The Date Palm and Dates Research Unit was established at the College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad, in 1995. The unit aims to develop and sustain date palm cultivation through research and studies on propagation using offshoots, pollination methods, and pest control. Its activities include field visits to date palm orchards in the central and southern regions of Iraq, collaboration with institutions involved in date palm cultivation, participation in conferences and seminars, providing scientific consultation, and contributing to the preparation of the Encyclopedia of Date Palm Varieties in Iraq.

Unit Activities

  1. Research on the Development and Improvement of Date Palms:
    • Establishment of the First Gene Bank for Iraqi Date Palm Varieties:
      Since 2010, the unit has been working to establish a gene bank for Iraqi date palm varieties. The genomic DNA of over 120 authentic varieties has been isolated and purified. This project aims to build a genetic map of Iraqi date palm varieties and support efforts in genetic improvement.
    • Use of DNA Molecular Markers for Genetic Characterization:
      The unit uses DNA molecular marker technology to characterize authentic Iraqi date palm varieties and determine genetic relationships between them. This helps resolve issues of overlap between varieties and identify unique genetic fingerprints for each variety.
    • Tissue Culture Propagation of Date Palms:
      The unit employs plant tissue culture techniques to propagate date palms, providing large numbers of offshoots in a short time compared to traditional methods.
  2. Organizing Scientific Seminars:
    • First Scientific Seminar on Date Palm and Dates Research:
      The unit held its first seminar on November 24, 2009, with the participation of numerous researchers and specialists. The seminar discussed the state of date palm cultivation in Iraq, the use of modern technologies in propagation and production, pest prevention, and the role of date palms in combating desertification.
  3. Publication of the “Blessed Palm” Journal:
    • The unit publishes a specialized scientific journal titled “Al-Nakhla Al-Mubaraka” (The Blessed Palm), which highlights the latest developments in date palm and dates research.
  4. Participation in Conferences and Training Courses:
    • Scientific Conferences:
      Unit members participate in scientific conferences and seminars both within Iraq and abroad, such as the Fourth International Date Palm Conference held in Abu Dhabi in 2010.
    • Training Courses:
      The unit’s staff participate in training courses within Iraq and abroad, such as the training course on date palm tissue culture organized by the General Date Palm Board in collaboration with the FAO.

Objectives

  • To advance research on date palm cultivation, propagation, and pest control.
  • To establish a gene bank for Iraqi date palm varieties to support genetic improvement and conservation efforts.
  • To use molecular markers for the genetic characterization and identification of authentic Iraqi date palm varieties.
  • To collaborate with national and international institutions to enhance date palm research and development.
Achievements
  • Initiated the establishment of a gene bank for Iraqi date palm varieties, with over 120 varieties characterized.
  • Conducted genetic characterization studies using DNA molecular markers to identify and differentiate Iraqi date palm varieties.
  • Organized scientific seminars and published a specialized journal on date palm research.
  • Collaborated with the General Date Palm Board and international organizations to advance research on date palm genetics and propagation.