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Growth regulators can improve the quality and production of fruit trees. This research was conducted over two successive years to evaluate the effect of preharvest sprays of growth regulators on the physicochemical properties of date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera cv. 'Shahabi') during khalal and tamar stages in a palm research station at Bushehr province. In the first year, fruit bunches of these trees were sprayed at the kimri stage, and in the second year at the kimri and hababouk + kimri stages, using NAA (100 mg/L), GA3 (100 mg/L), KI (100 mg/L), SA (50 mg/L), Put (1.288 × 103 mg/L), and distilled water as the control. Foliar spraying of 'Shahabi' date clusters with all plant growth regulators at the kimri stage did not have significant effects on traits such as length, diameter, weight and volume of the fruit compared to the control but, foliar spraying in the hababouk + kimri stage with NAA and to some extent Put caused a significant increase in these factors in the khalal and tamar stages. Foliar spraying with all growth regulators caused a significant increase in the weight of pulp in the khalal and tamar stages. With foliar application of Put, SA, GA3, and especially NAA, cluster weight and yield percent showed a significant increase compared to the control at the tamar stage. In general, the percentage of fruit drop in the foliar application of all growth regulators in the hababouk + kimri stage was significantly higher compared to the foliar application in the kimri stage. Foliar spraying in the kimri stage significantly reduced the fruit drop compared to the control but foliar application of NAA, GA3 and SA in the hababouk + kimri stage significantly increased the fruit drop compared to the control. Foliar spraying of all plant growth regulators in the kimri and hababouk + kimri stages caused a significant decrease in the percentage of TSS as well as the percentage of total carbohydrates compared to the control in the khalal and tamar stages. Foliar spraying with all plant growth regulators in the kimri and hababouk + kimri stages caused a significant increase in the TA percentage in khalal stage compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One phenolic component that might actively contribute to plants' fading resistance mechanism is salicylic acid. This study used a randomized complete block design with six treatment concentrations of 0, 100, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/L salicylic acid at the start of the Kharak stage in three repetitions to examine the impact of salicylic acid injection on date bunch fading disorder on the Mazafati cultivar. The study was conducted in the Bam region. In this study, the disorder damage percentage, length, diameter and weight of fruit, fruit flesh-to-kernel ratio, yield, soluble solids content, pH, titratable acidity, total sugar content and protein percentage were investigated. Experimental date trees treated with 100 mg/L salicylic acid compared to other treatments showed an 18% reduction in the damage of date bunch fading disorder at the level of P<0.01 Duncan test. Also, application of 100 mg/L salicylic acid increased yield by 17 kg in each tree compared to control trees at the level of P<0.01 Duncan test. While certain salicylic acid treatments were successful in lowering date bunch fading disorder damage and boosting experimental date tree yields, they had no discernible impact on the physicochemical characteristics of the fruit. The only variable included in the model, disorder damage, accounted for 86% of the variances, according to stepwise regression analysis. The two variables with the strongest positive and significant correlations were fruit weight with flesh-to-kernel ratio (0.991**) and total sugar with pH (0.997**). Except for a drop in soluble solids, total sugar content, and fruit pH in comparison to the control, the findings of Duncan's test categorization indicated that salicylic acid injection raised them in all treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzyme activity of catechol oxidase (CO) give rise to enzymatic browning, leading to undesirable changes in fruits and vegetables. The aim of this work is to investigate the inhibitory effect of five essential oils (EOs) on CO from date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera). Catechol oxidase has been purified from date fruit through three-phase partitioning (TPP). Essential oils were extracts from Artemisia herba-alba, Artemisia campestris, Thymus vulgaris, Origanum vulgare, and Salvia Rosmarinus, and were tested against CO. The composition of these five essential oils was then identified using GC-MS. Major constituents identified were camphor (20.91%) and davanone D (19%) for A. herba alba, capillene (47.79%) for A. compestris, thymol (33.75%) and linalool (30.44%) for T. vulgaris, carvacrol (68.60%) for O. vulgare, and camphor (33.89%) for S. Rosmarinus. The EO from A. campestris was the most potent inhibitor of enzyme (IC50 = 3.44±0.09 mg/mL) while the weakest effect was observed for EO of O. vulgare (IC50 = 10.24±0.29 mg/mL). Different mechanism of inhibition was obtained. Hence, a competitive inhibition for both EOs of A. herba-alba and T. vulgaris, uncompetitive behavior for A. campestris, noncompetitive mechanism for S. rosmarinus and O. vulgare were observed. The docking molecular of those major constituents was investigated using crystal structure of CO from Ipomoea batatas (1BT1). The best-docked compound was davanone D (-5.55 kcal/mol) while camphor show weaker docking scores (3.79 kcal/mol). Thus, the results from our work could be important and offer an approach of control enzymatic browning using essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dates are naturally occurring sweetener that are rich in phytonutrients which could be used as a substitute to refined white sugars in manufacturing of functional foods. Fruit toffees contain refined sugars which could be harmful to human wellbeing. This study aimed to formulate a functional mixed fruit toffee by replacing refined sugars with date paste (0 to 100% levels) in conventional fruit toffee consisting guava as base material. Increasing the date paste concentration (0 to 100%), led to a noticeable (p < 0.05) drop in hardness (20.60 to 12.29 N) while an increase in moisture content (10.00 to 14.64%) and water activity (0.65 to 0.77) was observed. Compared to control (100% refined sugar), date paste addition increased crude fiber and protein content by 58.4 and 281.4% with higher macro (88.25 to 329.44 mg/100 g potassium, 79.60 to 91.83 mg/100 g calcium, 18.81 to 50.49 mg/100 g phosphorus) and micro (4.23 to 8.55 mg/100 g iron and 3.00 to 4.25 mg/100 g zinc) minerals, phytochemical constituents (96.67 to 132.90 mg GAE/ 100 g phenolics, 71.18 to 103.28 mg QE/100 g flavonoids and 124.74 to 197.41 µg/100 g carotenoids) and antioxidant activity (37.69 to 50.67%). Based on sensory characteristics, toffees prepared by replacing sugar with 50% date paste were selected for storage studies and were found to be shelf stable for 3 months with satisfactory microbial and organoleptic quality. The study concluded that date paste may be used as a more nutritive alternative to refined sugar for development of phytonutrients rich sweet meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are commonly found in the environment due to human activities like industrialization and development. These metals are toxic and often contaminate water, food, and edible plants, leading to human exposure. This study investigates Cd and Pb levels in 68 date samples from supermarkets across various regions of Sindh, Pakistan, including 30 samples provided by companies that export date palm fruits globally. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with conventional wet acid digestion (CAD) was used for metal determination. Optimization was carried out by Plackett–Burman design (PBD), central composite design (CCD), and response surface methodology (RSM). Results indicated that Cd levels in export samples ranged from 0.012 ± 0.001 to 0.061 ± 0.004, with an average value of 0.031 ± 0.002 mg/kg. Lead levels in these samples varied from 0.028 ± 0.001 to 0.079 ± 0.03, averaging 0.055 ± 0.004 mg/kg. These levels were within the safety limits. However, local market samples exhibited slightly higher Pb levels, ranging from 0.15 ± 0.01 to 0.32 ± 0.03, with an average of 0.26 ± 0.02 mg/kg, exceeding the recommended safety limits. In contrast, the Cd content in local market samples ranged from 0.12 ± 0.01 to 0.16 ± 0.02 mg/kg, remaining below the WHO/FAO. These contaminants may originate from cultivation, water, air, transportation, processing, and so forth. The method was validated by standard addition recovery test, triplicate analysis, procedure blanks, and standard reference material (SRM). The average daily intake (ADI) values for TMs, along with the hazard index (HI) and target hazard quotients (THQs) were calculated to assess potential health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is recognized as one of humanity's earliest cultivated plants, having served as a food source for over 6000 years. It holds a prominent status as the most favoured fruit in the Middle East and North Africa. Date fruit has a long history of consumption and traditional medicinal use. Whether eaten fresh or dried, dates offer a rich source of energy due to their exceptional nutritional content and extended shelf life. They provide an economical means of obtaining essential nutrients including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals and dietary fibers. Furthermore, date fruit exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic and many more. It is also beneficial in disorders of paralysis, sexual debility, fever etc. Date palm fruits offer a natural and safe alternative or complement to synthetic drugs in managing numerous health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit of the date tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is increasingly recognized for its nutritional and functional value. This exotic fruit shows variable composition, influenced by factors such as variety, ripening stage, and climatic conditions. