We are delighted to extend an invitation for your presence at the dissertation thesis defence of José Alejandro Ruiz Chután on “Assessment of morphological and genetic diversity of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) in Guatemala” (Department of Crop Sciences and Agroforestry, Tropical Agrobiology and Bioresource Management). Thesis defence will take place on 2.2.2024 at 11:00 AM, Meeting Room 313 FTA.
Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) holds immense cultural, economic, and medicinal significance in Guatemala, one of the centres of domestication for the species. Despite its significance, there is limited understanding of the genetic diversity and population structure of native avocado populations in Guatemala. Addressing this gap, the research focuses on agro-morphological and genetic characteristics of native avocado germplasm, providing valuable insights for conservation and breeding programs. Furthermore, a comparative analysis with Ethiopian avocados explores the influence of introduced Guatemalan germplasm on cultivated genotypes, identifying opportunities for more efficient utilization in Ethiopian breeding efforts. The study unveils wide phenotypic variability and high genetic diversity in Guatemalan germplasm, establishing a genetic link with the Wondo Genet genebank in Ethiopia. This comprehensive information informs conservation and utilization strategies for avocado breeding programs.