Genetic variability in mamey (Pouteria Sapota (Jaq.) H.E. Moore & Stearn) based on molecular markers and fruit morphology

Abstract

The mamey (Pouteria sapota (Jacq.) H.E. Moore & Stearn) has been an important food source in Mexico and Central America from where it originates, as well as in other tropical areas of the world where it has been introduced. Despite the importance of this phytogenetic resource and the variability that has been previously reported, parameters of genetic variability and diversity have not been established that allow for sustainable development and commercial exploitation plans to be carried out. The objective of this work was to determine the genetic variability in a population of mamey from the state of Colima, based on molecular markers and characteristics of the fruit. A sample of plants from the state of Yucatán was used as reference germplasm with the origin. It was found that there is a high level of intrapopulation genetic variability and a considerable degree of differentiation in terms of allelic frequencies between the samples from Colima and Yucatán, the ISTR and ISSR markers proved to be useful in the segregation of the samples based on their origin.