Sin polinizadores no hay tequila: la historia ecológica del agave

Elia Ballesteros Rodríguez; María José  García Castillo; Fabiola  Escalante Erosa; Lorenzo Felipe  Sánchez Teyer

doi:10.22201/ceide.16076079e.2026.27.2.14

Authors

Elia Ballesteros Rodríguez Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Unidad de Biotecnología, Mérida, Yucatán, México https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7196-1752
María José García Castillo Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Unidad de Biotecnología, Mérida, Yucatán, México https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7595-7809
Fabiola Escalante Erosa Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Unidad de Biotecnología, Mérida, Yucatán, México https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5087-2999
Lorenzo Felipe Sánchez Teyer Centro de Investigación Científica de Yucatán, A.C., Unidad de Biotecnología, Mérida, Yucatán, México https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1714-0240

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22201/ceide.16076079e.2026.27.2.14

Keywords:

Agave, conservation, diversity, seed

Abstract

Behind every bottle of tequila or mezcal lies a fragile biological balance. Agave is not just a raw material; it is a plant with an epic life cycle that can take decades to complete. When it is harvested prematurely to meet demand, the emergence of the quiote is prevented, stopping seed production and leaving nectar-feeding bats—its main pollinators—without a food source. This disruption in the natural chain reduces genetic diversity and threatens the survival of arid ecosystems. Understanding the interdependence between the plant and its nocturnal visitors invites us to rethink the way we consume. Ultimately, protecting pollinators’ flight is the only way to ensure that mezcal remains part of our culture and celebrations.

References

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