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the nutritional profile and the bioactive components, including phenolic compounds and oligosaccharides, in different varieties of dates from Saudi Arabia collected at the Tamr ripening stage. The HPLC-ESI-MS analysis identified a total of 15 phenolic compounds, principally phenolic acids and flavonoids. Among the varieties tested, Safawi exhibited the highest phenolic concentration (1132 µg/100 g dw). To the best of our knowledge, the oligosaccharide composition is described for the first time among different varieties, with Sukari showing the highest concentration (3.37 g/100 g dw). Moreover, the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays) was assessed following a solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up to remove interferents, especially sugars. These results provide valuable insights into the health-promoting properties of date fruit as a functional food and provide a foundation for further research into their industrial applications as functional ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its nutritional value and health benefits, the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an essential dietary food crop throughout Middle Eastern and African countries. Consumers are concerned about the possible microbial contamination of dates, especially since most dates arriving in local markets are unprocessed. The absence of processing increases the possibility of microbial contamination, which raises the probability of microbial contamination. This study aims to analyze and evaluate the variability of fungal and bacterial microbiota identified in the most popular date palm fruits in Saudi Arabia. The study assessed ten date variety fruits from the most popular date palm varieties for consumption in Saudi Arabia and analyzed the microbial count. Morphological and molecular characterization and comparison of nuclear ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences identified 78 fungi, including 36 distinct species across 15 fungal genera. Alternaria, Fusarium, Curvilaria, Aspergillus, and Penicillium were the most frequent genera among the ten fruit cultivars studied, according to ITS-rDNA sequence analysis. Furthermore, 36 bacterial isolates were obtained from ten date varieties studied, each with a unique colony morphology. These isolates were identified based on sequence alignment and comparison of their 16S rDNA internal spacer regions to those available in public databases. The results showed that the bacterial isolates included 15 species from five bacterial genera. The results suggested that Bacillus, Stenotrophomonas, and Brucella were the prevailing genera among the ten tested fruit varieties. Some bacterial genera, such as Brucella, Achromobacter, and Stenotrophomonas, are well-known potential human pathogens. Chaetomium globosum was also recognized as air pollution causing adverse health effects such as allergies and as the causal agent of human fungal infections among the tested date varieties; the Rashodiah type exhibited the highest fungal contamination, whereas the Sagai variety displayed the lowest fungal contamination. Conversely, the Sukkari, Barhi, and Mejdool varieties were the most contaminated with bacteria among the ten tested varieties, while the Khalas variety showed the least bacterial contamination. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study provides the initial comprehensive account of the molecular and morphological identification of all fungal and bacterial genera associated with date palm (P. dactylifera) fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channels (CNGCs) are suggested to be important calcium-conducting channels and are involved in various biological functions such as plant development, phytohormone responses, and plant--pathogen interactions. Nevertheless, CNGC gene family identification has not yet been conducted for date palm crops. In this study, genome-wide identification and pharmacological analysis of date CNGCs were conducted against fungal pathogens including Aspergillus and Fusarium spp. Twentysix PdCNGC genes were identified using extensive bioinformatics tools. Gene Ontology analysis revealed the signal transduction, transmembrane transport, and ion-binding proteins to be the major regulators in the biological processes and molecular functions of PdCNGCs. Protein--protein interactions of PdCNGCs and their patterns confirmed an integrated role that may be related to nitric oxide and calcium ion-mediated signal transduction and plant--pathogen interactions. Extensive phylogenetic analysis provided clear evidence that group IV had ancient origins. This was supported by the fact that the entire sets of CNGCs from both nonvascular plants (moss) and vascular nonflowering plants (Selaginella) were clustered together with groups IVa and IVb, emphasizing the evolutionary antiquity of this group. Furthermore, a pharmacological assay suggested that the application of cGMP and cAMP as CNGC activators may enhance susceptibility against Aspergillus spp. in the leaves and stems of date palm, respectively. Treatment with LaCl3 as a calcium channel blocker reduced the resistance of date fruit to Fusarium spp. These results suggest a valuable role for CNGC and calcium ions, which may be negatively regulated in date palm against fungal pathogens. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further functional analysis of date palm CNGCs and their molecular mechanisms in the context of pharmacological assessments of plant disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appraised for being one of the oldest staple nutritive foods mainly in the Arabian Peninsula, the date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.), is a crop native to the subtropical and tropical regions of Southern Asia and Africa. Different parts of the date tree have been extensively studied for their nutritional and therapeutic properties. Despite an array of publications on the date tree, there has been no attempt to compile in a single study the traditional uses, nutritive value, phytochemical profile, the medicinal properties as well as the potential of the different plant parts as a functional food. Therefore, this review endeavors to systematically review the scientific literature to highlight the traditional uses of date fruit and parts around the world, the nutritional profile of several parts and the medicinal properties. A total of 215 studies was retrieved (traditional uses (n = 26), nutritional (n = 52), and medicinal (n = 84)). Scientific articles were further categorized as in vitro (n = 33), in vivo (n = 35), and clinical (n = 16) evidences. Date seeds were found to be effective against E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Aqueous date pollen was used to manage hormonal problems and boost fertility. Palm leaves showed anti-hyperglycemic effects via inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Unlike previous studies, this study highlighted the functional roles of all the plant parts of the palm tree and provided insights into the various mechanism of action of their bioactive compounds. Although scientific shreds of evidence have been growing over the years, there is still a dearth of studies concerning the clinical validation of the date fruit and other plant parts to provide strong evidence on their medicinal uses. In conclusion, P. dactylifera can be regarded as a potent medicinal plant with prophylactic potential and should be further explored to alleviate the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moroccan oases host a rich array of date palm varieties, renowned for the traditional expertise in crafting local products from dates. Date juice, a quintessential local product with significant heritage value, is facing a decline in appreciation. This study delves into indigenous knowledge surrounding date juice processing. Surveys involving one hundred women from the Alnif and Tata oases in Morocco's pre-Saharan regions were conducted. Results reveal the use of 56 medicinal and aromatic plants from 33 families and 53 genera in date juice preparation, with Lamiaceae and Asteraceae families most prevalent. Noteworthy species include Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. (85 citations), Cynara humilis L. (66), Cyperus longus L. (65), and Alpinia officinarum Hance (64). Date juice holds significance in traditional medicine, prized for its sensory qualities and therapeutic benefits resulting from blending date fruit with aromatic and medicinal plants. The study sheds light on traditional manufacturing processes, including palm variety selection and plant choices. It also offers insights into therapeutic applications aligning with medicinal practices. These findings enrich understanding of cultural traditions and provide essential information for their preservation and propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity and droughts are among the most challenging issues worldwide, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions like Saudi Arabia. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a major crop in Saudi Arabia, is being significantly affected by water scarcity, soil salinity, and desertification. Alternative water sources are needed to conserve freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia has a significant number of aquaculture farms that generate substantial amounts of wastewater, which can be utilized as an alternative source of irrigation. