Gibberellic acid spray and bunch bagging increase bunch weight and improve fruit quality of ‘Barhee’ date palm cultivar under hot arid conditions

Under hot arid conditions date palms are facing environmental stresses that limit tree productivity and negatively affect fruit quality characteristics especially weight and size. Gibberellic acid (GA3) spray at 50, 100 and 150 ppm increased bunch weight of ‘Barhee’ date palm cultivar compared to the control. GA3 spray at 150 ppm gave higher bunch weight than the other applied rates. Bunch bagging increased bunch weight compared to the control but this was lower than the GA3 treatments. Bunch bagging and GA3 at 50 ppm synergistically increased bunch weight and vitamin C concentration. GA3 spray delayed fruit ripening, as reflected by lower rutab percentage and higher acidity, phenols and tannins concentration. Both GA3 spray and bunch bagging treatments increased fruit weight compared to the control. The flesh/seed ratio increased by GA3 spray and by bunch bagging with GA3 compared to the control. Fruit length significantly increased by GA3 spray at 100 and 150 ppm and by bunch bagging alone or with GA3 at 50 ppm compared to the control. GA3 spray and bunch bagging treatments increased total soluble solid (TSS) and acidity concentration compared to the control. Generally, bunch weight was higher and fruit quality was better in 2010 than 2011 season. It was concluded that both GA3 spray and bunch bagging have promotive effects on bunch and fruit weight and improve quality of ‘Barhee’ dates under hot arid conditions.

► GA3 spray at 50, 100 and 150 ppm increased bunch and fruit weight of Barhee dates.
► Bunch bagging increased bunch and fruit weight but was lower than GA3 treatments.
► GA3 and bunch bagging worked synergistically to increase bunch weight and vitamin C.
► GA3 delayed ripening, as showed by lower rutab%, higher acidity, phenol and tannin.
► GA3 and bunch bagging increased flesh/seed ratio, length and TSS of fruit.