The date palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a perennial
monocotyledonous species adapted to the local conditions of
arid and semi-arid areas [1]. Dates, the fruits of the date palm
tree, are the major staple food in arid areas of North and Middle East Africa and the date crop plays a central role in the
economy and the social life in these regions [2,3].
The date palm tree constitutes the principal source of
remuneration and the basis of economy for people living in
the Tunisian Sahara [2]. Today, worldwide production, utilization
and industrialization of dates are continuously
increasing in some countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran and
Algeria [4]. In Tunisia the number of cultivars is evaluated for