An agroecological model for the sustainable management of Vitis tiliifolia (Humb & Bonpl. Ex Schult)

Wild grapevines are non-timber forest resources present in various mountain ecosystems. Their leaves and fruits are used as food and traditional medicine and therapeutic supplements in communities in various states of Mexico. In several regions, they have been overexploited putting the wild vines at risk. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct studies for the management and use of the wild Vitis. The objective of this work was to develop an agroecological model based on the systems approach, for the sustainable use of the agroecosystem for Vitis tiliifolia. A compilation of information on natural populations was carried out in four municipalities: Ixtaczoquitlán, Huatusco, Cosautlán and Atlahuilco in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, complemented with laboratory work. Thus, an analog model of the system with an agroecological approach was developed. The physical (agroforestry) environment was integrated as an input subsystem, and the uses and exploitations as part of the process, and the conservation, industrialization and biological diversity as an output subsystem in the High Mountains Region of the state de Veracruz, Mexico. The management of agroforestry plots (in situ) and home gardens (ex situ) is proposed to conserve and take advantage of this species in a rational way.