This publication, which was produced within the framework of the Date Production Support Programme In Namibia, updates and complements technical Information Included In earlier FAQ publications: Dates: handling, processing and packaging (1962) and Date production and protection (1982). It should serve as a reference volume for research workers and a source of much more detailed information for extension specialists, date growers and anyone Interested In the date palm Industry. The 12 chapters of the book cover the botanical and systematic description, origin, geographical distribution and nutritional value, economic importance, climatic requirements, orchard management, harvesting, and diseases and pests of date palm.