Breeding date palm

Date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., is a perennial long-lived dioecious monocotyledon of great socio-economic importance especially in North Africa and the Middle East. These countries grow 62 million of the 105 million trees available worldwide on an area of over a million hectares (Fig. 6.1; Table 6.1). These trees are cultivated not only for their valuable fruits (dates), but also for producing fuel, fibre and as shelter for ground crops. Production of dates is of approximately 6.5 million metric tons around the world (Table 6.2) and generates an important commercial activity. Countries such as Egypt, Islamic Republic of Iran and Saudi Arabia represent the top three producers worldwide. Furthermore, in the areas where it is cultivated, the date palm contributes to the creation of a micro-climate that enables agricultural development of other species.