Characterization of mamey [Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) Moore & Stearn] in the Totonacapan Poblano region of Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to morphologically characterize mamey in 10 municipalities of the Sierra Nororiental of Puebla (Totonacapan Poblano), Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: In the study, 206 accessions obtained from simple random sampling using qualitative and quantitative morphological descriptors were evaluated, using an analysis of variance, principal components and hierarchical cluster analysis with the Gower distance and the Ward grouping method. Results: Quantitative descriptors had high coefficients of variability (12.66% to 43.40%). The principal components analysis indicated that components 1 (41.66%), 2 (19.97%) and 3 (16.62%) accounted for 78.25% of the variance and the cluster analysis identified eight groups; the tree and leaf variables turned out to be the most important to group the samples. Limitations on study/implications: For greater accuracy on the morphological diversity of mamey, it is necessary to include more descriptors of the fruit and the flower. Findings/conclusions: The descriptors that contributed the most to the grouping were those related to the shape, height and size of the tree, and the weight, size and shape of the leaf; in relation to the fruit, the descriptor that contributed the most was the shape. These results could be useful in programs of conservation, improvement, and use of the mamey.