Effect of different pollinizer genotypes on some quantitative and qualitative characteristics and yield of the tissue cultured "Zahedi" date palm

Date palm is one of the most important horticultural crops in Iran. The yield and fruit quality of this crop depend on several factors especially the pollen source. In order to determine the effect of pollen source on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fruit of tissue cultured "Zahedi" date palm, the experiment was carried out as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three male genotypes (M001, M002 and M003) and three stages of fruit growth (Khalal, Rutab and Tamar). Some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fruit were studied at the fruit growth stages. Results showed that fruit length, diameter, and fresh weight as well as pH, TA, TSS, TSS/TA, total sugar content, and yield are affected by the type of pollen. It was found that fruit and seed size and volume and fruit TA were decreased while fruit TSS, pH, TSS/TA and total sugar content were significantly increased toward Tamar stage. It was found that M001 compared to other studied male genotypes improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fruit and increased the yield (28.9 kg) of "Zahedi" cultivar.