Microcentros de diversidad de yuca silvestre, Manihot spp en el Brasil Central

Abstract

Out of 26 wild Manihot species reported to occur in Central Brazil, 20 species were collected from two limited areas each of less than 100 km diameter. These two areas are: Goias Velho and Corumba de Goias. Considering Harlan concept of geographic patterns of variation of cultivated crops, it is assumed that the two areas are microcenters of cassava diversity. Topographic, soil, and ethnological evidence are discussed.