Biotecnologías aplicables al desarrollo de algunas especies de Caricáceas cultivadas en la región Andina: avances y problemas

Abstract

Different species of Caricaceae family are intensively cultivated in the Andean Region consumed as fruit, used as sources of proteolytic enzymatic compounds and as germplasm sources, and have genetic potential of possible interest for improvement programs. Among these species stay Carica papaya and another group of species classified within the Vasconcellea genus, such as V. cundinamarcensis [syn. C. pubescens] (mountain papaya) and V. stipulata. Both species carry genes conferring resistance to “papaya ringspot virus” as well as cold tolerance and also have specific organoleptic characteristics. They can be used as graft stocks for other cultures such as V. x heilbornii nm. pentagona (babaco). Different regenerative potentials are evidenced, according to each species at the sexual or asexual level as well as important limitations affecting their development and regeneration. Some of the specific limitations to be mentioned are: germination problems due to dormancy influenced by the testa, variability in the degree of viability according to provenance, slow post-emergence development and associated aspects, with significant losses to fungal attack (V. stipulata). Asexual reproduction is otherwise mandatory, for sterile interspecific hybrids such as V. x heilbornii, whose response is partially limited. The presence of virosis is the main problem affecting commercial cultures of C. papaya; the existence of different sexual forms affects the productivity of V. cundinamarcensis. The objective of this work is to mention several results of studies carried out in our laboratories, focusing on various biotechnological strategies already explored or being developed, which can be used to overcome some regeneration problems.