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the potential of aquaculture wastewater as an alternative irrigation source for date palm orchards. Aquaculture wastewater was collected from 12 different farms (Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions, Saudi Arabia) and its quality was analyzed. The impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil quality, nutrient availability, nutrient status of date palm trees, and dates fruit quality were assessed in comparison to source water (freshwater) irrigation at Al-Kharj, Al-Muzahmiya, and Al-Qassim regions. The water quality analyses showed higher salinity (EC = 3.31 dSm−1) in farm Q3, while all other farms demonstrated no salinity, sodicity, or alkalinity hazards. Moreover, the aquaculture wastewater irrigation increased soil available P, K, NO3−–N, and NH4+–N by 49.31%, 21.11%, 33.62%, and 52.31%, respectively, compared to source water irrigation. On average, date palm fruit weight, length, and moisture contents increased by 26%, 23%, and 43% under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Further, P, K, Fe, Cu, and Zn contents in date palm leaf were increased by 19.35%, 34.17%, 37.36%, 38.24%, and 45.29%, respectively, under aquaculture wastewater irrigation compared to source water irrigation. Overall, aquaculture wastewater irrigation significantly enhanced date palm plant growth, date palm fruit quality, and soil available nutrients compared to freshwater irrigation. It was concluded that aquaculture wastewater can be used as an effective irrigation source for date palm farms as it enhances soil nutrient availability, date palm growth, and date fruit yield and quality. The findings of this study suggest that aquaculture wastewater could be a viable alternative for conserving freshwater resources and increase date palm production in Saudi Arabia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research explores the potential of Ajwa date fruit extract as a bioactive component in cosmeceutical formulations, with particular emphasis on its anti-tyrosinase, anti-collagenase, and ultraviolet (UV) protection capabilities. The antioxidant activity was determined using the design of response surface methodology, considering the factor of sample-to-water-assolvent ratio, extraction time, and size of the sample. This factor possesses the capacity to exert an influence on the production of antioxidants and enhance the efficacy of the extraction procedure. The Ajwa date fruit extract was obtained using the Soxhlet method. The extract showed notable inhibition percentages of 67.77 and 49.12 for anti-tyrosinase and anti-collagenase activities, respectively. Additionally, it revealed a sun protection factor value of 17.09. Previous research has indicated that Ajwa dates exhibit significant inhibitory properties against tyrosinase and collagenase enzymes, making them potentially valuable in cosmetic applications. Therefore, research has demonstrated this study's promise in skin pigmentation, elasticity, and UV protection. The study places significant importance on exploring natural alternatives in cosmetics. It highlights the encouraging outcomes obtained from using Ajwa date fruit extract, emphasising its potential for future advancements in cosmeceuticals. The present study offers a valuable opportunity to produce skincare formulas that are both safer and more effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm trees originate in many tropical regions of the world and produce dates. Each variety can be differentiated through the shape, texture, size, and colour of the fruits. People have difficulties visualising and recognising the types of date fruits because they have many varieties and species. An Androidbased mobile application is being proposed to help users quickly identify the dates based on their images and expand their knowledge of dates. The date fruit species classification mobile application categorises nine different varieties of date fruits, namely Ajwa, Medjool, Rutab, Nabtat Ali, Meneifi, Galaxy, Sugaey, Shaishe, and Sokari. The classification, which is based on a transfer learning technique from a pre-trained neural network, achieved a 94.2% accuracy rate. The mobile application features a user-friendly graphical interface that makes it easy to use and understand. Users can learn about different date fruit varieties and improve knowledge retention through a mini game. The application’s usability, usefulness, and interface design were confirmed through the user acceptance survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, five Algerian date cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.) were investigated for their antioxidant contents, phenolic profiles, and some pharmacological properties (anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and antioxidant activities). The results showed that the Tanslit cultivar was the most concentrated in total phenolic compounds and flavonoids with 433.03±0.47 96 mg QE/100g DM and 102.5±3.96 mg QE/100g DM, respectively. The Tamdjohert cultivar was the richest on anthocyanins (9.83±0.07mg CE/100g DM). HPLC analysis indicated that the Tamdjohert cultivar contained a high flavonoids concentration (8.22 ± 0.53mg/100g DM), and the Takarmoust cultivar displayed the highest concentration of phenolic acids (15.64±0.41mg/100g DM). The results indicated that the Litim cultivar exhibited strong hydroxyl radical inhibition (134.95±18.07mg GAE/100g DM), and also potently inhibited a-amylase activity (35.19±4.98%). The Tamdjohert cultivar exerted the highest reduction of inflammatory mediators (255.87±18.47mg GAE/100g DM). This study demonstrated that date fruit was a good source of bioactive compounds with important pharmacological properties and can be considered as functional food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Constantly eaten foods (such as fruits, vegetables, cereal, etc.) that contain excessive concentrations of heavy metals pose a major risk to human health and deplete the food supply. The amounts of heavy metals in different date varietiies were measured after they were collected from three wholesale markets in the major cities of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Medina. In order to look at the health risks associated with heavy metal consumption after intake of dates, the Average Daily Intake (ADI), Hazard Quotient (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) were also calculated. Results: Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), and Zinc (Zn) levels were evaluated. Several analyses of date fruit exhibited levels of Pb and Cd in different date varieties that beyond the Maximum Permissible Limit (MPL). In the majority of the samples, ADI was below the upper authorized tolerated daily consumption. The likelihood of a health risk from the regular eating of the investigated date fruits is revealed by the hazardous indexes of samples taken from New Market and Badamtali that surpassed unit value as a result of excessive air pollution brought on by greater industrial and vehicle traffic. According to the study, the majority of the analyzed heavy metals were identified in date samples and those from later samples at levels that were less harmful than the maximum acceptable threshold (MAL). Conclusions: Some samples included higher levels of Pb and Cd. As a result, eating dates that contain more metal has a higher chance of harming your health. Additionally, it has been recommended that regular testing for heavy metals in date fruits may be useful in preventing health risks associated with eating fruits that are contaminated with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As known, dates are packed with antioxidants and bioactive compounds and provide various health benefits, as evidenced by their varying nitrite levels. Algerian dates, on the other hand, have not been thoroughly investigated for their bioactive compounds and overall antioxidant capacity. This research aims to tap into this potential by meticulously measuring total polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins in three popular Algerian varieties (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Ksiba, Hamraya, and Deglet Nour, and the determination of their antioxidant activity using (scavenging assays of 2,2- diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity. The analysis showed that the three varieties of date fruits are rich in total phenolics with an amount ranging between 71±51 and 7975±389 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE).100 g-1 of dry weight (DW), the flavonoid amount ranged from 31±3 to 767±4 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE) 100 g-1 DW and condensed tannins between 6± 2 and 653 ±64 mg of catechin equivalent (CE) 100 g-1 dry DW. The antiradical activity was quite promising and ranged between 0.5 and 24 µg AAE mg-1 extract for DPPH and between 2 and 113 µg AAE mg-1 extract for ABTS, while the reducing power and total antioxidant capacity values ranged from 16 to 154 μg ascorbic acid (AAE) mg-1 and 39 to 68 μg AAE mg-1 extract respectively. The results of this study show that Algerian date fruit can be regarded as a potential natural source of antioxidants, with ethyl acetate serving as the best extractant solvent, resulting in higher polyphenol content and antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruit samples belonging to the 'Mejhoul' and 'Boufeggous' cultivars were harvested at the Tamar stage and used in our experiments. Before scanning, date samples were dried using convective drying at 60 °C and infrared drying at 60 °C with a frequency of 50 Hz, and then they