Temperature and Irrigation-Frequency Treatments Modulate Phytochemical Profiles and Antioxidant Capacity in Guzmania stenostachya and Werauhia macrochlamys

Information on how temperature and irrigation-frequency treatments modify secondary metabolism in Bromeliaceae remains limited, particularly for poorly studied species such as Guzmania stenostachya and Werauhia macrochlamys. This study integrated the characterization of the phytochemical profile, total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant capacity to evaluate the responses of both species under controlled temperature and irrigation-frequency conditions. Hydroethanolic extracts were analyzed using the Folin–Ciocalteu, ABTS, and DPPH assays and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Species, treatment, and their interaction significantly influenced most of the responses evaluated. Under temperature treatments, W. macrochlamys maintained higher TPC and antioxidant capacity values, although both decreased with increasing temperature, whereas G. stenostachya exhibited a nonlinear response and changes in its chemical profile. Irrigation-frequency treatments resulted in contrasting patterns between species and exposure times. Overall, the results showed that the phytochemical profile depended on the species and on temperature and irrigation-frequency treatments, expanding current knowledge of the responses of these Bromeliaceae to abiotic stress. The observed chemical diversity also suggests biotechnological and nutraceutical potential that may vary with environmental factors associated with climate change.