Conservation of superior Egyptian date palm genotypes through in vitro culture of inflorescence explants

Abstract

Using floral buds could help to conserve the date palm biodiversity and finding a way to rapidly multiply the landraces with socioeconomic value. Siwa oasis in Egypt can be considered as biodiversity center of date palm. Several competitive date palms emerged from seeds, a variety at risk of distinction named "Ghazal" and top commercial variety 'Siwy' were selected based on fruit phenotype and evaluated. Upon flowering an immature spathe was technically excised from each parent tree and transferred to the laboratory for micropropagation. The in vitro plantlets of these endangered and superior genotypes were obtained within a single year. The steps carried out to achieve this target were described and discussed in the current study.