Agronomic evaluation of guayusa (Ilex guayusa L.) cultivation in the Quinindé.

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze the agronomic performance of the guayusa crop (Ilex guayusa Loes.) during its nursery stage in the Quinindé canton. To achieve this goal, measurements of key parameters,  leaf count, and average seedling size, were carried out through asexual reproduction methods, specifically layering and suckers. These data provided valuable information to determine the viability of guayusa planting in this region, considering its specific characteristics. Exhaustive investigations were carried out on the use, planting and adaptability of guayusa in areas with climatic conditions similar to those of the Quinindé canton. In this way, the results obtained revealed that the seedlings obtained by layering presented an average height of 13.04 cm at the beginning of the first month, increasing significantly to 28.32 cm at the end of the sixth month. In terms of number of leaves, an average of 7.4 leaves was recorded in the first month, rising to 18.16 leaves at the end of the sixth month. On the other hand, the seedlings generated from suckers exhibited an initial height of 18.92 cm in the first month, experiencing substantial growth until reaching 41.92 cm in the sixth month. Regarding the number of leaves, an average of 7.4 leaves was observed at the beginning of the first month, increasing to 14.2 leaves at the end of the sixth month. The results obtained suggest the feasibility of planting guayusa in the studied region.