Agroclimatic referential for Acrocomia aculeata (Jacq.) Lodd. ex Mart. based on its diversity center in Minas Gerais, Brazil

The production chain of the macauba palm (Acrocomia aculeata) includes the cosmetics, food and bioenergy sectors, which highlights the relevance of defining bioclimatically favorable areas for the cultivation of this plant in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, the center of its origin. The mesoregions of this state were characterized according to the average annual temperature (AMT), annual precipitation (AP), precipitation in the driest quarter (PDQ), and aridity index (AI), following the Boolean logic. A total of 45.18% of the area of this state is bioclimatically favorable for the cultivation of A. aculeata, which facilitates the planning of farming activities, conservation, and management of this plant in other regions with conditions similar to those observed in this state. This palm can also be cultivated with irrigation in regions with adequate bioclimatic conditions, but without adequate rainfall pattern. This information can boost the rational and sustainable use of A. aculeata for the production of green vegetable oil.