Caracterización de agroecosistemas con vanilla spp., [orchidaceae] en el Totonicapán, Mexico

The agroecosystems with the Vanilla genus were identified and characterized to know the ecological conditions and geographical distribution of their diversity in the region of Totonacapan, Mexico. The methodology included an ethnobotanical exploration in 37 populations of the genus Vanilla, georeferencing and collection of accessions, the use of Geographic Information Systems with ArcMap 10.1 (ESRI, 2014), review of cartographic and agroclimatic information, as well as the identification of specimens in the XAL herbarium. The data revealed three agroecosystems: 1) The high zone with Vanilla planifolia and V. Iinodora, 2) middle zone with species of V. planifolia, V. pompona, V. inodora and V. planifolia cv "striped" and 3) low area with V. planifolia, V. pompona, V. insignis and V. planifolia cv "rayada". Use and conservation of the genus Vanilla can be sustained if agroecosystems that contains them are considered, traditional knowledge, and active participation of farmers, supported by science and technology.