Sowing of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) in the humid tropical climate of Tabasco, México

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to evaluate Stevia rebaudiana in climatic conditions in the state of Tabasco, México.

Design/methodology/approach: Plants of stevia were sowings in three times consecutive for one year, this were progressively adapting the management and establishment of the crop according to the results obtained in the previous seeding. The percentage of survival was calculated at 15 days ddt. Plant height was measured at 60 days and the problems observed in each cycle were documented. Climatic variables were recorded.

Results: As a result, it was discovered that sowing December (2019) there were bending problems, soil splashing on the leaves and foliar fungal diseases, with 71 % of plant survival. In the sowing of April (2020), there was 40 % of plant survival, plants generalized chlorosis and no growth caused by excessive solar radiation; finally, in August (2020), 89 % of plant survival with height of 20.55 cm average.

Limitations on study/implications: A limiting factor for achieve this research was the rainfall that caused flooding in June and October 2020; is necessary finish the crop to know the quality of the harvest by determining steviosides content.

Findings/conclusions: In conclusion, the cultivation of stevia can be cultivated in the climatic conditions of Tabasco, if rainy seasons and high temperatures are avoided during the first stage of cultivation; water is a limiting factor that causes phytopathological problems and the death of the plant.