Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) leaves have many compounds with proven bioactive activity; so, interest and consumption of species' products have increased globally. Here, we used 19 yerba mate genotypes from a provenance and progeny trial, yielding findings that could have significant implications for the species' vegetative propagation and genotype selection, where we indicate some potential genotypes, contributing to yerba mate silviculture and breeding programmes. We evaluated season and genotype effects on rooting of cuttings, contents of bioactive compounds and the influence of these compounds on rhizogenic process. We prepared semi-woody cuttings in four seasons; after 100 days we evaluated rooting variables. Methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) and monocaffeoylquinic acids contents were measured using high performance liquid chromatography, from aqueous extract of stock plant mature leaves. There was no correlation between rooting variables and evaluated compounds. Just eight genotypes presented above 70% of rooted cuttings in at least one season. Rooting variables varied between these genotypes and seasons. Caffeine and 5-caffeoylquinic acid (CQA5) significantly contributed to separated genotypes and seasons. CQA5 showed highest levels in spring. Regarding to genotypes, EC22 showed low levels of caffeine in all seasons. The great variation in compounds among genotypes indicates the possibility of breeding for chemical characteristics and raw material production for different products. Our results also indicate the importance of seasons for yerba mate vegetative propagation success and leaf compound contents.

The effect on the larval development of Helicoverpa armigera of caffeoylquinic acids and their structural units, caffeic acid and quinic acid, was evaluated. 5-Caffeoylquinic acid (5CQA) (syn. chlorogenic acid) significantly retarded larval development and increased the number of days to pupation at a concentration of 9 mM in an artificial diet, although final pupal weights were not severely affected. Caffeic acid and quinic acid also inhibited larval development although their effect was less marked. In all cases the effect of the compounds was dose-dependent. A mixture containing 5CQA, 3-caffeoylquinic acid (3CQA) and the novel compound, 1-caffeoyl-4-deosyquinic acid (ICdQA), which were extracted from the wild groundnut species, Arachis paraguariensis (Chod et Hassl.) was also evaluated at a concentration equivalent to that found in the plant (9 mM). This mixture was a potent inhibitor of larval development and more potent than 5CQA alone at the same concentration. The potential role of these substances in host plant resistance of groundnuts and their interaction with other components of pest management strategies are discussed.