Spatial Distribution and Use of Agrodiversity in Family Gardens of Tixmucuy, Campeche, Mexico

Abstract

Background Family plots or gardens, often referred to as solars, are spaces surrounding a house, that contain a combination of plant and animal species distributed according to the family’s needs. The objective of this work was to identify the structure, use, and agrodiversity of these family plots in the community of Tixmucuy, Campeche, Mexico. Methods Six plots of two previously identified types were randomly chosen. A semi-structured questionnaire was applied to family plot managers focusing on family demographic information and plot management. The data was statistically descriptive and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was applied. Results It was observed that families are generally nuclear groups with 3.9 members, with the average age of housewives responsible for the family plots being 45 years of age. The plots have an average extension of 1,155 m2. Three species of birds were observed and were used for food, food-sale, and as pets. 95 plant species were registered and were used for food, wood, or ornamental purposes. In the vertical distribution the herbaceous stratus had the highest number of individuals (29.37), followed by bushy shrubs with 15.2 and arboreal with 7.83 individuals. The importance of the elements and the overall organizational management of the plot by the family determine the horizontal distribution. Conclusions The importance of Tixmucuy's family plots lies in the generation of ecosystem services to the family, for which they use plant and animal species in a design that facilitates their management and interaction.

Dietary Intake of Capsaicin and Its Association with Markers of Body Adiposity and Fatty Liver in a Mexican Adult Population of Tijuana

“…The amount of capsaicin varies depending on the type of crop, ripening, location, climate and fruit of the chili, whose largest volume is located in the placenta, except for red, yellow and green peppers, which do not contain CAP [6]. CAP is absorbed by the digestive tract, particularly the jejunum, ileum and duodenum, thus transporting capsaicin to the portal vein [7]. CAP participates in many physiological processes, including pain transduction, immune response, glucose metabolism, cardiovascular function, thermogenesis and satiety [8][9][10][11].…”