Crecimiento primario de Ugni molinae (Myrtaceae) en Argentina: producción de hojas, flores y frutos en dos poblaciones experimentales

Abstract

Background and aims: Ugni molinae (Myrtaceae) is a shrub species that produces berries of excellent aroma, taste and nutraceutical properties. It is native to Patagonia, but is barely known in Argentina. The objective of this study was the identification of the pattern of primary growth and of the periods of anthesis and fruit ripening in U. molinae plants derived from Argentinean provenances. M&M: Through one growth season, the development of 169 one-year-old U. molinae plants established in a greenhouse, and 46 four-year-old plants established under open sky was evaluated; all plants had derived from rooted stakes. Results: All plants developed leaves between mid-spring and late summer. For oneyear- old plants, notable variations were found regarding the time of maximum leaf production and the length of the growth period. The older plants were more regular in their phenologies. Flowering reached its summit between December and January, but the numbers of flowers in anthesis at each single time were low. Fructification levels were high for plants grown under open sky, and nil for greenhouse-grown plants. Conclusions: One-year-old U. molinae plants may exhibit variations regarding the yearly time of maximum growth; four-year-old plants are less variable in this aspect. The development of flowers in a greenhouse is possible, but the presence of pollinators must be ensured for fruit production.