ANALYSIS OF GENETIC DIVERSITY OF MEZCALERO AGAVES FROM CENTRAL MÉXICO

Abstract

The Potosino Upland Plateau is an arid and semiarid ecosystem. Agave salmiana Otto Salm Dick ssp. crassispina (Trel Gentry), which grows in this environment, is a species used for gathering of edible insects and for production of mezcal. Mezcal is a Mexican alcoholic beverage with denomination of origin. Production of mezcal with wild populations of Agave salmiana ssp. crassispina lacks an exploitation system based on biological knowledge of the species. The lack of organized use has demographic effects, which leads to degradation of genetic resources and risks to this species. This study analyzed genetic diversity and population structure of three wild populations of Agave salmiana ssp. crassispina from San Luis Potosí, Mexico by AFLP’s (amplified fragment length polymorphism). The evidence showed a high level of genetic diversity within populations and low level of genetic differentiation among populations, probably as a result of habitat fragmentation produced by anthropogenic activities. We postulate that the genetic diversity in the wild populations analyzed, despite their constant exploitation, is originated by the synergism between cross-pollination and the activity of transposable genetic elements. The high level of genetic diversity found in the wild populations in San Luis Potosí shows agro-ecological relevance of Agave salmiana ssp. crassispina in the Mexican upland plateau. However, uncontrolled use and inappropriate management of wild populations could risk the genetic resources of Agave salmiana ssp. crassispina.