WILD TOMATO GERMPLASM (Lycopersicum spp.) IN THE RESERVE OF GENETIC RESOURCES OF APACUNCA (RRGA) CHINANDEGA

Abstract

Considering the importance of tomato as a vegetable crop, the present study was carried out to provide in situ and ex situ information using six samples from populations of wild tomato (Lycopersicum spp.), those samples are endemic in Reserve of Genetic Resources of Apacunca (RRGA). Irrigation indices were implemented (0.4, 0.7 and 1.1 liters / plant / day) and biofertilizer levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 cc per pump of 20 liters of content). Ex situ experiments were arranged in split-block design with three replicates using univariate and multivariate analysis on morphological data’s. In situ and ex situ studies revealed differences among populations in some variables, fruit and plant variables were significantly affected by the irrigation indices and biofertilizer levels, respectively. The largest amount of fruits was obtained with the intermediate irrigation index and high levels of biofertilizer. The first three principal components isolated the 73.2% of the total variation, and the discriminate variables were established by the fruit dimensions, stem and internode length. The populations evaluated in situ, with irrigation indices and biofertilizer levels formed three distinct cores. Measurements performed on the populations in their natural habitat (in situ) showed less variation in comparison to ex situ population and exposed to the treatments. The characteristics found in the wild tomato from Reserve, suggest than this wild crop can be used as feed in the rural households, therefore, is necessary their in situ and ex situ preservation.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v11i17.775

La Calera Vol.11 No.17, p.33-40