Estructura poblacional, fenología reproductiva y productividad de Euterpe precatoria Mart. en un humedal amazónico ecuatoriano

Abstract

The fruits of Euterpe precatoria are an important economic resource in Amazonian countries such as Brazil, Bolivia and Colombia. In the Ecuadorian Amazonia, an area that needs market alternatives for sustainable production, there is an underutilization of this resource. In order to generate basic knowledge for the development of sustainable use and management plans for the species, we studied the population structure, reproductive phenology and fruit productivity, as well as their relationship with the climate and microtopography. All individuals were registered in an area of 3300m2 within a 1-hectare plot located in a swamp in Misahuallí, Napo. The phenology of 60 adult individuals was monitored monthly, for two years. 17 infructescences were collected to quantify fruit production. A raster microtopography model of the plot was made in relation to the location of the individuals. The total density of individuals (1197 ind / ha) and adults (40 ind / ha) was lower compared to records from other countries. The population structure showed a higher percentage of young individuals (69%) indicating that the development of the population is stable. Synchronous peaks of flowering occurred annually between May and September, and fruiting between October and April, correlated with the rainiest and least rainy months of the year, respectively, contrary to most studies in other parts of the Amazon. On average, there was a production of 3.1 infructescences per individual and an average of 4310 (954 - 8140) fruits produced per fruit. The estimated production potential per unit area was 907 ton / ha. These values exceed the majority of records in Brazil and Bolivia. The microtopography of the swamp, in relation to flooding, suggests a higher concentration of individuals in higher places within the plot, although this pattern does not show influence on fruit productivity as has been seen in other studies. Our results will serve as a baseline for authorities and communities interested in the management of this species.