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Former good articleGuarana was one of the Natural sciences good articles, but it has been removed from the list. There are suggestions below for improving the article to meet the good article criteria. Once these issues have been addressed, the article can be renominated. Editors may also seek a reassessment of the decision if they believe there was a mistake.
Article milestones
DateProcessResult
September 19, 2007Good article nomineeListed
June 21, 2011Good article reassessmentDelisted
Current status: Delisted good article

South America

[edit]
"Generally, South America obtains most of its caffeine from guarana."

I don't have access to the book used as source, but I think this conclusion is far-fetched, considering that the largest producers of coffee in the world (Brazil, Colombia) are in South America. Besides, yerba mate (another caffeinated drink very popular in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and parts of Brazil) is more widely consummed that guarana.

Date of commecialization

[edit]

The cited source "The world of caffeine" does not mention "Oviedo, Hernandéz, Cobo and other Spaniard chroniclers" as well as "European colonizers". The information about the date of commercialization and "Father Felip Betendorf" is cited from a paragraph in the source which originates from "a French advertisement for guarana pills that supplies a fanciful history". Maybe this source: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2018.08.007, could help resolve the issues.

Suggestion of some additional paragraphs

[edit]

Ideal Growth Conditions

[edit]

Guarana thrives in warm, humid environments, typically where annual temperatures range from 23–28 °C, relative humidity is around 80%, and rainfall reaches 1,500–3,000 mm per year. The crop prefers deep, well-drained soils free of stones, and can be grown on either inclined or flat terrain which must be well-drained and without stones.[1]

Cultivation Practices

[edit]

Guarana was domesticated in the forests between the Tapajós River and the lower Madeira river in the Brazilian Amazon.[2] The two dominating production modes are multi-species systems/ agroforestry and intensive monoculture plantation.[3] Agroforestry systems are especially common amongst indigenous people. It was shown, that the soils of guarana agroforestry sytems and their sourrounding forest have both a low natural fertility. Nevertheless, indigenous farmers have developed ways to maintain the average nutrient composition of the soils compared to the adjacent forest which suggests that efficient nutrient cycling is taking place.[4] Additionally, certain traditional agroecosystems produce litter with significantly higher concentrations of macro- and micronutrients compared to the native forest and could therefore be a sustainable method for improving the chemical quality of regions with highly weathered soils. Monoculture Systems on the other hand can be resulting from slash-and-burn forest clearance and involve periodic cleaning and pruning for pest control.[5]

The guarana tree can be propagated sexually via seeds or asexually via cuttings. Seed production is generally not recommended due to the resulting genetic variability which results in plants with different phenotypes and productivity. To maintain the characteristics of the parent plant a propagule only consisting of somatic cells is taken and planted again. This is a way of clonally reproducing the plant which helps to maintain uniformity in the offspring.[6]

Guarana is harvested by hand using scissors or pruning shears during the dry season. The berries are picked individually, if only few are ripe or if possible as an entire fruit bunch and then transported in baskets.[7] The fructification of the guarana tree is not uniform which is the reason why the guarana harvest is manual and staggered over an extended period of time. This current labor-intensive way of harvesting is very costly which makes it economically less attractive.[8]

Pests and disease details

[edit]

The Amazonian climate, characterized by high temperatures (annual average of 27.2 °C) and abundant rainfall (around 2100 mm per year), provides favorable conditions for the development of pathogens that significantly affect guarana (Paullinia cupana). Major pests and diseases impacting guarana cultivation include thrips (Pseudophilothrips adisi Zur Strassen), anthracnose (Colletotrichum guaranicola Albuq.), and over-sprouting caused by Fusarium decemcellulare Brick. These have contributed to periods of stagnation in guarana production.[9]

Weed interference is a major constraint in guarana cultivation, capable of reducing yields by up to 65%, making effective weed management essential to sustain production. Herbicides are often preferred over mechanical control because they offer more consistent and efficient weed suppression, particularly in environments with high humidity and frequent rainfall, where intensive mechanical practices are difficult to implement.[10] This reliance on herbicides is especially important during guarana’s reproductive differentiation phase (June–August), when the crop has a high demand for water and nutrients. Weed competition during this period markedly reduces the formation of reproductive structures and therefore lowers yield.[11]