were scanned. The scanning trials were performed for two hundred date palm fruit in fresh, convective-dried, and infrared-dried forms of each cultivar using a flatbed scanner. The image-texture parameters of date fruit were extracted from images converted to individual color channels in RGB, Lab, XYZ, and UVS color models. The models to classify fresh and dried samples were developed based on selected image textures using machine learning algorithms belonging to the groups of Bayes, Trees, Lazy, Functions, and Meta. For both the 'Mejhoul' and 'Boufeggous' cultivars, models built using Random Forest from the group of Trees turned out to be accurate and successful. The average classification accuracy for fresh, convective-dried, and infrared-dried 'Mejhoul' reached 99.33%, whereas fresh, convective-dried, and infrared-dried samples of 'Boufeggous' were distinguished with an average accuracy of 94.33%. In the case of both cultivars and each model, the higher correctness of discrimination was between fresh and infrared-dried samples, whereas the highest number of misclassified cases occurred between fresh and convective-dried fruit. Thus, the developed procedure may be considered an innovative approach to the non-destructive assessment of drying impact on the external quality characteristics of date palm fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Dates are the second most important crops in Iran after pistachios, which show different structural and textural adaptations to drought and high temperatures. Acquiring the necessary knowledge about various structural and physiological changes from flowering to fruit ripening plays a significant role in obtaining high-quality and marketable fruit. Date fruit is a berry characterized by exocarp, fleshy mesocarp and membrane endocarp around the seed. This berry is formed from a fertilized carpel present in the female flower, while the other two carpels do not grow and decay. The fruit development period is long and lasts about 7 months. The sweetness and texture of date fruit is closely related to the maturity stage of the fruit. During the growth period of date fruit, several changes in the color and chemical composition of the fruit are observed. Mozafati is one of the most important commercial varieties of dates in Iran especially in Bam city. In the present study, the morphology and histology of the date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) of the Mozafati cultivar were investigated during the developmental stages. Material and Methods: Samples were collected from a commercial garden located in Bam city. Five adult 17-year-old date palms of Mozafati cultivar derived from offshoots grown in similar environmental conditions were used as female parents. The pollen used in this experiment is the same pollen that is normally used by local gardeners for pollination. Sample collection was done in five different developmental stages including Hababouk, Kimri, Khalal, Sarkhal and Rutab (4, 12, 19, 24 and 25 weeks after pollination, respectively). In this research, the local Iranian names such as Sarkhal and Rutb were used for the last two stages. The collected fruits, after cleaning and sorting, were packed and stored at 4ºC. The hand sections prepared from the fresh samples at each developmental stage were studied with an optical microscope after staining and then photographed. Results: An anatomical study of fruits in different stages of development revealed several general characteristics in their pericarp structure: 1) Pericarp differentiation starts in the early stages of development (immediately after pollination) and its development continues progressively and regularly. 2) The exocarp contains four differentiated layers in all developmental stages, from outside to inside, includes layers of the epidermis, hypodermis, skin parenchyma, and layer of stone cells. 3) The mesocarp (which is the largest region forming the pericarp) has a large number of layers consisting of parenchymal cells and is divided into two outer and inner regions, which are separated by a layer of parenchymal cells specialized to store tannins (idioblast). Vascular vessels with different sizes are distributed in the outer and inner mesocarp, which are less abundant in the inner parts. 4) The endocarp can be recognized as an unspecialized single-layered epidermis only in the early stages of development and eventually forms the seed coat together with the inner layers of the mesocarp. Conclusion: Organized protection and defense mechanisms, including the presence of thick cuticle, stone layer, and specialized tannin layer (tannin idioblasts) in all stages of pericarp development, were among the interesting histological features of this cultivar, which showed its adaptive and evolutionary role in specific habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic cadmium exposure is known to be a major health concern due to its nephrotoxic effects. Consequently, this study aimed to assess the potential protective effects of date palm fruit extract (DPFE) against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in male albino rats. A total of 48 rats were divided equally into four groups and subjected to specific treatments. Group I (control given 1 ml distal water orally daily), group II (200 mg DPFE /kg b.wt. orally daily), Group III (5 mg CdCl2 /kg b.wt. orally, twice a week), and VI (DPFE and CdCl2). Serum samples were collected after 4 and 8 weeks for biochemical analysis, and kidney tissue specimens were obtained for histopathological examination. The administration of cadmium chloride for 4 and 8 weeks resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in the serum creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels, indicating kidney dysfunction. Histopathological changes, including vascular lesions, hemorrhage, edema, periglomerular, perivascular and interstitial fibrosis, mononuclear leucocytic cellular infiltration and excessive glomerular and tubular degeneration and necrosis which further confirmed the nephrotoxic effects of cadmium. However, pre-treatment with DPFE exhibited a substantial ameliorative effect against cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity. DPFE supplementation led to a significant reduction in kidney biochemical parameters toward normal levels and improved renal tissue architecture. Our findings indicate that date palm fruit extract has a time-dependant protective effect on kidney function indices and histopathological alterations induced by cadmium, highlighting its potential as a natural medication to mitigate renal damage caused by chronic cadmium exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Morocco, the abundance of low-value varieties in the oases may provide an opportunity to capitalize on this richness to create new nutraceutical food products. In this context, the phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of four Moroccan date varieties were analyzed. Our results indicate that the levels of total polyphenols, total flavonoids and total condensed tannins vary, respectively, from 91.86 to 364.35 mg GAE/100 g of dry weight (DW), 46.59 to 111.80 mg QE/100 g DW and 16.10 to 42.03 mg CE/100 g DW during the 2021 harvest season. Furthermore, during the 2022 harvest season, these contents vary, respectively, from 119.13 to 410.39 mg GAE/100 g DW, 59.30 to 110.85 mg QE/100 g DW and 21.93 to 53.95 mg CE/100 g DW. The results of the HPLC-UV-VIS analysis revealed that, in all four varieties, gallic acid was and remained one of the major compounds in the date extracts. In addition, a high antioxidant activity of date extracts was particularly observed in the three tests, namely ferric reducing power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating capacity (FIC) and the phosphomolybdate test. This richness in phenolic compounds makes low-value dates a source of active ingredient that can replace the synthetic antioxidants used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For thousands of years, date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been a popular diet in arid and semi‐arid locations. It has religious importance for Muslims and is especially important during the holy month of Ramadan. The global output of date fruits has been continuously expanding, with Arab nations accounting for a sizable portion. The emphasis of this research is on two popular semi‐dry Algerian date fruit types, Deglet Noor and Arechti, which are grown in the Ziban region. These fruits' physical parameters, such as size, sphericity, surface area, volumes, and density, were determined. The goal of this study was to create a mass model based on these physical attributes to help in the grading and sorting of date fruits. Fruit mass was shown to be closely connected to linear dimensions, arithmetic and geometric mean diameters, surface area, and volumes. Correlations between mass and physical attributes were established using a variety of mathematical models, including linear, quadratic, S‐curve, and power models. The results demonstrated the applicability of specific factors for mass modeling, offering useful insights for the development of system sizing and conservation. With good correlation, multivariate data analysis was employed to correctly estimate the mass of both kinds. This research advances our understanding of the physical features of Algerian date fruits and their connection to mass, allowing for better handling, sorting, and packing processes in the worldwide date market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aimed to investigate the impact of variety factor on the physiological characteristics and growth curve of date palm fruits in a private orchard in the Hartha district of Al-Masheeb, north of Basrah province. Two date palm varieties, Barhi and Zamli, were