Challenges Facing Date Palm Cultivation in Sistan-Baluchestan Province, Iran

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivation in Sistan-Baluchestan province represents ۲۵% of Iran's date production (۱۵۰,۰۰۰ ha), but faces multifaceted challenges including prolonged drought, salinity, pests (red palm weevil, Dubas bug), diseases (Bayoud, bunch fading), and marketing inefficiencies. This review synthesizes data from provincial surveys (۲۰۱۵-۲۰۲۵) revealing ۳۵-۵۰% yield losses: water scarcity reduced irrigation by ۶۰% (۲۰۲۱ drought), red palm weevil infested ۲۸% of groves, Bayoud Fusarium wilt threatens ۱۵% cultivars. Socio-economic factors compound issues: ۷۰% smallholder fragmentation, poor post-harvest (۴۰% loss). Recommendations include drip irrigation (yield +۴۵%), IPM protocols, resistant cultivars (Pishguin hybrid), and cooperatives.

Keywords:

Date palm , Phoenix dactylifera , Sistan-Baluchestan , drought stress , Bayoud disease , red palm weevil , water scarcity