Evaluation of some dry seedling date selections from the Northern State, Sudan

Abstract EN

This selection study was conducted at the Mahas and Sakkot tribal areas of the Northern State, in an effort to explore the potential of the genetic diversity in date populations as a source of elite seedling clones that may be future candidate cultivars.

Around 80 initial seedling selections were made based on the information reported by the date growers in the area i.e.

farmers’ candidates.

The candidates were narrowed down to 10 elites based on a preliminary sensory panel, and were then evaluated in comparison with Gondaila, the best date cultivar.

The comparative evaluation of clones included physical, chemical and sensory attributes of fruits.

The results revealed the merits of selection 4 in physical measures as it scored significantly higher values of quality attributes than the other selections including Gondaila.

Both selections 7 and 8 gave significantly greater amounts of reducing, non- reducing and total sugars than the other selections.

Moisture content was greater in selections 3 and 8 compared to other selections.

The overall evaluation of physical, chemical and sensory attributes demonstrated the competitive potential of selection 4 to be a future candidate cultivar.