Genetic variability of maguey pulquero (Agave spp.) in the Otomi-Huitzizilapan region, State of Mexico

Pulquero maguey has been related to the cultural inheritance of Otomi-communities since pre-Hispanic times. In the last 30 years, a gradual disappearance of pulquero maguey has been observed in the Otomi-Huitzizilapan region, located in the State of Mexico, Mexico, thus, it is of great interest to analyze the genetic variability of this kind of maguey for future identification, monitoring and conservation purposes. This work had as objective to determine the genetic variability of the pulquero maguey individuals of the Otomi-Huitzizilapan region using AFLP technique and the qualitative carbohydrate characterization present in the leaves juice employing high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Of the selective amplification with six primer combinations, a total of 890 AFLP markers was obtained with 82.3% polymorphic. Identified carbohydrates such as fructose, glucose, sacarose, 1-kestose and nystose coincide with the ones reported in other Agave species. The results obtained make it possible to initially quantify the variation existing in the plants evaluated. The carbohydrate profile signals that the pulquero maguey could be used in alternative industrial purposes.