Bunch covering impact on the ripening time, marketable yield and fruit quality of Zaghloul dates

Abstract: This study targets to investigate the efficiency of date bunch covering treatments by using different bag types such as the polypropylene muslin, staved-plastic (polyethylene) or cecile tissue in comparison with uncovered bunches (control) in the same orchard (from the mid of July to mid of September) in Rossitta region (Rasheid), Behera province, Egypt. Quantity and quality of marketable yield for "Zaghloul" dates, beside the ripening time were assessed through two consecutive seasons. The main notice was, all kinds of used covers reduced the damage caused by birds, blights and wasps as well as no incidence of diseases was observed under the experimental covers. Polypropylene muslin treatment decreased the dropped fruits in both study seasons, consequently it increased the marketable yield. Fruits under the polypropylene muslin bags were late in the ripening. Date bunches under the staved-plastic covers were statistically superior than all other treatments regarding fruits quality and were early in the ripening. There were statistical differences in fruit quality traits and fruits ripening time according to the bunch cover types.