Iraqi Zahdi Date Palm Genetically Documented and Its Genome Data Added to NCBI Database

The Ministry of Agriculture announced on Tuesday the completion of genomic documentation of the Zahdi, one of Iraq’s well-known date palm varieties, with its complete genome data added to the genomic database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

The ministry said Zahdi is among the most widely distributed Iraqi date varieties and has a notable presence in international markets. It noted that identifying and documenting the variety’s genetic profile represents an important scientific and economic step, while strengthening the representation of Iraqi date palm varieties in international genomic databases.

According to the ministry, Wahaj Al-DNA for Training, Qualification and Services, in cooperation with the Horticulture Department, completed the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) process. The variety’s sequencing data was subsequently deposited in NCBI’s Sequence Read Archive (SRA), providing a documented scientific reference to support genomic research and studies.

The ministry added that the Zahdi documentation forms part of broader efforts to preserve and record the genetic diversity of Iraqi date palms, following the genomic registration of the Barhi variety last year. The initiative aims to safeguard the genetic identity of Iraq’s date palms and enhance their scientific and agricultural value internationally