Evaluación del efecto de hormonas naturales en estacas de guayusa (Ilex guayusa) para la determinación de los niveles de adaptabilidad durante su reproducción

Abstract

Guayusa, native to the Ecuadorian Amazon, is known for the energizing and medicinal properties of its leaves. It represents an economic growth opportunity for indigenous communities and has international potential. The aim of this project is to assess the effectiveness of applying natural hormones to the rooting of guayusa cuttings (Ilex guayusa), with a chemical hormone used as a control, to enhance their development and evaluate mortality rates.

The study was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) at the Universidad Católica de Cuenca in the city of Macas, Canton of Morona, Province of Morona Santiago, under controlled conditions. Eight treatments were tested, with five replications each. Three natural hormones were used—molasses, aloe vera, and cinnamon—each at two doses, along with a chemical hormone (Hormonagro 1) and a control group with no hormones. The evaluated variables were: number of shoots, root length, and mortality rate of the cuttings.

The results showed that treatments with 100 ml of molasses (T2), Hormonagro (T1), and 200 ml of molasses (T3) were the most effective, significantly improving the number of shoots and root length, and reducing mortality compared to the control group. These findings suggest that these treatments are a viable option for enhancing guayusa propagation, efficiently accelerating its development.