Phylogenetic Barcoding of Genetic Diversity in Iraqi Date Palm Cultivars Using the Plastid Non-Coding Region psbA-trnH

Understanding and evaluating genetic diversity among Phoenix dactylifera cultivars is essential for identifying genetic variation, preserving biodiversity, and guiding crop improvement initiatives. In this study, specific primers were designed to amplify the non-coding plastid intergenic spacer psbA-trnH across ten Iraqi date palm cultivars. The resulting sequences were analyzed to detect nucleotide polymorphisms and assess genetic distances between the cultivars. The minimum genetic distance (0.00342) was observed between ‘Khastawi’ and ‘Qarnfuli’, while the maximum distance (0.02703) occurred between ‘Tabarzul’ and ‘Dayri’. A total of 17 polymorphic sites were detected, revealing moderate sequence variation. Additionally, the haplotype diversity variance was calculated at 0.002, nucleotide diversity (Pi) was 0.01054, and theta (per site) from Eta was estimated at 0.01275. These molecular diversity indices highlight the potential of the psbA-trnH region as a useful marker for genetic analysis in date palms. The outcomes of this research contribute valuable insights for conservation planning, germplasm management, and future breeding programs targeting local Iraqi cultivars.