DIAGNOSIS OF BLACKBERRY (Rubus sp.) PRODUCTION IN THE CENTRAL ZONE OF VERACRUZ, MÉXICO

Abstract

The cultivation of blackberry (Rubus sp.) has acquired greater importance in México, since this fruit can
be adapted to temperate and tropical conditions representing a competitive advantage as an export
crop; this has helped to position México among the top producing countries in the world, exporting
90 % of its production as fresh or frozen product. The state of Veracruz was among the main blackberry producers in the country during 1997 to 2006; however, production declined. Therefore, this study was carried out with the aim of understanding the conditions that the crop is under in the state, by applying participative techniques. Three producing zones were located in the region, in the municipalities of Huatusco, Nogales, Atlahuilco and Tlaquilpa, with three types of production systems, one conventional, one organic and one ecological. With this perspective it is expected that the systems to improve the volume of blackberry production become integrated in the future, generating greater socioeconomic welfare.