However, inappropriate or excessive herbicide use can negatively affect non-target plants and microorganisms. Herbicide drift may expose surrounding crops to sublethal doses, and studies have shown that even low concentrations of glyphosate can alter the development of various crops - including lettuce, tomato, and non-transgenic soybean - as well as forest species such as eucalyptus. Over time, extensive herbicide and pesticide use can contribute to soil degradation, increased disease incidence, pest resistance, and environmental contamination. Consequently, within the framework of sustainable agriculture, there is growing interest in safer, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives for plant disease and weed management.[12]

One promising option is the use of Trichoderma spp., a genus of beneficial fungi widely employed as biological control agents. Trichoderma species are naturally present in soil, air, and on plant surfaces and can suppress numerous plant pathogens through mechanisms such as mycoparasitism, competition for nutrients and space, and induction of plant systemic resistance. They are particularly effective against soil-borne pathogens (e.g., Fusarium spp.) and some foliar or spike diseases.[13]

In guarana cultivation, the application of Trichoderma-based bioformulations could potentially reduce the incidence of Fusarium decemcellulare (the causal agent of over-sprouting) and other soil-borne pathogens. Although field trials on guarana remain limited, studies on other tropical crops suggest that Trichoderma may enhance plant growth, improve stress tolerance, and reduce dependence on chemical pesticides.[13]

Current production economics

[edit]

The properties of guarana seeds make them valuable to several industrial sectors. Brazil is currently the world’s largest producer of guarana, with most of its production consumed domestically. Approximately 45% of the total output is used by the soft drink and beverage industry, while the remainder is processed into syrups, powders, and pharmaceutical products.[14][15] In recent years, the growing demand for health-oriented and functional products has led to a rapid expansion of the guarana industry in Brazil. At present, guarana cultivation covers around 15,000 hectares, primarily located in the states of Bahia (approximately 6,500 ha) and Amazonas (approximately 8,100 ha).[16]

Although demand for guarana seed and extract is increasing in Europe, cultivation within Europe remains negligible. There is little published agronomic research on adapting guarana to European climates, soils, or pest regimes. In addition, its regulatory classification (see medicinal use under the EMA) and relatively low consumer familiarity have been noted as limiting factors. Market reports estimate the European guarana market at around USD 0.69 billion in 2023, with projected growth to approximately USD 1.11 billion by 2030.[17] Despite this growing demand, no published agronomic field trials of guarana cultivation in European climatic zones have been identified. Most cultivation research continues to focus on the species’ native Amazon region. The absence of region-specific agronomic studies may contribute to its limited commercial presence in Europe. Mueri (talk) 18:35, 26 November 2025 (UTC)[reply]

