Intra-population genetic diversity modeling of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) population in Niger

Abstract

Genetic variability can provide important information on how populations behave internally and can also serve as a valuable guide for conservation. In the case of cultivated plants, the conservation of genetic variability contributes significantly to the stabilization of agricultural production. Then, this study aims to assess the intra-population genetic variability of the date palm in Niger. To achieve this objective, various indices of intra-population variability were estimated, a clonal reproduction test was conducted across different populations, from multilocus genotypes using 18 nuclear SSR (Simple Sequence Repeats) molecular markers. These analyses showed that, in general, the date palm population in Niger is genetically highly diverse, with the observed number of multilocus genotypes per subpopulation (MLG= 130), the expected number of multilocus genotypes (eMLG= 66.70), the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H= 4.84), the probability that two randomly selected genotypes will differ (Lambda= 0.992), the equilibrium of genotype abundance distribution (E.5= 0.96), the Nei index of genetic diversity or expected heterozygosity (Hexp= 0.635) and the random association index for each population ( = 0.039, P-value= 0.000). Genetic variability is high and the population dynamics are stable in these populations. But, the sahelian subpopulation is less diverse and is converging toward homogeneity.