Chemical Composition of Pollen Grains of Some Date Palm Males Grown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia PDF

Keywords

chemical analysis, pollen grains, date palm

Abstract

Chemical analysis of pollen grains from 13 cultivars of date palm males grown in the Agricultural Research Station, Deirab, College of Agriculture, King Saud University showed that pollen grains of the date palm males differed among the cultivars. Average concentrations of moisture, ash, lipids and protein were, respectively, 3.63 - 4.78%, 4.67-7.05%, 0.84-1.83% and 15.81-18.02%. Carbohydrate content ranged between 10.47-13.11%. Starch ranged from 8.10-9.24% and represented about 75% of the total carbohydrates. Mineral content of pollen grains also differed from one cultivar to another. Nitrogen content was the highest among macronutrient elements. This was followed by calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and sodium. Iron content was the largest among micronutrient elements and was followed and followed by zinc, manganese and copper.