References

  1. ^ Pereira, J. C. R. (2005). Cultura do guaranazeiro no Amazonas (4ª ed.). Manaus: Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental. p. 40.
  2. ^ Smith, Nigel; Atroch, André Luiz (2010). "Guaraná′s Journey from Regional Tonic to Aphrodisiac and Global Energy Drink". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 7: 217062. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem162.
  3. ^ Smith, Nigel; Atroch, André Luiz (2010). "Guaraná′s Journey from Regional Tonic to Aphrodisiac and Global Energy Drink". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 7: 217062. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem162.
  4. ^ Vignoli, C. P.; Leeuwen, J.; Miller, R. P. (2022). "Soil Management in Indigenous Agroforestry Systems of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth) of the Sateré-Mawé Ethnic Group, in the Lower Amazon River Region". Sustainability. 14 (22): 15464. doi:10.3390/su142215464 – via MDPI.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  5. ^ De Paula, E. M. B.; da Cunha, J. M.; Campos, M. C. C. (2024). "Leaf litter nutrient content reveals benefits to traditional cropping systems in the Amazon". International Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 51 (2): 99–113. doi:10.7764/ijanr.v51i2.2531.
  6. ^ Nascimento, Aryana; Queiroz, Pedro; Almeida, L. (2023). "Guarana propagation strategies: a review". Brazilian Journal of Biology. 83: 1–11. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.275940.
  7. ^ Smith, Nigel; Atroch, André Luiz (2010). "Guaraná′s Journey from Regional Tonic to Aphrodisiac and Global Energy Drink". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 7: 217062. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem162.
  8. ^ Santos, Géssica Aline Nogueira dos; Silva, Daniely Cunha da; Torres, Laiane Sherly Gomes (2022). "Metabolites dynamics and fruit production during the guarana harvest". Research, Society and Development. 11 (3): e10911326371. doi:10.33448/rsd‑v11i3.26371.
  9. ^ Santos, C.; Santos da Silva, B. N.; Amorim Ferreira E Ferreira, A. F. T. (2020). "Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin". Journal of Fungi. 6 (3): 123. doi:10.3390/jof6030123.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  10. ^ Jannis, M.; Gerassimos, G. P.; Benjamin, L. K.; Dionisio, A.; Roland, G. (2020). "Sensor-based mechanical weed control: Present state and prospects". Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 176: 105638. doi:10.1016/j.compag.2020.105638.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link)
  11. ^ Soares, D.; Albertino, S.; Souza, F.; Santos, A.; Silva, J. (2019). "Period of Weed Interference in Guarana Crop". Planta Daninha. 37: e019192377.
  12. ^ Konrad, B. N. L.; Pinheiro, S. C.; Ferreira, C. C. (2023). "Using Glyphosate on Guarana Seedlings in the Amazon". Molecules. 28 (13): 5193. doi:10.3390/molecules28135193.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  13. ^ a b Yao, X.; Guo, H.; Zhang, K. (2023). "Trichoderma and its role in biological control of plant fungal and nematode disease". Frontiers in Microbiology. 14: 1160551. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1160551.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  14. ^ Teixeira de Azevedo, G.; Lima de Souza, G.; Leonarski, E. (2025). "Valorization of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Production Chain Waste—A Review of Possible Bioproducts". Resources. 14 (6): 98. doi:10.3390/resources14060098.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  15. ^ Santos, C.; Santos da Silva, B. N.; Amorim Ferreira E Ferreira, A. F. T. (2020). "Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin". Journal of Fungi. 6 (3): 123. doi:10.3390/jof6030123.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  16. ^ Santos, C.; Santos da Silva, B. N.; Amorim Ferreira E Ferreira, A. F. T. (2020). "Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin". Journal of Fungi. 6 (3): 123. doi:10.3390/jof6030123.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  17. ^ European Medicines Agency (16 June 2014). "Guarana seed (Paulliniae semen) – summary of the scientific conclusions of the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)" (PDF). Retrieved 8 November 2025.
Some of your text was confirmed as AI-generated, WP:AISIGNS, WP:LLM. AI results should be rewritten in your own words.
Further, your use of the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine is unreliable; it is a low-quality source of alternative medicine quackery and pseudoscience, so should be avoided. Use WP:BMI review articles. Zefr (talk) 19:13, 26 November 2025 (UTC)[reply]
Thank you for your feedback! I generally agree but would you say that it is even a problem for such basic information like picking berries and transporting them in baskets to use this source? Furthermore, it was quite difficult to find such fundamental information in more popular, well-established journals. What would you do then? Mueri (talk) 19:16, 27 November 2025 (UTC)[reply]
A common user reading an unreliable source like Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine may accept the unreliable information as fact, and so be misled by untrue content peripheral to something simple like berry picking or baskets; the answer is to not cite the unreliable source, and hope to find one that is more specific and WP:RS. Zefr (talk) 21:53, 27 November 2025 (UTC)[reply]

Suggestion of some additional paragraphs (re-written)

[edit]

Ideal Growth Conditions

[edit]

Guarana thrives in warm and humid environments, where annual temperature ranges from 23-28°C, the relative humidity is around 80% and the yearly rainfall reaches 1,500-3000 mm. The crop prefers deep, well-drained soils without stones and can be grown on either inclined or flat terrain.[1]

Cultivation Practices

[edit]

Guarana was domesticated in the forests between the Tapajós River and the lower Madeira river in the Brazilian Amazon.[2] The two dominating production modes are multi-species systems/ agroforestry and intensive monoculture plantation.[3] Agroforestry systems are especially common amongst indigenous people. It was shown, that the soils of guarana agroforestry sytems and their sourrounding forest have both a low natural fertility. Nevertheless, indigenous farmers have developed ways to maintain the average nutrient composition of the soils compared to the adjacent forest which suggests that efficient nutrient cycling is taking place.[4] Additionally, certain traditional agroecosystems produce litter with significantly higher concentrations of macro- and micronutrients compared to the native forest and could therefore be a sustainable method for improving the chemical quality of regions with highly weathered soils. Monoculture Systems on the other hand can be resulting from slash-and-burn forest clearance and involve periodic cleaning and pruning for pest control.[5]

