The totally closed date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) female spathe was surface sterilized by sprayed with ethyl alcohol 70 % prior to aseptic conditions transfer, then flamed. To minimize fast oxidative browning, inflorescence stalks were shortened down to 3 cm then immersed in sterilized antioxidant solution containing citric and ascorbic acids 150 mg/L each for 2 hours, prior to culture.
Modified MS medium supplemented with NOA (5 mg/L) + NAA (5 mg/L) + 2iP (1 mg/L) + BA (1 mg/L) was superior in explant survival %, callus formation %, creamy callus colour % and subsequently embryogenic callus formation % after 4 months of incubation. The modified medium (3/4 salts strength) supplemented with IBA (0.3 mg/L) and 2iP (0.5 mg/L) was recorded higher percentage values of embryos formation and the highest significant percentage values of number of embryos as well as embryos fresh weight (g) after 6 weeks of incubation. Embryos cultured on the previous medium in addition to putrescine (100 mg/L) obtained significant values of multiplication rate and growth value as well as total soluble protein and PAL activity after 3 weeks of incubation.
Individual shootlets cultured on basal MS medium (3/4 salts strength) supplemented with putrescine (100 mg/L) and IBA (0.5 mg/L) achieved the highest significant values of root formation %, number of roots and root length (cm) as well as PAL activity after 2 months of incubation.
On the other hand, using of soil culture containing compost and perlite (1:1, v/v) significantly recorded the highest survival percentage, number of leaves/plantlet and leaf length (cm) for plantlets after three months of acclimatization.