al jufrah libyan dates pomological cards
DESCRIPTION
This publication describes the Al Jufrah Palm Date parameters suitable for the verification of production systems and for a morphological description. Al Jufrah Palm Dates Improving parogram financied by Italian Cooperation and carried out by Istituto Agronomico per l'Oltremare of Florence and UNiversity of FlorenceTRANSCRIPT
Improvement and Development of Date Palm
in the oasis of Al Jufrah
DATE PALM CULTIVATION IN AL JUFRAH OASIS
Best Practices and Pomological Cards
Edited by
Bashir Gshera, Massimo Battaglia,
Sergio Mugnai, Carlo Bergesio
The Project
This publication has been produced as part of the
Miglioramento e valorizzazione della palma da dattero nelle
Oasi di Al Jufrah in Libia program for improving and
promoting date palms in the oases of Al Jufrah in Libya,
funded by the Directorate General for Development
Cooperation of the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and
coordinated by the Istituto Agronomico per l'Oltremare
(IAO) in Florence in collaboration with the Libyan Board of
Improving and Developing Olive and Palm Trees.
The project’s origins lie in the commitments made between Italy and Libya to strengthen and
develop relationships between the two countries. The central government and local authorities
in Libya share an interest in improving agricultural, forestry and pastoral systems. As part of the
effort to support the agricultural improvement of land cleared of Second World War surplus, the
Italian government has begun providing assistance and collaboration in the agro-zootechnical
and environmental sector.
In Al Jufrah, activities agreed on by the two countries began in May 2009. They are aimed at
encouraging local economic development through coordinated actions to support producers of
quality dates, whether individuals or associations. The strategy is led by two guiding principles:
identifying and guaranteeing quality dates through production protocols that will ensure the
consistency and quality of the final product; and protecting the agrobiodiversity of Al Jufrah by
promoting the local palm varieties and strengthening traditional oasis-management systems.
The initiative involves all the actors in the date production chain, reinforcing associations and
relationships between producers, processors and traders; encouraging the protection of the
environment and raising awareness about quality dates among consumers. This last objective
will draw on experiences in Italy promoting typical local products using the Protected
Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) systems, closely linking
a product and its place of origin.
The aims of the Italo-Libyan technical and
scientific collaboration are to increase the
quantity and quality of date production
through the selection and genetic
improvement of local varieties; to introduce
cultivation systems able to optimize the use
of water and energy resources and reduce
negative external effects; and to improve
processing systems and marketing
domestically and abroad.
Pomological Description Phoenix dactylifera
TREE
Trunk shape
- cylindrical (1)
- cone shaped (2)
- other
Foliage shape
- erected (1)
- spherical (2)
- falling (3)
Crown shape
- loose
- moderately dense
- dense
Bunch type
- erected (1)
- oblique (2)
- falling (3)
Bunch density
- very dense
- dense
- moderately dense
- loose
Bunch colour
- greenish
- yellow
- yellow-orange
- orange
- dark orange
- other
FRUIT
Shape
- spherical (1)
- sub-spherical (2)
- ovate (3)
- sub-cylindrical (4)
- cylindrical (5)
- pear-shaped (6)
- curved (7)
Apex shape
- round off (1)
- pointed (2)
- elongated (3)
- oval (4)
- oval and oblique (5)
Base shape
- round off (1)
- flat and oblique (2)
- flat (3)
- oval (4)
- oval and oblique (5)
- oblique (6)
Colour
- yellow
- amber
- honey
- dark brown
- black
- greenish
- red
Skin appearance
- smooth (1)
- pleated (2)
- corrugated (3)
- blistered (4)
- tattooed (5)
Alteration of skin colour
- no
- collar
- marbled
Fruit Texture
- soft
- half-soft
- dry
Perianth
- absent
- flattened (1)
- prominent (2 and 3)
Flesh Texture
- soft
- firm (honeyed)
- fibrous
Mean flesh thickness
The width is measured at the middle zone of the section.
- thin (<3,5 mm)
- medium (3,5-4,5 mm)
- thick (> 4,5 mm)
Presence of fibres
- not much (0-50%)
- medium (51-80%)
- much (81-100%)
Flesh to seed adhesion
- not much (0-50%)
- medium (51-80%)
- much (81-100%)
Mean length
The measure includes all kind of protuberances at the apex but excludes the perianth.
