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In situ conservation of traditional vegetable diversity in Wa homegardens in southwestern Yunnan, China
- Source :
- Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, Vol 17, Iss 1, Pp 1-13 (2021)
- Publication Year :
- 2021
- Publisher :
- BioMed Central, 2021.
-
Abstract
- Background Homegardens are in situ conservation sources of germplasm diversity for overcoming homogenous germplasm problems in industrial agricultural systems. The Wa people constitute a long-dwelling ethnic group mainly in southwestern Yunnan with a unique culture and rich knowledge of traditional vegetables. We hypothesized that traditional vegetable varieties are well conserved in Wa homegardens because Wa culture promotes the preservation of traditional vegetables. We surveyed vegetable varieties and the practices that are involved in the conservation of traditional vegetables in Wa homegardens, which could form the basis for in situ conservation. Methods The methods were used including questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Sixty homegardens were surveyed through purposive sampling in 6 Wa villages. We documented ethnobotanical information about vegetables in homegardens. Plant species were identified according to the Flora of China. And thematic analyses were conducted for in-depth interviews to identify the conservation factors for traditional vegetables. Results Fifty-two vegetable species belonging to 16 families and 41 genera were recorded from 60 Wa homegardens. Fifty-five traditional vegetable varieties and thirty-six hybrids were recorded. Among all the villages, 23 ± 6 (average ± SD) traditional vegetable varieties per homegarden and 9 ± 3 (average ± SD) introduced varieties per homegarden were recorded. Local seeds were stored in 78% of households, with an additional 9% of households’ seed supplies coming from neighbors and relatives; the other 13% of households purchased local seeds from markets. In 83% of families, the female head was mainly responsible for the decision-making concerning traditional vegetables in homegardens; in 10% of families, the male head was responsible for decision-making, and a small percentage (2%) was determined by elderly people. Five percent of families made decisions jointly between male and female household heads. Conclusions This study demonstrated that rich traditional germplasm diversity is harbored in Wa homegardens because of the unique culture and traditional knowledge of Wa communities, which are practiced daily with homegrown food plants. Local vegetable seed conservation and sharing systems help maintain germplasm diversity in the Wa community homegardens. Wa homegardens constitute a practical solution for protecting traditional germplasm diversity and maintaining traditional lifestyles.
- Subjects :
- Cultural Studies
Germplasm
Traditional vegetable diversity
In situ conservation
China
Health (social science)
Biodiversity
Ethnobotany
Other systems of medicine
Vegetables
Humans
Traditional knowledge
Hybrid
Homegardens
Traditional culture
business.industry
Agroforestry
Research
Botany
Agriculture
Wa people
Geography
Complementary and alternative medicine
QK1-989
General Agricultural and Biological Sciences
business
Gardens
RZ201-999
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17464269
- Volume :
- 17
- Database :
- OpenAIRE
- Journal :
- Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
- Accession number :
- edsair.doi.dedup.....ad7c01bd1afec751c6f7508cf821ab39