Estimating fiber for lechuguilla (Agave lecheguilla Torr., Agavaceae), a traditional non-timber forest product in Mexico

Lechuguilla (Agave lecheguilla) plants are amongst non-timber forest products that are an important source of income for the inhabitants of the arid and semiarid regions of Mexico. There are however, no management programs to promote and protect this resource. In the present study a reliable, non-destructive and easy-to-follow method to estimate yield of lechuguilla fiber in wild populations was developed. A table for estimation of dry fiber production per plant was generated selecting height of cogollo multiplied by its diameter as the independent variable, using a quadratic polynomial regression equation. Using this table in the field would allow a quick and reliable estimation of lechuguilla fiber yield in natural populations.