‘Mejhoul’ cultivation in the Republic of South Africa

Date fruit is highly valued in many areas of the world. The date palm can withstand harse environments and is grown in deserts where not many other plants can be grown. In the Republic of South Africa, new plantations have started up near the Orange River and the date palm industry is growing as more plantations are established. Of all the cultivars planted, ‘Mejhoul’ is by far the most favoured for its large size, sweet taste and soft texture. Plants are sourced through tissue culture or off shoots and planted in a 8×8 m spacing. In South Africa the flowering time is around July to September and pollination is mostly by hand. Pests such as the red palm mite and more recently the greater date moth has been identified. A production of 90-100 kg of fruit per mature palm is expected. The larger companies use exporters to export their fruit while some fruit is also sold on the local markets especially during Ramadan.