Exploring local vegetables cultivated in home gardens of Pa Tio District, Yasothon Province, Thailand: ethnobotanical knowledge, nutritional value, and horticultural potential

BACKGROUND: Local vegetables are essential for food security, nutrition, and cultural practices in rural northeastern Thailand. Despite their importance, comprehensive documentation of their diversity, nutritional contributions, cultural significance, and economic value in Pa Tio District, Yasothon Province, is lacking. This study provides the first systematic account of edible plants in the district, highlighting their multifunctional roles in food, medicine, household nutrition, and local markets. METHODS: ), Fidelity Level (FL), and Cultural Food Significance Index (CFSI)-were applied to assess species multifunctionality, frequency of use, and cultural prominence. Nutritional significance was evaluated using literature-reported mineral and vitamin contents, focusing on calcium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, sodium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin C. Economic assessments estimated annual income from marketable edible plants based on monthly prices, sales volume, and availability. RESULTS: A total of 73 species from 33 families were recorded, with Cucurbitaceae, Zingiberaceae, and Apiaceae being particularly species-rich. Multifunctional species such as Allium cepa L., A. sativum L., and Ocimum spp. were central to diets, medicine, and local markets. Leafy greens and aromatic herbs were the most frequently used, contributing substantially to micronutrient intake. Marketable species provided supplementary income, enhancing household resilience and supporting local livelihoods. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the nutritional, socio-ecological and economic importance of edible plants in Pa Tio District. Conserving plant diversity and indigenous knowledge is essential for sustaining household nutrition and food security. Future work should investigate nutrient bioavailability, phytochemical composition, and improved cultivation practices to strengthen sustainable use and horticultural development of these culturally important edible plants.