Potato Landraces and Their Wild Relatives in 3 Micro-centers of Diversity in Ecuador: Farmers' Perception and Ecogeography

Abstract Ecuador is one of the centers of diversity for wild and cultivated potatoes. Three micro-centers of diversity were previously identified based on germplasm collecting passport data of potato landraces and their wild relatives. The objective of this study was to understand the potential hybridization dynamic of the genetic diversity present in situ in these micro-centers (provinces of Carchi, Chimborazo and Loja in Ecuador) by means of: 1. Reviewing the possibility of an eventual genetic cross within intercropped potato landraces through surveys to local producers; 2. Reviewing the possibility of potato landraces crossing with their wild relatives, also according to local producers; and 3. Map the actual geographic location of recent collections of potato landrace and wild potato relatives in the study areas. Information from farmers and eco-geographic data demonstrated that there is no potential crossing between wild and cultivated potato species. Probably the existing genetic variability in Ecuador has been accumulated since the historical movement of potato landraces by American ancestors from the center of origin in Peru and Bolivia and the continuum knowledge and seed sharing besides the conscious and unconscious selection of potato landraces by local farmers for centuries. Additionally, we discuss options to conserve both cultivated and wild potato species in Ecuador due to apparent current genetic erosion processes.