Evaluation of the Environmental Impact of the Pitahaya Crop, Cantón Palora, Ecuador

Abstract

Pitahaya fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus) is an exotic subtropical fruit with yellow skin, sweet and sour pulp, which contains levels of essential fatty acids such as oleic and linoleic acids. Its cultivation, in recent years, has become one of the main economic activities of the Morona-Santiago province. The objective of this work was to determine the environmental impact generated by the cultivation of pitahaya, and to propose management strategies that mitigate the effects on the environment. The characterization of the physical, biotic, socioeconomic and cultural environment of plantations of the Palora Canton was carried out, according to the criteria of the national environmental regulations. The methodology used were checklists, and Leopold matrix that are based on the analysis of the interactions between the stages of the crop and the environmental factors impacted. The main results in the evaluated farm show negative impacts such as the loss of biodiversity, degradation of soils, of the physical environment, mainly associated with the use of agrochemicals, the clearing of forest ecosystems, as well as the opening of access roads. The management plan shows strategies aimed at mitigating and compensating for the most severe impacts and complying with current environmental laws.