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Promotion of sustainable cherimoya production systems in Latin America through the characterisation, conservation and use of local germplasm diversity

Objective

Cherimoya (Annona cherimola Mill.) is a perennial fruit tree species of Andean origin of excellent organoleptic qualities and nutritious value. Despite the presence of an enormous wealth of local diversity, limited and often little coordinated activities t o use this potential have been carried out in the Andean region. Through REDARFIT (the Andean Plant Genetic Resources Network), national programs in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru have identified cherimoya as a priority species for the region and have express ed their wish to strengthen and combine their ongoing activities on this crop. This proposal aims at the promotion of sustainable cultivation of cherimoya in those three Andean countries based on the characterisation, conservation and use of local geneti c resources combining the available European expertise (both at the scientific and at the production levels) with local ongoing activities. Innovative research activities (using molecular tools and Geographic Information Systems) will provide new scienti fic insight into the existing cherimoya diversity providing the necessary information to optimise current germplasm conservation activities. This will allow unlocking the present, but so far untapped, genetic potential of cherimoya and canalise the obtai ned results to tackle the essential constraints (pests, lack of adequate cultural practices and limited commercialisation) for optimal cherimoya cultivation for the end-users, the poor resource Andean farmers. Training of local scientists will fortify the scientific capacity in the region ensuring a long-term impact of the project. The consortium was built based on existing expertise and experiences and comprises 9 partners in 6 countries, including NGOs. This proposal clearly addresses the recommendatio ns of the Convention on Biological Diversity, which states that characterisation, and conservation of plant genetic resources is the key for guaranteeing food security of future generations

Call for proposal

FP6-2003-INCO-DEV-2
See other projects for this call

Coordinator

CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS
EU contribution
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Address
SERRANO 117
MADRID
Spain

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Participants (8)