- very short (<30 mm)
- short (30-40 mm)
- medium (41-50 mm)
- long (51-60 mm)
- very long (>60 mm)
Mean max width
- narrow (<10 mm)
- medium (10-20 mm)
- large (21-30 mm)
- very large (>30 mm)
Mean length/width ratio
- low (<1,6)
- medium (1,6-2,0)
- high (>2,0)
Mean weight of 20 fruits (g)
Mean flesh weight of 20 fruits (g)
SEED
Shape
- ovate (1)
- cone-shaped (2)
- spindle-shaped (3)
- sub-cylindrical (4)
- pear-shaped (5)
Colour
- gray
- beige
- brown
Surface
- smooth
- rough
- bumpy
- striated
Presence of Mucro (apex) or fibrous type (base)
- no
- mucro
- fibrous type
- both
Micropyle position
- towards the base (1)
- at the middle (2)
- towards the apex (3)
Ventral furrow shape
- not prominent (1)
- prominent (2 and 3)
Mean Length
The measure includes the mucro at the apex but excludes the fibrous type at the base.
- very short (<10 mm)
- short (11-20 mm)
- medium (21-30 mm)
- long (31-40 mm)
- very long (>40 mm)
Mean max Width
The measure excludes any crest and fin.
- narrow (<9 mm)
- medium (9-11 mm)
- large (>11 mm)
Mean length/width ratio
- low (<2,5)
- medium (2,4-3,1)
- high (>3,1)
Mean weight of 20 seeds (g)
Mean seed/fruit length ratio
- low (<1/2)
- medium (1/2-2/3)
- high (>2/3)
Mean seed/fruit weight ratio
- low (<0,12)
- medium (0,12-0,18)
- high (>0,18)
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape
- lanceolate (1)
- spindle-shaped (2)
- swollen (3)
Mean spathe length (mm)
- short (<400)
- medium (400-700)
- long (>700)
Mean max spathe width (mm)
- narrow (<70)
- medium (70-90)
- large (>90)
N° of spathes/tree
Considering both open and close spathes.
- not much (<7)
- medium (7-12)
- much (>12)
N° of spikelets in the spike
- not much (<60)
- medium (60-110)
- much (>110)
N° of flowers in one spikelet
- not much (<30)
- medium (30-50)
- much (>50)
Passport
Origin and distribution: well-adapted to Al Jufrah area.
One of the most widespread variety in Sokna, Hun,
Waddan and few in Zellah. Not present in Al Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 9 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 75-100 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: slow growth of the plant.
Sensible to pests. High productivity. Very good offshoot
capacity
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Tamar
Harvest period: from September to October by removing
of bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: sweet but astringent
flavor. Easy to harvest, store and transport. Good market
value
Quality ����������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type oblique
Foliage shape spherical Bunch density very dense
Crown shape moderately dense - dense Bunch colour orange - dark orange
FRUIT
Shape ovate - sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness medium
Apex oval Presence of fibres much
Base flat Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey Length short
Skin appearance tattooed Width large
Alteration of skin colour collar Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 174
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 147
Flesh texture firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical - ovate Length medium
Colour brown - beige Width medium
Surface rough Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type both Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 27
Micropyle position towards the base Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content high content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: rare variety, it’s only present in
Waddan and few in Hun
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 0,1 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 60 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: reasonable offshoots capacity
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: from August to September by selection
of dates and removing of bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: trade and commercial
value for daily consumption and when get to dry Tamar
stage used for animal feed
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type oblique
Foliage shape erected - spherical Bunch density dense
Crown shape moderately dense - dense Bunch colour yellow-orange
FRUIT
Shape sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness thin
Apex oval Presence of fibres medium
Base flat – flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey – sometime red Length short
Skin appearance pleated - blistered Width medium
Alteration of skin colour collar Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 160
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 137
Flesh texture soft - firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour brown - beige Width narrow
Surface smooth - rough Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type no Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 23
Micropyle position at the middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: rare variety exists in Sokna, Hun
and Waddan. It’s not present in Zellah and Al Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 0,5 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: reasonable offshoots capacity
Flowering period: from the end of February to the end of
March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: from September to October by selection of
dates and removing of bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: fresh fruits consumption
and past
Quality ����������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type oblique
Foliage shape erected Bunch density very dense - dense
Crown shape Moderately dense Bunch colour orange
FRUIT
Shape sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness medium
Apex oval Presence of fibres medium
Base flat Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey - amber Length medium
Skin appearance from smooth to blistered Width large
Alteration of skin colour usually no, sometime marbled Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 241
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 214
Flesh texture soft - firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige – brown Width narrow
Surface smooth Length/width ratio high
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type mucro Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 27
Micropyle position at the middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape not prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio low
