Synthesis and assessment of date palm genetic diversity studies

Abstract

A thorough assessment of genetic diversity and population differentiation of Phoenix dactylifera are critical for its dynamic conservation and sustainable utilization of its genetic diversity. Estimates of genetic diversity based on phenotypic, biochemical and molecular markers; and fruit quality traits were utilized in assessing the population differentiation of date palm populations throughout its center of diversity. Some phenotypic traits may not exhibit variation in response to environmental or management factors and can be used as stable descriptors of date palm cultivars and for cultivar identification. The majority of analyzed studies based on isozyme and microsatellite markers, reported larger within-population than among-population genetic diversity levels. Most variation estimated for fruit quality traits was found among populations; however, substantial differences in genetic diversity components were found among and within populations. The overall partitioning of genetic diversity, based on phenotypic, biochemical, molecular, and fruit quality traits suggested that date palm cultivars represent a complex gene pool within which historical movement of germplasm, recent introductions and human selection are shaping their genetic structure. The empirical evidence derived from this assessment suggested that the genetic structure of date palm populations is controlled by the environment, isolation by distance, and the biological characteristics of the tree.

Genetic (SSRs) versus morphological differentiation of date palm cultivars: Fst versus Pst estimates

“…Successful future development of date palm industry and cultivation depends on proper evaluating, utilizing, and conserving date palm genetic resources, as well as efficient assessment of the present and potential future cultivars (Jaradat, 2014).…”

“…Genetic diversity of date palm would be studied at different levels, including between cultivars, populations or individual clones, as well as between different geographical regions. Genetic variability may be measured at the morphological, physiological, 4 biochemical or molecular levels (Jaradat, 2014).…”

Variations in Hormones and Antioxidant Status in Relation to Flowering in Early, Mid, and Late Varieties of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) of United Arab Emirates

“…Cultivar identification is usually based on morphological parameters of plant and fruits. But due to unreliability, this often creates problems and may not correlate with the genotype of the tree [ 3 ].…”

Evaluation of Genetic Stability in Somatic Embryo Derived Plantlets of Six Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars through RAPD Based Molecular Marker

“…Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)-based techniques such as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) are immensely useful in establishing the genetic stability of in vitro-regenerated plantlets in many crop species (Lakshmanan et al, 2007;Joshi and Dhawan, 2007). Random amplified polymorphic DNA do not use radioactive probes as in Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) (Lakshmanan et al, 2007;Jaradat, 2014). Thus, they are suitable for the assessment of the genetic fidelity of in vitro and ex-vitro raised plantlets (Valladares et al, 2006;Ali et al, 2009;Celebi et al, 2009;Khatri et al, 2002;Ganie et al, 2012).…”