selected and antioxidants tocopherol and Glutathione were used at three concentrations (0, 75, 150 mg/L) for each. The interaction between these factors was studied in terms of physiological characteristics and growth curves. Results showed no significant differences between the varieties' physiological characteristics, but the spray treatments had a significant effect on the percentage of fruit set. The Glutathione spraying treatment had the highest rate of fruit set (86.60%), while the comparison treatment had the lowest drop rate (77.55%). The interaction treatments also had significant differences in drop rate and non-set fruit percentages. The Zamli variety showed the highest growth curve of physical traits (6 and 12 weeks after pollination), while antioxidant spray treatments had significant differences in the rate of physical characteristics. The interaction had a significant effect on the studied characteristics during the two growth periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dates are the fruits of the date palm belonging to the Arecaceae family; they comprise over 2500 species and 200 genera and constitute an essential part of the daily diet worldwide, with beneficial nutritional, health, and economic values. Several varieties of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruit exist globally, especially in hot and humid regions. This review is an overview of date palms as a significant global food resource, including their historical significance, nutritional composition, cultivation practices, economic importance, and health benefits. The historical journey of dates goes back to ancient civilizations where they were revered for their richness in essential nutrients and natural sweetness. Today, dates are a vital crop in arid regions, contributing substantially to the agricultural economy and livelihoods of communities. This paper further explores the cultivation techniques employed to enhance date production. Furthermore, the nutritional composition of dates is analyzed in detail, highlighting their high content of vitamins, minerals, dietary fibers, and antioxidants. These attributes make dates a delicious treat and a valuable nutritional component, offering numerous health benefits. The potential health effects, including improved digestion, enhanced cardiovascular health, and increased energy levels, are discussed. Additionally, this paper delves into the economic significance of the date industry and its global trade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palms are a vital part of oasis ecosystems and are an important source of income in arid and semi-arid areas. Crossbreeding is limited due to the long juvenile stage of date palms and their dioecious nature. The aim of this study was to create triploid date palms to obtain larger and seedless fruits and to increase resilience to abiotic stresses. A tetraploid date palm mutant was crossed with a diploid male palm, yielding hundreds of seeds suspected of containing triploid embryos. Six years after planting, four palms with confirmed triploidy reached maturity. They are phenotypically distinct from diploids, with a thicker rachis, thinner spines, wider and longer midleaf spines, and a longer apical spine. They were classified as sterile bisexual, sterile male and fertile female. One of the latter produced very tasty dates with a very small seed, which is promising for the marketability and profitability of date palm fruits. This first report on triploid date palms provides a way in which to make a significant leap forward in date palm breeding. Given the vigor and fruit quality of female triploid date palms, compared to their diploid counterparts, they will be the target of breeding programs and may spearhead new oases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted during the agricultural season 2021-2022 on the fruits of date palm, Medjool cultivar, where the fruits were brought from one of the private orchards belonging to the Shatt Al--Arab district in Basrah Governorate, on 9/3/2021, and the experiment was carried out as a factorial experiment according to the Complete Randomized Design (CRD), with three replicates for each treatment .The experiment included three factors, the first was the evaporation with ozone gas at concentrations of 0, 2.500 and 5000 ppm, the second factor was the storage of fruits at three temperatures (5°C, 10 °C and 25°C), while the third factor was the storage period which extended six months .Fruits were packed in plastic containers with a capacity of 250 g before storage and the obtained results showed that the treatment with ozone at a concentration of 5000 ppm was superior in reducing the percentage of decay and retaining the water content, the percentage of total soluble solids, and the total acidity of the fruits. The results also showed that fruits stored at 5°C were the best in reducing decay and retained the water content, the percentage of total soluble solids compared to 10°C and 25°C. Stored fruits retained most of their studied characteristics despite the advanced storage period, which reached six months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) on the extraction of phytochemicals from eight Algerian date fruit cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.). In this study, lactic acid/sucrose-based NADESs were used as an alternative to conventional chemical solvents using the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method. The obtained extracts were assessed for the determination of bioactive compound contents, phenolic composition, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibitory potential. The results showed a considerable variation in phytochemical compositions and related activities between cultivars, where the greatest contents of total phenolics (1288.7 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (53.8 mg QE/100 g), proanthocyanidins (179.5 mg CE/g), and total triterpenoids (12.88 mg OAE/100 g) were detected in the fruits of the Ourous cultivar. The same cultivar displayed the highest antioxidant capacity against DPPH• free radical (595 mg AAE/100 g), ABTS•+ cation radical (839 mg TE/100 g), and ferric reducing antioxidant potential (704 mg AAE/100 g). All extracts manifested moderate antioxidant activities tested by phosphomolybdenum, NO•, and linoleic acid lipid peroxidation assays. These extracts also exhibited interesting levels of in vitro enzyme inhibition; the Ourous cultivar gave the best inhibitory activity against α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase with 45 and 37%, respectively. HPLC-DAD-MS detected a total of five compounds, with phenolic acids and flavonoids being the main phenolics identified in the extract. The phenolic composition exhibited significant variability among cultivars. Notably, the highest amounts were revealed in the Tazizaout cultivar, with the predominance of gallic acid. The results confirmed that the combination of UAE and NADESs provides a novel and important alternative to chemical solvents for sustainable and environmentally friendly extraction and can represent a good alternative in food and pharmaceutical industry applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess the concentrations of major and trace metals (Na, Ca, Fe, Zn, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cd, and Pb) in date palm fruit samples collected from diverse regions, including Afar (Ethiopia), Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, utilizing flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The wet acid digestion method was employed for sample treatment, with optimization of the key parameters such as reagent volume ratio, oven temperature, and digestion time for analytical applications. Under the optimized parameters, average metal concentrations in date palm fruit samples ranged from 205–299, 134–320, 38.8–115, 25.1–42.2, 9.27–27.9, 7.11–16.3, and 0.002–1.15 mg/kg for Ca, Na, Fe, Ni, Zn, Mn, and Cu, respectively. Cd and Pb levels were below detection limits within the linear range. Generally, date palm samples exhibited higher Ca and Na contents and lower concentrations of Cu and Mn than other metals. Pearson correlation analysis revealed very strong positive correlations between Fe and Na, Na and Zn, Na and Mn, Ca and Zn, Fe and Ni, Fe and Mn, and Mn and Ni. Strong negative correlations were observed for Ni and Na, Fe and Cu, and Cu and Ni. Weak correlations were noted among Na and Cu, Ca and Fe, Ca and Ni, Ca and Mn, Ca and Cu, Fe and Zn, Ni and Zn, Zn and Mn, and Zn and Cu. A recovery study using the spiking method demonstrated acceptable percentage recoveries ranging from 91.6% to 97.8%. Health risk assessment, including chronic daily intake (CDI), hazard quotient (HQ), total exposure hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR), indicated CDI, HQ, and HI values below 1.0, except for the HI value for Ni. This suggests that the metals pose no probable public health risk, with the absence of Cd and Pb in date palm samples affirming no carcinogenic threats associated with their consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a major component of the agro-food systems of the arid regions. Since it is an indigenous tree, it is an integral part of the local cultural heritage and social and economic life. Date palm cultivation in the region is challenging due to various factors such as water scarcity and soil and water salinity. Methods: This research study was conducted to evaluate the quality of commonly sold date palm varieties in the UAE market and grown using saline water at the ICBA research station in Dubai. The study involved measuring physical parameters like fruit weight, size, dimensions, color, volume, Brix, protein, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sugars, phenols, sodium, and