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate - spindle-shaped N° of spathes/tree not much
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width large N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: common variety of Waddan,
Sokna and Hun. It’s one of the most widespread variety
in Al Fugha and Zellah
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 3 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 65 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: rapid growth of the plant
with quick ageing process. High productivity, sensitive
to pests and water salinity, good rooting capacity in bad
soil situation. Good offshoot capacity, with high
percentage of offshoot developing during plantation
Flowering period: February - March
Commercial maturity stage: Tamar
Harvest period: in October by removing of bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: with a low sugar
content, this is the date variety most recommended for
diabetes sufferers. Good for postharvest processing and
other uses for animal feed
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type oblique
Foliage shape erected Bunch density dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour yellow-orange
FRUIT
Shape sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness thin
Apex oval Presence of fibres much
Base flat – flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey Length medium
Skin appearance corrugated Width medium
Alteration of skin colour sometime collar Length/width ratio high
Fruit texture half-soft - soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 151
Perianth Absent or flattened Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 121
Flesh texture firm (honeyed) - soft
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige Width medium
Surface rough - bumpy Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type sometime fibrous type Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 30
Micropyle position towards the apex - middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio high
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length Medium - short N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium - narrow N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content low content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: the most valuable date variety in
Libya, with Algerian origin. It’s one of the most widespread
variety in Sokna, Hun and Waddan
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 25 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 80-100 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: rapid growth of the plant. Sensitive
to pests. Excellent offshoots capacity
Flowering period: February - March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: from September to October by selection of
dates and later removing the bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: shiny skin. Mild sweet taste.
Very suitable for long-period conservation and highly
acceptable for consumption
Quality ��������������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type falling - oblique
Foliage shape erected Bunch density dense
Crown shape moderately dense - dense Bunch colour yellow
FRUIT
Shape ovate - sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness thick
Apex elongated Presence of fibres medium
Base flat Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color amber Length medium
Skin appearance smooth Width large
Alteration of skin colour usually collar Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 215
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 197
Flesh texture soft
SEED
Shape spindle-shaped Length medium
Colour brown Width narrow
Surface smooth Length/width ratio high
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type fibrous type Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 18
Micropyle position at the middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape not prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio low
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length long N° of spikelets in the spike not much
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet much
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: rare variety of Sokna, Hun and
Waddan. It’s not present in Zellah and Al Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 0,1 %
(started to expanded)
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 60 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: Low offshoot production,
with poor rooting ability
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: in September by selection of dates
Fruit and trade characteristics: very soft and larger
than average and pleasantly sweet without being
cloying. Low productive, with a high storability.
Considered a rare delicacy, represents the top quality of
date with an excellent market value
Quality ��������������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type erected
Foliage shape erected - spherical Bunch density moderately dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour orange
FRUIT
Shape ovate Flesh thickness thick
Apex round off Presence of fibres much
Base flat Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey Length short - medium
Skin appearance corrugated Width large
Alteration of skin colour sometime collar Length/width ratio low
Fruit texture half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 265
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 243
Flesh texture soft - firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape ovate Length medium
Colour brown Width medium
Surface rough Length/width ratio low
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type sometime mucro Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 22
Micropyle position towards the base - middle Seed/Fruit length ratio low
Ventral furrow shape not prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio low
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: very abundant in Al Jufrah Oasis,
it’s one of the most widespread variety in Zellah and Al
Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 4 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: suitable for dry farming
system and also for production of animal feed and other
things
Flowering period: depends on the weather conditions.
