Mamey sapote [Pouteria spp., Sapotaceae] is a tree fruit of economic and cultural importance in Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. It contributes greatly to local economies, habitats, and human nutrition. This study is among the first to analyze genetic variability among cultivated selections of mamey sapote. The Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) molecular technique was used to estimate levels of genetic diversity and similarity between individual specimens in the germplasm collections of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden and University of Florida. The study found overall low levels of genetic diversity within these collections. However, higher relative levels of genetic diversity were found in a group of selections from northern Costa Rica and Nicaragua. It is anticipated that future plant collection in that region will capture greater genetic diversity among cultivated types. In addition, 'Pantin' selections were used to investigate the level of variation within supposedly identical selections. This baseline information can be applied to the management and expansion of the germplasm collections by identifying duplicate selections and homonyms and by locating geographical areas for future collection.
