The book covers one of the objectives of the Fourth International Symposium on Agavaceae and Nolinaceae held in 2004 in Merida, Yucatan, to publish 21 papers selected by the Organizing Committee and the Editorial Board. The contributions address multiple aspects of the biology, ecology, history, ethnobotany, economics, law, agronomy, agroecology, biotechnology and agribusiness of Agaves in Mexico. These have been grouped into five sections:
In the first section, “The nature of Agave”, an overview is provided of its natural |
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history, molecular and cytogenetic evidence of its evolution, ecology, taxonomy, genetic variation, and an overview of the ecophysiology of one of the most studied species of Agave: the tequila (Agave tequila).
In the second section, “The ancestral, base of the future: domestication and diversity”, aspects of the human-Agave interaction that are central to the future of this relationship are addressed: the origin of genetic diversity under domestication, and the inventories and geographical distribution of available phytogenetic resources.
The third section, “Foundations for tomorrow: culture and legislation”, provides information and a basic conceptual framework for the future of Agave spirits, in terms of economic, cultural, and legal challenges.
In the fourth section, “Crossroads: diversity of production strategies”, the contributions have been divided into four sub-sections that demonstrate the diversity of production strategies, in tequila, mezcal and lechuguilla, including the strategies of the small-scale farmer and biotechnologies of production.
Available in the Documentation Center of CONABIO.
Tel 5004 4934
Email cendoc@conabio.gob.mx
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