Started from the 15th of February to the end of March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: in October by removing of bunches
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type erected - oblique
Foliage shape spherical - erected Bunch density dense
Crown shape mod. dense - dense Bunch colour orange - yellow
FRUIT
Shape ovate Flesh thickness thin
Apex pointed - round off Presence of fibres much
Base flat - flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey Length short
Skin appearance tattooed - corrugated Width large
Alteration of skin colour no Length/width ratio low
Fruit texture soft - half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 163
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 135
Flesh texture soft - firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape ovate - sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige Width narrow
Surface smooth - rough Length/width ratio low
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type no – sometime mucro Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 28
Micropyle position at the middle - towards the base Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape spindle-shaped N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Etymology: Kathari in Arabic means “green colour”
Origin and distribution: well-adapted to the Al Jufrah area. It’s
one of the most widespread variety in Sokna, Hun and Waddan
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 20 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 70-80 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: slow growth of the plant. Resistant
to soil and water salinity. High offshoot capacity and rooting,
with high quality offshoots
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: from September to October by selection of
dates and later removing the bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: Highly esteemed, though
slightly astringent; stays soft throughout the year. Reasonable
market value
Quality ����������������
TREE
Trunk shape usually cylindrical Bunch type oblique
Foliage shape spherical - erected Bunch density moderately dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour orange - dark orange
FRUIT
Shape ovate - sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness medium
Apex round off - oval Presence of fibres much
Base flat – flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color greenish - honey Length short
Skin appearance corrugated Width large
Alteration of skin colour no Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 178
Perianth prominent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 154
Flesh texture firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape ovate - sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige Width narrow
Surface rough Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type mucro Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 24
Micropyle position at the middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape not prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: rare variety, exists in Waddan and few in
Sokna and Hun. It’s not present in Zellah and Al Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 0,3 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: very good offshoots capacity
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: from September to October by selection of dates
Fruit and trade characteristics: daily human consumption and
when get to dry Tamar stage used for animal feed
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type falling
Foliage shape spherical Bunch density dense
Crown shape loose - moderately dense Bunch colour yellow
FRUIT
Shape ovate Flesh thickness thick
Apex round off Presence of fibres medium
Base flat – flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey- dark brown Length short
Skin appearance smooth Width large
Alteration of skin colour no Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 250
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 220
Flesh texture soft
SEED
Shape ovate Length medium
Colour beige Width medium
Surface smooth Length/width ratio low
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type usually mucro Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 30
Micropyle position at the middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length short N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Etymology: Omglaib in Arabic means “mother of small heart”
Origin and distribution: rare variety, exists in Sokna, Hun and
Waddan. It’s not present in Zellah and Al Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 0,3 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: well adapted for both dry farming
and irrigated farming. Reasonable offshoots capacity
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: in September and October by removing of
bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: daily consumption. Fruit quality
useful for cake or past and for storing
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type erected
Foliage shape erected Bunch density very dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour yellow-orange
FRUIT
Shape sub-cylindrical - ovate Flesh thickness thin
Apex oval Presence of fibres much
Base flat Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey – sometime red Length short
Skin appearance blistered - pleated Width large
Alteration of skin colour sometime collar Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture half-soft - soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 137
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 114
Flesh texture soft - firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape ovate - sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige Width narrow
Surface bumpy Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type both Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 23
Micropyle position towards the apex Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape usually not prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width narrow N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: of ancient Egyptian origin, but now
considered one of Libya’s most important varieties. It’s one of the
most widespread variety in Sokna, Hun, Waddan and Zellah.
It’s not present in Al Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 3 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 70 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: Palms quickly grow, resist to pests
and are very productive, producing a regular yield each year
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: from September to October by selection of
dates. Easy to harvest
Fruit and trade characteristics: The fruits have good market
value due to their pleasant flavor and suitable to storage and
transport
Quality ����������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type falling
Foliage shape spherical Bunch density mod. dense - dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour orange
FRUIT
Shape ovate Flesh thickness thick
Apex round off Presence of fibres not much
Base flat – flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey Length short
Skin appearance smooth - corrugated Width large
Alteration of skin colour sometime collar or
marbled Length/width ratio
low
Fruit texture soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 270
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 236
Flesh texture firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape ovate Length medium
Colour beige – brown Width medium
Surface rough Length/width ratio low
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type sometime mucro Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 34
Micropyle position at the middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike not much
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet not much
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: it’s present only in Sokna and Hun
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 0,2 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: reasonable offshoots capacity
Flowering period: February - March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab
Harvest period: August - September
Fruit and trade characteristics: not highly commercial and use for
daily fresh consumption
Quality ��������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type oblique - falling
Foliage shape spherical - erected Bunch density dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour usually orange
FRUIT
Shape ovate Flesh thickness thin
Apex round off - oval Presence of fibres medium
Base flat – flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey Length short
Skin appearance corrugated - tattoed Width large
Alteration of skin colour no Length/width ratio low
Fruit texture soft - half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 156
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 135
Flesh texture firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige Width narrow
Surface smooth - rough Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type sometime fibrous type Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 21
Micropyle position at the middle Seed/Fruit length ratio high
Ventral furrow shape usually prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree much
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet much
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: common variety of Sokna, also
exists in Hun and Waddan
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 1 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: reasonable offshoots capacity
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Balah and Tamar
Harvest period: from October to November by cut of
bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: one of the best variety to
product vinegar and date syrup
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type oblique - falling
Foliage shape erected Bunch density dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour greenish - yellow
FRUIT
Shape ovate - sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness thin
Apex oval Presence of fibres much
Base flat Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color honey Length short
Skin appearance corrugated - tattooed Width large
Alteration of skin colour sometime marbled Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture half-soft - dry Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 154
Perianth usually absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 129
Flesh texture usually fibrous
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical - ovate Length medium
Colour beige – brown Width medium
Surface smooth - bumpy Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type no Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 25
Micropyle position at the middle - towards the base Seed/Fruit length ratio high
Ventral furrow shape usually prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: one of the most widespread variety
in whole locality of Al Jufrah Oasis
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 20 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 80 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: rapid growth of the plant. High
and constant production every year. Good offshoots
capacity. Moderately resistant to pests. Very good offshoot
capacity
Flowering period: February - March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar. All the
maturity stages of the fruit can be use.
