Articles
GENETIC RESOURCES OF TEMPERATE FRUITS IN MEXICO
Article number
565_7
Pages
53 – 57
Language
English
Abstract
Several native species of fruit trees are under domestication at high elevations in Mexico, including Crataegus and Prunus serotina, well suited to produce both wood and fruit.
Introduced species such as peach, pear, plum and apple are more competitive in the fruit market, but require higher inputs and more expertise.
Genetic resources of native and introduced temperate fruit trees in tropical countries are unique and relatively unknown, and represent a valuable source to increase diversity worldwide.
Official and private programs aimed to collect and use temperate fruit germplasm in México have been focused on selection of “outstanding” candidates, for commercial cultivation.
Local germplasm, as it is mainly “shaped” by natural selection, rarely represents a finished product for intensive cultivation.
As with “criollo” peaches, where local selections have the flavor preferred by consumers.
However, their external appearance may be dull, they are generally late ripening and susceptible to diseases like oidium (Sphaeroteca pannosa).
Initially, germplasm collection and conservation was selection oriented, lacked continuity, and was not aimed to explain the origin of diversity nor the relationships among genotypes or variables determining adaptation.
Recent efforts to describe temperate fruit germplasm in Mexico include a wider genetic base and provide a background to design strategies for breeding and selection (Pérez, 1992 and 1993).
Characterization and analysis of genetic diversity in subtropical environments should be based on a similar set of variables and methodology for data recording.
This may facilitate exchange of experiences and genetic material.
Breeding and selection have increased genetic diversity in Mexico.
As neither local germplasm nor introduced cultivars have surpassed the results obtained with genotypes derived from breeding and screening under strong selection pressures in terms of adaptation to local environments and consumer expectations.
Introduced species such as peach, pear, plum and apple are more competitive in the fruit market, but require higher inputs and more expertise.
Genetic resources of native and introduced temperate fruit trees in tropical countries are unique and relatively unknown, and represent a valuable source to increase diversity worldwide.
Official and private programs aimed to collect and use temperate fruit germplasm in México have been focused on selection of “outstanding” candidates, for commercial cultivation.
Local germplasm, as it is mainly “shaped” by natural selection, rarely represents a finished product for intensive cultivation.
As with “criollo” peaches, where local selections have the flavor preferred by consumers.
However, their external appearance may be dull, they are generally late ripening and susceptible to diseases like oidium (Sphaeroteca pannosa).
Initially, germplasm collection and conservation was selection oriented, lacked continuity, and was not aimed to explain the origin of diversity nor the relationships among genotypes or variables determining adaptation.
Recent efforts to describe temperate fruit germplasm in Mexico include a wider genetic base and provide a background to design strategies for breeding and selection (Pérez, 1992 and 1993).
Characterization and analysis of genetic diversity in subtropical environments should be based on a similar set of variables and methodology for data recording.
This may facilitate exchange of experiences and genetic material.
Breeding and selection have increased genetic diversity in Mexico.
As neither local germplasm nor introduced cultivars have surpassed the results obtained with genotypes derived from breeding and screening under strong selection pressures in terms of adaptation to local environments and consumer expectations.
Authors
S. Perez-Gonzalez
Keywords
chilling requirement, germplasm conservation, characterization
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