Abstract

RODRIGUEZ-HERNANDEZ, Rafael et al. Cultural value of tree species with potential to restore agroforestry systems with Agave in the state of Oaxaca. Rev. mex. de cienc. forestales [online]. 2024, vol.15, n.85, pp.4-26.  Epub Nov 19, 2024. ISSN 2007-1132.  https://doi.org/10.29298/rmcf.v15i85.1473.

The surface area cultivated with maguey in the state of Oaxaca has increased by more than 500 ha per year. In the "mezcal region", changes in land use are observed, as new maguey plantations are established as monocultures on land where there used to be natural vegetation, and, therefore, these ecosystems become less diverse and more fragile and liable to erosion. The objective of this work was to identify native tree species with the potential to restore areas cultivated with Agave in Oaxaca, and to estimate their cultural value from the perspective of the stakeholders. For this purpose, 108 interviews were conducted with maguey producers in the "mezcal region", and the Cultural Importance Index was determined to prioritize the species mentioned, as well as four taxa suggested by the authors, based on their importance for restoration. The results showed 23 species with potential use, among which the following stand out for their cultural value and potential to restore areas cultivated with Agave: Pithecellobium dulce (camachile), Neltuma juliflora (mesquite), Dodonaea viscosa (broadleaf hopbush) and Eysenhardtia polystachya (kidneywood), in addition to the four suggested species: Bursera bipinnata (copal), Leucaena esculenta (leadtree), Amphipterygium adstringens (cuachalalate) and Bursera linanoe (linaloe). The producers indicated that they were aware of the problem and suggested the possibility of associating trees with maguey in the crop contour.

Keywords : Agave angustifolia Haw.; species association; native tree species; Cultural Importance Index; prioritization of species; productive restoration.

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