dont find the problem:
in main take the material is via the object node assigned. In take 1 via a mat node. Both are the same shaders.
In take 1, assigned via mat node, the shader isnt applied. Why?

- Mantra doesn't seem to obey point level material assignments for some reason, not sure if on purpose, but I don't recall it ever working
- even if it did, your Material SOP still tries to assign it on primitive level while there are no primitives on your geo
- so you can for example use Add SOP to Add Particle System primitive to your particles (some of them or all) and then Material SOP to assign materials to your particle system primitives

When there is such situation, set the Declare Materials (Rendering/Render subtab) to all inclusive:


(even the the very bottom, not this)

This makes my-material-is-missing-in-the-render problem solving less painful.
More info (bit outdated…):
https://www.sidefx.com/docs/houdini/render/ifd_workflows.html [www.sidefx.com]

sorry for the late reply, became ill. Gladfully no Corona. So:
@Thomas: perfect solution, as always. Great, thank you.
@xilofoton: I tried your solution as well but it dont work.

Anyway thanks to both.