Ecotypic differentiation under farmers' selection: Molecular insights into the domestication of Pachyrhizus Rich. ex DC. (Fabaceae) in the Peruvian Andes.

Understanding the distribution of crop genetic diversity in relation to environmental factors can give insights into the eco-evolutionary processes involved in plant domestication. Yam beans (Pachyrhizus Rich. ex DC.) are leguminous crops native to South and Central America that are grown for their tuberous roots but are seed-propagated. Using a landscape genetic approach, we examined correlations between environmental factors and phylogeographic patterns of genetic diversity in Pachyrhizus landrace populations. Molecular analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequencing and a new set of nuclear microsatellite markers revealed two distinct lineages, with strong genetic differentiation between Andean landraces (lineage A) and Amazonian landraces (lineage B). The comparison of different evolutionary scenarios for the diversification history of yam beans in the Andes using approximate Bayesian computation suggests that Pachyrhizus ahipa and Pachyrhizus tuberosus share a progenitor-derivative relationship, with environmental factors playing an important role in driving selection for divergent ecotypes. The new molecular data call for a revision of the taxonomy of Pachyrhizus but are congruent with paleoclimatic and archeological evidence, and suggest that selection for determinate growth was part of ecophysiological adaptations associated with the diversification of the P. tuberosus-P. ahipa complex during the Mid-Holocene.

Etnobotánica en los Andes de Bolivia / sss

Los Andes de Bolivia ocupan aproximadamente el 35% del territorio nacional y contienen a siete diferentes ecoregiones. El uso de recursos de la biodiversidad presentes por encima de los 1.000 m de altitud, incluye un amplio contenido de herencia cultural prehispánica, que ha sido influenciado y transformado a diferentes niveles por el proceso histórico del país. El etnoconjunto andino está constituido principalmente por las etnias Aymaras, Quechuas, Urus y los Kallawayas; sin embargo, se debe también tomar en cuenta a las poblaciones campesinas o poblaciones de origen étnico mixto. La cultura andina ha desarrollado cultivos importantes, cuya área geográfica representa el centro de origen de especies como Chenopodium quinoa y Solanum tuberosum entre otros, también ha identificado especies vegetales útiles pertenecientes a distintas categorías de uso, predominando las que son utilizadas en la alimentación, la medicina, la construcción, como combustible y de uso doméstico. Por otro lado, el análisis referente a las publicaciones etnobotánicas de los Andes de Bolivia depositadas en la biblioteca del Herbario Nacional de Bolivia, señala que el 94% han sido realizadas a partir de la década de los 70´s, y que la documentación generada se ha concentrado en temas y grupos específicos como los Kallawayas y su conocimiento acerca del uso medicinal de las plantas. El 63%de los trabajos revisados se han concentrado en el estudio de una sola categoría de uso, de los cuales el 42%corresponden al estudio de las características de uso de las plantas con fines medicinales. Otras categorías de uso que han merecido estudios específicos son el uso de las plantas con fines artesanales, para la alimentación, para forraje, como fuente de combustible y las cultivadas...

An ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants commercialized in the markets of La Paz and El Alto, Bolivia.

An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants marketed in La Paz and El Alto cities in the Bolivian Andes, reported medicinal information for about 129 species, belonging to 55 vascular plant families and one uncertain lichen family. The most important family was Asteraceae with 22 species, followed by Fabaceae s.l. with 11, and Solanaceae with eight. More than 90 general medicinal indications were recorded to treat a wide range of illnesses and ailments. The highest number of species and applications were reported for digestive system disorders (stomach ailments and liver problems), musculoskeletal body system (rheumatism and the complex of contusions, luxations, sprains, and swellings), kidney and other urological problems, and gynecological disorders. Some medicinal species had magic connotations, e.g. for cleaning and protection against ailments, to bring good luck, or for Andean offerings to Pachamama, 'Mother Nature'. In some indications, the separation between medicinal and magic plants was very narrow. Most remedies were prepared from a single species, however some applications were always prepared with a mixture of plants, e.g. for abortion, and the complex of luxations and swellings. The part of the plant most frequently used was the aerial part (29.3%) and the leaves (20.7%). The remedies were mainly prepared as a decoction (47.5%) and an infusion (28.6%). Most of species were native from Bolivia, but an important 36.4% of them were introduced from different origins. There exists a high informant consensus for species and their medicinal indications. The present urban phytotherapy represents a medicinal alternative to treat main health problems and remains closer to the cultural and social context of this society.