Changes of Minerals in Fruits and Leaves of Date Palm During Fruit Development

Abstract

Six nutrient elements (Ca, P, Na, K, Mn, Fe) were determined in the fruits and medium pinnae of date palm leaves of Khadhawi, Hallawi, Sayer, Zahidi (females), and Ghannani (male) during the different stages of fruit development. The percentages of P, Ca, K, Mn, and Fe gradually decreased, while Na tended to accumulate in flesh of fruits during development. The average nutrient contents of all cultivars at tamar stage were K 0.7122%, Ca 0.118%, P 0.0926%, Na 0.0179%, Fe 30 ppm, and Mn 24 ppm. Variations due to cultivars were only found in Ca, Mn, and Fe. The leaf mineral content showed, a drop in P and K. and an increase in Ca, and Fe; while Na and Mn were not significantly different as the leaf grew older. The nutritional status of pinnae was significantly influenced by the different cultivars used in this study.