Variación morfológica y áreas potenciales de poblaciones del complejo agave angustifolia en el Estado de Guerrero

Abstract

In Mexico, among the species that are part of the low deciduous forests and xerophilous shrubs, among other types of vegetation, are the popular agaves called Magueyes. These species have different uses, so they represent a high cultural and economic value (Torres et al., 2013). The high demand and overexploitation of these species endangers agave populations (Pérez-Molphe et al., 2012). Agave angustifolia is a maguey that can be found wild or cultivated, it is considered one of the most widely distributed nationally (Ocaña et al in Colunga-García et al 2007). Given its genetic plasticity, the human management and the diversity of the environments in which it grows, more than 20 species have been described, many of which were considered by Gentry (1982) within the Agave angustifolia complex. Individuals of these taxa have been cultivated in different places of the state of Guerrero, due to their capacity of adaptation and precocity, not taking into account its environmental and agroecological needs; therefore, they have different, therefore, have different productive yields.