A comparative assessment of Agrobiodiversity indices in farms, gardens and home gardens (Case study: of Jajrood basin)

Biodiversity consists of wide range diversity such as genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. Nowadays, agrobiodiversity conservation is one the most important aspects of sustainable agriculture. In this research, agrobiodiversity in farmlands, gardens and home garden systems was assessed and compared. In addition the role of home gardens as an effective strategy in In-situ conservation was evaluated. Needed information was obtained by questionnaire method in eight villages in east of Tehran province (Jajrood basin). The questionnaires were completed by 30 percent of households in the area during 2009 and 2010. The result showed that, richness and Shannon indices which were indicators of spices diversity in home gardens were more in farmlands and horticulture ecosystems Results also revealed that in some villages like Siahsang which lots of farmland and garden ecosystems had been disappeared, home gardens were the only conservative systems of species, which indicate the important function of home gardens species conservation. In this study Maranak and Khosroabad villages with 7 and 12 species, respectively in farmland and gardens show had the highest species richness index in agricultural ecosystems.