Abstract: Polyethylene spunbond nonwoven date-bunch covers are an urgently needed, price-competitive alternative to mesh covers made of synthetic monofilament yarn. They are the first improvement to the ideal date-bunch cover that USDA researchers theorized seventy years ago, by adding dust and mold spore exclusion, yet providing sufficient shade and vapor transmission for proper ripening. Black mold is insignificant even under close tree spacing and “wet summer” conditions. The lowered temperature and increased humidity inside the cover promotes pliable, smooth skin instead of dry and brittle as commonly occurs with covers made of monofilament mesh fabric. Covers made of polyethylene spunbond nonwoven fabric are lighter, less abrasive, compress easier, and thus are far more user-friendly. Ripe dates can be held on-tree longer than was ever possible before without accumulating dust or losing quality, which renders unnecessary the labor-intensive practice of multiple pickings, and saves cold storage costs.

Abstract: Deglet Noor is the major date variety grown and packed in the United States. The crop is increasingly attacked by insects while ripening on the palm, especially carob moth. These pests are presently a serious threat to the livelihood of both conventional and organic date growers. Infestation rates already average 10% to 20%. Malathion, the only insecticide registered for use on dates, is ineffective because the insects have developed resistance. Such broad-spectrum, organophosphate pesticides are under heavy regulatory pressure because of the hazards they pose to workers, the community and the environment. The present invention provides a physical barrier in the form of cloth bag to exclude insects. This date-bunch cover also protects the on-tree crop from birds, heavy rain, high winds, and sunburn. The cover is composed of a flexible fabric, preferably white, woven, open-mesh polyester, which allows free circulation of air throughout the fruit cluster.