Altitudinal variations in the department of Norte de Santander and their relationship with sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, L) seed yield

Abstract

In Colombia, sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis, L) is planted as an alternative to coca cultivation. The plant adapts to diverse ecosystems, but research on its performance in different altitudinal gradients is scarce. The objective of the research was to analyze the relationship between altitude (0 to 1,800 meters above sea level) and seed weight, oil and cake yield of Catio 2-15 genetic material from 30 farms (60 observations) in the department of Norte de Santander (Colombia). The dry seeds were weighed, shelled, and the oil and cake were extracted. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential estimators of Tukey's test, ANOVA and simple regression. The results indicate that there is a positive and highly significant relationship between altitude and seed weight, with the highest values between 600-1,800 meters above sea level, and a positive and non-significant relationship between altitude and sacha inchi oil and cake yield. The highest values for oil yield were found in the range 1,200-1,500 m.a.s.l and for cake yield between 900-1,800 m.a.s.l.