CARACTERIZACIÓN DE AGROECOSISTEMAS CON Vanilla spp., [ORCHIDACEAE] EN EL TOTONACAPAN, MÉXICO

The agroecosystems with the Vanilla genus were identified and characterized to know the ecological conditionsand geographical distribution of their diversity in the region of Totonacapan, Mexico. The methodology included anethnobotanical exploration in 37 populations of the genus Vanilla, georeferencing and collection of accessions, the useof Geographic Information Systems with ArcMap 10.1 (ESRI, 2014), review of cartographic and agroclimaticinformation, as well as the identification of specimens in the XAL herbarium. The data revealed threeagroecosystems: 1) The high zone with Vanilla planifolia and V. Iinodora, 2) middle zone with speciesof V. planifolia, V. pompona, V. inodora and V. planifolia cv "striped" and 3) low area withV. planifolia, V. pompona, V. insignis and V. planifolia cv "rayada". Use and conservationof the genus Vanilla can be sustained if agroecosystems that contains them areconsidered, traditional knowledge, and active participation of farmers, supported byscience and technology.