La domesticación de Leucaena (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) en Mexico

This paper reviews multidisciplinary information about the domestication process of some species of Leucaena (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae) in Mexico. Taxonomical, phytogeographical, archaeobotanical, ethnohistorical, ethnobotanical and genetical (isoenzymes) information was integrated in a model of the domestication process of these trees and shrubs. The model is directed to answer how domestication was achieved by means of seed propagation, given the length of the life cycle and predominant open pollination. Most early domesticated trees in Mesoamerica present these characteristics, in contrast with vegetative propagation which was typical of early domesticated trees in the Middle East. Results of this research suggest that, while in situ tolerance and cultivation lead to the maintenance of desired product quality (although at a slow rate), only by diffusion is it possible to enhance such quality. Diffusion would result in the establishing of cultivation, and it must prevail in order to avoid loss of quality, productivity, or both. Cultigens are obtained through an extensive selective sampling; locally, diffusion and management generate variants.