Current status of the diversity and conservation of genetic resources of Capsicum spp. (chilli pepper) in Oaxaca, Mexico

Oaxaca, Mexico, has a wide diversity of genetic resources of Capsicum spp. (chilli pepper), with at least 25 of the 90 chilli pepper types reported for Mexico. However, some have stopped being cultivated, making it necessary to conduct an updated diagnosis to implement conservation and sustainable use practices. The objective of this work was to describe the current situation of chilli pepper crop biodiversity in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, and identify how they are conserved. The study identified that the most important chilli peppers for production or cultural uses in Oaxaca are: Agua, Costeño, Soledad, Tabaquero, Taviche, and Huacle, as well as less utilized varieties, including domesticated, semi-wild or wild varieties that are part of the state's cultural identity and diversity. Currently, seed collections of native chilli peppers are conserved ex situ in three seedbanks in Mexico, and they are also cultivated (in situ) by farmers, often in backyards, or left uncultivated (semi-wild or wild).