Abstract

LOPEZ DE LA CRUZ, Esperanza et al. Tsotsil knowledge and perception of milpa insect pests in the biosphere reserve selva El Ocote (Chiapas, Mexico). Estud. cult. maya [online]. 2018, vol.52, pp.255-290. ISSN 0185-2574.  https://doi.org/10.19130/iifl.ecm.2018.52.882.

The present study was developed in two tsotsil communities, whose language belongs to the Maya family, with the aim to determine tsotsil farmer’s knowledge and perception of milpa insect pests. Using a qualitative approach, information was gathered by interviews, visiting plots and workshops in each community. In both communities, the words bik’tal chonetik and chanul were used to refer to insect and arthropods; to refer to those who harm their crops they use the term slajes. Nineteen insects were reported as pests of the milpa, two of them (Atta mexicana, Helicoverpa zea) were also incorporated into the local diet. Likewise, farmers from both communities identified the presence and abundance of insects as related to various factors as moon phases, drought, seed type, range of land use, planting dates and topographical location. The limited knowledge about insect life cycles and natural enemies could hamper efforts of the biological control of insect pests.

Keywords : Bik’tal chonetik; insect pests; traditional knowledge; tropical agroecosystem; Zea mays.

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