Genetic Diversity of the Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from Algeria Revealed by Enzyme Markers

Analysis of the enzymatic polymorphism of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera L., was undertaken to evaluate the genetic variability of Algerian cultivars. Seven enzyme systems (alcohol dehydrogenase, diaphorase, aspartate aminotransaminase, acid phosphatase, endopeptidase, leucine aminopeptidase and phosphoglucomutase) were visualized by electrophoresis. Genetic hypotheses appear to show 7 polymorphic loci and 16 alleles were counted. The study of diversity showed a high percentage of polymorphic loci, strong heterozygosity and considerable genetic diversity. The study shows that genetic variability is greater in the cultivars in the western regions (Saoura-Touat) than in the eastern regions (Rhir-Zibans). An identification key was devised and nearly 65% of the cultivars studied were identified from 5 enzyme systems.