Abstract

DIAZ BISUTTI, Graciela; DALMASSO, Antonio D.; HERRERA MORATTA, Mario A.  and  NAVAS ROMERO, Ana L.. Response in the production wax of Bulnesia retama (Zygophyllaceae) to different pruning intensities in the desert del Monte, Argentina. Rev. Mus. Argent. Cienc. Nat. [online]. 2023, vol.25, n.1, pp.85-96. ISSN 1853-0400.  http://dx.doi.org/10.22179/revmacn.25.744.

The Bulnesia retama shrub is an important wax-producing, non-timber natural resource, economically relevant for local communities. Here we evaluate the effects of dif ferent pruning intensities on the recovery, survival and wax production in its natural environment. We worked in a community of B. retama at Bermejo, San Juan. Fifteen plots were selected. In each plot, 10 individuals of B. retama were marked, they were measured biometrically and a pruning treatment was applied. Four levels were applied with different pruning intensities and a control. After that, the wax production was determined. After five years, the treatment was repeated evaluating wax production, recovery and survival. The gross wax content, as well as the wax yield per kg of total branches harvested, the volume and the survival showed significant differ ences according to the level of pruning carried out. Maintaining wax production over time allows for the manage ment and conservation of the species to be established. The broom is an ecoculture that tolerates low intensity of pruning and used by locals could represent a sustainable resource generating work and ensuring the roots of the peasant in marginal areas.

Keywords : Arbustales; Ecocultivo; Manejo; Poda; Producción de cera.

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