RESEARCH AND FRUIT PRODUCTION POTENTIAL OF CHANGUNGA [BYRSONIMA CRASSIFOLIA (L.) KUNTH] IN MICHOACAN, MEXICO

Abstract

This study was performed to show the possibility of making a mass utilization of a polyvalent species of the deciduous tropical forest in the State of Michoacan, Mexico. A polyvalent species produces simultaneously different outputs like firewood and grazing or food and medicine and is usually uniquely located around rural communities. The changunga [Byrsonima crassifolia (L.) Kunth] species was chosen because it has a high potential to be used in reforestation programs and fruit production in tropical areas having no raining pattern. The objective of this research was to evaluate promising wild changunga genotypes for fruit production in Churumuco, Michoacan considering aspects of geographical, ecophysiological, morphological, agronomic, and marketing parameters. The first stage of this study presents the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of 60 fruit shrub genotypes of changunga. Cluster analysis of data showed three distinct Clusters with 18, 37, and 5 genotypes, respectively. Canonical discriminate analysis detected the variables most affecting Cluster differentiation, to be fruit acidity, Brix degree, pH, proteins, fruit and endocarp length, fruit diameter, fruit weight, shrub height, and trunk diameter. These observations provide the first reported in-depth insights into the genetic diversity of changunga for fruit production in Michoacan. Most of these genotypes are not yet commercially exploited but nevertheless represent a fruit production potential for regional markets that might be employed for fresh consumption or industrial processing.