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Characterization and role of Amazonian fruit crops in family farms in the provinces of Sucumbíos and Orellana (Ecuador)

Abstract:

Fruit crops in the northern Ecuadorian Amazon region are part of the crop diversity found in a production system called "chakra" that is known as a traditional and diverse agroforestry system. The aim of this study was to characterize the Amazonian fruits crops present in production farms withcacao(Theobromacacao),coffee(Coffeacanephora) and silvopastoral systems located in the provinces of Orellana and Sucumbíos. The information was obtained through targeted surveys and direct observations in the field. The results indicated that in the two provinces, producers establish from 1 to 19 fruit crop species in their plots, being the farms of less than 10 hectares the most diverse. In most farms,thepredominantfruitcropsintheseproduction systems are avocado (Persea americana), citrus (Citrus spp.), coconut (Cocos nucifera), ice-cream-bean (Inga edulis), papaya (Carica papaya), peach palm (Bactris gasipaes) and pineapple (Ananas comosus). These crops are associated with cacao, coffee, monocultures, silvopastoral systems, or dispersed outside these systems. On the other hand, other species have been introduced and are considered as fruit crops with market potential, namely, fig (Ficus carica), grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi), passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) and star gooseberry (Phyllanthus acidus). Fruit crop production is mainly destined for self-consumption and animal feed; however, the surplus is sold to generate an economic income.