Conservation, Utilization, Genetic and Chemodiversity of Germplasm of Genipap (Genipa Americana L.) in Brazil

Abstract

Genipa americana L. or genipap (Rubiaceae) is brazilian native species. Its leaves and fruits are used in the folk medicine and are greatly consumed in natura in the form of sweets, juices, composts and wines. Moreover, it can be used for the recovery of contaminated soils, in civil and naval construction, dye production for fabric dyeing, ceramic artifacts and non-permanent tattoos. Phytochemical analysis from the leaves and fruits reported in the literature detected the presence of iridoids, monoterpenoids, fatty acids, steroids, carboxylic acids and phenolic compounds, some of which bioactive compounds. Despite the economic and ecological importance, this species has suffered a considerable loss of genetic variability caused, mainly, by the expansion of farming areas in the Brazilian. The genetic diversity and structure of a Genipap Genebank and natural populations has been evaluated using molecular markers, generating data useful to help programs of plant breeding, prospection and conservation. Application of techniques of tissue culture overcome the difficulties imposed by the traditional genipap propagation system, enabling large-scale multiplication and the conservation of this Rubiaceae.