Pollen grains of dates (Phoenix dactylifera) from Abou Rawash in Giza Governorate, Al-Aalam in Fayoum Governorate and Rasheid from Behira Governorate in Egypt were used to pollinate 30-year-old date cultivars Hallawy and Khadrawy in a field experiment conducted in egypt during 1996-97. Pollen fertility was highest in pollen grains from Rasheid and lowest in pollen grains from Abou Rawash. During both years, cv. Hallawy was more productive compared to cv. Khadrawy. Palms pollinated by pollens from Al-Alaam produced the highest yield and heaviest bunch, with Hallawy producing higher yields and heavier bunch compared to Khadrawy. Hallawy palms recorded a regular pattern in annual yield. Khadrawy pollinated by Rasheid pollens produced heavier dates compared to Hallawy. Hallawy produced more oblong dates, and recorded higher reducing and non-reducing sugars and sugar content, whereas Khadrawy produced wider dates with heavier pulp weight and higher tannin and soluble solid content and pulp:seed ratio. |
