Nutritional Potential of Weeds on Suburban Farms in Santiago de Cuba

Context: Although weed species have traditionally been considered a problem, today, they are a resource in need of preservation. Objective: To determine the food potential of weed vegetation on suburban farms in Santiago de Cuba Methods: An ethnobotanical study was conducted in communities adjacent to various farms. The botanical composition, percentage of species with a food potential, and their most frequently used organs, food types, and most favored species for animal nutrition, were determined. Results: A total of 22 weed species with food potential were identified, family Poaceae being the most commonly found, and Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A. Camus, was the most dominating species. Together with Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) Sim. & Jac., their reference percentage was 100%. The most commonly used organ of weed was the leaves (77.27%), especially in animal nutrition (63.63%). Eight species are used in human nutrition, of which Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth and Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. are consumed as scarce fruits. Conclusions: The grass studied has a potential for use as human and animal nutrition

Potencialidades de la vegetación arvense existente en fincas de la agricultura suburbana de Santiago de Cuba para la alimentación

Context: Although weeds species have traditionally been seen as a problem, in light of present day knowledge, they have become a valuable resource worthy of preserving. Objetive: To determine the nutritional potential of weed vegetation existing on suburban agriculture farms in Santiago de Cuba. Method: An etnobotanic study was done in communities near several farms. The botanical composition, percentage of species with a nutritional potential, and most commonly organs used, destination, and most benefitted animal species were determined. Results: A number of 22 weed species with a nutritional potential were identified. Family Poaceae was the kind with the highest variety of species, and Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A. Camus was the most dominating species, which along with Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) Sim. & Jac. Showed 100% reference percentage. Out of 77.27% of the weed vegetation, the most commonly used organ was the leaves, and 63.63% was used for animal nutrition. Eight species were used for human nutrition, including Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth and Chrysophyllum oliviforme L., which are consumed as low presence fruit.Contexto: Si bien es cierto que las especies arvenses han sido vistas tradicionalmente como un problema, a la luz de los conocimientos actuales se han convertido en un recurso a conservar. Objetivo: Determinar las potencialidades de la vegetación arvense existente en fincas de la agricultura suburbana de Santiago de Cuba para la alimentación. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio etnobotánico en comunidades cercanas a diferentes fincas. Se determinó composición botánica, porcentajes de especies con potencialidades para la alimentación así como órganos más utilizados, tipo de alimentación a la que se destinan y para la alimentación animal las especies más favorecidas. Resultados: Se contabilizaron 22 especies arvenses con potencialidades para la alimentación siendo la familia Poaceae la de mayor riqueza de especies y Bothriochloa pertusa (L.) A. Camus la especie más dominante. Esta junto a Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) Sim. & Jac. tuvieron un porcentaje de referencia igual al 100 %. Del 77,27 % de la flora arvense el órgano más utilizado son las hojas y el 63,63 % se destinan a la alimentación animal. Ocho especies se destinan a la alimentación humana de las cuales Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth y Chrysophyllum oliviforme L. se consumen como frutales de baja presencia. Conclusiones: La flora arvense estudiada posee potencialidades para ser utilizada en la alimentación animal y humana