Abstract

RAMOS-CASTELLA, Alma Laura  and  IGLESIAS-ANDREU, Lourdes Georgina. Advances and trends in genetic improved of vanilla. Cienc. Tecnol. Agropecuaria [online]. 2022, vol.23, n.2, e2339.  Epub Apr 31, 2022. ISSN 0122-8706.  https://doi.org/10.21930/rcta.vol23_num2_art:2339.

Vanilla beans (Vanilla planifolia Jacks. ex Andrews) are the natural source of vanillin and are internationally considered a product of high commercial value. However, vanilla cultivation presents different problems that have prompted the development of research for its genetic improvement, encompassing various strategies to achieve this purpose. They have developed prospecting works for the establishment of germplasm banks, evaluated sexual intra and interspecific hybridization. Besides, they have used biotechnological tools, particularly those based on plant tissue culture techniques, to achieve in vitro conservation of available germplasm. Similarly, they are intended to broaden the genetic base through mutagenesis induction combined with selection techniques against different stress agents, perform somatic hybridization through protoplast fusion, and gene insertion using genetic engineering techniques. Although the improvement of vanilla began in the middle of the last century, only one variety of vanilla has been registered worldwide. Biotechnology promotes the generation and selection of promising material; however, there is still a lack of field results that show an advanced stage of these improvement works. Bottom line, there are still many aspects to consider in the improvement of this valuable crop.

Keywords : domestication; genetic diversity; biotechnological improvement; fungal resistance; drought tolerance.

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