Jardín botánico de especies silvestres y semidomesticadas de algodón ‘Ixcatl’ del INIA-INIFAP en Guerrero

Abstract

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) plays an important role in cultural, economic and biological aspects. This text aims to present the history of the ‘Ixcatl’ botanical garden of wild and semi-domesticated Gossypium species in the state of Guerrero. This garden is unique in Mexico and is dedicated to protecting and conserving native cotton species. Information on botanical gardens and their role in conserving these species was reviewed. In 1978, the first botanical garden was founded in Iguala de la Independencia by INIA and the Vavilov Institute of Russia, which started with 259 accessions. In 1984, a second garden was established and in 2004, the third was created and remains active; it started with 120 accessions and currently has more than 180. It is crucial to continue conserving this garden to protect the genus Gossypium as part of Mexico’s natural heritage.