Genetic variation in date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) cultivars assessed using RAPD markers

Abstract

Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is oldest among cultivated fruit trees. Presently about 40 accessions are available at All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP), Bikaner for evaluation and maintenance. Along with some local collections most of the stocks were procured from other countries like USA, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iraq and Oman. A few varieties have been found to be suitable for large-scale cultivation and are economically viable vit., Khuneizi, Halawi, Barhee, Medjool, Khalas etc. [1]. Though early evaluation work has proved agronomic and socio-economic significance of date palm in the Thar Desert, attempts to improve the understanding and the use of the available biodiversity have been limited.