Vol. 9, Issue 4, Part F (2025)

This study was conducted at the Date Palm Station in Al-Mahawil, Babil Governorate, during the 2024 growing season, with the aim of evaluating the effect of spraying high-potassium N-P-K+TC fertilizer (12-6-4+TC) during the wet phase on the chemical properties of ten date palm cultivars. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and the results are as follows:

• Row Variation: The results showed no significant variation between the rows (P-value = 0.063), indicating that there were no substantial differences in the chemical properties between the rows.
• Column Variation: A significant variation was observed between the columns (P-value < 0.05), indicating that different variables such as sugars, moisture, and dry matter significantly affect the chemical properties of the dates.
• Error Variation: The "SS" value for error variation was 2666.51, representing the unexplained variation due to other unstudied factors.

Key Results

• Reducing Sugars: 62.30%, reflecting the biochemical ripening stage of the dates.
• Total Sugars: 68.49%, indicating the significant contribution of total sugars to the nutritional value of the dates.
• Moisture Content: 29.51%, which is a key factor influencing shelf life and storage.
• Dry Matter: 71.14%, representing the non-water components in the dates.
• Soluble Solids: 60.97%, which contribute to the taste and nutritional value of the dates.

Conclusions: The results highlight the crucial role of both total and reducing sugars in determining the nutritional value of dates. Although no significant variation was found between the rows, the notable variation between columns emphasizes the impact of factors such as sugars, moisture content, and dry matter on the quality of dates. Therefore, improving these variables can enhance the nutritional quality of dates.