Standardization of Long Term DNA Storage and DNA Banking Methods for Conservation of Saudi Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) Genetic Diversity

摘要

Background: Date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has immense socio-economic significance in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is of great importance to survey, collect, identify and characterize all the available genetic diversity of the date palm in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Objective: The objective of this study was to study the effect of different activities of SDDB, such as selection of famous and less famous Saudi date palm varieties, to make core collection, long term storage and maintain a well-documented date palm DNA bank. Materials and Methods: Date palm leaf samples were collected and preserved in buffer solution. The study standardized a genomic DNA isolation program from date palm cultivars at the research station. The date palm genomic DNAextraction was carried by a modified C-Tab method. Results: Saudi Date Palm DNA Bank (SDDB) was established at Date Palm Research Centre (DPRC), King Faisal University having 71 accessions from three locations inside Saudi Arabia. This study was successful in standardizing a protocol for manual isolation of date palm genomic DNA and its preservation on long term basis. The SDDB was successful in applying DNA technology for conserving date palm genetic diversity by field exploration, identification and maintaining the tissues and DNA in a well-organized date palm DNA bank. Conclusion: The protocol established for isolation of high purity DNA and optimization of RAPD conditions can be used for DNA isolation from different date palm varieties. This preposition can form a strong base for future molecular characterization and genetic improvement works in date palm. However, the SDDB is first of its kind and will serve the date palm research and development institutes and industry by providing consultancy for accurate genetic determination of the date palm varieties.