Date Palm Status and Perspective in South American Countries: Chile and Peru

Abstract

Date palm was introduced to South America, probably from Morocco, by Spanish colonialists to the central coast of Peru, from where it spread to Mexico and North America. Currently, date palm is little known as an agronomic crop; its cultivation in South America is limited to specific areas of Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. Excellent climatic conditions for date palm cultivation are present in northern Chile from Arica to Copiapó, as well as in areas of central and northern Peru such as Ica, Zaña, and Pisco. Important germplasm has developed from seed propagation which has produced all the named cultivars such as Medjool, Zahidi, and Deglet Noor. The importance of seedling-derived material lies in its adaptation to edaphic and climatic conditions different from those found in its area of origin, including acquisition of tolerance to high levels of salinity and boron in soil and irrigation water. It is interesting that there are date palms cultivated in locations at 1,500 m elevation such as the valleys of Pisco and Ingenio in Peru and Codpa in Chile. Currently, date production in Chile and Peru is all consumed locally. As well as having areas with optimal climate for the cultivation of date palms, Chile and Peru have important strengths and opportunities for the development of this crop, such as internationally recognized prestige in the production and exportation of fruit, government support of innovation, and multiple free trade agreements. There are also weaknesses, mainly the absence of local agronomic researchers familiar with the crop, lack of trained workers, insufficient knowledge about this fruit, and limited consumption. Date palm has an important potential in South America due to favorable agricultural and economic conditions as well as an expanding international demand.