Reforestation with cuttings of Myrtillocactus geometrizans (Mart. ex Pfeiff.) Console in Guanajuato

Abstract

To preserve natural resources, reforestation with useful native species has been proposed. An example of the above is Myrtillocactus geometrizans, commonly known as garambullo. This cactus grows in arid areas of Mexico and its fruit is considered a nutraceutical food due to its high content of phytochemical compounds. Therefore, the purpose of the project here described was to assess two reforestation direct systems: with cuttings and with cuttings developed at a nursery. Specimens were selected according to the characteristics of the fruits and health conditions of the plant; as a result, 1 000 cuttings were obtained to use in direct reforestation and 1 000 cuttings to be developed in the nursery. There were five rustic nurseries under the same management conditions to produce garambullo plants, recording new structures (such as roots) and vigor of the cutting. Reforestation was carried out in the El Garabatillo community, Dolores Hidalgo municipality, state of Guanajuato, where the species grows naturally. In the case of direct reforestation, the survival of the plant was 70.3 % with good plant development, while the survival of the plant at the nursery was 90.6 % with good root growth at the time of planting in the field. It was determined that both systems (direct planting and nursery development) are reliable for reforesting lands with garambullo, especially in regions where the species naturally exists.