Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz), towards sustainable canopy management: A review

Abstract The demand for bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical industry has increased dramatically in the last decade. Phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids and anthocyanins, are commonly present in many plants. These compounds, which act as antioxidants, have attracted much attention due to their beneficial health properties. Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz) fruits have the highest content of total polyphenols in comparison with other berries with medicinal properties. This review summarizes up-to-date production management research on maqui, with emphasis on resource sustainability. Scientific community has focused on the study of chemical characteristics and properties of maqui and their medicinal use. However, there are few studies on maqui production, harvest, and protection of maqui wild populations. Yield increases have been reported when pruning maqui trees, either by formation or production pruning. However, timing and intensity of pruning has neither been defined nor implemented in wild plants. An adequate canopy management plan would allow optimal light interception and distribution to increase productivity and facilitate harvest in wild stands.