Home gardens for juçara berries production in Santa Catarina

Abstract

The homegardens are a strategy for the management of native species. The Atlantic Forest has a wide range of nontimber forest products that can be used in agroforestry systems. One promising species for multiple use is the palm tree Euterpe edulis. Traditionally, juçara, as it is known, was used to produce the palm heart, but many communities in the Atlantic Forest region already handle their berries to produce pulp. The aim of this study was characterize and delimitate homegardens management strategies. In Santa Catarina, the berries production system relies mainly on homegardens. We analyzed data gathered on 770 in dividuals in 11 homegardens during the years of 2014 and 2015, from which we described the homegardens and selected variables to predict the total weight of bunches. The variables diameter at breast height (DBH) and the number presented the highest explanatory power over the response variable, mainly the DBH. The use of Euterpe edulis has a strong cultural component to the homegardens owners, a strategic role in the conservation of natural resources and it has been a driving force behind the local economy. Therefore, management strategies for selecting the best plants based on morphological characters may significantly improve the whole socioecological system.