Mexican native varieties and plant health in the context of COVID-19: The case of Solanum lycopersicum

Abstract

The importance of native Mexican varieties in agricultural food production is analyzed, discussed and reflected upon, particularly regarding emergency situations such as the pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The main example used is the tomato, Solanum lycopersicum, comparatively with commercial varieties. Evidence is provided of the higher tolerance of native varieties to pests and diseases. When grafted onto commercial varieties, they maintained their tolerance, but also increased their yield. Before and perhaps during the pandemic, native tomato varieties have been an important food source for several marginalized communities in Mexico. The analysis suggests that the agricultural food production based on native varieties may help solve problems in the supply chain of imported agricultural inputs, while also solving the dependency on agrochemicals, fertilizers and commercial varieties, and promoting family-produced foods. A lower dependence on industrialized inputs would contribute towards self-sufficiency and food sovereignty, with nutritious and innocuous foods. In times of a pandemic, the family production model in marginalized rural settings would help reduce the mobility of people and the risk of contagion, increase food security and reduce SARS-CoV-2 risk factors due to the incidence of chronic diseases, particularly metabolic diseases.