Reflections on the genetical resources of Mexico for ornamental plants industry

Abstract

The genetic resources of interest to ornamental horticulture are of native origin and/or introductions made as an outcome of the discovery of the American Continent. The contribution or Mexico to world ornamental horticulture is expressed in an estimated number of 1,400 species or commercial interest. The selection and floricultural breeding programs allow for the increase of aesthetical values and for the continuous promotion of the new disease resistance cultivars. Due to the advances in the plant propagation techniques it is possible of offer to the public those plants that were once about to be extinguished (<em>Dioon edule </em>Lindley, <em>Mammillaria sanangelensis, </em>etc.). The ornamental horticulture industry, exerts a high pressure on natural resources (explotation of the resources, search of new species and forms). Another source to be explored is the flora of natural minerals deposit and the vegetation of industrial conglomerations or urban zones. These plants have been little explored for their ornamental, environmental or adaptative values to distortioned places. The objective is to reflect on the potential and the usage of genetic resources of Mexican ornamental plants. A bibliographical and field study were applied using the prospective method.