Morphological Characterization of Soursop (Annona muricata L.) Germplasm Cultivated in Colima, Mexico

Soursop  (Annona muricata L.) is tropical fruit tree species belonging to the family Annonaceae. It is an underutilized species in Mexico; it is mostly confined to small orchards or home gardens. Despite the importance of soursop, the collection, morphological characterization and improvement of its germplasm is reduced in Mexico. The objective of this study was to identify morphological variation of the varieties cultivated in Colima, Mexico. Orchards located in the municipality of Tecoman, Colima were sampled. Fruit random samples were collected from three representative soursop orchards.  Fifteen fruit morphological characters were recorded, and the data were analyzed by ANOVA, and mean characters were separated by Tukey test (p≤ 0.05). Statistical differences were obtained for most of the fruit characters evaluated. Significant morphological variation was observed between varieties. Three varieties were well distinguished, the local variety called criollo, the Costa Rica variety and their hybrids. Accessions MZ1, MZ2 and MZ4 exhibited the highest fruit weights, an agronomic trait well desired by the soursop growers.         

Key words: Sousop, Colima, morphological varuation, agronomic traits, Annona muricata.