Harvest period: early and prolonged harvest period from
August to October by selection of dates and removing of
bunches
Fruit and trade characteristics: the best variety to prepare
the past using Tamar stage
Quality ����������������
Curiosity: A popular old saying claims that hunting dogs run fast because they eat Tagiat dates.
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type erected - oblique
Foliage shape erected Bunch density dense - very dense
Crown shape moderately dense Bunch colour orange - yellow
FRUIT
Shape sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness medium
Apex elongated Presence of fibres medium
Base flat - flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion not much
Color dark brown Length medium
Skin appearance blistered - corrugated Width large
Alteration of skin colour no Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 171
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 144
Flesh texture firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige - brown Width narrow
Surface smooth Length/width ratio high
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type usually fibrous type Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 27
Micropyle position towards the base Seed/Fruit length ratio high
Ventral furrow shape not prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: not present in Al Fugha, but a
variety exists in Zellah and also in Sokna, Hun and Waddan
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 1 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: very adaptable variety under
both dry and irrigated farming. Very good offshoots capacity
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab and Tamar
Harvest period: October
Fruit and trade characteristics: fresh consumption and for
cake
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type oblique
Foliage shape erected Bunch density dense
Crown shape moderately dense - dense Bunch colour orange
FRUIT
Shape sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness medium
Apex oval Presence of fibres medium
Base flat Flesh to seed adhesion medium
Color honey Length medium
Skin appearance pleated – corrugated Width large
Alteration of skin colour sometimes collar Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture soft - half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 192
Perianth absent Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g) 169
Flesh texture firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige Width narrow
Surface smooth - bumpy Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type
both –sometime only
mucro Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 23
Micropyle position towards the apex Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet medium
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc
Passport
Origin and distribution: rare variety exists in Sokna, Hun
and Waddan. it’s not present in Al Fugha
Productive area in Al Jufrah Oasis: 1 %
Mean Production in Al Jufrah Oasis: 50 Kg/tree
Agronomic characteristics: the best variety to obtain the
fibre for the rope and daily fruit consumption.
Good offshoots capacity
Flowering period: March
Commercial maturity stage: Rutab
Harvest period: from August to September by selection of
dates
Fruit and trade characteristics: daily consumption
Quality ������������
TREE
Trunk shape cylindrical Bunch type falling
Foliage shape erected Bunch density dense – very dense
Crown shape moderately dense - loose Bunch colour orange - yellow
FRUIT
Shape sub-cylindrical Flesh thickness medium
Apex oval Presence of fibres medium
Base flat – flat and oblique Flesh to seed adhesion medium
Color honey Length medium
Skin appearance pleated - corrugated Width large
Alteration of skin colour no Length/width ratio medium
Fruit texture soft - half-soft Main weight of 20 fruits (g) 185
Perianth prominent (usually
present) Main flesh weight of 20 fruits (g)
159
Flesh texture firm (honeyed)
SEED
Shape sub-cylindrical Length medium
Colour beige Width narrow
Surface smooth - rough Length/width ratio medium
Presence of mucro
or fibrous type usually no Main weight of 20 seeds (g) 26
Micropyle position towards the base - middle Seed/Fruit length ratio medium
Ventral furrow shape usually prominent Seed/Fruit weight ratio medium
INFLORESCENCE
Spathe Shape lanceolate N° of spathes/tree medium
Spathe length medium N° of spikelets in the spike medium
Spathe width medium N° of flowers in one spikelet much
QUALITATIVE PARAMETERS
Total sugar content Potassium
Glucose Magnesium
Fructose Iron
Zinc