Detection of adaptive genetic diversity and chemical composition in date palm cultivars and their implications in controlling red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliver

Abstract

This study, about RPW and date palms, is under the scope of date palm bioecology and nutrition (nutritional ecology) which includes the integration of several areas of research such as date palm biochemistry, genetics, and RPW infestation behavior through various date palm cultivars. Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.; Arecaceae) production is under threat from the red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliver. A better understanding of genetic diversity within date palm cultivars can be useful for its implementation within the insect IPM program in the future. Three indices, namely simple-sequence repeats (SSR) markers to elucidate genetic diversity, chemical components, and a natural infestation index of RPW, were used to evaluate the resistant or susceptible date palm cultivars in Qassim. Based on a field survey of RPW infestation within 79 date palm farms involving 11 cultivars at Qassim, the sensitivity and resistance cultivars were determined. The resistant date palm cultivars were Nabtat Ali, Shakrah, red Sukary, and um Kobar which had the lowest degree of RPW abundance %. Values of the essential minerals, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium within the date palm cultivars were also estimated. RPW abundance % was negatively correlated with the calcium content of date palm cultivars. The principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the calcium content and RPW abundance % were highly affected by the cultivars. SSR markers of the date palm cluster tree divided genotypes into two main groups at similarity coefficients between 0.56 and 0.91. The 1st group included; Nabtet Ali, Red Sukary, Um Kobar, and Shakrah with similarity coefficients between 0.56, this group was the most resistant cultivars. Therefore, SSR markers were able to characterize and resolve genetic diversity in date palm cultivars for RPW resistance. When SSR markers coupled with higher calcium (Ca) content can efficiently replace indices in characterizing resistant date-palm genotypes with a high confidence level. Integration between date palm genetic diversity, chemical structures, and RPW infestations rates promoted the understanding of the interplay between the diversity of RPW management (short-time scale), and the resistance genes, plant nutrition, and dynamics of the diversity of RPW through domestication and diversification (long-timescale). Therefore, our results may lead to a change in RPW control strategies by switching to using safe alternative pesticide control methods (Resistant cultivars of date palm), which are underestimated and may reveal the impact of low-cost, but highly effective agricultural practices in the field of date production in the world. Understanding the genetic structure and calcium content of date palm cultivars mechanisms could help to predict date palm resistance against RPW populations in the new IPM strategy in RPW control.

Comprehensive Analysis of Management Strategies for Red Palm Weevil in Date Palm Settings, Emphasizing Sensor-Based Infestation Detection

“…Despite limited knowledge about the genetic factors contributing to tolerance or resistance in date palm varieties against RPW, a recent study by Abdel-Bakya et al [36] suggests that the varying responses of palm cultivars to palm weevil infestation may be linked to factors such as the chemical composition of nutrient mineral elements in the soil or genetic diversity among cultivated varieties. However, physiological weaknesses and physical wounds likely serve as the primary stimuli for beetle attacks on potential hosts.…”

Molecular analysis of Karawang local soybean genotypes with national superior varieties based on SSR analysis

“…Yield potential in the field is also influenced by the interaction between genetic factors of varieties and growing environmental conditions (Kumar et al, 2022). If the management of the growing environment is not carried out properly, the high yield potential of these superior varieties cannot be achieved (Abdel-Baky et al, 2023;Nodar et al, 2022;Jamalpour and Derabi, 2023). According to Rey et al, (2022) in Shariati et al, (2013), the ideal superior variety is high yielding, resistant to major pests and diseases and stable in various environments.…”