Basrah Journal Of Date Palm Research

Effect of using the nano-organic fertilizer Optimus Plus in three saline solutions on the growth of date palm offshoots (Phoenix dactylifera L., Al-Zamli cultivar)

Firas M. Alhmoud, Ali S Mahdi, Emad H. A. ِAlarab — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The research was conducted to determine the effect of using nano organic fertilizer on increasing the tolerance of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) of the Al-Zamili variety in one of the orchards of Basra Governorate during the 2023-2024 growing season. Twenty-four young offshoots were selected that were as similar and homogeneous as possible in growth and free from pests and diseases. The offshoots were divided into two groups: the first group consisted of 12 offshoots without spraying with nano organic fertilizer and 12 offshoots with spraying with nano organic fertilizer. Irrigation was carried out with four saline solutions (0, 5, 10, and 15 dS/L) mixed with the irrigation water. The offshoots were sprayed with Optimus Plus nano bio-fertilizer at a concentration of 2.75 ml L⁻¹. The results indicated that spraying the Optimus Plus nano-organic fertilizer at the above concentration led to a significant increase in the leaf content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and total chlorophyll, recording the highest values of 2.012%, 2.441 g/kg⁻¹, 7.931 g/kg⁻¹, and 19.776 mg/100 g⁻¹, respectively, compared to without spraying the nano-organic fertilizer. Irrigation water quality also had a significant effect on the leaf content of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and total chlorophyll, with the 0.5 dS/m⁻¹ irrigation treatment significantly outperforming, recording the highest values of (2.477 and 1.795)%, (2.230 and 2.245) g/kg⁻¹, (7.465 and 7.455) g/kg⁻¹, and (24.448 and 17.775) mg/100 g⁻¹, respectively. Regarding the interaction between the factors The interaction between nano-organic fertilizer and irrigation water quality was significant. The 0 and 5 dS/m¹ irrigation treatments with nano-organic fertilizer significantly increased leaf nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and total chlorophyll content. The 0 and 5 dS/m¹ irrigation treatments with nano-organic fertilizer application showed significantly higher levels, recording 2.470, 2.475%, 2.74%, 2.750%, 8.800, and 8.790 g/kg¹, and 24.750 and 24.450 mg/100 g¹, respectively. The study also revealed that the treatment without fertilizer application had a higher proline content in the leaves compared to the treatment with nano-organic fertilizer application, reaching a maximum of 0.835 µg/g¹. The 15 dS/m¹ irrigation treatment also recorded a higher value of 0.835 µg/g¹. These results indicate that the interaction between nano-organic fertilizer and irrigation water resulted in higher levels of the amino acid proline. The study showed that spraying the nano organic fertilizer onto palm seedlings under saline stress conditions can lead to increased nutrient absorption, increased tolerance to saline stress, and encouragement of vegetative growth. The results also showed that the interaction between the two factors in the study gave a significant advantage in most of the mentioned traits.

Biological and chemical control of the invasive red palm weevil insect Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier, 1970) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Dawood S. Hamid, Husein A. Mahdi, Hazim M. Ali — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is considered one of the most destructive insect pests, specializing in infesting palm trees in general and date palms in particular. This review highlights recent research concerning the taxonomy of the insect, its life cycle, major symptoms of infestation, modes of transmission and spread, as well as diverse control strategies. The pest is widely distributed across many regions of the world, including India (its native habitat), Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Iran, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt, with confirmed infestations reported in Iraq in recent years. Such distribution reflects its remarkable adaptability to different environments. The larvae, which represent the most damaging stage of the insect, feed on living tissues inside the palm trunk, ultimately leading to tree death. This results in significant economic losses due to both control costs and destruction of infested trees. Farmers’ lack of awareness regarding the importance of integrated pest management programs, monitoring, early detection, and plant health practices are critical factors that exacerbate infestations and facilitate the spread of the pest. Management strategies include regulatory measures such as local and international quarantine, behavioral control methods like pheromone traps, chemical and biological control, and cultural practices. Employing one or more of these approaches simultaneously provides an integrated strategy to sustainably and effectively mitigate the damage caused by this invasive pest on date palms

The Role of Biofertilizers in Mitigating Heat Stress Damage in Date Palm- Review Article

Emad H. A. ِAlarab, Mohammed Al-Darwish, Mohammad Tuaimah — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important strategic crops in arid and semi-arid regions. However, climate change and rising temperatures have become increasing challenges to the sustainability of its production by causing physiological and biochemical disturbances that negatively affect growth and productivity. This review summarizes current knowledge on the effects of heat stress on date palm, with particular emphasis on the role of biofertilizers as a sustainable agricultural approach to enhance plant adaptation to high-temperature conditions. The review discusses the various mechanisms employed by beneficial microorganisms, including plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), and endophytic fungi, in improving water and nutrient uptake, activating antioxidant defense systems, inducing heat shock protein production, and maintaining photosynthetic efficiency and cellular membrane stability. It also highlights the role of biofertilizers in improving the physical and biological properties of soil and enhancing microbial diversity, thereby contributing to the sustainability of agricultural systems. Furthermore, the review addresses key research challenges and future perspectives, including the interactions between introduced microorganisms and native microbial communities, as well as the application of modern molecular techniques to evaluate biofertilizer efficiency and their long-term environmental impacts. Available evidence indicates that integrating biofertilizers into date palm management programs represents a promising strategy for improving heat stress tolerance and enhancing the sustainability of agricultural production under accelerating climate change.

