Review of agronomic research on the milpa, the traditional polyculture system of Mesoamerica

The milpa system is the basis of traditional agriculture in Mesoamerica. It based on a polyculture maize ( Zea mays L.), bean Phaseolus spp.) and squash Cucurbita associated with great diversity crops wild species. has cultural historical importance but can also be highly productive provide sufficient healthy diets for smallholder farmers. practiced less however, mainly due to socioeconomic changes, lack agronomic knowledge adapted current conditions. To starting point new research, we reviewed scientific literature identify agronomy determine research priorities further improve system. Given wide conditions under which practiced, lacking, indicates that improvements made all aspects milpa. 176 articles were found databases, 61 treated research. main topics described are crop variety, soil fertility management, weed management productivity. Most focused only studies reporting scarce. More needed understand changing modern agriculture. Reducing workload milpa, as well identified priorities.