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.
Highlights
Date palm genetic diversity and its link to the properties of the oasis agroecosystem have scientific, cultural, intellectual, aesthetic and spiritual values that are important to the oases dwellers and the general public (Jaradat, 2011)
High levels of genetic diversity of date palm within the oasis agroecosystem can be expected, on average, to give rise to ecosystem stability; diversity is not the driver of this relationship; rather, ecosystem stability depends on the ability of the oasis to contain different species, or functional groups that are capable of differential responses to biotic and abiotic stresses and to different management practice
Phenotypic markers Phenotypic markers of the tree, leaves and fruits of the date palm have been used in developing descriptor list (IPGRI, 2005) and in quantifying phenotypic diversity long before the advent of biochemical and molecular markers
Summary
Date palm genetic diversity and its link to the properties of the oasis agroecosystem have scientific, cultural, intellectual, aesthetic and spiritual values that are important to the oases dwellers and the general public (Jaradat, 2011). Phenotypic diversity represents the interaction effect between the genetic diversity and the environment, and it is an apparent indicator of date palm diversity. The latter represents the basis for selection and conservation, as well as for date palm improvement for Received 21 January 2013; Revised 27 January 2014; Accepted 24 February 2014; Published Online 15 October 2014. Jaradat number and kinds of species, besides Phoenix dactylifera, present in an oasis determine the traits that influence a multitude of processes within, and services provided by, the oasis agroecosystem (Pauls et al, 2013)
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