Why are deglet nour dates becoming dull, dry, and wrinkled?

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Extreme heat linked to climate change is causing deglet nour dates to become dull, dry, and wrinkled.

The rising temperatures in Tunisia, a symptom of global warming, are directly impacting the quality of the deglet nour date harvest. This year, extreme heat that persisted both day and night led to a significant loss of 40-45 per cent of the deglet nour crop. The excessive heat not only dries out the dates but also fosters the proliferation of an acarid mite that renders the fruit inedible. Furthermore, shifts in temperature have disrupted the flowering and pollination cycles of the date palm trees, causing male and female plants to become unsynchronised, resulting in pollination failures that contribute to approximately 10 per cent of the harvest being yellow, hard, and dry.
Impact of Elevated Temperatures on Date Quality

The primary driver behind the diminished quality of deglet nour dates is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. This phenomenon, identified as a manifestation of climate change, has led to dates becoming dull, dry, and wrinkled, deviating from their prized luminous appearance. For instance, in October, temperatures significantly exceeded usual levels, resulting in a 30 per cent loss of the crop and a reduction in the quality of the harvested dates.
Proliferation of Acarid Mites

Beyond the direct dehydrating effect of heat, elevated temperatures also create an environment conducive to the growth of acarid mites. These mites burrow into the flesh of the dates, rendering them inedible. The relationship between humidity and mite population is inversely proportional; as humidity decreases due to heat, the number of acarids increases, directly impacting the edibility of the dates.
Disruption of Flowering and Pollination Cycles

Changes in temperature patterns have also significantly altered the natural cycles of the date palm trees. The flowering and pollination periods have been shifted, leading to a temporal disconnect between male and female plants. This desynchronisation hinders effective pollination, a critical step for fruit development. As a consequence of these pollination failures, a portion of the harvest, estimated at around 10 per cent, exhibited undesirable characteristics such as being yellow, hard, and dry.
Vulnerability of the Deglet Nour Variety

The deglet nour variety, often referred to as the "queen of dates," is particularly susceptible to the threats posed by climate change and associated diseases. Compared to other more resilient date palm varieties, such as the less valuable lalligh, the deglet nour is described as delicate and requiring a precise climate. This inherent vulnerability means that the impacts of rising temperatures are more pronounced on this specific type of date, exacerbating the challenges faced by growers.

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Why are deglet nour dates becoming dull, dry, and wrinkled?

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