Tezcalera, a traditional agricultural system that promotes native wild and agrestal germplasm conservation

Abstract

Background: Traditional agricultural systems in Mesoamerica are adaptations of ancient farmers to the complex and varied environments. Tezcalera represents one of them. Questions: How is the environmental context under which the tezcalera develop? Which management practices are followed in tezcalera? How do these management practices affect weeds' richness, composition, and abundance? How do these management practices contribute to the resilience of the agricultural system, the tropical dry forests, and to the maintenance of subsistence resources? Studied species: Weeds growing in tezcaleras with different management. Study site and dates: Zumpahuacán, State of México, 2020-2021 Methods: Twenty-four collaborators were interviewed about the environmental, technological, and cultural aspects of tezcalera. We recorded weeds' richness, composition, and abundance in seven plots with different management histories. Results: Tezcaleras originate from the slash-burn process and follow different paths: tlacolol-milsol-shallow plot, potrero, and recently, Agave crop. We recorded 161 morphospecies from 45 botanical families; 95 % were native to tropical dry forests. Twenty-five species are endemic to the Balsas region, and thirty-four are at risk. Richness and abundance varied between tezcaleras, where tlacolol plots exhibited the highest values. Plant composition was similar; 65 % had intangible or tangible values. Conclusions: Tezcalera is a biocultural unit and a resilient agroecosystem. Traditional practices remain and positively impact the richness and composition of native weeds. The uncontrolled use of herbicides and the introduction of Agave crop are displacing traditional crops and modifying traditional practices, risking local agrobiodiversity.