Abstract

ANTUNEZ-OCAMPO, O. Martín et al. Flowering and fructification of Physalis peruviana L. by ammonium and nitrate application, vigor and plant age. Agrociencia [online]. 2016, vol.50, n.5, pp.603-615. ISSN 2521-9766.

The consumption and economic value of Cape gooseberry fruit (Physalis peruviana L.) increase due to its flavor, aroma and nutritional and medicinal qualities. The simultaneous application of NH4 + and NO3 - increases carbohydrates and proteins of the plant and favors yield, with respect to the application of only NO3 -. However, the species respond differently to NH4 + and NO3 - and age of the plant (shoots with high, medium and low vigor against new plants derived from seed). The study was conducted in a greenhouse; the treatments of the first experiment resulted from the combination of the ratio NH4 +/NO3 - (0:100, 25:75 and 50:50) and shoot vigor (low, medium and high). In another experiment a new lot of plants derived from seed was used, and with the same ratios NH4 +/NO3 -. An ANOVA was carried out with the results and treatments means were compared with the Tukey test (p≤0.05). In shoot plants, maximum SPAD readings, number of floral buds, flowers and green fruits were presented in plants with high and medium vigor, and with 25 and 50 % of NH4 + (p≤0.05). In seed plants, the NH4 + increased SPAD readings, number of floral buds, flowers and green fruits (p≤0.05). A joint application of NH4 + and NO3 - favors flowering and fructification, but reduces SPAD; in contrast, shoot vigor is not determinative but is consistent over SPAD.

Keywords : Cape gooseberry; nitrogen; ratio NH₄ ⁺/NO₃ ^-; shoot vigor.