Spatial Distribution of Lesser Date Moth Batrachedra amydraula (Meyrick) Infestation on Date Palm in Basra City and the Field Efficacy of Selected Chemical Insecticides and Their Synergistic Interaction with Silver Nanoparticles

Ihab Alnajim, Muhammad A. Al-Darwish, Hazim M Ali , Naser Aldosary — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The lesser date moth, Batrachedra amydraula, is one of the most serious insect pests infesting date palm fruits, causing substantial losses in both yield and fruit quality. This is particularly critical in regions where date production serves as a cornerstone of food security and economic stability. The present study aimed to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of pest infestation across three districts in Basra Province (Abi Al-Khasib, Shatt Al-Arab, and Al-Qurnah), evaluate the susceptibility of five date palm cultivars (Halawi, Sayer, Khadrawi, Barim, and Barhi) to infestation, and compare the efficacy of five chemical insecticides (Abamectin, Alpha Cypermethrin, Actellic, Matrixine Plus, and Deltamethrin), as well as the synergistic effect of their combination with silver nanoparticles, applied at two different spray timings. The results revealed significant variation in fruit drop rates among the study locations, with Shatt Al-Arab recording the highest rate at 67.27%. The second sampling period (24 days post-pollination) was identified as the most critical period for infestation. Regarding cultivar susceptibility, Halawi and Sayer exhibited the highest fruit drop rates, reaching 47.73% and 41.15%, respectively. Among the tested insecticides, Matrixine Plus proved to be the most effective in reducing fruit drop compared to the other treatments. Notably, the combination of this insecticide with silver nanoparticles, particularly at the concentration of 1 ml insecticide + 0.5 g nanoparticles, significantly enhanced its efficacy, achieving a zero fruit drop rate under certain conditions. These findings suggest that integrating chemical insecticides with silver nanoparticles offers a promising strategy for improving pest control efficiency and minimizing the damage caused by B. amydraula. Early application timing is also recommended to ensure optimal fruit protection.

Effects of Amino Acids and Salicylic Acid on Biochemical Responses and Genetic Stability of Tissue-Cultured Date Palm Offshoots Under Salt Stress

Rasha H. Shanshol, Aqeel Suhaim, Mohammed A. H. Alnajjar — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was conducted at the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture, University of Basrah, on three-year-old tissue culture-derived date palm offshoots (Phoenix dactylifera L., cv. Barhee). It aimed to evaluate the effects of amino acid and salicylic acid foliar application on alleviating salinity stress during the 2025–2026 growing season. Plants were irrigated with saline water at 10 dS m⁻¹ (100 mM), and treated with amino acid mixture (0, 100, 200 mg L⁻¹) and salicylic acid (0, 100, 200 mg L⁻¹). Results showed that the combined application of 200 mg L⁻¹ amino acids and 200 mg L⁻¹ salicylic acid significantly improved biochemical traits. This treatment produced the highest total chlorophyll content (5.318 mg g⁻¹) and soluble protein content (5.446 mg g−1), while reducing proline to 3.766 mg g⁻¹ and lipid peroxidation to 2.043 mg g⁻¹, and enhancing membrane stability index to 71%. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed 43 protein bands, indicating changes in protein expression under salinity and treatments. Cluster analysis grouped treatments into two main clusters; notably, the combination of 100 mg L⁻¹ salicylic acid and 200 mg L⁻¹ amino acids formed a distinct group with a genetic stability index of 0.8%. Overall, salinity induced noticeable biochemical and genetic alterations, whereas amino acids and salicylic acid effectively mitigated stress effects and improved plant performance and genetic stability.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Nutritional Quality, Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant Activity, and Microbial Safety of Date Palm Sap from Different Cultivars

Hagir M. Abdallah, Laila Abosella, Abdalbasit A. Mariod, Hanan I. Shuwat — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the nutritional quality and health safety of date palm sap from four Libyan cultivars (Amy, Bekrari, Dokar, and Tabony) and one Tunisian Bekrari sample. Chemical analyses showed significant variation among samples, with Dokar sap recording the highest total solids content (27.55 °Brix), while exhibiting the lowest total acidity (0.065%) and pH (7.00). Phytochemical screening revealed high levels of glycosides, phenols, and flavonoids in all samples. The Libyan Bekrari sap contained the highest total polyphenol content (10.81 mg GAE/g). Mineral analysis demonstrated that date sap is a rich source of essential minerals, particularly potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Microbiological examination detected coliform bacteria (45–551 × 10² CFU/ml) and yeasts and molds (2–73 × 10² CFU/ml) in the analyzed samples, whereas Escherichia coli was absent in all cases. These findings highlight the nutritional and functional value of date sap but also indicate concerns regarding microbial contamination. The study emphasizes the need for improved hygienic practices during sap collection, handling, and packaging to enhance product safety and shelf life. Furthermore, the results provide important baseline data that may support the development of quality standards and safety regulations for date palm sap intended for human consumption in Libya.

