The Palm Research Center at the University of Basra organized a seminar on the impact of salinity on date palms and methods for its mitigation.
The seminar, presented by Dr. Hassan Abdul Imam Faisal, covered the physiological and morphological effects of salinity on date palm trees. These effects include reduced water potential, disruption of nutrient absorption, impairment of photosynthesis, hormonal imbalances, as well as leaf yellowing, reduced leaf size and number, and a decline in yield quantity and quality.
The seminar aimed to highlight the significance of salinity as a global agricultural challenge, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. It also explored potential solutions, such as using soil amendments, applying non-enzymatic antioxidants, and adopting drip irrigation techniques based on soil type.