STM Article Repository

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is one of the most important fruit crops in the Middle East. In the present research, RAPD DNA marker was used to characterize six date palm genotypes grown in the Jiroft region of Iran. The pre-screening of 18 primers on genotypes allowed selection of 16 primers which revealed polymorphism and gave reproducible results. All analyzed genotypes were distinguishable by their band patterns. Cluster analysis by UPGMA showed two main clusters for palm genotypes based on difference in fruit color with variation in sexuality and early or mid-season maturities. Mozafati, Kabkab and Mordarsang genotypes were located on the first cluster, while the second cluster consisted of Kaloteh, Male211 and Male504 genotypes, which were most closely related with the highest value in conformity with Nei and Li's similarity value of 0.58. Dendrogram was confirmed as valuable cluster Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) using the first principal component from the molecular data. The results of molecular analysis were adapted with genetic variation. RAPD technology therefore appears very effective for identifying genotypes, polymorphism and genetic distance of date palm.