Abstract
The Salvia hispanica L. is an endemic species Mexican plant, which relevance relies upon its properties as a natural source of omega 3 (α-linolenic acid), soluble and insoluble fibers, proteins, plus some other significant nutritional components. Due to the growing relevance generated by this crop, it became necessary to characterize its physical environment, as well as the natural factors related with its cultivation nationwide, aiming to find those most suitable for its production under rainfed conditions, looking forward to provide the basis to make a decision regarding where to target the agriculture promotion of such cropland. The software used for data process and analysis was the Arc/View 3.3 version. Thus, the crop requirements were recognized in order to analyze those most suitable for chia development in each one of its selected variables in the study hereby. The regionalization and mapping aimed to detect both the optimal and suboptimal potential areas for such crop were carried out, afterwards. It was finally determined that Mexico holds a total of 2,512,359 hectares with an optimal or high cultivation potential, whereas the areas with a medium or suboptimal potential are close to 3,658,089 hectares, which can be set under rainfed conditions.
Highlights
The chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an endemic species Mexican plant, and its usage has been documented since pre-Hispanic times [1]
Due to its religious utilization, such offerings were banned by the Spaniards because of its close association with religion, but replaced for some other species demanded by the conquerors
The Salvia hispanica L. plant was sown through 2013 in three different states of the Mexican Republic: Jalisco (17,739 ha), Puebla (336 ha) and Sinaloa (80 ha), for a total of 18,155 ha with a production output of 8431.89 tones, with an average yield of 0.47 t/ha, a $3449.24 USD average rural price, plus a production value ranging over 478 million pesos [4]
Summary
The chia (Salvia hispanica L.) is an endemic species Mexican plant, and its usage has been documented since pre-Hispanic times [1]. The Salvia hispanica L. plant was sown through 2013 in three different states of the Mexican Republic: Jalisco (17,739 ha), Puebla (336 ha) and Sinaloa (80 ha), for a total of 18,155 ha with a production output of 8431.89 tones, with an average yield of 0.47 t/ha, a $3449.24 USD average rural price, plus a production value ranging over 478 million pesos [4] The relevance of this crop relies upon its properties as a natural source of omega 3 (α-linolenic acid), soluble and insoluble fiber, protein, as well as some other relevant nutritional compounds, such as vitamins, minerals and natural antioxidants [5]-[7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
