Mapping Genetic Diversity of Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.): Application of Spatial Analysis for Conservation and Use of Plant Genetic Resources

This paper explores the possibilities of incorporating molecular marker data into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to allow visualization and better understanding of spatial patterns of genetic diversity as a key input to optimize conservation and use of plant genetic resources, based on a case study of cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.), a Neotropical fruit tree species. We present spatial analyses to (1) improve the understanding of spatial distribution of genetic diversity of cherimoya natural stands and cultivated trees in Ecuador, Bolivia and Peru based on microsatellite molecular markers (SSRs); and (2) formulate optimal conservation strategies by revealing priority areas for in situ conservation, and identifying existing diversity gaps in ex situ collections

This study has been carried out within the context of the CHERLA project funded by the International Cooperation with Developing Countries (INCO-DEV) Sixth Framework Programme (Contract 015100) of the European Commission. Additional financial support was provided by the Spanish Ministry of Education (Project Grants AGL2010-15140), the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA) from Spain (RF2009-00010), Junta de Andalucía (FEDER AGR2742) and by the INIA-Spain financed project ‘Strengthening Regional Collaboration in Conservation and Sustainable Use of Forest Genetic Resources in Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Peer reviewed