CHARACTERIZATION OF AGROECOSYSTEMS WITH Vanilla spp., [ORCHIDACEAE] IN TOTONACAPAN, MEXICO

Abstract

The agroecosystems with the Vanilla genus were identified and characterized to know the ecological conditions
and geographical distribution of their diversity in the region of Totonacapan, Mexico. The methodology included an
ethnobotanical exploration in 37 populations of the genus Vanilla, georeferencing and collection of accessions, the use
of Geographic Information Systems with ArcMap 10.1 (ESRI, 2014), review of cartographic and agroclimatic
information, as well as the identification of specimens in the XAL herbarium. The data revealed three
agroecosystems: 1) The high zone with Vanilla planifolia and V. Iinodora, 2) middle zone with species
of V. planifolia, V. pompona, V. inodora and V. planifolia cv "striped" and 3) low area with
V. planifolia, V. pompona, V. insignis and V. planifolia cv "rayada". Use and conservation
of the genus Vanilla can be sustained if agroecosystems that contains them are
considered, traditional knowledge, and active participation of farmers, supported by
science and technology.