potassium, as well as analyzing how consumers perceive the fruit’s quality attributes produced under varying salinity levels. The study evaluated Tamar dates’ texture, flavor, aroma, taste, color, and appearance using a five-point scale from very poor to excellent. Results and discussion: The study found that fruit quality is affected by salinity, and there is a significant interaction between variety and salinity treatments. Salinity affects date palm traits, but low to moderate levels do not affect fruit quality. Khalas, Sukkari, and Ajwa-Tul-Madinah are the least affected varieties. High salinity negatively impacts some varieties, leading to decreased fruit quality. However, it is also worth noting that salinity stress can increase the sugar concentration in fruit for specific varieties, as demonstrated in this study on fruit sugar content under such conditions. Among the tested dates, Sukkari from the market, Ajwa-Tul-Madinah irrigated with 5 and 10 dS m−1 have the highest sugar content and many other desirable characteristics. Hierarchical k-means clustering reveals that each genotype performs better under a specific level of salinity, allowing for targeted selection of genotypes for salinity mitigation. Sugar content is crucial in assessing date fruits irrigated with saline water. It should be included in the evaluation criteria to promote the use of saline water for date palm irrigation and save freshwater resources. The study provides valuable insights into different date palm varieties’ behavior under varying salinity levels, enabling farmers to optimize production and establish new evaluation criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The popularity and demand for high-quality date palm fruits (Phoenix dactylifera L.) have been growing, and their quality largely depends on the type of handling, storage, and processing methods. The current methods of geometric evaluation and classification of date palm fruits are characterised by high labour intensity and are usually performed mechanically, which may cause additional damage and reduce the quality and value of the product. Therefore, non-contact methods are being sought based on image analysis, with digital solutions controlling the evaluation and classification processes. The main objective of this paper is to develop an automatic classification model for varieties of date palm fruits using a convolutional neural network (CNN) based on two fundamental criteria, i.e., colour difference and evaluation of geometric parameters of dates. A CNN with a fixed architecture was built, marked as DateNET, consisting of a system of five alternating Conv2D, MaxPooling2D, and Dropout classes. The validation accuracy of the model presented in this study depended on the selection of classification criteria. It was 85.24% for fruit colour-based classification and 87.62% for the geometric parameters only; however, it increased considerably to 93.41% when both the colour and geometry of dates were considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saudi Arabia is a prominent producer of dates, producing 1.6 million tons annually. There is a need to evaluate the physical properties and quality of fruits non-destructively and then modeled and predict them throughout the storage period. The aim of the current study was to generate a quality index (Qi) and visible–near-infrared spectra (VIS-NIR) models non-destructively to predict properties of Barhi dates including objective and sensory evaluations. A total of 1000 Barhi fruits were sorted into three stages of maturation, ranging from 80 to 100% yellowish. The physical properties (hardness, color, TSS, pH, and sensory evaluations) of Barhi dates were measured and modeled with Qi based on VIS-NIR of fresh Barhi fruits and during storage in ambient (25 °C), cold (1 °C), and CA (1 °C with 5%:5% O2:CO2, 85% RH) conditions for up to 3 months. The prediction of Qi was non-destructively based on VIS-NIR utilizing PLSR and ANN data analysis. The results showed that the shelf-life of stored Barhi fruits were 20, 40, and 120 days corresponding to 25 °C, cold (1 °C), and CA, respectively. It was found that VIS-NIR spectroscopy was helpful in estimating the Qi of Barhi fruits for PLSR and ANN data analysis, respectively, in calibration with an R2 of 0.793 and 0.912 and RMSEC of 0.110 and 0.308 and cross-validation with an R2 of 0.783 and 0.912 and RMSEC of 0.298 and 0.308. The VIS-NIR spectrum has proven to be an effective method for the evaluation of the Qi of Barhi fruits and their physical properties throughout the supply chain in the handling, processing, transportation, storage and retail sectors. It was found that ANN is more suitable than PLSR analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental effects on the response of Date Palm Fiber (DPF) composites are explored through an in-depth analysis of water absorption behavior. This study comprehensively investigates the influence of fiber content, immersion time, and water type on mass gain. Rigorous experimentation and advanced statistical analyses quantify the percent contribution of each factor, emphasizing the dominant role of fiber content at 96.61%. While immersion time and water type contribute relatively smaller percentages (2.11% and 1.28%, respectively), their insights are invaluable for tailored composite design. The study extends to interaction effects, showcasing the combined influence of factors. Regression models, progressing from linear and reciprocal formulations to comprehensive global models, are developed. Meticulous examination of prediction accuracy, using diverse statistical metrics, highlights the superior performance of the global reciprocal model across different water types. This work provides essential insights for optimizing DPF composite design, fabrication, and application, empowering engineers and researchers to make informed decisions in industries demanding tailored water absorption behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technologies like bunch covers have been shown to improve quality of date fruits. It is one of the approaches which are believed effective to protect the most sensitive stage of date fruit from autumnal rain and carob date. An experimental procedure is set up to allow farmers to predict, analyze, and optimize cover bunch performance after its use in protection applications and to select the ideal bag. The cover quality is designed based on a mathematical model and further optimized using MINITAB. From this analysis, the impact of each individual parameter on the desired response parameters has been studied. The results proved that the best cover could be found in optimal conditions. Using the influential parameters as tear strength, tensile strength, weight, air permeability and resistance to water penetration, the results indicate that the cover bunch remains influenced after harvesting period by the resistance to water penetration properties and tear strength as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The date palm is a resilient, socioeconomically valuable desert fruit tree renowned for its heat, drought, and salinity tolerance. Date palm fruits are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and their beneficial health properties can mitigate current and future food security challenges. However, it is challenging to improve date palm production through conventional breeding methods due to its slow growth. Date palm seeds do not produce true‐to‐type progeny, and commercial propagation relies on direct organogenesis from maternal tissue. Consequently, numerous economically important and valuable cultivars are lost due to tissue recalcitrance and challenges in inducing cell dedifferentiation and regeneration. Moreover, genetic engineering of date palms is currently impossible due to the lack of a stable genetic transformation protocol. This hampers the development of genetic resources in date palms. This study established a tissue culture pipeline and a genetic transformation protocol for various commercially important date palm cultivars. We used the non‐invasive visual reporter RUBY and four morphogenic regulators to validate and improve date palm transformation potential. We found that the date palm BABY‐BOOM (PdBBM) and the WOUND INDUCED DEDIFFERENTIATION (PdWIND1) enhanced transformation efficacy. We show that PdBBM can induce embryogenesis in hormone‐free media and regenerate roots and shoots in recalcitrant varieties. On the other hand, PdWIND1 maintained embryogenic cells in their undifferentiated state. Our study provides a foundation for genetically improving date palms and a potential solution for preserving economically valuable varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Date palm fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) can be used as a pharmaceutical product because of its rich phytochemical composition. Mobile phone radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that has been confirmed to exert several adverse effects on living tissues. Methods: In this study, we investigated the phytochemicals of the Egyptian date palm fruit using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole-linear ion trap tandem mass spectrometry analysis (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) in negative and positive ionization modes. Adult male Wister albino rats were exposed to mobile phone induced electromagnetic radiations (EMR) for 1 hour per day for 4 weeks. We evaluated the possible cytoprotective effects of date palm fruits compared with vitamin C on mobile phone induced EMR. Rats were divided into the control, EMR, and two EMR groups treated with either vitamin C or date palm fruit. Results: The analysis of date resulted in the tentative identification of 29 compounds, including 13 free organic