Abstract
A procedure for the rapid acclimatization of a high number of somatic embryos from seven date palm cultivars is described. Three types of plantlets from somatic embryos were used: (a) individual rooted shoots, (b) clusters of rooted shoots, and (c) individual rooted shoots that were separated from clusters. Clusters of rooted plantlets achieved the highest survival percentages (about 60%). The Barthamuda cultivar had the highest survival rate. Best results were obtained in a planting medium of peatmoss:perlite (2:1) and when plantlets were cultured under controlled greenhouse conditions in autumn or spring. This method efficiently produces large numbers of micropropagated date palm plants for commercial planting.