Genetic variation and relationships among agaves related to the production of Tequila and Mezcal in Jalisco

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The study of evolutionary history allows us to examine diversification, selection and domestication processes. Mexico belongs to Mesoamerica, one of the world's most important centers of origin and diversification of plants. One of the plants that has sustained its peoples for over 10,000 years is the agave (Agave sp.). Mexico is the center of diversity of the genus, with 75% of the species. Two agave products, tequila and mezcal, are of great economic and biocultural importance for Mexico. The description of genetic diversity and the identification of the wild relatives of the agave species used to produce these emblematic beverages is fundamental information for their production and conservation. Previous studies have proposed wild populations of A. angustifolia in Jalisco as possible wild relatives of blue agave or tequila (Agave tequilana). We use microsatellite (eight loci) to study the genetic diversity and the relationships between wild populations of A. angustifolia and traditional cultivars of the Agave species utilized in the production of tequila and mezcal in Jalisco. The studied taxa present intermediate genetic variation, with the exception of A. tequilana "Azul" which had the same genotype. A Structure analysis indicates that the "Azul" is closely related to A. angustifolia mainly to wild populations from southern Jalisco. Agave rhodacantha and the cultivars of A. tequilana ("Sigüin" and "Chato") form a group separate from Agave angustifolia y A. tequilana "Azul". eng

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