FOREWORD

This publication attempts to provide a basic introduction to date palm
propagation, production and protection, and to summarise the body of information
that has been acquired concerning date palm cultural techniques. 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 book's 12 chapters cover the botanical and systematical
description, origin, geographical distribution and nutritional value, economic
importance, climatic requirements, orchard management, harvesting, and pest and
diseases of date palm.

Illustrations are an essential component in any technical document and the
included drawings and photographs have been carefully selected by the authors to
assist readers to grasp the salient points developed in each section.

The present publication updates and complements technical information
included in the two earlier FAO books: "Dates Handling, Processing and
Packaging" (1962) and "Date Production and Protection" (1982).

This was achieved thanks to the enthusiastic cooperation of all the authors
who are involved in the UTF/NAM/004/NAM "Date Production Support Programme in
Namibia" either as national or international personnel.

Thanks also go to Ms. Delita Strauss and Ms. Lucie Herzigova for their
excellent and valuable assistance in typing and formatting the manuscript; and
to Me. Sami K. Al-Shahed for the final systematic editing of the second
edition.

We sincerely hope that this publication shall prove fruitful and useful.
Authors welcome any views or suggestions to assist in improving subsequent
editions, so that it remains a meaningful and valuable tool to date
specialists.

Abdelouahhab Zaid
Editor

Enrique Arias
Coordinator