Date Palm genetic diversity in Sudan

This study confirmed the high genetic diversity among date palms in Sudan which was reported in previous studies. The use of morphological characterization, molecular analysis and interviewing of farmers, assisted in the successful fulfillment of the set of objectives to collect, document and analyze data pertaining to the present status of local date palm genetic resources in the Northern region of Sudan (River Nile and Northern States) with regard to cultivars, production and threats. The results of this study will contribute to the formulation of a national strategy for the conservation and sustainable use of the date palm genetic resources in Sudan. Further studies including chloroplast DNA to identify the origin of the seedling cultivars (Jaw and males) are warranted.