Abstract
Agaves, including wild species such as arroqueño (Agave spp.), are essential for mezcal production. However, most of the species used in its elaboration, except for Agave angustifolia Haw., are not widely cultivated. To ensure the sustainability of mezcal production, it is crucial to promote the reforestation and cultivation of wild agave species. This study evaluated the effect of slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) on the growth, nutrition, and sugar content of arroqueño agave. A completely randomized block design was employed, consisting of three treatments. Each treatment included 20 plants with four replicates, with five plants per replicate. Treatments were assessed over a period of 10 months and included: T1) control (no fertilization), T2) Osmocote Plus®, and T3) Multicote Agri®. Compared to the control plants, the application of Osmocote Plus® increased the number of unfolded leaves by 17.7%, plant height by 13.7%, stem circumference by 13.8%, fresh leaf weight by 52.4%, fresh stem weight by 48.9%, and dry leaf weight by 53.4%. Fertilization with Multicote Agri® increased fresh root weight by 36.0% and foliar NO₃⁻ content by 59.3%. These results highlight the positive effect of SRFs on the growth and nutritional status of arroqueño agave, contributing to improved nutrient use efficiency, reduced environmental impact associated with conventional fertilization, and the promotion of sustainable cultivation and conservation of native agave species.
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