Propagation of "Yerba carnicera" (Conyza bonariensis (L.) Cronq. var. bonariensis, Compositae)

The aim of this research was to obtain information on the behaviour of the species under cultivation. Seeds were sown on December 18, 1992, in a field seedbed under plastic cover. Plants were taken to the field when 15 cm hig h (February 18, 1993). Three lines with 47 plants each were managed indepen dently. Plants from Line 1 were harvested on August 4, Line 2 on August 19, and Line 3 on September 13, 1993. Mean fresh weight per plant for each lin e was 261, 207 and 337 g, and 88, 78 and 105 g, respectively, expressed in dry weight. The estimated yields per hectare at plantation distances of 0.6 x 0.15 m, corresponded to 29000, 23000 and 37444 kg fresh plant/ha, and th e equivalent in dry matter: 9778, 8667 and 11667 kg/ha. Line 3 was harveste d on a second occasion (October 27, 1993) yielding 244 g fresh matter/plant or 67 g dry matter/plant. The estimated yields per hectare on this second harvest was 27111 kg fresh weight/ha or 7444 kg dry weight/ha. The average yields for the three lines in the first harvest, in addition to a second harvest shows the possibility of achieving 57000 kg fresh weight/ ha or 17444 kg dry weight/ha. For plants from the first harvest, the propor tion of leaves and stems was 50:50. These data are the result of a one year experience and were not analysed statistically.