acids and their derivatives, 9 flavonoids and their glycosides, 3 fatty acids, and 4 miscellaneous compounds. Both biochemical and histopathological examinations of adrenal tissues confirmed that mobile phone radiation caused significant increases in oxidative stress, DNA damage, inflammatory marker levels, fibrosis, and apoptosis in adrenal tissues compared with the control group. Both vitamin C and date palm fruit significantly reduced these damaging effects with superior cytoprotective effect for date palm fruit over vitamin C. Conclusion: Date palm fruits could protect the adrenal glands due to its antiapoptotic, antioxidant, antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is an important commercial crop extensively consumed as a staple food and has been applied in many ethnomedical systems. Fruit vinegar is a preservative, condiment, and beverage with a spectrum of health benefits. Studies about the preparation, chemical profiles, and bioactivities of date fruit vinegar (DFV) are fundamental requirements for industrialization production. This study focused on the lab‐scaled producing conditions, chemical profiles of DFV, and its bioactivities in vitro. According to the results, a date wine containing 9.75% methanol was obtained by yeast fermenting the enzyme‐hydrolyzed date juice with 23.11% ± 0.39% of total sugar content. The optimized acidic fermentation conditions were an inoculation amount of 0.02%, a fermentation temperature of 31.14°C, and an initial alcohol content of 7.78%. Total acidity and total phenolic contents of the DFV were 7.74% ± 0.29% and 1.44 mg gallic acid equivalent/mL, respectively. In total, 32 organic acids were quantitated in the unaged DFV, with acetic, L‐malic, and oxoglutaric acids as the predominant compounds. A total of 930 volatiles were identified in the DFV, including 186 esters, 177 terpenoids, and 148 heterocyclic compounds. There are 18 phenolic acids presented in the DFV. In addition, 42 flavonoids were quantitated in the DFV, including catechin, taxifolin, and cynaroside. The results of free radical scavenging activities and reducing power demonstrated that the DFV displayed good antioxidant properties. The DFV also acted well on angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 inhibition. These results suggest that the DFV can be industrially developed as a dietary supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the heart of Moroccan oases, date palm trees stand as the lifeblood of local communities, serving as both a livelihood cornerstone and a dietary treasure trove. Morocco has long been a leading date fruit producer. Yet, amidst the palm groves, several environmental, technical, and socio-economic challenges have threatened the sustainability of this ancient crop. This study assesses the constraints and limitations of the date palm production system in Tafilalet oases that have kept this crop from reaching its full potential. A total of 56 producers were interviewed using an openclosed survey, illuminating interviews with key informants, dynamic focus group discussions, and direct observations in palm groves. The findings reveal that primary restrictions and barriers impeding the progress of this sector are: producers' moderate education level and the limited adoption of technological innovation, few opportunities given to young producers, palm groves' fragmentation, poor management of date fruits, low imports of the necessary inputs (fertilisers, irrigation, etc.), and the poor organisation of the marketing circuit (storage and packaging). Advocate renewed commitment to preserve and modernise palm groves, blending heritage with modern practices for thriving, sustainable date palm production. It is entirely conceivable to produce organic dates in the region since producers use a few quantities of chemical products, notably fertilisers and phytosanitary products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The current levels of added sugars in processed foods impact dental health and contribute to a range of chronic non-communicable diseases, such as overweight, obesity, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. This review presents sugars and sweeteners used in food processing, the current possibility to replace added sugars, and highlights the benefits of using dates as a new natural, nutritious and healthy alternative to synthetic and non-nutritive sweeteners. In the context of environmental sustainability, palm groves afford a propitious habitat for a diverse array of animal species and assume a pivotal social role by contributing to the provisioning of sustenance and livelihoods for local communities. The available literature shows the date as an alternative to added sugars due to its composition in macro and micronutrients, especially in bioactive components (fiber, polyphenols and minerals). Therefore, dates are presented as a health promoter and a preventative for certain diseases with the consequent added value. The use of damaged or unmarketable dates, due to its limited shelf life, can reduce losses and improve the sustainability of date palm cultivation. This review shows the potential use dates, date by-products and second quality dates as sugar substitutes in the production of sweet and healthier foods, in line with broader sustainability objectives and circular economy principles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date seeds, which are the main by-products of date fruit consumption, were shown to possess promising biological activities and health benefits with minimal human use. The present investigation analyzed and compared the phenolic content of six date seed varieties from four different origins (Khudari, Sakai, and Safawi from Saudi Arabia, Majdool from Jordan, Zahdi from Iraq, and Kabkab from Iran). The aqueous extracts were examined for possible antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-tumor potential. Date seed oil was extracted, and fatty acid profiles were compared. The results revealed that date seeds are a rich source of polyphenols, which have been linked to biological activities. Furthermore, the phenolic content seemed highly dependent on the variety, where Kabkab had the highest TPC value (271.2 mg GAE/g DM) while Majdool had the lowest value (63.2 mg GAE/g DM). Antioxidant activities of all varieties were highly correlated with the total phenolic content. The antibacterial investigation demonstrated that the Sakai variety possessed the dominant activity, whereas Majdool showed no activity. The results further indicated the sensitivity of both Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with a stronger effect against B. cereus, while no effect was observed against Gram-negative strains (Salmonella Typhi and Escherichia coli). All varieties were able to decrease colon and lung cancer cell viability, especially Khudari and Sakai, with stronger effects against colon cancer cells. Analysis of date seed oil showed high oleic acid content, especially in Sakai. The findings suggest that date seeds are promising candidates for future pharmaceutical applications as nutraceuticals to help combat certain illnesses, as well as functional foods and natural additives that boost the nutritional value of food products, increase their shelf lives, and improve the overall health of consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruits supply macronutrients and micronutrients, particularly carbohydrates, amino acids, and minerals. However, the fruits of different date palm cultivars have different nutritional profiles. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different pasteurization methods on the antioxidant capacities, polyphenol profiles, and physical properties of the juice of date fruits from two date palm cultivars. The total phenolic and total flavonoid compound contents were higher after thermal pasteurization than after high-pressure processing (HPP) or for the fresh juice. The antioxidant capacity was higher for Khunaizi date palm juice than Barhi date palm juice. SDS-PAGE was performed on the date palm juice samples, and it was found that the juice subjected to HPP retained protein bands but that thermal pasteurization caused the protein bands to disappear. HPP allowed the colour and protein content of the juice to be retained but thermal pasteurization increased the antioxidant capacity and polyphenol content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inability to produce raw materials in sufficient quantities, such as fruits, plants, pigments and resins, to manufacture green inhibitors is considered one of the biggest reasons that hinder the commercial use of these eco-friendly inhibitors. In Asia and Africa, date fruit is produced in large quantities. This fruit contains polysaccharides (primarily galacturonic acid) that can be used as a green inhibitor. The inhibition effect of Ghars date extract (GDE) on the corrosion of API 5L X70 pipeline steel in 0.5 M HCl solution was studied for the first time using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization curves, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The results show that GDE is an excellent inhibitor. The inhibition efficiency was 94 % at 2 g/L GDE. The GDE follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and involves physical adsorption. The GDE acts as a mixed-type inhibitor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The date is a well-established and important crop that holds economic significance. However, a substantial amount of waste in the form of low-grade dates and date pits is generated and accounts for 10 to 15% of the total production. Given the substantial amount of nutrients in these by-products and the large volume of waste generated, there is a promising opportunity to utilize them to create valuable