The family production system of vegetable nopal (Opuntia ficus indica L.) in San Pablo Ixquitlán, Méx. Importance and operational strategies
Nopal (Opuntia ficus indica L.) is a cactus of economic and gastronomic importance and a source of employment in Mexico, as wellas an economic livelihood for producers in the Teotihuacan Valley. The objective of this research was to analyze the functioningof the production system of vegetable nopal,...
| Autores: | , , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Estado: | Versión publicada |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2024 |
| País: | México |
| Institución: | UNIVERSIDAD AUTÓNOMA CHAPINGO |
| Repositorio: | Revista de Geografía Agrícola |
| Idioma: | español |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:ojs2.revistas.chapingo.mx:article/336 |
| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.chapingo.mx/geografia/article/view/r.rga.2023.72.2 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Nopal plaguicidas trabajo familiar pesticides family labor |
| Sumario: | Nopal (Opuntia ficus indica L.) is a cactus of economic and gastronomic importance and a source of employment in Mexico, as wellas an economic livelihood for producers in the Teotihuacan Valley. The objective of this research was to analyze the functioningof the production system of vegetable nopal, its importance for the producer families and operating strategies. The research was carried out in the winter of 2022, elaborating a survey and applying a questionnaire to 30 producers of San Pedro Ixquitlan. Also, a fertility analysis was performed on 10 composite soil samples and pesticide residue analysis on eight samples of commercial quality nopal. The results showed that the production of vegetable nopal is linked to family labor and hired labor. The orchards are maintained with selective pruning (1-5), monthly irrigation and weed control One of the main problems is pest control, mainly the cochineal mealybug (Dactylopius coccus), however, there are no documented official regulations for the use of authorized pesticide for the crop. The soils have good nutrient levels, which are supplied with chemical fertilizers, manure and compost. Pest control is mainly chemical, although with possible environmental and sanitary repercussions. Of the pesticide residues found, only Chlorpiryphos exceeds the LMP for fruits and vegetables. 50 % of the samples analyzed showed no residues and there is evidence of alternative management for pest control and crop nutrition. The production system operates with family and hired labor for specific practices. It is important to disseminate agroecological management practices for pest and disease control, weed control, soil fertility management and crop nutrition, which will have an impact on the final quality of the product. |
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