Ali Montazar/UCANR
Fruit bags protect dates from insect damage and dust and prevent the fruit from falling to the ground. Despite efforts by growers to conserve water, data was lacking on date palms actual water use.
California s $86 million date industry produces more than half of the nation s dates. Most of the fruit is grown in the arid Coachella Valley. Despite efforts by growers to conserve water, data was lacking on date palms actual water use to refine the best irrigation management for the crop until a recent research project led by Ali Montazar, UC Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor for Imperial and Riverside counties.