Advances and research perspectives chili in Tamaulipas, Mexico

Abstract

The center of origin and domestication of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is Mesoamerica, more properly Mexico and Guatemala. The distribution of C. annuum var. annuum is national with a wide range of uses and groups most of the types grown in Mexico. There is also the closest wild relative, C. annuum var. glabriusculum (syn. C. annuum var. aviculare) known as “chili”, “Chiltepin”, “quipín”, “timpinchile”, “mount”, “wild”, among others, distributed throughout the country mainly in the coastal zone. In regions where it occurs, is an important part of the local economy, especially in the time of harvest, generating employment and income for rural communities. This activity, coupled with the expansion of the agricultural frontier and livestock, and other economic activities, affects the habitat degradation of natural populations in terms of density and distribution of cayenne pepper. As the overall objective of this paper is to disseminate research findings highlighting the importance of this resource from the standpoint of ecological, economic and social, beginning with a current diagnosis of this system and its future prospects, the evaluation of potential and propose a model for use, management and conservation with a focus on sustainability to consider an increase in productivity and generating employment and income. On the other hand, documenting all information generated, for better handling and use of it. Achieving the targets set will facilitate the best use, and consequently better preservation of this important genetic resource.