Can the Introduction of Modern Crop Varieties in their Centre of Origin Affect Local Ecological Knowledge? A Case Study of Papaya in the Yucatan Peninsula

The effect on local ecological knowledge (LEK) of introducing modern crop varieties in their centre of origin has been generally overlooked. LEK of the reproductive ecology of cultivated and wild papaya was assessed in a Mayan community using questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and participant observation. Although the Maya have managed the wild variety of papaya for several centuries, there was more LEK of the recently introduced maradol variety. Most informants were unable to differentiate male and female plants, likely because the most common variety (maradol) in contemporary home gardens is typically hermaphroditic. Informants also mentioned that, in the past, sexual expression was manipulated. We conclude that the introduction of the maradol variety has contributed to the erosion of LEK of the reproductive ecology of papaya.