Organic mulch as a strategy to improve the health and productivity of calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) in south-central Chile

Resumen

Objective: Calafate (Berberis microphylla G. Forst) is a shrub with berries of high functional value that is cultivated in early stages in Chile. Fundamental agronomic management practices, such as physical weed control, have been scarcely evaluated. This study analyzed, over two seasons (2022 and 2024), the effect of different types of mulch.

Design/methodology/approach: The treatments of no mulch (CK), hazelnut shell (HAZ), oat straw (OAT), and geotextile (GEO) were evaluated on plant health indicators (photosystem II quantum yield, stomatal conductance, leaf area index, and foliar pigments) and productivity in an orchard in south-central Chile.

Results: In 2022, OAT and GEO significantly increased leaf development and chlorophyll content, registering increases of up to 115% and 108%, respectively, compared to the control, without significant increases in fruit production. In 2024, the mulches did not significantly alter leaf pigments (chlorophyll, anthocyanins, flavonoids); however, OAT and GEO significantly increased yield and fruit weight, reaching increases of up to 85% and 75%, respectively, compared to the control. The number of seeds per fruit did not vary between treatments (P > 0.05).

Findings/conclusions: OAT and GEO improve physiological performance and plant health in the short term and, cumulatively, promote productivity in subsequent seasons.