Rubus Genetic Resources in Bolivia

Abstract

Intermountain valleys in the Andean region of Bolivia are rich in diversity of Rubus species. Species in both subgenus Orobatus and subgenus Rubus occur in this region. These species include Rubus betonicifolius, R. bogotensis, R. Boliviensis, R. briaceus, R. holtenii, R. imperialis, R. macrocarpus, R. megalococcus, R. nubigenus , and R. roseus. Rubus macrocarpus and R. roseus have previously been determined to be worthy of domestication and commercialization as new crops in tropical highlands. The potential of the other species as new bramble crops and for use in breeding will be discussed.