Employs environmentally friendly methods to promote sustainable agricultural production.
Date Palm Studies
Our researchers are working to improve management practices for the 30 distinct varieties of dates, ensuring a thriving and sustainable date industry.
The Date Palm research unit at ARS houses more than 700 palm trees, consisting of 22 distinct varieties of dates. The unit has been focusing on improving management practices for date palm production, with emphasis on early disease prevention and control, as well as testing various drip irrigation systems to reduce the negative effects of diseases and high humidity on the health of palm trees and the quality of date fruits. A remarkable improvement in generative and vegetative growth was observed, resulting in an unprecedented production of superior-quality date fruits.
Sustainable Farming
We are committed to maximizing resource efficiency in farming practices, promoting responsible and sustainable agriculture.
Focusing on innovative and sustainable farming practices, with a particular focus on maximizing resource (water, electricity, and other consumables) use efficiency. Research addresses resource-efficient farming techniques, precision agriculture, and the integration of technology to minimize environmental impact while maximizing agricultural productivity.
Resource Conservation and Natural Products Bioprospecting
Our team is dedicated to bioprospecting and conservation of native Qatari plant species, preserving the rich biodiversity of our land.
We conduct research on plants conservation, including the optimization of in vitro plant tissue culture techniques for value extraction from important plants, including endangered and rare native Qatari species. Identification of novel bioactive compounds and exploring their potential food and medicinal applications. The long-term goal is to establish a “Plant Metabolomics Core” for addressing key research questions in the field of natural product, food, and agricultural research