Molecular Characterization of some Egyptian Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Cultivars Using RAPD-PCR

Thirty Egyptian date palm cultivars were collected from different locations in three governorates: Assiut, New Valley, and Aswan. Physical characteristics of the Fruit were studied, such as fruit dimensions, fruit weight, seed weight, and flesh weight. Moreover, genetic diversity among cultivars was studied using RAPD-PCR molecular marker. Physical characteristics results of the fruit showed significant differences among the tested cultivars. Samani and Magdool showed the highest values for both fruit dimensions and weight characteristics. All 5 tested RAPD primers were able to differentiate among the tested date palm cultivars and showed high polymorphism percentage ranging from 75-100%. Thirteen different specific positive and negative markers associated with some cultivars were obtained. The genetic similarity among cultivars ranged from 40% to 100% and the highest genetic similarity value was observed between Nawashf Red and Nawashf White. The results showed that the cultivars with the same name from different geographical locations are genetically different and showed significant differences in fruit physical characteristics.