Study of Botanical Description and Pomological Characterization of the Paso (Gustavia macarensis) (Phase 1)

This project addresses the need to characterize the native fruit species *Gustavia macarensis* (locally known as "paso"), given the lack of prior national and international studies, despite its cultural and nutritional importance in the Ecuadorian Amazon, particularly within the Chakra agroforestry systems. The research is structured into field and laboratory phases. The field phase includes georeferencing 20 points, systematic collection of in-situ botanical, morphological, and ecological data, and sampling soil and plant parts (leaves, fruits, roots) for subsequent analysis. Variables measured include height, stem diameter, number of flowers and fruits, and samples collected for physical-chemical and bromatological analysis of the fruit (firmness, weight, soluble solids, acidity, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content). The laboratory phase focuses on the physical-chemical and microbiological analysis of the soil, determining microbial load using plate dilution techniques and taxonomic identification. Furthermore, Gas Chromatography (GC) and spectrometry will be employed to identify key phytochemical groups (alkaloids, triterpenes, flavonoids, etc.) in the fruits, linking them to potential biological activities. The study aims to establish a fundamental scientific record for the conservation and potential sustainable utilization of this promising species.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>The main objective of this project is to conduct a comprehensive study of the botanical characteristics, phytochemical properties, and microbiological aspects of the native plant species *Gustavia macarensis*, which is part of the traditional Amazonian agroforestry systems known as Chakras.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources