA VI (Anam-cattle). V:99

3. SURA VI (Anam-cattle). V:141

4. SURA XIII (Raad-Thunder). V:4

5. SURA XVI (Nahl- The Bee). V:11

6. SURA XVI (Nahl- The Bee). V:67

7. SURA XVII (Bani Israel-The children of Israel) V:91

8. SURA XVIII (Kahf-the cave) V.32

9. SURA XIX (Maryam-Mary). V:23

10. SURA XIX (Maryam-Mary). V:25

11. SURA XX (Tatta-Mystic Letter, T.H) V:71

12. SURA XXIII (Mu-min-The Beleivers). V:19

13. SURA XXVI (Shu araa-The Poets). V:148

14. SURA XXXVI (Yasin- The abbreviated letters). V:10

15. SURA L (Qaf-Abbreviated letters). V:34

16. SURA LIV (Qamar-The Moon). V:20

17. SURA LV (Rahman- God most gracious) V:11

18. SURA LV (Rahman- God most gracious) V:68

19. SURA LXIX (Haqqa-The sure reality). V:7

20. SURA LXXX (Abasa-He frowned). V:29

Medicinal uses Besides its food value, the fruit, because of its tannin content, is used medicinally as a detersive and astringent in intestinal troubles. In the form of an infusion, decoction, syrup or paste, is administered as a treatment for sore throat, colds, bronchial catarrh. It is taken to relieve fever, cystitis, gonorrhea, edema, liver and abdominal troubles. And it is said to counteract alcohol intoxication. The seed powder is an ingredient in a paste given to relieve ague. A gum that exudes from the wounded trunk is employed in India for treating diarrhea and genito-urinary ailments. It is diuretic and demulcent. The roots are used against toothache.

Red Palm WeevilThe red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv., also called the Indian palm weevil, is well known in the Middle East where it causes severe damage on date palms (Table 1). The RPW was first noted in the Arabian Peninsula in the mid 1980’s and in Egypt in 1992. The weevil was first observed in Ras El Khaima, United Arab Emirates in 1985. Approximately, 5 to 6 % of palms in the Middle East region are infested with the RPW with an annual rate of infection of about 1.9 (Table 2).

The rate of infestation is about 2.02 (1300 x5 = 44000) and about 1.70 (1000 x9 = 120,000) for the United

2. Adult red palm weevil emerging from its cocoon


Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), respectively. The average rate of annual infestations could be 1.9. (Infestation year n = infestation year (n-1) × 1.9). The RPW was wrongly classified as a coconut pest. Indeed, as early as 1970, the RPW was found in India attacking date palms (Khawaja and Akmal, 1971). The first warning came from Dr. Djerbi (1983) who was the first to realize the danger and to invite date growing countries to conduct studies on the biology of this pest, and on appropriate control measures. According to Dr. Oehlschlager (1998), there are five species of palm weevils in the genus Rhynchophorus that are economically damaging to palms (Table 3). Up to December 1998, the following countries are officially declared as having the RPW infestation: Australia, Burma, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Malaysia, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Tanzania, UAE and Vietnam. According to Prof. Zaid (1999), three more countries are added to the above mentioned list (Jordan, Israel and Palestine): On April 21,1999, Prof. Zaid identified by e-mail scanning, the photo of the first red palm weevil found in Jericho (Palestine). On May 6, the weevil was found in Jordan (in Shunae), few kilometres north-east of Jericho. On May 14, another weevil was found in Israel, along the Jordanian border at Moshav Yafi t (15 km north of Jericho).

The red palm weevil is one of the most destructive and dangerous pests for date palm in Asia and the Middle East. It has caused mass destruction in palm-tree plantations in Egypt and the Gulf countries. It also attacks coconut trees, sugar cane, and various ornamental trees. The red palm weevils are large insects (greater than 25 mm long). They are found over a very wide geographical area involving different climates. This pest lays its eggs on the bark of the palm tree; the grubs eventually hatch,

drill into the trunk and eat the entire inside of the tree. Under heavy attack, the tree weakens and inevitably dies. The weevils are attracted to dying or damaged parts of palms, but also attack undamaged palms. The damage is caused by the larvae that bore through the soft tissue such as the tree crown, the upper part of the trunk and at the base of the petioles. On average, females lay 260 eggs which take 3 days to hatch. The larval period takes two months and the pupal period, three weeks. These figures vary across different regions. The females use the rostrum to bore into the plant tissue to form a whole in which they lay their eggs. This occurs most frequently in crowns which have been damaged.

Normally, the Red Palm Weevil prefers to infest palms below the age of 20 years, where the stem of the young palm is soft, juicy and easily penetrated. The weevils are destructive pests to palms. The larvae are responsible for damaging the palm, and once they have gained access, the death of the palm generally ensures. The larva normally never comes to the surface, since it begins its life inside the palm. Therefore, neither the damage nor the larva can be seen. However, the trunk of the palm can be infested in any parts, including the crown. The damage caused by a few larvae of the weevil is astonishing. Even one larva may cause considerable damage, and, sometimes the death of the palm. It is difficult to assess the actual loss caused by this pest, but undoubtedly it affects the production of date palms.

ControlThe challenge is to detect the presence of the weevil early enough so the tree can be saved. There are no external signs that would indicate that a tree has been infested; the leaves remain green up to the moment the tree falls over, its insides devoured. The thumb-sized grubs make so much

noise eating that if you stand next to an infested tree you can actually hear them munching their way through the trunk. Another sign of infestation is a red gelatinous substance which has a putrid odor and which leaks out as the grubs feed. But by the time the smell can be detected by humans, it’s too late for the tree: it must be cut down and burnt, otherwise the larvae will begin attacking nearby trees. In the Gulf region agriculture experts are testing a new method of fighting the red palm weevil using a harmless fungus: the Brazilian bioactive fungus which may be an effective deterrent because it has the ability to destroy the pest in the larval stage.

Another method involves pheromones which attract the red weevil, then an insecticide in a bucket attached to the trunk of the tree would kill it. But the problem is only partially solved because the larvae continue to thrive in the trunks of the palm trees and emerge as full-grown insects. Another strategy involves collecting mature weevils and injecting them with a poison which prevents them from reproducing and results in the death of any female they mate with. They are being implemented in UAE and Saudi Arabia. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of UAE has introduced Acecap capsules in its Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to fight the red palm weevil. The Acecap capsules are introduced in small holes in the trunk. The larvae are killed by the active components of the capsule that are absorbed through the trunk (each Acecap capsule contains 875 milligram of active Acephate). Each tree uses between seven to 10 capsules annually depending on the degree of infestation. A tree can be cured in two months and will stay healthy for a year. Acecap capsules are used in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman.

The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of UAE set up a technical committee to help fight the red palm


weevil. Its directives include using nematodes to fight the larvae. The nematode is injected into the trunks of infected palm trees. Once inside, they remote-sense the weevils, penetrate into them and then release a deadly bacterium which kills them through blood poisoning within 72 hours. To concentrate the destructive weevils in one place and kill them, the project is using two naturally occurring substances known as aggregation pheromones and kairomones. Pheromones are chemical compounds produced in minute quantities by male weevils which cause them to gather in a hotspot. Kairomones are compounds emanating in tiny quantities from the fresh scars of trees that have been recently pruned. These two compounds are used to lure, trap and kill the weevils in mass quantities. But first the team has to locate the infected palm groves. By using satellite remote sensing and imaging technology they aim to build up a comprehensive picture of the weevils’ geographical distribution across Saudi Arabia. Once a weevil infestation is located from the air through color changes, the priority is to eradicate the focus and prevent the pest from spreading to healthy plantations.

The environmental hazards resulting from half a century’s intensive use of synthetic organic crop protection agents makes it imperative to consider alternative or complementary approaches to sustainable agricultural development and integrated pest management. Biopesticides of plant origin could be the key to the future. Indeed, in the past thirty years, advances in analytical chemistry and molecular biology have led to a better understanding of the interactions between plants and pests, and the communication mechanisms between organisms.

BiopesticidesBiopesticides are inherently less harmful than conventional pesticides.

Biopesticides are designed to affect only one specific pest or, in some cases, a few target organisms, in contrast to broad spectrum, conventional pesticides that may affect organisms as different as birds, insects, and mammals. Biopesticides often are effective in very small quantities and often decompose quickly, thereby resulting in lower exposures and largely avoiding the pollution problems caused by conventional pesticides.

When used as a component of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

programs, biopesticides can greatly decrease the use of conventional pesticides, while crop yields remain high. To use biopesticides effectively, however, users need to know a great deal about managing pests.

Generally, all biopesticides exhibit the following characteristics:

Narrow target range, highly specific mode of action, suppress pests, not eliminate, critical timing of application, limited field persistence, short residual effect, safer to environment and safer to people. Their use is best

Country First Recorded Area/Location Infested

Qatar 1985 Doha

UAE 1985 Ras El Khaima

Saudi Arabia 1987 Katiff

Egypt 1992Salheya, El-Tal El Keber and El-Kassasin

Kuwait 1993 Throughout

Oman 1993Buraimi, Mahadha, Masandam Governorate

(Source FAO, 1995)

Table 1. Distribution of red palm weevil in the Near East

Table 2. Evolution of affected date palms

Year Year

UAE 1990 1,300 1995 44,000

KSA 1987Less than 1,000

1996 120,000

Table 3. Rhynchophorus species damaging palms

Species Palm Hosts Region

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Date Middle East

Rhynchophorus vulneratus Coconut South East Asia

(Same species) Oil South East Asia

Rhynchophorus bilineatus Coconut Papua New Guinea

Rhynchophorus cruentatus Sabal Florida

Rhynchophorus phoenicis Coconut Oil, Date Tropical Africa

Rhynchophorus palmarum Coconut OilCentral and South America

Source: Oehlschlager, 1998


as part of an Integrated Management Program (IPM).

Materials and MethodsAzadiracta indica; leaf extract, seed kernel extract

Annona squamosa; seed extract (Indian), seed extract (Australian)

Capsicum frutenscens; pod extract (pericarp and seeds)

The above parts of all the plants in their vegetative stage were collected from Abu Dhabi, UAE. The specimen of the materials, as specimen Nos.435-440/ ZCHRTM, are preserved in the herbarium of the Zayed Complex for Herbal Research Centre, UAE for record. These plant materials, dried under shade and processed using standard methods. The water and 70% alcoholic extracts were prepared using Rotaroy Evaporator – Buchi Rotavapor (R-153) fitted with a chiller. The powdered materials were used for fluorescence analysis and successive extraction using soxlet extractor. The quality control studies of the powdered aerial parts of all plants and their water &70% alcoholic extract were performed using standard procedures from different Pharmacopoeias. To develop the thin layer chromatograms, silica gel 60F254 precoated glass plates (Merck, Darmastadt) were used. The TLC plates were developed in solvent systems Benzene: Pyridine: Formic acid (36:9:5) and Toluene: Ethyl acetate (93:7), comparative studies were made using authentic samples .The TLC plate image was captured with the CAMAG Videostore 2 (Switzerland) under visible light. For IR fingerprints pellets, prepared by mixing the dried raw materials / extracts with KBr in 1:100 ratio, were scanned in Perkin Elmer Paragon 1000 FT-IR spectrometer in the scan range of 4000-400cm-1. The UV spectra were recorded on Spectronic Genesis 2 Spectrometer (Milton Roy, USA) fitted with a 8-position multi cell holder. Extraction was performed

using Dionex ASE-200 Accelerated Solvent Extractor (USA). For HPLC studies Waters 600E analytical HPLC attached with UV / VIS detector and controlled by Millenium (ver. 2.15) software was used. 100 mg of 10% alcoholic extract was dissolved in 10 ml of distilled water and centrifuged for 10 minutes. The supernatant liquid was passed through a Sepak C18 cartridge equilibrated with 5 ml of methanol and 10 ml of water. The cartridge was eluted with two 15 ml portions of methanol. All the eluents were pooled together, dried and re-dissolved in 10 μl of methanol. 25 μl of this solution was injected in to the HPLC μBondapak C18 (3.9 x 300 mm 10 μm 1250A).

Quantitative analysis of the 70% alcoholic extract for different organic constituents were performed using modern methods. The ash of the powdered material was quantitatively analyzed for inorganic chemical constituents using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. For the centrifugal partition chromatography, Pharma-Tech CCC-1000 Instrument was used. Representative morphoanatomic characteristics were assigned by the help of Leica Microscope equipped with a JVC colour video camera connected to a computer and printer.

Trials were conducted ‘invitro’ in the lab nine petridishes were taken and in each of the petridishes 4 large uniformly sized larval Red Palm Weevil were taken along with some plant fibers. Each petridish was numbered starting from 1 to 9. Each petridish was poured with mixture of plant extract and water in ratio of 3 gm of the plant extract to 50 ml water. The larvae were allowed to be in the petridishes filled with trial plant extract water for about 10 minutes.

Sample contents: Sampling in petridishAzadiracta kernel + water Annona squamosa kernel + waterAzadiracta leaf + waterAnnona kernel + Capsicum + waterAzadiracta kernel + waterAzadiracta + Annona + Capsicum + waterDichlorves 50% E.C + water (insecticide)

Water only (control)Each of the above mentioned plant extract and insecticide is mixed with water at the concentration of 6% (that is 8 g in 50 ml water). If two extracts are mixed then they are mixed 4 g each in 50 ml of water. In the last petridish water alone was kept as a control.

No Plant extract Conc.Total no. of Larvae

Live

1 Azadiracta kernel + water 6% 4 2

2 Annona kernel + water 6% 4 2

3Annona + Azadiracta + water

6% 4 0

4 Azadiracta leaf + water 6% 4 2

5 Annona + Capsicum + water 6% 4 3

6Azadiracta kernel + Capsicum + water

6% 2 2

7Azadiracta kernel + Annona + Capsicum + water

6% 4 0

8 Dichlervos + water 6% 4 0

9 Water only 4 4


Results and DiscussionObservation - Larvae were allowed to be in the mixture in the petridishes for about 10 minutes. Then the larvae were removed and were spread on bloating papers separately to wipe out excess plant extract / insect water from their bodies. Then they were observed for the effect of the test so on the larval mortality and the follow results were observed.

Inference - The mixture, viz. 3-, Annona + Azadiracta + water; 7- Azadiracta + Annona + Capsicum + water and 8- Dichlorvos + water gave 10 larval mortality while others gave mortality in varying degree

Result - Annona squamosa and Azadiracta indica extracts with or without Capsicum extract gave 100% mortality percentage which is also the case of the insecticide Dichlorvos which is a organophosphoric insecticide can be replaced and substituted with the botanical extracts.

Identified and evaluated suitable and new plant extracts with eco-friendly activities against endoparasitic Larval Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus Ferrugineus oliver found in Date Palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L). Biopesticides of plant origin could be the key to the future sustainable date palm production. The above two plant extracts have been found very effective to kill the aforesaid pest insects: Azadirachta indica (Neem) Seed and seed kernel and Annona sqamosa.

As the botanical extracts of Annona and Azadiracta have a promising results in the larval Red Palm Weevil i.e. the in vitro studies in the laboratory showed 100% mortality of these larvae. In vivo studies on infected live tree are under progress to reconfirm and is expected to give very encouraging results. Application of these biopesticides will not affect the taste and behavior of the date palm fruits as it is affected by the

application of organophosphorous

insecticide/ pesticides earlier. Further

experiments are under progress. This

programme has not only of national

significance but if proved successful,

would be applicable worldwide for

the sustainable growth of date palm production.

ReferenceChapter XII. Disease and Pest of Date Palm. A. Zaid, P.F. De Wet, M. Djerbi and A. othabi and the references therein.


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