Murta (Ugni molinae Turcz.): A potential agricultural diversification alternative for the parallel 42ºS Andean shire

Abstract

The introduction of native species in agroecosystems contributes to increase the stability of
these systems. Murta (Ugni molinae Turcz.) shrubs, native to the Argentinean-Chilean Patagonia,
produce intensely aromatic reddish berries. The aims of this study were (i) to analyze
the behavior of murta under different irradiance conditions, and (ii) to determine the secondary
metabolites composition of its fruits. When developed under low irradiance conditions, murta
plants expressed growth levels comparable to those of plants in full exposure. Their adaptation
to shade would enable their cultivation in agroforestry systems. In addition, high content of phenolic
compounds and carotenoids with functional potential was determined for murta fruits. The
introduction of this phytogenetic resource, so far little exploited, would help diversifying traditional
fruit-production systems as well as improving the regional diet with its chemical attributes.