GENETIC RESOURCES OF SWEETSOP (Annonaceae) IN MÉXICO: CURRENT SITUATION AND PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

Sweetsops (Annonaceae) are found within the most primitive plants among angiosperms, their origin is tropical with distribution in both hemispheres. In México, they are found in the Central, Gulf and Pacific states, and their uses for food, therapy, agroecosystem conservation and insecticide are recognized. The Annona L. genus presents 15 species and greater agronomic potential in México. Through the Annonaceae Mexican Network, certain species have been collected, conserved and characterized, such as A. muricata, A. cherimola, A. diversifolia, and A. squamosa, which are cultivated and conserved in commercial and backyard gardens, and protected natural areas. There is a collection of more than 381 accessions distributed in banks from the Salvador Sánchez Colín Foundation in Coatepec Harinas, Estado de México, the Instituto Tecnológico de Cd. Altamirano in Guerrero, the Experimental Field in Santiago Ixcuintla and Cotaxtla in Nayarit and Veracruz, respectively, and Universidad Veracruzana in Actopan, Veracruz. Annonaceae in México have been scarcely explored, however, because of their diversity of uses, they are placed as alternative crops to fruit trees that have lost economic profitability.