This chapter reviews the distribution, importance and control of diseases of date (Phoenix dactylifera) together with characteristics and production of the fruit. There are relatively few major diseases of date, probably due to the arid conditions of culture, but those that can have major impacts on production include Bayoud (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. albedinis), Khamedj (Mauginiella scaettae) and phytoplasma-associated diseases. Fruit rots (caused by species of Alternaria, Helminthosporium, Macrosporium and Aspergillus) are common, but are part of a broader problem of fruit spoilage caused by various biotic and abiotic factors.
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