Flower and fruit formation of Hexachlamys edulis in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract

Hexachlamys edulis (O. Berg) Kausel & D. Legrand, “ubajay” is a Myrtaceae species autochthonous of South America. It is a prominent species, with potentially nutraceutical fruits, leaves and other organs with important uses with great benefits for human health and new alternatives for production systems. Levels of polyphenols and pigments together with the antioxidant activity allow us to consider H. edulis fruit as a functional food. Nevertheless, there are not yet enough scientific studies on its physiology and productive capacity. The objectives of this work were i) describe the development of flower bud to mature fruit of H. edulis in the agro ecological conditions of the locality of Moreno (Buenos Aires provinc); ii) study of pollination methods; iii), evaluate the floral phenology evolution and iv) compare the climatic conditions of Moreno (Buenos Aires province) with Federación (Entre Ríos province), which is the original place of the plants. Nine floral phenological stages (B, C, D, E, F1; F2, F3, G, H) have been recognized during the blooming period. Results of pollination treatments were very diverse. SP and CPS did not produce fruits while OP and CPA produced 5.6% and 20.0% respectively. Climatic condition of Moreno was very appropriate during the year 2018, when the levels of flower anthesis and fruit set were the highest. Fruits ripened during the last three weeks of December, without significant differences between 2019 and 2020. Despite the climatic differences between the site of origin and the experimental plot, it can be confirmed that the biological cycle of Hexachlamys edulis was perfectly fulfilled without anthropic intervention in the Moreno site, confirming that this species presents a high plasticity and that fruit production could be incremented with appropriate cultural practices.