commodities like fiber and phenolic compounds, which hold a high market value. This review presents a summary of the chemical and nutritional composition of dates and their by-products and aims to investigate the possibility of utilizing date processing by-products and waste as an eco-friendly resource for various chemical and biological processes like composting and extraction of value-added compounds, as well as providing insight into the date processing industry and typical methods employed for the beneficial use of date waste. In addition, this review also addresses the current challenges and future perspectives in date waste valorization expectations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early pest detection in an agroecosystem is desired for efficient pest management. A proper sampling plan is thus required with adequate sampling units and a small sample size. The date palm mite, Oligonychus afrasiaticus, is a severe pest of date fruits and its early detection is most needed. The present research aimed to identify whether a certain bunch direction or strand position of date fruit bunches could help in the early detection of date palm mite. The research was conducted in two climatic regions of Saudi Arabia, on six date palm cultivars and during four fruiting seasons. The date palm mite population dynamics data were collected from four bunch directions and three strand positions. For early pest detection, the population estimation started from the first appearance of the mite on the fruit bunches in each season, continuing till the first 3 weeks. The results depicted a clumped distribution of date palm mite in all bunch directions and strand positions. There was no significant difference in the mean date palm mite population, neither among three-strand positions nor among the four bunch directions. The mean population over the weeks showed that date palm mite almost equally infested the fruit bunches from all four directions and increased with non-significant differences. It is suggested that the plant parts basally adjacent to fruit bunches should be focused on the early detection of date palm mite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruit is a beloved and widely consumed food in the Middle East and North Africa, and its popularity is growing globally. However, sorting these fruits can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, particularly when done manually. To address this challenge, we have proposed an innovative approach that uses multimodal data fusion and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to efficiently classify Algerian date fruit. Our process involves capturing four RGB images of the date fruit from various angles, a thermal image, and the weight of the fruit. We create a new image where the first channel consists of a grayscale image obtained by averaging the four RGB images of the fruit. The second channel contains the thermal image, and the third channel contains the normalized weight data. The new dataset is then divided into training, validation, and testing sets. We conducted experiments using four different models: VGG16, InceptionV3, ResNet50, and Basic CNN. Our findings show that the VGG16 model achieved the highest accuracy during training, validation, and testing, with scores of 99.6%, 90.4%, and 94%, respectively. The InceptionV3 model had the lowest accuracy, while the ResNet50 and Basic CNN models had similar performances. Our results indicate that the VGG16 model is the most suitable for classifying Algerian date fruit. Our proposed approach offers a promising solution to improve efficiency and accuracy, ultimately enhancing the quality of sorted fruit and increasing its market value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ancient times, the inhabitants of dry areas have depended on the date palm (Phoenixdactylifera L.) as a staple food and means of economic security. For example, dates have been a staple diet for the inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula and Sahara Desert in North Africa for millennia and the local culture is rich in knowledge and experience with the benefits of dates, suggesting that dates contain many substances essential for the human body. Madinah dates are considered one of the most important types of dates in the Arabian Peninsula, with Ajwa being one of the most famous types and grown only in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Date seeds are traditionally used for animal feed, seed oil production, cosmetics, and as a coffee substitute. Phytochemical compounds that have been detected in date fruits and date seeds include phenolic acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids. Phenolic acids are the most prevalent bioactive constituents that contribute to the antioxidant activity of date fruits. The bioactive properties of these phytochemicals are believed to promote human health by reducing the risk of diseases such as chronic inflammation. Ajwa dates especially are thought to have superior bioactivity properties. To investigate these claims, in this study, we compare the metabolic profiles of Ajwa with different types of dates collected from Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. We show by UHPLC-MS that date seeds contain several classes of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and amino acid derivatives, including citric acid, malic acid, lactic acid, and hydroxyadipic acid. Additionally, GC–MS profiling showed that date seeds are richer in metabolite classes, such as hydrocinnamic acids (caffeic, ferulic and sinapic acids), than flesh samples. Deglet N fruit extract (minimum inhibitory concentration: 27 MIC/μM) and Sukkari fruit extract (IC50: 479 ± 0.58μg /mL) have higher levels of antibacterial and antioxidative activity than Ajwa fruits. However, the seed analysis showed that seed extracts have better bioactivity effects than fruit extracts. Specifically, Ajwa extract showed the best MIC and strongest ABTS radical-scavenging activity among examined seed extracts (minimum inhibitory concentration: 20 μM; IC50: 54 ± 3.61μg /mL). Our assays are a starting point for more advanced in vitro antibacterial models and investigation into the specific molecules that are responsible for the antioxidative and anti-bacterial activities of dates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the therapeutic potentials of Khudari fruit pulp, a functional food and cultivar of Phoenix dactylifera, against neurological disorders. Our results demonstrate a good amount of phytochemicals (total phenolic content: 17.77 ± 8.21 µg GA/mg extract) with a high antioxidant potential of aqueous extract (DPPH assay IC50 = 235.84 ± 11.65 µg/mL) and FRAP value: 331.81 ± 4.56 µmol. Furthermore, the aqueous extract showed the marked inhibition of cell-free acetylcholinesterase (electric eel) with an IC50 value of 48.25 ± 2.04 µg/mL, and an enzyme inhibition kinetics study revealed that it exhibits mixed inhibition. Thereafter, we listed the 18 best-matched phytochemical compounds present in aqueous extract through LC/MS analysis. The computational study revealed that five out of eighteen predicted compounds can cross the BBB and exert considerable aqueous solubility. where 2-{5-[(1E)-3-methylbuta-1,3-dien-1-yl]-1H-indol-3-yl}ethanol (MDIE) indicates an acceptable LD50. value. A molecular docking study exhibited that the compounds occupied the key residues of acetylcholinesterase with ΔG range between −6.91 and −9.49 kcal/mol, where MDIE has ∆G: −8.67 kcal/mol, which was better than that of tacrine, ∆G: −8.25 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics analyses of 100 ns supported the stability of the protein–ligand complexes analyzed through RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA parameters. TRP_84 and GLY_442 are the most critical hydrophobic contacts for the complex, although GLU_199 is important for H-bonds. Prime/MM-GBSA showed that the protein–ligand complex formed a stable confirmation. These findings suggest that the aqueous extract of Khudari fruit pulp has significant antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibition potentials, and its compound, MDIE, forms stably with confirmation with the target protein, though this fruit of Khudari dates can be a better functional food for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Further investigations are needed to fully understand the therapeutic role of this plant-based compound via in vivo study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although chemical fertilization has been excessively used for a high yield of fruit trees, it causes many problems such as nitrate accumulation, soil deterioration, and food safety and quality decline; therefore, the dependency on the usage of biostimulants has become paramount when aiming to reduce the usage of chemical fertilizers, improve the fruit quality, and increase the shelf life of the fruits. The present experiment was conducted during the 2021–2022 seasons to study the effect of the foliar of yeast extract (YE), fulvic acid (FA), moringa leaf extract (MLE), seaweed extract (SWE), and nano-potassium (K NPs) alone or after combining each one of them individually with K NPs on the yield and fruit physical and chemical characteristics of date palm cv. Samani. The results show that the application of 0.2% YE + 0.02% K NPs led to the highest results in yield, bunch weight, fruit weight, flesh weight, fruit content from soluble solids, total and reduced sugars, VC, total chlorophyll, and carotene. Additionally, the results also demonstrate that the application of 0.4% SWE + 0.02% K NPs, 0.4% FA + 0.02% K NPs, and 6% MLE positively affected the previously mentioned measurements compared with the control or the other sprayed treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]