In situ conservation and morphological variability of oca (Oxalis tuberosa Mol.) in traditional agroecosystems in Nariño, Colombia

• Autores: Rosero-Alpala, Maria Gladis, Rosero, Deisy Alexandra, Tapie, William Armando
• Formato: artículo
• Fecha de Publicación: 2025
• Institución: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
• Repositorio: Revistas - Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos
• Lenguaje: español
• OAI Identifier: oai:revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe:article/30838
• Enlace del recurso: https://revistasinvestigacion.unmsm.edu.pe/index.php/rpb/article/view/30838
• Nivel de acceso: acceso abierto
• Materia: Técnicas locales de producción; páramo; tubérculos andinos; territorio indígena; Local production techniques; paramo; andean tubers; indigenous territory

This study describes the conservation practices and phenotypic variability of Oxalis tuberosa Mol. (oca) within the traditional agroecosystems of the Nariño department in Colombia. Two methodologies were employed: (1) a characterization of traditional production systems through participatory action research conducted in six municipalities inhabited by the indigenous Pasto and Quillasinga communities, and (2) a morphological characterization of local varieties using 17 discriminant qualitative descriptors. Findings indicate that oca is cultivated according to the indigenous worldview within an agroecosystem known as the “shagra,” which relies on local production techniques. A total of 32 oca varieties were recorded, each identified by its local name. Of these, 54% were found in the Indigenous Territory of Cumbal and 22% in Guachavéz. These areas are primarily located in páramo regions at altitudes above 3000 m, while the remaining 18% of varieties were found at elevations between 2779 and 2841 m of altitude. Cluster analysis identified five groups, primarily distinguished by descriptors related to tuber color. The cultivation of oca demonstrated broad ecological adaptability in the transitional zone between the upper limit of the Andean montane forest and the páramo. The integration of human, cultural, and agroecosystem components within the Pasto and Quillasinga communities proves to be a key factor in conserving the phenotypic variability of oca and in promoting food sovereignty.