Exploring the Nigerian Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Germplasm for in Vitro Callogenesis

Abstract

industry through the establishment of commercial date palm plantations has been hindered by lack of good planting materials. However, recent evaluation of the response of some of the Nigerian date palm cultivars to 2,4-D induced callogenesis demontrated the high propensity of the genotypes to in vitro culture, with more than 50% embryogenic callus formation on modified MS supplemented with 50µm 2,4-D in all the genotypes tested. Further research is needed to complete and optimise this protocol in order to solve the problem of date palm planting materials in the country. AbstractDate palm is believed to have been introduced into Nigeria in the early 8th century by Arab traders from north Africa. Date fruits are highly valued delicacy among many communities in Nigeria, especially during ceremonies and festivals. The national consumption of dates in 2009 is estimated at 8,958 metric tons which placed the country among the world top 10 consumers of date. Despite conducive soil and climatic conditions for date palm cultivation and the existance of local varieties with good fruits qualities, date palm cultivation is still at subsistance level and demostic production is estimated at only 1,958 metric tons. Attempts to improve the Nigerian date palm

Analysis of Market Structure and Conduct of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera, L.) in Jigawa State, Nigeria

“…Date palm marketing offers a good source of income and improved livelihood for the farming households, particularly in the wake of increased demand for food due to unprecedented increase in population. Date palm holds high status among many Nigerian communities especially during ceremonies and festivals (Sani, 2009). Agricultural development depicts among other things raising agricultural productivity to ensure food security and substantial surpluses.…”

Technical efficiency of small-scale production of date palm in Jigawa State

“…Date fruits are commonly consumed in Nigeria, especially in its ecological areas. The national consumption of dates in 2009 was estimated at 89,580 metric tonnes which placed the country among the world top 10 consumers of date palm fruit (Sani et al, 2010).…”