Enriching the Tropical Rain Forest with Native Fruit Trees: A Biological and Economic Analysis in Los Tuxtlas (Veracruz, Mexico)

background

This doctoral thesis compares the net present value of planting three native tree species in comparison with cattle pasture in Los Tuxtlas, Mexico.

Research Goals & Methods

The author evaluates two native fruit species Pouteriasapota (mamey) and Diospyrosdigyna (black sapote) and the timber species Cedrelaodorata (Spanish cedar). The author evaluates the correlation between fruit yield and diameter growth for the two fruit species.

Conclusions & Takeaways

Based on the results, the author recommends planting Pouteriasapota in 100-300 seedlings per hectare in shelterwood systems. The author asserts that fruit production can provide a more stable income than timber production and that Cedrelaodorata would be a good species for reforestation.  In summary, the author argues that fruit trees, although under-appreciated in the field of forestry, have great potential to provide income while also successfully restoring tree cover to degraded forestlands.