Date Palm Genetic Identification and Improvement Utilizing Molecular Markers and DNA Barcoding

Abstract

The level of variation in date palm cultivars and among Phoenix species, and their structure of DNA molecules can play a beneficial role in the efficient utilization of germplasm resources. The background of evolutionary gene flow and diversity of cultivars are essential factors for these variabilities. Investigating the diversity has been utilized successfully in date palm genetic identification and improvement, a rapid increase in date palm genome sequences and DNA barcoding in date palm varieties. Furthermore, it is significant to verify the material obtained and analyze genetic diversity. Identification of genotypes is even related highly to individual palms. Date palm improvement can be achieved by recent and novel platforms such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), competitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers and targeting induced local lesions in genomes (TILLING). We highlight the most useful various molecular markers and DNA barcoding that can be utilized. This chapter provides information on molecular marker techniques based on detection methods. DNA barcoding is included for different applications on date palm genetic identification and improvement.