The impact of chinicuil extraction (Comadia redtenbacheri) on the demographic traits of ixtle maguey populations (Agave applanata)

Background: Some Agave populations suffer the adverse effects of human pressure to use them. Among these species, Agave applanata stands out, which generates a habitat for the moth Comadia redtenbacheri larva named "Chinicuil," a species used in traditional Mexican cuisine. For its extraction, the individual must be sacrificed to remove the greatest number of larvae, preventing the plant from reaching sexual maturation and affecting the population dynamics of the agaves. Questions: Does the chinicuil's extraction negatively impact Agave applanata populations? Study species: Agave applanata is a maguey used in Oaxaca's ixtle production and chinicuil extraction in Hidalgo state. Is distributed from Guanajuato to Oaxaca. Study site: The study was conducted in eight populations, three without extraction and five with extraction, along of the species' distribution. Method: Several polygons of density-dependent size were carried out at each site to the demographic evaluation. All individuals were classified based on size, life stage, and reproduction type. In addition, anthropogenic disturbance indicators, including extraction of chinicuil, were evaluated in each transect. Results: Populations without extraction have the highest growth rates, while larvae extraction decreases the populations of this species by up to 57 %. Juveniles are the most important for the population's persistence since they produce the highest number of offshoots. However, juvenile agaves are commonly the most harvested to obtain larvae. Conclusion: The results show that responsible management should be recommended to protect the ixtle maguey, which chinicuil extraction threatens.