Effect of soil and climate conditions and altitude on bioactive compounds in mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pav.) in the province of Tungurahua

This study evaluated the effect of soil, climate, and altitude conditions on the bioactive compound content of tubers of the squash variety (Tropaeolum tuberosum). The study was carried out at three altitudinal levels: warm (2064 masl), temperate (2865 masl), and cold (3331 masl), located in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador. Climatic variables such as temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation were recorded, and soil physicochemical parameters were analyzed. The variables evaluated included yield, crop cycle length, and the content of compounds such as isothiocyanates, proteins, starch, sugars, fiber, and fat. The results indicate that higher altitude areas, characterized by lower temperatures and soils with high organic matter content, favored a higher isothiocyanate content, while lower altitude areas had a higher carbohydrate content. It is concluded that soil and climate conditions significantly influence the biochemical composition of mashua tubers, which can guide cultivation strategies for food or medicinal purposes.