Phenotypic Diversity in Wild and Cultivated Date Palm (Phoenix, Arecaceae): Quantitative Analysis Using Information Theory

The quantitative study of genetic diversity requires tools to describe quantitatively and in parallel the whole phenotypic order produce meaningful comparisons. genus Phoenix offers examples species with very different levels or heterogeneity. Within Phoenix, date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a major food crop global relevance. concept information entropy was introduced by Claude Shannon; although initially intended evaluate data communication systems, it has been used measure biodiversity terms richness, evenness dominance. In present work, we will use heterogeneity within taxonomic units Phoenix. description morphological work based on 596 accessions populations belonging 43 mutually exclusive (species, subspecies, varieties, landrace groups hybrids). As dioecious genus, female male individuals are described separately. Each accession sample using 116 characters totaling 449 states. Shannon index allows representation various Morphology, consistency coloration fruit seed, followed inflorescences flowers, comprise that contribute most Vegetative less than reproductive organs as whole. related Mediterranean Macaronesian taxa maximum Immediately afterwards find P. loureiroi and, behind, group pusilla. At lower limit heterogeneity, restricted their distribution area: rupicola, theophrasti, roebelenii acaulis. conforms complex landraces cultivars coexist phenotypically well-defined geographical numerous intermediate forms long-distance translocation otherwise local cultivars. This results high For western eastern dactylifera, extremely difficult set differential characters. However, some variables analyzed here allow us propose respective syndromes. diversity, age ancestry taxa, hybridization events introgressions prior domestication, selective pressures after domestication again, interspecific crosses domestication.