Morphological and Molecular diversity in a collection of the Andean tree tomato (Solanum betaceum Cav.)

Abstract:

Tree tomato or tamarillo (Solanum betaceum Cav., syn. Cyphomandra betacea (Cav. Sendt.) is a small tree native to the Andean region that produces juicy berries the size of a hen’s egg. Tree tomatoes are commonly found in local markets of South America, where they are sold being consumed as a fresh fruit or for producing juices (Bohs, 1989). This species represents an important alternative to production, diversification and commercialization of non-traditional products and, in addition, it is a promising crop for some regions with Mediterranean climate (Prohens and Nuez, 2000). The expansion of the crop is limited by some factors, such as the lack of clear differentiation among varieties, low fruit quality (heterogeneity and phytosanitary problems), use of inappropriate varieties, or substitution of local varieties with materials from other origins; moreover, the tree tomato is frequently a subsistence crop and is considered a neglected crop, not included in programs of conservation and genetic improvement of genetic resources. This raises the need to undertake studies aimed at the characterization of its diversity, which is essential to its use and conservation, as up to now neither morphological descriptors for tree tomato characterization have been published, nor the morphological and genetic relationships among cultivar groups have been studied. We have made a morphological and molecular characterization of tree tomato including a significant number of morphological traits and AFLPs markers, based on a broad diversity of accessions (27 cultivated, collected in the Andean region-the center of origin of this speciesor in other continents, and …

Año de publicación:

2011

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