The Geographical Impact of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on Diet and the Economy

The Geographical Impact of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) on Diet and the Economy
Name
Course
Instructor
Date
Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) is an important agricultural fruit crop in the Old World particularly in North Africa, the Middle East and Western Asia. In the traditional growing regions the date palms are a major source of nutrients, but there has also been degradation of the crop. The distribution, harvesting and marketing of the date palm trees in the arid region provide sustenance to the cultivators. Mapping the origin and uses of the date palm tree is necessary to understand its impact on the Arab world, where it has been cultivated for centuries. This paper highlights the impact of the date palm in areas where it is cultivated including the geographical distribution.
Even though, there are diverse species of the Phoenix palm, it is only the Phoenix dactylifera that is cultivated for fruits. The date palm is found in the arid regions especially the Middle East, it symbolized fertility in Ancient Egypt and tree of life, it has also symbolized peace in the Christian and Hebrew cultures (Robinson, Brown & Williams, 2012). In cases species are grown in cooler regions, there is little or fruit production since the plant is adapted for the hotter regions, where it grows faster in warmer regions. The Phoenix dactylifera performs well in areas with high temperatures and low humidity for fruit production and does well at temperatures higher than 20°F (-7°C) (Robinson, Brown & Williams, 2012).
Nutritional problems affect the viability of date palm trees especially in the New World where commercial cultivation may be undertaken in areas with alkaline soils. Robinson, Brown & Williams (2012), point out that the nutrients and levels of pH influence the growth and development of palm trees in Nevada, U.S. Other date palm growing areas rely on natural nutrients, there is a need to use fertilizers in alkaline soils found in the U.S, and they are applied depending on the irrigation. In the case of Nevada the level of potassium is high. Analyzing the level of nutrient deficiency is necessary in nontraditional growing areas if the trees are to thrive.
Climatic conditions play a crucial role to the thriving of date palms, and when there is adequate water supply temperature is the most important, but so are the latitudes, altitudes and rains affect the maturation and development of the date palms. During pollination the onset of rain may interrupt fruit setting. To further highlight the importance of climate is that increased humidity damages the plant, while low temperatures inhibit maturation while increasing the risk of fungal growth and insect infestation (FAO). To protect the growth and maturation o the date palm crops the fruit brunches and covers are the main concern as they are more affected by adverse climate and weather patterns (FAO, n.d.).
There are about 15 species of Phoenix native to the traditional date palm areas in North Africa and Middle East (MENA), and the Canary Islands to East Indies. The Asian continent ahs the highest number of date palms followed by Africa, USA and Mexico and to a smaller extent Australia and Spain (Zaid & de Wet, 2015).The traditional g...