Morphological Analysis of Leaves and Fruits in Three Date Palm Cultivars: Zahdi, Barhi, and Umm Al-Dahn (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Babylon Governorate

This study focused on three date palm varieties (Zahidi, Barhi, and Um Al-Dihin) in Babylon Governorate to compare some morphological characteristics of their leaves and fruits. The results were analyzed using a Completely Randomized Block Design. The findings showed that the variety factor significantly affected all studied characteristics of leaves and fruits, including their length and size. Regarding leaves, Um Al-Dihin significantly outperformed in terms of spine length (10.50 cm) and leaflet length (57.40 cm). Zahidi recorded the highest number of fronds (85 fronds), while Barhi excelled in frond length (4.84 m), number of spines (29.08), leaflet width (3.34 cm), and leaflet count (209.2). For fruits, Um Al-Dihin significantly outperformed in fruit length (39.03 mm) and volume (13.90 cm³).