Analysis of Essential Elements of Three Different Varieties of Saudi Arabian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera)

The elements present in seeds and leaves of three varieties of Saudi Arabian date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). In general it has been found that all the three varieties contain sound but variable amount of element content. Potassium was found to be in abundance in var. Barhee and Sukri, whereas in var. Rothana calcium content was highest. Elements Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn were observed to be higher in leaves of all three varieties than respective seeds. However reverse was found true for P and Zn content. It was observed that sodium content was higher in the leaves of var. Rothana and Sukri while in var. Barhee it was higher in seeds. The micro element Cu was found to be highest in seeds of Barhee (0.008 mg/g). The essential trace element Se was found to be present in quite good amount in all the three varieties of date palm and was highest in the seeds of Rothana (0.0043 mg/g). The present study clearly indicates the immense potential of P. dactylifera to be utilized in development of element supplement.