Solanum cardiophyllum and S. ehrenbergii, PAPA DE MONTE OR PAPA GÜERA

Abstract

Solanum cardiophyllum Lindl. and S. ehrenbergii (Bitt.) Rydb. They are tuberous species commonly called "papita de monte" or
"papita güera." Both species have a wide distribution in Mexico and are sympatric in a wide area; are located in similar, dry habitats, with xeric thickets of Acacia spp., Agave spp., Opuntia spp. and Prosopis spp. and on agricultural land; in regions with altitudes that vary from 1250 to 2600 meters above sea level. The inhabitants of the central region of Mexico collect the tubers, when the fields of corn (Zea mays L.) and beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) are prepared for planting during the months of November to May, which they consume and They trade in local markets, where they can fetch a higher price than the common potato, S. tuberosum L. Given their importance, many farmers tolerate and/or sponsor these weeds, thus promoting the repopulation and persistence of the bush potato on the land. of cultivation. The potato constitutes a resource that can be used in food programs, and as a source of germplasm for the plant improvement of cultivated potatoes. Resistance to diseases such as Phytophthora infestans, which causes "late blight" of potatoes, and against potato viruses X and Y, has been identified in S. cardiophyllum. It has also proven to be resistant to drought conditions.