Scientifica, Volume 2025, 20 3 2025, Pages 4314722 The Effect of Nano-Fertilization With NPK and Spraying With Potassium Silicate on Improving the Physical Characteristics of Date Palm (<i>Phoenix dactylifera</i>) Fruits of Khastawi and Khadhrawi Cultivars. Al-Khafaji ZAH, Al-Amri IAU
This study was conducted during the 2024 growing season at the Palm Research Station in Al-Zafaraniya, Baghdad, Iraq. A total of 54 uniform date palm trees (Khastawi and Khadhrawi cultivars), approximately 15 years old and planted at 10-m spacing, were selected for experimental treatments. The objective was to evaluate the effects of three concentrations of nano NPK fertilizer (0, 2, and 4 g·L-1), applied in six foliar doses, and three concentrations of potassium silicate (0, 2, and 4 mL·L-1), applied in four foliar doses, as well as their interaction, on date yield, and fruit quality. The results revealed significant improvements in all measured traits. Total date yield per tree increased from 29.81 kg in the control to 68.95 kg with the N3S3 treatment. Average bunch weight rose from 7.45 kg to 17.23 kg, and fruit set percentage increased from 66.15% to 79.90%. The Khastawi cultivar produced higher bunch weight and total date yield, whereas Khadhrawi excelled in individual date size and dimensions. The most effective treatment combination was nano NPK at 4 g/L with potassium silicate at 2 mL/L (N3S2), which yielded optimal results across most traits. These findings confirm that the integration of nano-fertilizers and potassium silicate foliar sprays can significantly enhance the productivity and fruit quality of dates under arid environmental conditions.
