PRODUCTION OF OFFSHOOTS AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN Agave americana var. Oaxacensis IN RESPONSE TO STIMULANTS AND NUTRIENT SOLUTION

Abstract

Agave americana var. Oaxacensis is a wild species used in the production of mezcal. It has low asexual reproduction and seed production until 15-20 years of age. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of stimulants and nutrient solution on the production of offshoots. The experiment was carried out in San Agustín Amatengo, Ejutla de Crespo, Oaxaca, Mexico, with a randomized complete block design, with 3x2 factorial arrangement. The stimulant factor included the following treatments: no stimulant, 2.5 L ^ha-1 of SeaMel Booster, and 2.0 L ^ha-1 Algaroot™; the nutritional factor consisted of: 0 and 100% Steiner solution. Each treatment included four replications, and the experimental unit consisted of six plants. In the mother plants, the following variables were measured: rosette base diameter, rosette diameter, plant height and number of offshoots. In the offshoots, the same variables were evaluated, with the addition of the number of leaves. Soil samples were collected to determine physical and chemical properties. The variables rosette base diameter, rosette diameter and plant height did not show significant effects due to the use of stimulant or nutrition. However, the stimulant Algaroot^MR produced the largest number of offshoots in mother plants, while the morphological variables were enhanced in the offshoots. The soil was moderately alkaline, with negligible salinity. Organic matter and nitrogen levels were estimated as medium, while P levels ranged from medium. The bulk density of the sampled area corresponded to loam and sandy soils, with textures identified as silty loam, sandy loam and loamy sand.