Non-random distribution of maax pepper plants (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum L.) in Mayan homegardens: impact on plant size, fruit yield and viral diseases

Solís-Montero, Virginia; Bello-Bedoy, Rafael; Munguía-Rosas, Miguel A.

doi:10.1007/s10457-023-00836-0

Cited by 1 publication

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“…However, our informants in San Bernardo did not perceive a similar spatial association between maax ik and any perennial. This agrees with previous observations in other tropical areas of southern Mexico (Latournerie et al 2001, Kraft et al 2013, 2014 and our own field observations in San Bernardo which suggest that spatial association of maax ik to inanimate objects (i.e., stone walls, the house, and other buildings) is stronger and more beneficial in terms of growth and fruit yield than the association to woody perennials (Solís-Montero et al 2023).…”

Section: Gatheringsupporting

confidence: 93%

Ecological knowledge, use and management of maax ik (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum (Dunal) Heiser & Pickersgill) in a rural Mayan community

2023

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Background: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum is the ancestor of most of the economically important chiles in the world. It is widely distributed throughout Mexico, and currently all indigenous groups interact with this plant species. On the Yucatan Peninsula wild chile is known as maax ik by the Maya. Although this area has been recognized as a domestication and diversification center of chile, ethnobotanical research on this species is still limited. Questions: What ecological knowledge do local people have about maax ik? Where and how is maax ik gathered and managed? What uses does maax ik currently have? Studied species: Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum Study site and dates: San Bernardo, Yucatan. Summer-Autumn 2021. Methods: In-depth semi-structured interviews and participatory observation. The management practices were identified, and management intensity was estimated. Results: Informants knew that maax ik reproduces sexually and recognized the role of birds in its seed dispersal. Maax ikwas mainly gathered from homegardens where this species was tolerated and other non-selective incipient management practices such as protection and promotion were also carried out. Fruit was harvested without harming the plant and only a small portion of the available fruit was usually taken. The informants used maax ik essentially as food. The management intensity index was relatively high (5). Conclusions: Maax ik is a sustenance food resource that is sustainably used and non-selectively managed in homegardens by our informants in San Bernardo, Yucatan.

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Section: Gatheringsupporting

confidence: 93%