A review of the genus Euterpe: botanical and genetic aspects of açai, the purple gold of the Amazon

Abstract

Abstract Achieving improved plant breeding is one of the most significant challenges facing efforts to ensure human nutrition and energy security over the next 30 years. The principal focus of plant breeding is to increase the production of conventional crops, but the domestication and breeding of lesser-known plants may also represent a source of food and energy. The African oil palm is an example of a cultivated plant that has reached the first rank of oil sources over the last four decades. Among palms, açai palm trees are highlighted due to the violet berries being commercialized internationally as functional foods. Açai palms are candidates for domestication and breeding and have a large area of cultivation. We reviewed the literature and technical reports concerning the açai genetic pool to detail the açai palm tree species and their biology, diversity centre, genetic resources, and existing breeding programmes.