ABSTRACT

This study was carried out during 2010 and 2011 seasons to evaluate the influence of intercropping Ewaise mangoes, Balady mandarins and Solo papayas with Zaghloul date palms on the leaf area, nutrients in the pinnae, total counts of bacteria in the rhizosphere, yield and fruit quality of Zaghloul date palms. Palms (pure stand) had a higher leaf area, nutrients, bunch weight, yield/ palm compared to palms intercropped with mangoes, mandarins and papayas. Rhizosphere of intercropped palms had greater total counts of bacteria rather than pure stand of palms. Growing Ewaise mangoes, Balady mandarins and Solo papayas with Zaghloul date palms had no negative effects on both physical and chemical characteristics of date fruits comparing with pure stand of palm. Yield of Zaghloul date palms was slightly declined with intercropping rather than cultivation of date palm alone. Intercropping date palms with Solo papayas gave the best results with regard to yield quantitively and qualitatively comparing with the other intercrops. Intercropping Ewaise mangoes gave the highest net profit followed by Balady mandarins. Growing Ewaise mangoes or Balady mandarins with Zaghloul date palms could be recommended for obtaining the highest net return per unit area.