BACK COVER

This publication, which was produced within the framework of the
Date Production Support Programme in Namibia, updates and complements technical
information included in earlier FAO publications: Dates: handling, processing
and packaging (1962) and Date production and protection (1982). It
should serve as a reference volume for research workers and a source of much
more detailed information for extension specialists, date growers and anyone
interested in the date palm industry. The 12 chapters of the book cover the
botanical and systematic description, origin, geographical distribution and
nutritional value, economic importance, climatic requirements, orchard
management, harvesting, and diseases and pests of date palm.