Abstract

Genetic improvement in plants can increase yield, productivity and resistance to stress by modifying the genotype of the progeny. The objective of the present work was to review selection criteria to support the implementation of breeding programs focused on yield and stress resistance. The pollination is mainly open, which makes it difficult to maintain the improvements in its genotype. It is advisable to establish crosses between specimens with superior characteristics. The main characters that show diversity and should be used as selection criteria are the trunk diameter, number of flowers per inflorescence, fruit length and weight, although also some foliar characteristics could constitute a positive selection criterion. AFLP, RAPD, SSR and cytochrome P450 markers have been used to study its genetic variability. Morphological criteria molecular markers are related and, therefore, complement each other. The major research gaps are related to the architecture of the root system, the pollen flow according to genotypes and resistance mechanisms against biotic stress.