The guarana tree can be propagated sexually via seeds or asexually via cuttings. Seed production is generally not recommended due to the resulting genetic variability which results in plants with different phenotypes and productivity. To maintain the characteristics of the parent plant a propagule only consisting of somatic cells is taken and planted again. This is a way of clonally reproducing the plant which helps to maintain uniformity in the offspring.[6]

Guarana is harvested by hand using scissors or pruning shears during the dry season. The berries are picked individually, if only few are ripe or if possible as an entire fruit bunch and then transported in baskets.[7] The fructification of the guarana tree is not uniform which is the reason why the guarana harvest is manual and staggered over an extended period of time. This current labor-intensive way of harvesting is very costly which makes it economically less attractive.[8]

Pests and disease details

[edit]

The Amazonian climate is characterized by high temperatures (annual average of 27.2 °C) and abundant rainfall (approximately 2100 mm per year). This provides favorable conditions for certain pathogens to develop. There are three major pests and diseases impacting cultivation of guarana significantly: Thrips (Pseudophilothrips adisi Zur Strassen), anthracnose (Colletotrichum guaranicola Albuq.), and oversprouting caused by Fusarium decemcellulare Brick. They led to periods of stagnation in guarana production.[9]

Another major constraint in guarana cultivation is weed interference. Weeds are capable to reduce guarana yields up to 65%. This makes effective weed management essential to sustain production. Unfortunately are herbicides often favored over mechanical weed control. This because they offer a more consistent and efficient weed suppression, especially in the hot and humid Amazonian climate.[10] Herbicidesvare often favored based on guarana's high demand for water an nutrients in its reproductive differentiation phase (June-August). Weed competition during this phase reduces formation of reproductive structures and thus can lower the yield drastically.[11]

Nevertheless can inappropriate herbicide use negatively affect the environment guarana is cultivated in. Over-time, extensive herbicide and pesticide use can contribute to soil degradation, increased disease risk, pest resistance and environmental contamination. As a consequence, within the framework of sustainable agriculture, there is a growing interest in safer and environmental friendly alternatives for pest and disease management.[12]

One promising option is the use of Trichoderma spp., a genus of beneficial fungi wildly applied as biological control agent. Trichoderma spp. is naturally present in soil, air and on plant surfaces and capable of suppressing numerous plant pathogens. Trichoderma spp. suppresses these pathogens through mycoparasitism, competition for nutrients and space and induction of systemic resistance in plants. They are most effective against soil-born pathogens (e.g. Fusarium spp.) and some foliar or spike diseases.[13]

The application of Trichoderma-based bioformulations could potentially lower the incidence of Fusarium decemcellulare, the casual agent of over-sprouting, and other soil-born pathogens in guarana cultivation. Although field trials on guarana remain limited some studies on alternative tropical crops suggest that Trichoderma potentially enhances plant growth, improve stress tolerance and reduces dependence on chemical pesticides.[13]

Current production economics

[edit]

Properties of guarana seeds make them valuable to several industrial sectors. The world's largest producer for guarana is Brazil at the moment, with most of its production consumed domestically. Around 45% of the total outputs are used by the soft drink and beverage industry. The rest of 55% is processed into syrups, powders and pharmaceutical products[14][15] The past years demand for health-orientated and functional products has been grown leading to a rapid expansion of the guarana industry in Brazil. Guarana cultivation currently covers around 15'000 hectares primary located in the states of Bahia (around 6'500 ha) and Amazonas (around 8'100 ha).[16] Increasing global demand led ultimately as well to increasing global import and export prices on guarana seeds. In 2023, import and export ranged from $1.88 to $52.64 USD per kg. These prices increased even further in 2024 to a new range of $12.11 to $56 USD per kg.[17] Even tough demand for guarana seeds is globally rising, cultivation within Europe remains negligible. There is little published agronomic research on adapting guarana cultivation to Europe in regards to climate, soil or pest regimes. On top regulatory classification (see: European Medicines Agency, 2014) and low consumer familiarity are limiting spread of guarana as an alternative crop in Europe. Market reports estimate the European guarana market at around $0.69 billion USD in 2023 with a proposed growth to approximately $1.11 billion USD until 2030.[18]

