Tree diversity in cacao plantations in the Soconusco area, Chiapas, Mexico.
Salgado-Mora M. G., Ibarra-Núnez G., Macías-Sámano J. E., López-Báez O.
Author Affiliation: Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico City, Mexico.
Interciencia 32 : 763-768
Abstract : Eighty parcels producing cacao in four areas at the Soconusco region, Chiapas, Mexico, were studied in order to analyze the arboreal diversity. The diversity indexes of Shannon and Simpson, and the similarity indexes of Sørensen and Morisita-Horn were applied. Eighty sample sites, 30×30 m each, were established and density, riches, and diameter at breast height were measured. Forty seven species grouped in 23 families were found. Shannnon's diversity index showed significant differences when analyzed by site pairs at the Tapachula site, while the other three areas did not show significant statistical differences between pairs of sites. The floristic composition in the cacao plantations studied is similar among the different municipalities, as shown by the absence of statistical differences in the Sørensen index. The most frequent shadow species found were Mangifera indica and Pouteria sapota. This study found only one type of agro-forestry system at the cacao sites in the Soconusco region.