Phenotypic diversity of native potatoes in indigenous communities of the Pastos ethnic group (Nariño, Colombia): Ecological agriculture for food security and rural development

Abstract

This paper describes the in situ conservation mode of the production system and phenotypic diversity of native potatoes in the indigenous reserves of the Los Pastos ethnic group. Two methodologies were used in the study: 1) a characterization of traditional production systems through participatory action research in the indigenous reservations of Males Córdoba and El Gran Cumbal, and 2) a morphological characterization of native potatoes through 26 qualitative descriptors. We found that 16% families cultivate at least one variety of native potato, distributed in sub-páramo and páramo areas between 2,900 and 3,500 m above sea level, in an autochthonous production agroecosystem named “Shagra”, with traditional minimum soil tillage management (“Guachado”) and cultivated areas less than 600 m2. Thirty eight varieties were identified and classified in two types, according to the indigenous people: chauchas and guatas, representing 65 and 35%, respectively. The cluster analysis identified seven groups, discriminated by chauchas, guatas, place of origin, and morphological characteristics. These indigenous communities preserve their traditional knowledge and genetic resources by growing a diversity of native potatoes in association with other Andean crops, which contributes to food security and sovereignty.