Effect of hot water infusion of roasted date palm seeds on improving insulin sensitivity and alleviating high-carbohydrate diet-induced hyperglycaemia in rats

CHUKWUMA EKEANYANWU, Mrs Njoku-Henry, Doris Obiageri — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Antihyperglycaemic potential of the hot water infusion of roasted Phoenix dactylifera (date palm) seeds (HAERD) was evaluated in high-carbohydrate diet (HCD)-induced hyperglycaemic male Wistar rats. After 8 weeks of HCD feeding to induce hyperglycaemia, rats were treated orally with HAERD (200 and 500 mg/kg), metformin (150 mg/kg), or vehicle for 21 days. HAERD produced significant dose-dependent reductions in fasting blood glucose (p < 0.05), with the 500 mg/kg dose achieving near-normal values by Week 6. It also significantly improved serum insulin concentrations and HOMA-IR index in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), approaching the effects of metformin. Additionally, HAERD normalised the lipid profile by significantly lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, and VLDL-C (p < 0.0001), while restoring antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT, GPx) and markedly reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.0001). Liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and bilirubin decreased significantly (p < 0.0001), accompanied by recovery of total protein and albumin. Histopathological examination revealed dose-dependent regenerative changes and near-normal tissue architecture in the liver, kidney, and heart at 500 mg/kg, comparable to the metformin-treated group. These results demonstrate that HAERD exerts robust multi-target metabolic benefits—including antihyperglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antioxidant, and multi-organ protective effects—in HCD-induced hyperglycaemia, with the 500 mg/kg dose showing efficacy approaching that of metformin (p < 0.05). The findings support the traditional use of roasted date palm seed infusion and its potential as a sustainable, affordable nutraceutical for managing hyperglycaemia and associated complications.

Role of Fertigation in Improving Water and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Date Palm Cultivation and Production

Hussein J. Shareef, aqeela M. Salih, Muntaha J. Kadhim — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Fertigation (the incorporation of fertilizers into irrigation water throughout the plant root zone) has recently been recognized as an important agronomic practice, particularly for date palm production. It increases the availability and uptake of water-soluble fertilizers, which are supplied directly into the root zone of plants. This review summarizes the advantages, approaches, and relationships of fertigation in date palm. This paper elaborates on the benefits, methodologies, and implementation horizon of date palm fertigation for sustainable agriculture. Here, we indicate that when combined with other decision-support and fertilization practices, fertigation can be instrumental in achieving maximum crop yield, improving water productivity (water savings), and minimizing the environmental impact of agricultural systems.

Impact Temperatures on the Biological Characteristics of the Bio-parasitoid Trichogramma spp. Reared on the Eggs of the Lesser Date Moth Batrachedra amydraula (Meyrick).

Ghazwan F. Al-Saedi, Hassan A. Faisal, Waad M. Ghadban — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Lesser date moth Batrachedra amydraula presents an important threat to the sustainability of date palms in the Shatt Al-Arab district of Basra. This research established two potential egg parasitoids Trichogramma evanescens and T. brassicae through comparative analysis of their physiological and field performance. Additionally, we looked at the thermal optimum and biological response of each species across three set temperatures 25°C, 30°C and 35°C on three popular varieties of date palms Sayer, Halawi and Khadhrawi. Laboratory trials were completed within programmed incubators to determine four important measurements relevant to each species analyzed: total rates of parasitism; total adult emergence, total embryos lost, and sex ratio. All laboratory results were combined with monthly data from in situ fields February through June to better match laboratory and real world performance. The data suggests that when both T. brassicae and T. evanescens achieved maximum physiological performance, there was a thermal pivot point at a temperature of 30 °C with 80.11% total parasitism for T. brassicae and 79.93% for T. evanescens on Halawi date palms, the temperature at which both species had optimal parasitism rates. The temperature increase to 35°C caused a rapid decline in efficiency to less than 55% as a result of metabolic stress related to female vitality. For T. evanescens, the highest percentage of emergence 64.2% and the lowest percentage of mortality 35.8% occurred at the optimum temperature, in contrast, T. brassicae had a high rate of embryonic mortality of 49.43% at 35°C, suggesting that T. brassicae was very sensitive to heat. The highest frequency of field activity was found in April on Khadhrawi palms. Halawi expressed the highest biological compatibility 57 to 62.5% female biased sex ratio based on laboratory evaluations. The study identifies 30 as the gold standard for mass raised and in field use. Based on its overall biological fitness, T. evanescens is the strategic selection for use in IPM programs in southern Iraq. The results recommend a timeframe to release in the field during April, the biological window when field temperature is compatible with physiological optima to maximize insect pest suppression prior to reaching extremes in thermal conditions during June.