Get the latest Yerba Mate Breeding news, research and developments covering genetic improvement, new cultivars, germplasm, breeding programmes and propagation technologies for Ilex paraguariensis. Coverage includes efforts to improve leaf yield, quality, flavour, plant adaptation and productivity for commercial production across South America.
Research in this area includes genetic diversity assessment, molecular markers, genome resources, selection of elite plants and evaluation of wild and cultivated germplasm. Studies have found substantial genetic variation within yerba mate populations, providing valuable material for breeding programmes focused on agronomic performance and adaptation.
Find updates on new cultivars, clonal propagation, nursery material, field trials, genetic resource conservation and advances in genomics. In September 2026, Embrapa Florestas offered propagative material from four cultivars—BRS 408, BRS 409, BRS BLD Aupaba and BRS BLD Yari—for commercial seedling production in southern Brazil, highlighting continued efforts to expand improved planting material for the crop.
28 September 2026, Paraná, Brazil: Brazil’s agricultural research agency Embrapa has made four newly developed yerba mate cultivars available for commercial
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