Research Portal

Genomics and morphometry of herbarium specimens elucidate the origin of the Cape Verde date palm (Phoenix atlantica A.Chev.) and highlight its agronomic potential

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Electronic versions

DOI

  • Jeronimo Cid Vian
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Oscar A Pérez-Escobar
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • William J Baker
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Vincent Bonhomme
    University of Montpellier
  • Sylvie Ferrand
    New York University
  • Sarah Ivorra
    University of Montpellier
  • Thomas Kaczmarek
    University of Montpellier
  • Clemence Pagnoux
    Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris
  • Jean-Frederic Terral
    University of Montpellier
  • Nathan Wales
    University of York
  • Michael D. Purugganan
    New York University
  • Simon Creer
    School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
  • Alexander S. T. Papadopulos
    School of Environmental & Natural Sciences
  • Sidonie Bellot
    Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
  • Muriel Gros-Batlthazard
    University of Montpellier
As climate change accelerates, breeding resilient crops is urgent. The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), a crucial 18 billion USD fruit crop, underpins North African and West Asian oasis agroecosystems. This study investigates the genetics and morphology of its closest wild relative, the endemic and endangered Cape Verde date palm (Phoenix atlantica A.Chev.). We reveal that the latter originated through a feralisation process from domesticated date palms, evolving back into a wild state with unique genetic diversity. This highlights the need to protect its distinctiveness and opens the possibility of enhancing date palm resilience through its inclusion in breeding programs.
Original languageEnglish
JournalPlants, People, Planet
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 11 Feb 2025
View graph of relations