N.M.A. Nassar
Published: June 30, 2003
Genet. Mol. Res. 2 (2) : 214-222

Cite this Article:
N.M.A. Nassar (2003). Cassava, Manihot esculenta Crantz genetic resources: VI. Anatomy of a diversity center. Genet. Mol. Res. 2(2): 214-222.

About the Authors
N.M.A. Nassar

Corresponding author
N.M.A. Nassar
E-mail: nagnassa@rudah.com.br

ABSTRACT

Central Brasil is one of the four centers of diversity of Manihot species. Of 26 wild Manihot species reported to occur in this region, 20 were collected from two limited areas, each less than 100 km in diameter. These two areas are Goiás Velho and Corumbá de Goiás. Considering the Harlan concept of geographic patterns of variation of cultivated crops, it is assumed that the two areas are microcenters of cassava diversity. Topographic, soil and ethnological data of these species were collected and compared.

Key words: Manihot, Wild species, Useful genes.