Exploiting wild species for the genetic improvement of the pepino (Solanum muricatum)

摘要

Pepino (Solarium muricatum) is a little studied Andean crop grown for its edible fruit. It is propagated clonally. Selection of new clones with improved fruit quality has contributed to the market development of this crop. In this paper, we study the possibilities of using wild relatives from section Basarthrum for the genetic improvement of the pepino. Among all the species of this section, we consider S. caripense and S. tabanoense as the most promising. These wild species are sexually compatible with pepino; bear relatively large fruits, especially S. tabanoense; and have high soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and ascorbic acid content (AAC). Results from three experiments show that interspecific hybrids are intermediate for most traits, but are very vigorous and their yield can be as high as those of cultivated clones. Backcrosses followed by selection show that it is possible to rapidly recover the productive traits characteristic of the pepino, while increasing the SSC and AAC, thus contributing to the overall improvement of fruit quality. Results indicate that wild species can make a significant contribution to pepino breeding and can be easily integrated in local breeding programmes.