  1. ^ Pereira, J. C. R. (2005). Cultura do guaranazeiro no Amazonas (4ª ed.). Manaus: Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental. p. 40.
  2. ^ Smith, Nigel; Atroch, André Luiz (2010). "Guaraná′s Journey from Regional Tonic to Aphrodisiac and Global Energy Drink". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 7: 217062. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem162.
  3. ^ Smith, Nigel; Atroch, André Luiz (2010). "Guaraná′s Journey from Regional Tonic to Aphrodisiac and Global Energy Drink". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 7: 217062. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem162.
  4. ^ Vignoli, C. P.; Leeuwen, J.; Miller, R. P. (2022). "Soil Management in Indigenous Agroforestry Systems of Guarana (Paullinia cupana Kunth) of the Sateré-Mawé Ethnic Group, in the Lower Amazon River Region". Sustainability. 14 (22): 15464. doi:10.3390/su142215464 – via MDPI.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  5. ^ De Paula, E. M. B.; da Cunha, J. M.; Campos, M. C. C. (2024). "Leaf litter nutrient content reveals benefits to traditional cropping systems in the Amazon". International Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources. 51 (2): 99–113. doi:10.7764/ijanr.v51i2.2531.
  6. ^ Nascimento, Aryana; Queiroz, Pedro; Almeida, L. (2023). "Guarana propagation strategies: a review". Brazilian Journal of Biology. 83: 1–11. doi:10.1590/1519-6984.275940.
  7. ^ Smith, Nigel; Atroch, André Luiz (2010). "Guaraná′s Journey from Regional Tonic to Aphrodisiac and Global Energy Drink". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 7: 217062. doi:10.1093/ecam/nem162.
  8. ^ Santos, Géssica Aline Nogueira dos; Silva, Daniely Cunha da; Torres, Laiane Sherly Gomes (2022). "Metabolites dynamics and fruit production during the guarana harvest". Research, Society and Development. 11 (3): e10911326371. doi:10.33448/rsd‑v11i3.26371.
  9. ^ Santos, C.; Santos da Silva, B. N.; Amorim Ferreira E Ferreira, A. F. T. (2020). "Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin". Journal of Fungi. 6 (3): 123. doi:10.3390/jof6030123.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  10. ^ Jannis, M.; Gerassimos, G. P.; Benjamin, L. K.; Dionisio, A.; Roland, G. (2020). "Sensor-based mechanical weed control: Present state and prospects". Computers and Electronics in Agriculture. 176: 105638. doi:10.1016/j.compag.2020.105638.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link)
  11. ^ Soares, D.; Albertino, S.; Souza, F.; Santos, A.; Silva, J. (2019). "Period of Weed Interference in Guarana Crop". Planta Daninha. 37: e019192377.
  12. ^ Konrad, B. N. L.; Pinheiro, S. C.; Ferreira, C. C. (2023). "Using Glyphosate on Guarana Seedlings in the Amazon". Molecules. 28 (13): 5193. doi:10.3390/molecules28135193.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  13. ^ a b Yao, X.; Guo, H.; Zhang, K. (2023). "Trichoderma and its role in biological control of plant fungal and nematode disease". Frontiers in Microbiology. 14: 1160551. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2023.1160551.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: article number as page number (link) CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  14. ^ Teixeira de Azevedo, G.; Lima de Souza, G.; Leonarski, E. (2025). "Valorization of Guarana (Paullinia cupana) Production Chain Waste—A Review of Possible Bioproducts". Resources. 14 (6): 98. doi:10.3390/resources14060098.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  15. ^ Santos, C.; Santos da Silva, B. N.; Amorim Ferreira E Ferreira, A. F. T. (2020). "Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin". Journal of Fungi. 6 (3): 123. doi:10.3390/jof6030123.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  16. ^ Santos, C.; Santos da Silva, B. N.; Amorim Ferreira E Ferreira, A. F. T. (2020). "Fungal Endophytic Community Associated with Guarana (Paullinia cupana Var. Sorbilis): Diversity Driver by Genotypes in the Centre of Origin". Journal of Fungi. 6 (3): 123. doi:10.3390/jof6030123.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  17. ^ "Global Guarana Seed price". Tridge. Tridge. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
  18. ^ "Guarana seed (Paulliniae semen) – summary of the scientific conclusions of the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC)". European Medicines Agency. European Medicines Agency. 16 June 2014. Retrieved November 27, 2025.

Mueri (talk) 19:12, 27 November 2025 (UTC)[reply]

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