Thinning Methods Effect on Yield and Fruit Quality of Date Palm Cv. Saqei

Abstract

Thinning fruit is regarded as one of the most important horticultural activities related to fruit size and quality. The experiment was carried out during two (2020 and 2021) seasons at the Training and Research Station, King Faisal University, (KSA) to evaluate the impact of thinning applications on the yield and fruit quality cv. Saqei. A factorial experiment laid-out in a randomized completely block design with three replicates was conducted. The first factor was thinning date, which includes two levels (after one or two months after pollination, i.e., April 1 st using comb-1, and May 1 st by comb-2). The second factor was thinning methods: without thinning, thinning once or twice with a comb, removing alternative fruit of the strand, and removing the entire central strands). All thinning methods reduced yield per palm and bunch weight compared to the control. Fruit thinning methods significantly increased all physical characteristics such as fruit weight, diameter, length, flesh weight, seed weight, and pulp/ seed ratio. These parameters were highest in the alternative fruit-removing method (11.05g, 22.6mm, 40.5mm, 10.2g, 0.86g and 12.0, respectively), followed by the method of removing the central strand, comb-2, and comb-1 methods. Removing the central strand and removing alternative fruit were also significantly increased in TSS%, followed by the comb-2 method. In conclusion the method of removing alternative fruits or removing the central strands yielded the best results. Additionally, thinning by a comb came in the second rank, as the technique had promising results, saving time and labour costs compared to other methods.