Sweet cherimoya tree
The cherimoya tree grows in certain parts of South America and bears delicious fruit that belongs to the custard apple (annona) family in the west. The EU-funded project 'Promotion of sustainable cherimoya production systems in Latin America through the characterisation, conservation and use of local germplasm diversity' (Cherla) aimed to develop sustainable cherimoya production in Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru. It studied indigenous plants and methods to promote healthy agriculture of cherimoya in the Andes region. In its early stages, the project assessed local cherimoya diversity using state-of-the-art molecular tools and geographic information systems (GIS). It collected local and national varieties of the tree, including seeds. This plant material was made available for other researchers who also wanted to pursue the project's objectives. In parallel, Cherla addressed challenges faced by local farmers in developing sustainable cherimoya production, offering guidelines on how to improve cropping, processing and commercialisation. On a more technical level, Cherla evaluated the commercially interesting of different germplasm collections in Ecuador, Peru and Spain, as well as DNA studies involving simple sequence repeats (SSRs). This allowed researchers to map and study genetic diversity in cultivated, semi-cultivated and wild cherimoya. A database on characterisation was developed and distributed among the project partners allowing powerful exchange of information on the subject. The project also built a comprehensive inventory of cherimoya genetic resources, outlining as well a method to collect the plant and improve conservation measures. It then conducted spatial analyses (e.g. through satellite information) to map diversity, hotspots and origin of cherimoya trees. Studies on reproductive biology, bottlenecks, pests (particularly fruit flies) and other important issues were also conducted. In all, the project successfully optimised fruit production in different pilot areas, supported by workshops, activities and interaction with local farmers. It provided manuals to farmers, technicians and professionals involved in cherimoya production and marketing, complete with improved techniques for nurseries. Now, healthier and more robust cherimoya agriculture can emerge in these more remote areas and buoy their economy.
