Genetic Diversity of South Libyan Elite Date Palm Using SSR ‎Markers

Date palms ( Phoenix dactylifera ) reproduce through offshoots, a vegetative propagation method that results in offspring genetically similar to the parent plant. However, the genetic diversity of date palms, particularly in the Southern Libya Region (SLR), remains insufficiently understood at the molecular level. Previous studies relied heavily on phenotypic traits, fruit, leaf, and chemical analyses, which are susceptible to environmental influences and developmental variations. In this study, genetic diversity was assessed using microsatellite markers across 27 palm samples from three cultivars (Taghyat, Tafsert, and Thales) grown in three regions of SLR (Sabha, Ubari, and Murzuq). Twenty microsatellite primers were employed, producing polymorphic results across the samples. A total of 84 alleles were identified, with an average of 4.2 alleles per locus. Allelic distribution varied, with loci ranging from two alleles to seven. Genetic diversity analysis yielded an average diversity index of 0.61, with heterozygosity values ranging from 0% to 100%. The Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) values averaged 0.55, indicating moderate marker efficiency. Cluster analysis revealed two main genetic groups: one consisting of Taghyat and Thales and the other of Tafsert. The AMOVA results indicated that 24% of the genetic variance was attributed to differences between cultivars, while 76% was within cultivars. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic structure and diversity of date palms in the SLR, highlighting potential for future breeding and conservation efforts.