Mejoramiento Biotecnológico de Plantas y Modificación Genética

The biological wealth of third world countries contributes 91.1% of the germplasm to the International Plant Genetic Resources Bank, with 23% coming from Latin America (Bravo 1991), which explains the significant contribution of Andean countries to food and agriculture (INIAP 2003).The notable climatological and orographic configuration of Ecuador results in a wide range of resources in its four natural regions (Coast, Sierra, Oriente, and the Galapagos Archipelago). The environmental conditions generate an impressive diversity of habitats and vegetation types, with nearly 25,000 species of vascular plants and an estimated endemism of 32.25% (INIAP 2008).The complex and heterogeneous oceanographic and continental characteristics of Peru give rise to three natural regions (Coast, Sierra, and Selva), 84 life zones, and 17 transitional zones. Influenced by geographical factors such as the Andes mountain range, ocean currents, and cyclones, Peru exhibits great biological diversity, with over 70% of the planet's biodiversity. There are approximately 25,000 species of flora, with 30% being endemic (MINAM 2014).The great variety of altitudinal and ecological environments in the different regions of the Andean countries generate extremely diverse flora. The humid tropical ecosystem and the effect of the Andes mountain range create altitudinal zones that give rise to different climates, microclimates, ecological systems, and vegetation formations. However, it is important to consider the anticipated impacts on agriculture, such as global temperature increase, biodiversity loss, salinization, and desertification of agricultural lands. Biotechnological solutions capable of ensuring food security for nations should be proposed. Edible native species are essential for food security in the Andean countries and the world as a whole. They are phytogenetic resources with great potential due to their nutritional, medicinal, and economic value. For example, the Solanum L. genus, which includes about 1,500 species, one of the largest among flowering plants (Frodin 2004), includes cultivated species such as tomato (S. lycopersicum L.), potato (S. tuberosum L.), and others of importance in South America, such as cucumber (S. muricatum Aiton) and naranjilla (S. quitoense Lam.) (Särkinen et al. 2015).The germplasm collection provides a basis for initiating in situ and ex situ management and conservation programs aimed at generating food for communities. It also helps exploit their use in biotechnological plant improvement, conservation, and production programs, which contribute to increasing the economy of farmers. Additionally, it promotes the progress of agro-industry and agro-exportation.