Chapters authored
Applications of AI and IoT for Advancing Date Palm Cultivation in Saudi Arabia
Date palm cultivation is an essential part of Saudi Arabia’s economy. However, it faces several challenges: water scarcity, improper farm management, pests and diseases, inadequate farming practices, processing and marketing, and labor shortages. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) can help enrich crop management, enable predictive analytics, increase efficiency, and promote sustainability in date palm cultivation. Recently, interest in this sector has begun by applying the latest precision engineering technologies integrated with AI and IoT techniques to address these challenges. This chapter aims to provide an overview of the applications of AI and IoT-based technologies, such as sensors, ML algorithms, and data analytics, and their potential benefits and challenges in supporting date palm cultivation in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, the applications of AI and IoT in smart precision irrigation, smart systems, cold storage management, pest infestation prediction, and date fruit quality optimization. In addition, the potential economic and environmental benefits of using AI and IoT in date palm cultivation in Saudi Arabia and the challenges that need to be addressed to realize these benefits fully. The chapter provides insight into the latest developments and future directions for AI and IoT in date palm cultivation, providing valuable information for researchers and policymakers.
Part of the book: Internet of Things
Artificial Ripening Technologies for Dates
Date palm fruits have essential importance due to their high economic value, nutritional benefits, and contribution to food security in arid and semi-arid regions. The unfavorable climatic conditions, drought or water scarcity, inconsistent pollination, genetic factors, and nutrient deficiencies cause date fruits to remain unripe for a long time. Artificial ripening is hastening fruit ripening using various techniques and chemicals. Artificial ripening techniques are employed to ripen date palm fruits to reduce their spoilage and waste, enhance their quality, and extend their shelf life. Therefore, artificial ripening has an economic benefit by supplying high-quality fruit, potentially increasing farmers’ profits. However, using safe and approved techniques for artificial ripening is essential, as some processes can have negative health influences if misused. This chapter aims to discuss the concept of artificial ripening for date palm fruits and its benefits, explore various chemical and physical methods, analyze their effects on fruit quality, and examine the regulatory and safety considerations associated with artificial ripening. Additionally, the chapter examines the advantages and disadvantages of different ripening methods and their corresponding effects on the dates’ nutritional value and sensory quality. The chapter highlights the need for sustainable and safe artificial ripening practices to meet consumer demand and ensure the high quality and availability of date palm fruits.
Part of the book: New Discoveries in the Ripening Processes